An absurd, macabre depiction of the dark aspects of human activity and existence, and how they coat our souls, leaving us alienated from ourselves. I like this director. He focuses on the particular, the individual and how they take a stand on their being in specific, if bizarre ways.
Winner of the Palme D’Or, I was expecting a more satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed the extensive court proceedings scenes, the meditations on truth, belief and the law, the captivating performances and the alpine scenery, but it left me feeling unsatisfied. Could have been more.
A charming, darkly-funny Finnish/German film (that looks like a painting) about missed connection after missed connection between a recovering alcoholic laborer and a caring, forgiving former-grocery-store-clerk that transforms, heart-wrenchingly, into yearning love.
I was skeptical of Fargo Season 5, and while I stand by my feelings, it is also a worthwhile addition to the anthology, with great, strong female characters, suspenseful action, unique performances and a scenic Canadian backdrop. Great ending, replete with Midwestern warmth.
An original, interesting addition to the a24 brand, Dream Scenario is as much about dreaming as it is about unexpected celebrity, being the target of the spectacle and cancel culture. Great casting, a great performance by Cage: a non-formulaic film in an era of rebooted reboots.
Whenever someone tries to cover too much historical territory, this happens. Not bad, not great. Not gory. A cursory look at some pivotal moments in Napoleon’s life. Not much character development. Not a war movie either. Beautiful sets and interesting world development though.
A French film on the daily struggles of an ordinary man trying to be a good father to his disabled son, a good husband to his wife, a good worker at his job and a good man to the people around him. As the emotional stress takes it toll, he still does it again, day after day.
A tragic, sobering war film about the atrocities of war generally and of the German war machine in WWII on the eastern front in particular. Harrowing, personal and political, Come and See is filmed from the perspective of a boy made a man by human cruelty, racism and violence.
A chilling, original Spanish science fiction horror film about a rising climate, an elderly population who appears to be losing touch with reality in disturbing ways and an unseen force that seeks to dominate all. Beautiful vistas of Madrid mixed with dark and unsettling moments.
Bearer of Pity 