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Past Lives (2023)

Past Lives is a beautiful film that presents two intricate character studies. Bringing the minimalist approach, it is a film that speaks volumes and weaves its non-linear narrative to create a heart-wrenching story of identity, love, and the loss of love. The film follows Nora Moon, a New-York based playwright who moved to Toronto from Korea as a child. By chance, she sees a comment on Facebook from childhood friend from Korea, Hae Sung, who is looking for her. They reconnect and the film follows the dybamics between the two as well as Nora’s husband, Arthur. Starring Greta Lee as Nora, John Magaro as her husband, Arthur, and Teo Yoo as childhood friend, Hae Sung, Past Lives is captivating from its opening shot.

Celine Song is undoubtedly the breakthrough writer and director of the year and it’s easy to see why. The film serves as a character study for Nora’s character as we see the entire film from her perspective. With lingering shots and thoughtful dialogue, Past Lives is a film that isn’t afraid to take its time. The screenplay is beautifully laid out following a non-linear structure as we begin to piece Nora’s life together like a puzzle. Song’s direction is equally intense as there is a significant focus on the characters, showcasing a film that looks sleek and excellent whilst also backing it up with plenty of substance.

Greta Lee provides one of the best performances of the year as Nora. Lee has been making her mark in shows like The Morning Show and Russian Doll, but here she is given the lead performance and what a breakthrough it is. Having won the Best Actress Award at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, there was a lot of anticipation. Her turn as Nora is a beautifully subtle character study. Nora grew up in Seoul, South Korea and moved to Canada with her family as a child. We begin to learn about her experience as a Korean-immigrant and her perspective as someone who has spent of their life in North America.

The supporting turns by Teo Yoo and John Magaro are both fantastic, especially Yoo playing Nora’s childhood friend, Hae Sung. Yoo captures the downward spiral that Hae finds himself in. As he reconnects with Nora, it’s clear that he feels an inkling of hope. It’s as though Nora is a missing piece in his life. In Nora, he sees a life that he aspires to live as his own hasn’t panned out in the way he had hoped. The scenes between Yoo and Lee are beautifully to watch from their initial awkward encounter to their melancholy final scene. Magaro’s performance as Arthur is equally emotional as he sees Nora begin to reconnect with her Korean roots and has to watch as her chemistry with Hae Sung begins to spark.

The transcendent score by Christopher Bear and Daniel Rossen plays into the subtleties. Rather than drowning the visuals, the music works as an accompaniment and works to serve the performances. We feel the tension rising between Nora and Hae Sung in tracks such as “An Immigrant and a Tourist”. There is a whimsical element to the arrangements that feeds into the childhood aspects of the film. The music connects adult Nora and young Nora and the consistent tones serve as a connective thread to her character.

The cinematography by Shabier Kirchner makes Past Lives such a layered film. The wide shots showcase how small Nora is against the city backdrops whilst also remaining incredibly intense and personal to her perspective. The use of lighting in the opening scene quite literally places a spotlight onto the three characters as they are immersed in their own little bubble. Kirchner’s work makes Past Lives so individual to Nora’s perspective while also remaining universal and relatable thanks to these contrasts. The minimalist approach is captivating and makes it one of the most beautiful-looking films of the year.

While it may seem simplistic on the surface, Past Lives is one that allows the emotions and characters to grow gradually. We feel the dynamics shift and change as we learn more about Nora and Hae Sung’s past in Korea. There is a lot to be gained from this film and it whole-heartedly deserves repeat viewings. Past Lives will be looked upon as a classic in years to come.

What did you think of Past Lives? Let me know in the comments below!

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Review

Men (2022)

Men is one of most anticipated horror films released this year as it sees Alex Garland back on the big screen as his previous film, Annihilation was a Netflix film. The film follows Harper, a woman who is grieving the recent loss of her husband, James (Paapa Essiedu). She ventures to the small village of Cotson and stays in a large house in order to take some time to herself and heal following her ordeal. As she spends more time in the village and encounters the (predominantly male) locals (all played by Rory Kinnear), everything is not as it seems. The film is a folk horror and feels as though it would fit nicely alongside a double bill of Ben Wheatley’s Kill List.

The film is both written and directed by Alex Garland, and it’s safe to say that this is one of the most original films of the year. While Men may not be flawless throughout, it does pose some intriguing ideas and concepts that are rarely discussed in film, especially the horror genre. The main themes are gender politics and Garland’s use of one actor playing the male residents in the village is a brilliant move as it shows the danger of men’s treatment of women and how connected it is, even though it shows itself in different ways. However, there is no denying that this story may have been better served if it was told from a female perspective, whether that is through a female director or a co-writer. This is because it feels as though there is something missing from the script, especially at the end of the film, and a female perspective may have rounded things off nicely. Garland’s direction is as striking and visceral as always, with a particular focus on anatomy and autonomy. The male body is shown explicitly throughout, while the female body is not, subverting the usual trope that we are accustomed to in film.

Leading the film is Jessie Buckley as Harper, who shows why she is one of the most in-demand actresses working today. What makes Buckley such a fantastic actress is how experimental she is with the roles that she takes. Whether she is starring in something more mainstream such as The Lost Daughter (which earned her an Oscar nomination earlier this year), or something more experimental like Charlie Kaufman’s I’m Thinking of Ending Things, Buckley has a strong presence and is immediately gripping, captivating audiences every time she is onscreen. This is no different in Men as she drives the film onward and showcases plenty of star quality despite the “smallness” of the film’s cast and setting. While the film may suffer in terms of its story and themes, Buckley’s performance is nothing short of phenomenal as she breathes life into the character, providing plenty of depth into Harper and bringing lots of strength into the role.

The supporting cast is very small and is led by Rory Kinnear who takes up most of the space as landlord, Geoffrey and the other Men in the village. Kinnear’s role is to represent men and the various privileges that men have through a variety of characters. Leading these characters is landlord, Geoffrey, who owns the house that Harper is staying in. From the moment he appears, Geoffrey’s privilege is loud and clear as he exudes the tropes associated with the middle and upper classes, while also remaining ignorant of the dangers that befall women on a regular basis. What makes Kinnear so effective in the various roles is how committed he is to each character.

As expected from an Alex Garland film, the cinematography is especially striking. Garland collaborates yet again with Rob Hardy, who makes use of some wonderful shots. The scene where Harper is in the tunnel is simple, yet the way Hardy shoots this and makes use of the contrast between light and shadow is brilliant. Hardy manages to capture the extraordinary in everyday life, while making use of the limited locations. He knows when to make the village seem vast and large, and when to make it feel incredibly claustrophobic.

A key part of any folk horror film is the music and Men is no exception. The score composed by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow not only provides many trademarks associated with folk horror scores, but it actively serves the plot. The scene in which Harper ventures into a tunnel and begins to sing serves as the basis for a choral track that is played throughout the rest of the film to exemplify her inner torment and struggles, especially as her life is in danger. The way the score is edited and mixed in with the film is a masterclass in how to make the score relevant to the plot, while also contributing to the film as a sensory experience.

Men is another example of why Alex Garland is one of the most original filmmakers working in horror. While this film may feel muddled in terms of its discussions and themes, it boasts strong direction and excellent performances, especially from Buckley who shows that she is one of the best actresses working today. It’s a film that deserves more than one viewing because of how detailed every moment is, which could be why it has been receiving so many mixed reviews.

What did you think of Men? Let me know in the comments below!

Men is available to watch in UK cinemas now!

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Review

X (2022)

A24 have established themselves as mastered of horror over the years and they show no signs of slowing down with the release of X, a film that incorporates elements and homages to traditional slasher films such as The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. The film is set in 1970s Texas and follows the cast and crew of a pornographic film, led by the ferocious leading lady, Maxine (Mia Goth) and her producer boyfriend, Wayne (Martin Henderson). When the group arrive at their barn filming location, it becomes clear that the old couple who own the main house are not quite what they seem and what follows is a slew of gruesome murders and violence galore.

The film is written and directed by Ti West, who has become prolific within the horror world. West definitely has a brilliant eye for direction as X thrives on the distinct vision that beautiful style that serves as a homage to previous Texan horrors, while also subverting the tropes associated with such films. Protagonist Maxine is the perfect example of this as she is unashamed in her sexuality, while also displaying a fearless attitude, a polar opposite description of many female horror protagonists that have come before her. The biggest trope that West seeks to explore is the morality of sexuality. For decades in horror, sex has equated to death for many characters, namely in horror franchises such as Friday the 13th which is full of young people who are slain, typically after engaging in sexual activity. West uses X as a means to discuss this topic and question whether sexuality is morally wrong and what that means. West is undoubtedly an extremely talented writer and has a brilliant way of blending different types of personalities in a natural and engaging way. However, with X, the downside is in the motivation of the film’s villains as it isn’t delved into that much, and what information we are given doesn’t seem to be believable or understandable considering what actions they commit throughout the film. It is such a shame as providing a better backstory with more meaning behind the old couple would bring X to the level of other modern horror masterpieces such as Jordan Peele’s genre-defining Get Out.

With such a heavy emphasis on its lead character, Maxine, it was imperative that West cast an actor who is more than capable of pulling off a layered performance with ease. Mia Goth is the perfect choice, as she has been an integral part of the horror genre for years with supporting turns in films like Gore Verbinski’s A Cure For Wellness, Luca Guadagnino’s remake of Suspiria, and Clare Denis’ High Life. What makes Goth such a brilliant actress is her ability to adapt to any role. Although she has become a staple in horror specifically, the films themselves could not be any more different in terms of characterisation and style. In X, Goth is able to further showcase her range as aspiring pornstar, Maxine. Maxine believes that she is destined for fame and fortune and is willing yo do whatever it takes to get there. Goth is nothing short of phenomenal, and even with the shortcomings of the script, the audience still wants Maxine to succeed in thwarting the killer’s plans and wants her to stop them. X gives Goth the leading role that she deserves after years of being placed in support and it is a credit to her talent and range that she has been able to breathe life in such a fantastic character that has plenty of agency.

While this is definitely Mia Goth’s film, X also boasts an incredibly impressive cast with Brittany Snow and Scott Mescudi in particular providing excellent turns as pornstars, Bobby-Lynne and Jackson. Both make use of the time they have onscreen and West relies on Snow’s beautiful vocal talents as she provides a great rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” in a scene that brings unity and peace for the group before tragedy unknowingly befalls them. Mescudi is charismatic as Jackson and has one of the most intense scenes in the film as he helps Howard (Stephen Ure) look for the latter’s wife, Pearl.

One of the film’s strongest elements is the cinemtography by Eliot Rockett. Inspired by porn films and slasher films of the 1970s, Rockett brilliantly incorporates vintage style filming when it comes to shooting the pornographic scenes. It brings a layer of authenticity and allows the audience to feel immersed in the world that West has created. The heavy use of blood is also contrasted with the minimal, natural landscape that surrounds the barn and the use of minimal locations allows Rockett to create that feeling of claustrophobia and entrapment for the audience.

X is certainly innovative and distinctive in its style and characterisation, but at times this comes at the cost of the plot and villain motivations which doesn’t come across clear or believable. However, it cannot be denied that Mia Goth is an absolute tour de force and is truly one of the best actors working in the horror genre. Showing her ability to lead a film and keep the viewer gripped, Goth’s performance is filled with grit, fearlessness and a depth that has come to define the roles she plays.

What did you think of X? Let me know in the comments below!

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Red Rocket (2021)

One of the most anticipated films to come out of last year’s Cannes Film Festival was Sean Baker’s latest feature, Red Rocket. The film follows Mikey Davies (Simon Rex), who has returned to his hometown of Texas City after his career in the porn industry has come to a standstill. When he meets 17-year-old Strawberry (Suzanna Son), at a local donut shop where she works, Mikey is determined to groom her into becoming the next big name in porn. Red Rocket received a standing ovation at Cannes and became a critical and commercial success as expected from Baker’s films, while establishing Baker as a true visionary who seeks to place the spotlight on outcasts and their stories, especially those who work in the sex industry. From the opening credits that show off the industrial background while NSYNC’s track “Bye Bye Bye” plays to the closing shot of Strawberry in the bikini in her doorway, Red Rocket is another brilliant entry in Baker’s filmography.

The film is directed by Sean Baker who cowrote the screenplay with writing partner, Chris Bergoch. As expected from Sean Baker’s films, Red Rocket sheds life on another perspective within the sex industry as Mikey is a former porn star who tries to settle down into “normal” life and struggles when potential employers learn of his previous profession. Like his other projects, Baker’s focus is on a select few characters and explores Mikey and Strawberry as the former has been involved in the porn industry for years before while the latter is toying with the idea of entering the industry. The film is far grittier and has even darker undertones than Tangerine and The Florida Project thanks to the controversial age gap that had many critics and moviegoers talking about as Mikey is in his 40s while Strawberry is only 17 and still in high school. However, Baker and Bergoch do not glorify Mikey or his actions, which is clear from the get-go as he turns up at his ex-wife’s house broke and bruised.

Simon Rex leads the cast as former porn star, Mikey Davies who has returned home to Texas following the downfall of his career. Providing one of the most uncomfortable yet brilliant performances of the year, Rex’s turn as Mikey has many layers that can be interpreted in different ways depending on the viewer. On the surface, he seems excited and optimistic about the future, especially after his encounter with high school senior, Strawberry, and the prospect that she could be the next big thing in the porn industry. On the other hand, Mikey’s actions can be construed as manipulative and deceptive as he will do anything to get what he wants in an extremely controlling manner. Once his gaze is fixated on Strawberry, he does everything he can to control each aspect of her life beginning with the breakup of her relationship with her high school boyfriend through to convincing her that the porn industry is the right path for her. Mikey is a deeply disturbing and flawed character, but this is what makes the film captivating to watch and it’s thanks to Rex’s fearless approach to the character. It’s no surprise that Rex won an Independent Spirit Award for his troubles.

It’s always exciting when an actor seems to breakthrough out of nowhere and one of this year’s big breakouts is Suzanna Son who is magnetic as high schooler, Strawberry. Strawberry’s character is the catalyst for the events that happen in the film as her encounter with Mikey inspires the latter to pursue a career as a talent scout in the porn industry. Red Rocket has garnered controversy due to the aforementioned age gap, but on watching the film, Mikey’s position as a controlling manipulator is evident as he puts himself in the centre of Strawberry’s life to groom her into entering the porn industry. This means that she doesn’t really have a say, even if it may seem like she does. Son fills Strawberry with plenty of ambition and dreams that seem to be bigger than the small town she lives in.

The cinematography is provided by Drew Daniels who manages to find the magic in the Texan setting. The opening shot sees Mikey return to Texas City and the industrial influence is clear as the bus makes its way past a slew of power plants. Mikey’s ex-wife’s house is by contrast, a small patch of green that sits near to these power plants, while Strawberry lives in a small town nearby that is far away from the power plants and has a beautiful lake at the bottom of her back garden. Despite the limited locations that have become signature in Sean Baker’s films, Daniels manages to show the contrast between Mikey and Strawberry’s backgrounds simply from the environments where they live.

Red Rocket will definitely prove to be uncomfortable viewing for some thanks to the large age gap between the two main characters, but Baker doesn’t necessarily glorify the age gap as Mikey is clearly a flawed and charismatic individual who has a penchant for controlling and manipulating those around him. While the film may not be on the same level as Baker’s previous effort, The Florida Project, Red Rocket is another worthy addition to his filmography and proof of his ability to tell stories that are often overlooked or ignored.

What did you think of Red Rocket? Let me know in the comments below!

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London Film Festival 2021: Lamb

One film that was an intriguing watch was Valdimar Jóhannsson’s Icelandic horror Lamb. The film follows married couple María (Noomi Rapace) and Ingvar (Hilmir Snær Guðnason) who run a small farm where one of the sheep gives birth to a sheep/human hybrid that they affectionately name Ada after a child that they had previously lost and treat her as though she is a human child. What follows is a sequence of unexpected events that explores themes of identity and family whilst also incorporating elements from various genres including horror, thriller and sci-fi. The result is a film that can be unsettling and unconventional while distinguishing Jóhannsson as a director with a unique point of view.

Directed by Valdimar Jóhannsson in his directorial feature debut and based on a script he cowrote with Sjón, Lamb is unlike any other horror film. Subverting the folklore trends so commonly seen in horror today, Lamb is a film that feels as though it may be misunderstood by some and gradually gain popularity as time goes on. Jóhannsson’s vision manipulates you into thinking that the film will take a certain direction and then completely subverting this and throwing in many unpredictable twists and turns. The writing never allows itself to get too close to the protagonists which means that the audience is never spoon-fed and provides a desire to learn more.

Noomi Rapace is great as María, a woman who is completely besotted by Ada following a life plagued by loss and grief. Rapace can always be relied upon to provide a fearless performance and María seems like a character that was written for her. María isn’t always likeable and her motivations aren’t always understood but we still feel sympathy for her despite her flaws. The scene in which Rapace locks Ingvar’s brother, Pétur (Björn Hlynur Haraldsson) in a closet and then plays the piano loudly to drown out his screaming draws her suffering and pain to the surface as we see her attempt to glaze over the negativity with music, a metaphor for her willingness to overlook Ada’s physical differences and accept her as her own.

In support, we see Hilmir Snær Guðnason play María’s husband, Ingvar in a performance that builds as the film unfolds. The decision-making between the couple usually lies in María’s hands in a role that would traditionally fall under a man’s control but Ingvar doesn’t complain or feel emasculated at any point. Content with his life, Ingvar embraces Ada as his own and does his best to provide for his family. Guðnason is a great onscreen partner for Rapace as they compliment each other’s approaches perfectly. Where Rapace’s performance is full of physical emotion, Guðnason has a quieter performance that is full of nuance and subtly, working well against the horror element of the film.

One thing that the film makes use of is the beautiful cinematography by Eli Arenson. Arenson manages to capture a world that is set in an open space whilst contrasting this with a claustrophobic setting as we feel trapped within the home. This isolated feeling makes the characters seem locked and unable to travel beyond their immediate surroundings, feeding into the horror elements of the film. Arenson utilises the natural surroundings to create a realistic approach against a topic that is full of fantasy, driving it away from being a traditional horror. It is this grounded approach that makes Lamb such an unpredictable watch and such a beautiful looking film to behold.

Lamb isn’t a film for everyone but those who enjoy it will be able to appreciate the beautiful scenery, intense writing and raw performances with characters that we never fully understand but keep us gripped from start to finish. It’s a film that will undoubtedly grow in popularity and requires multiple watches due to the various layers, textures and themes that it explores. The unconventional approach this film has is why it has been selected as Iceland’s submission for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards which will hopefully bring Lamb to an even larger audience.

Lamb is released in the UK on 10th December 2021!

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Zola (2020)

After a year delay, Zola has finally hit cinemas and was well worth the wait. Based on a series of tweets published by Aziah “Zola” King as well as an article written on the subject, “Zola Tells All: The Real Story Behind the Greatest Stripper Saga Ever Tweeted” by David Kushner, Zola captures the viewers attention right from the beginning as the titular character narrates various Tweets throughout the film. For those who don’t know, Zola follows the titular character (Taylour Paige), a stripper from Detroit who meets fellow stripper, Stefani (Riley Keough) who encourages Zola to join her, her boyfriend Derrek (Nicholas Braun) and mysterious friend, X (Colman Domingo) in Tampa, Florida. What follows is a series of events that can only be seen to be believed and makes up a weekend full of sex and violence that make for a gripping film. Boasting plenty of new talent as well as familiar faces, Zola is one of the best films of the year thanks to its originality and distinct style.

It’s not often you see films that are based on a series of Tweets but it is thanks to the direction that Janicza Bravo brings as well as the screenplay that she cowrote with Jeremy O. Harris that elevates it to a fantastic level. The direction style is highly confident and fully embraces Zola’s lifestyle while bringing a female gaze that ensures that the female characters are not simply there to be stared at. The screenplay is extremely tight, perfectly based and develops the central characters beautifully whilst remaining utterly hilarious thanks to the use of dark humour throughout. Harris has made a name for himself as a playwright and his debut cinematic screenplay showcases his ability to write for different mediums.

Taylour Paige and Riley Keough are fantastic as the film’s leads, Zola and Stefani, respectively. Although both of them make a living as strippers, their approaches and outlook on life is completely different as Zola has complete control over her career while Stefani appears to be trapped. Paige has proven herself to be the perfect choice for this film as she is able to flit between being a supportive figure for Stefani one moment while chastising X’s behaviour the next. She conveys the wide spectrum of emotions that Zola feels in such a short amount of time and becomes a character that we want to learn more about. On the other hand, Keough has been a firm favourite of independent films over recent years starring in films such as The House That Jack Built (2018) and Under the Silver Lake (2018) which makes her a great choice for Stefani. Her performance as Stefani initially is funny before we learn of the dark undercurrents that run through her life but it never feels as though Keough’s character is a caricature. The chemistry that Paige and Keough have makes for a great onscreen duo which works really well as we see them become good friends while being completely explosive as that relationship fizzles.

Colman Domingo is superb as the film’s villain, X. Not only is he absolutely terrifying but he will stop at nothing to ensure that he gets his money. Domingo is a brilliant actor and has a great filmography to boot so his inclusion as X means that you can be assured of a performance that makes the perfect clash with the titular character. What is particularly great about X’s character and Domingo’s portrayal is that we only learn as much about him as Zola recounts in her Tweets which feels authentic and true to the film’s retelling of what happened. This means that his seemingly unexpected behaviour isn’t justified and that the audience learns about him as Zola does.

Mica Levi is one of the best composers working in the film industry and with their work including composing the game changing score for Under the Skin and receiving and Academy Award nomination for their score on 2016’s Jackie, Levi was the perfect person to turn to for Zola. From the outset, Levi’s distinct electronic sounds are recognisable and work perfectly with the film. Venturing from loud tracks that underline party seems to more sparse and intense tracks that allow the film to enter thriller territory, Levi’s score becomes a key characteristic that works well with helping Zola become its own film.

Overall, Zola is an exciting and riveting watch from beginning to end. The combination of referring to the source material mixed with other character’s online accounts. Never conforming to one genre and always delivering the unexpected, Zola is an incredible and exciting achievement in filmmaking and filled with great performances from the leading and supporting cast.

What did you think of Zola? Let me know in the comments below!

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Saint Maud (2020)

If there was one film I was looking forward to seeing in 2020, it was Saint Maud. Thanks to the global pandemic, it was one of the many films that was delayed and just under a year later, I finally have been able to see it. Directed and written by Rose Glass in her feature debut, Saint Maud follows palliative care nurse, Maud (Morfydd Clark) who is sent to care for former dancer, Amanda (Jennifer Ehle). Maud is a recent Christian convert and is very influenced by God and will do anything to carry out his will, even if it comes at the cost of her sanity and the lives of those around her. It falls into the psychological horror category and a lot of the tension in the film is carried by the strong direction and Clark’s incredible leading performance.

Rose Glass has entered the film industry with a massive splash. Saint Maud marks her feature debut and she delivers in spades. Her directorial vision is so distinct as it mixes traditional shots of suspense with some tributes to classic religion horrors such as The Exorcist while also bringing in a freshness that feels like a breath of fresh air. Bringing an intense horror to a quiet English coastal town, this film feels ground in a real working class reality in the world around Maud whereas Maud clearly doesn’t fit in. Seen entirely through Maud’s perspective as she is in every scene, it’s clear that Maud doesn’t belong but the reason why is unclear. The script is a beautiful slow burner that is paced fantastically whilst still containing a lot for an 84 minute film. Glass makes the most of every second and it is definitely one of the best horrors I have seen in a whole. It’s fantastic to see how women are regaining control of the horror genre and the pay off is brilliant.

Welsh actress, Morfydd Clark is an absolute revelation as palliative care nurse, Maud. Maud is clearly an extremely tense and troubled individual who is trying to make sense of her purpose in the world. A recent convert to Christianity, she looks to God at every point in her life and rather than just verbal words, she feels God’s presence physical. As expected of “body horror” films like The Exorcist, Clark gives her all physically and emotionally without allowing the energy to die down. We feel the tension rising and rising as Maud has pain inflicted on her as well as bodily harm as she believes she must suffer to be with God. Maud is so invested in her religion that she is not even living her own life anymore. From the first moment she is on the screen, we feel that tension and intensity from her. Clark perfectly embodies Maud and shows her struggles perfectly, holding the film on her shoulders in a superb breakout performance. Rather than play the role as a horror lead, she performs as a dramatic lead instead which works perfectly to build up the conflict and horror that is brewing through the film.

In support, Jennifer Ehle is incredible as dying creative Amanda. A former dancer who has fallen ill to stage four lymphoma, Amanda is the polar opposite to uptight Maud. Arguably and ironically full of more life than Maud, Amanda aims to live her last days to the fullest, indulging in alcohol, parties and lots of sex. Maud is both intrigued and appalled by Amanda’s actions and strives to save her soul in time before she dies. Ehle is a fantastic who is often wasted or not given enough screentime in most films she stars in but Saint Maud elevates her to a hugely significant supporting character. Amanda’s free nature is unsettling as we struggle to know what she really thinks. Even as Amanda’s health decays, Ehle gives the character that depth and life as Amanda fights her illness. Even as she succumbs to the end, she has that freedom that Maud simply cannot restrain.

The score is phenomenal and immediately brings in the horror aspects of the film. Whereas the performances feel more dramatic, the music dictates the tone and elevates the tension in the film. Composed by Adam Janota Bzowski, the score is atmospheric, beautiful and hugely impactful. The film overall doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles that many other psychological horrors have but Bzowski’s score is almost an effect in itself. The heavy electronic sounds filled with bass add to the film’s unsettling nature. Even in moments that seem more relaxed, the score refuses to rest and its relentlessness adds so much to the film as a whole. I am extremely excited to see what Bzowski has in store for the future and hope he continues to score films.

Saint Maud is a film that was definitely worth the wait. From the first shot, it is captivating and you can’t draw your attention away. The intricate amount of detail in every movement and props shows the amount of care that has been made in the writing. This marks the fantastic start for Rose Glass and Morfydd Clark as well as providing Jennifer Ehle a chance to really show off her range. For those who claim that horror is a man’s genre, I implore you to check Saint Maud out and guarantee that you will be pleasantly surprised. A film that I already want to watch again and again and again.

What did you think of Saint Maud? Let me know in the comments below!

Saint Maud is released in the UK on Monday 1st February.

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On the Rocks (2020)

One of the films I have been eager to watch has been Sofia Coppola’s latest offering, On the Rocks. Starring Rashida Jones as novelist Laura who suspects her husband, Dean (Marlon Wayans) is having an affair. When Laura’s father, Felix (Bill Murray) comes to town, Laura finds her doubts grow until she isn’t sure what she believes anymore. In true Coppola style, the characters are part of a laid back high society not unfamiliar to what Coppola herself is probably accustomed to. Bringing Coppola back onto familiar ground after venturing into other genres in her previous projects, On the Rocks is a lighter offering from Coppola that explores the complexities of marriage and gender roles within the relationship. Distributed by A24 and released on Apple TV, On the Rocks sees Coppola fully embrace the power of streaming service releases as well as reunite with A24 after the release of 2013’s The Bling Ring.

As expected, Coppola both directs and provides the screenplay. Full of signature tropes commonly seen in her films, On the Rocks feels like a more mature offering. Laura is a grounded and settled protagonist, balancing life as a novelist and mother of two. Like many protagonists in Coppola’s films, Laura isn’t afraid to ask questions and isn’t willing to sweep things under the rug. The direction is more toned down to coincide with the topics and characters and yet feels true to Coppola’s style. Interweaving different forms of music with an impressive soundtrack, On the Rocks is the perfect film to showcase the struggles of the modern day woman. Even when shown from a privileged perspective, Coppola is brilliant at making films that can feel relatable for the female audience particularly.

Rashida Jones is perfect as Laura, especially during when she tries to reason with herself when Dean starts to spend a lot of time with his assistant. If this film was directed by any.other director, you could expect another cliche film where the woman is in hysterics and throwing water over her husband. Luckily, this film was made by Sofia Coppola who doesn’t feed into the gender stereotypes and Jones’ performance as Laura perfectly encapsulates how women are forced to adapt a grin and bear it exterior whilst acting as detective. Jones’ approach is subtle and toned as Laura is desperately trying to keep control of the situation and subsequently her life. As mentioned before, even though Laura has a privileged life, her aim to balance a successful work and home life is completely relatable, especially as the scenes in which her and Felix are scheming occur while her children are playing or at ballet class. When the different aspects of Laura’s life begin to be disrupted by her assumptions of Dean’s affair, she becomes manipulated and poisoned by Felix’s persuasions that she willingly follows his instructions without further thinking.

Bill Murray is impeccable as Felix, perfectly encompassing his toxicity and confidence. Felix isn’t necessarily a likeable character but his charisma is hard to ignore. Murray performs the hell out of this character and its hard not to smile as he whistles and worms his way out of tricky situations. On the surface, it seems that he just wants what is best for his daughter but you can’t help but question his motives. He is a man who is set in stereotyped ways, believing that men are not capable of emotion and dead set that Dean is cheating. He encourages Laura to pursue the situation and has Dean followed by a private investigator as well as buying him and Laura tickets to Mexico to follow Dean on his business trip. It could be argued that Felix is the emotional driving force behind Laura’s doubts despite his previous claims that men are detached.

Overall, On the Rocks marks a new direction for Sofia Coppola that shows her growth as a writer and director. Working with familiar and unfamiliar faces allows her to explore new terrain without feeling too uncomfortable. Her commentary on the modern woman is always an interesting take and using Laura as a scope into how the tiniest seed of doubt can grow beyond control makes for a film that is balanced between comedy and drama with small splashes of suspense as well. Contrasting scenes of Felix charming guests at the hotel in Mexico with his singing immediately followed by an emotional exchange in which he is forced to look back on the mistakes he has made and whether he regrets having an affair on Laura’s mother. Just as the title also suggests, Coppola doesn’t allow the audience to sit comfortably to reflect the rocky road the couple are on right now.

What did you think of On the Rocks? Let me know in the comments below!

On the Rocks is available to watch on Apple TV!

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A Ghost Story (2017)

One of the most beautiful and somber films to come out of the 2010s is A Ghost Story written and directed by David Lowery. Premiering at Sunday’s Fil. Festival and distributed by the much-loved A24, A Ghost Story follows a young married couple C (Casey Affleck) and M (Rooney Mara) and the aftermath of the former’s untimely death at the start of the film. What makes this film such a standout is its simplicity and minimalist approach with limited locations and characters. The film is primarily filmed in their family home and showcases the figurative and literal destruction of the home as M’s life falls apart without her husband. The home is not a home. The screenplay is written by Lowery and his connection and intricacy in bringing his two protagonists to life with minimal interaction is no easy feat but he achieves this. It is a film that moved me and has provided much inspirational imagery and directorial approach that I feel sad that the film has almost been swept under the carpet.

Affleck and Mara both bring their A game to this film and give performances that are among the best in their careers. When C passes away he is reincarnated as a ghost donning a simple white sheet with holes cut out for eyes. We never see his eyes nor what is under the sheet yet Affleck’s presence and character is felt despite not speaking or providing much action. C is a musician and we hear glimpses of his song throughout bringing an unexpected electro and modern sound to the film. The music is what brings the film to its respective time period as the minimalism evokes a timeless quality. Mara is absolutely gut-wrenching in her turn as the grieving wife, M. We see a strong woman who is eventually broken down mentally and physically by the absence around her. We see a few encounters from friends and even a prospective date but the absence of C is too much for her to bear. There is only one scene when M is actually outside of the house and that is when she is identifying her husband’s body. In some respects, she is defined by her relationship to her husband but it could be argued that her struggle is actually a want and inability to move on and continue with her life. She slowly begins to recognise that C isn’t coming back no matter how much she longs for it.

It goes without saying that the highlight scene is the pie scene. This scene is infamous among film fans alike thanks to its raw one take approach to seeing a grieving wife literally eating a chocolate pie for five minutes until she makes herself sick. The scene itself is so simple yet so complex. Mara’s emotional spectrum is on display here as she eats and eats, delving into more and more despair as she longs to feel better following the funeral. The feeling of hopelessness and depression really shoot through as well as upset and loneliness. There are no words in this scene yet it says so much. It’s as if M is hoping her husband will return and stop her from eating herself to sickness but he doesn’t. In fact, no one comes and she is left alone to grieve and process what has happened. I think this scene alone warranted awards recognition but I think the rawness of the characters was probably too alien to the mainstream audience as it does make for uncomfortable and upsetting viewing.

Another scene that causes debates among its viewers is the monologue provided by a party goer, credited as the Prognosticator (Will Oldham) in the house next door. C observes as the Prognosticator talks endlessly about classical music and the Big Crunch which is a theory that claims that the universe is constantly expanding and eventually it will snap like a rubber band and collapse in on itself into a speck as if nothing existed at all. C’s frustration and anger throughout the scene causes him to make the lights flicker as he searches for meaning beyond the life he lived. The speech itself is a bit longwinded, lasting five and a half minutes. Its uneasiness and pretentious nature makes it seem longer because there is no one debating with him. It very much feels as if the Prognosticator is talking out to the audience or even the universe. It is important to note that the film has minimal dialogue so this speech is the true verbal standout the audience is provided with and I think it’s a skillful tip of the scale by Lowery who wants to create that feeling of uncertainty.

The structure of the film is unconventional following a repeat of the time that C and M lived in the house while C observes under his sheet and follows the next family to move in and the subsequent destruction of the home. It feels as though C and M’s memories together are trapped in that endless loop as the universe expands. Just as the Prognosticator claims the works of Beethoven will forever live in human memory, so will the time C and M spent in their house. When C finally reads a note M left and disappears it is sad but also brings closure to that loop and gives him a chance to leave the house just as M did before.

A Ghost Story is not your typical film exploring loss and grief but its impact and power comes from Lowery’s raw approach. Despite its seemingly effortless aesthetic, the films screenplay and character observation pushes through a complexity that transcends its simple storyline. It’s a film that will stay with you long after you watch it.

What did you think of A Ghost Story? Let me know what you think in the comments below!

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Robert Eggers: Double Feature

In my series where I look at the emerging directors this century, it was only matter of time before I discuss the work of horror director Robert Eggers. Usually associated with his A24 cohort Ari Aster, Eggers’ two films are psychological studies of its characters with a darker colour palette than Aster’s work. His 2015 debut The VVitch was an instant success and a major talking point among the film community on release. There hadn’t been a film quite like it and it’s unapologetic take on the breakdown of a family. His 2019 film The Lighthouse couldn’t be more different. Whereas The VVitch was full of female empowerment and the emergence of a strong young woman finding her place in the world, The Lighthouse is heavily masculine and becomes a double character study rather than the spotlight being on a single character. The overall style of Eggers’ films is a perfect mix of gritty realism with a hint of fantasy and magic. Despite the unrealistic elements, the films are definitely grounded in their realism and the audience reaction is unaffected.

Both of his films were distributed by A24 and are currently discussed alongside Ari Aster’s films Hereditary and Midsommar as they are A24 and horror as well but Aster and Eggers have completely different angles. If anything, each film is a great example of how horror has becoming the best genre to look at current topical issues. I have written on Aster which can be read here and recommend watching his films but here are my mini reviews for Robert Eggers’ films The VVitch and The Lighthouse.

The VVitch (2015)

Eggers’ debut was talked about a lot on release because of its unrelenting dismantling of the family home. Following Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy), a young girl on the verge of womanhood struggling with her place in the family home after they are banished to fend for themselves after rejecting a Puritan colony. The family are then convinced there is a witch causing mayhem and won’t stop until the entire unit is killed. Starting with the baffling disappearance of her baby brother, Samuel after playing peekaboo with him, Eggers isn’t afraid of tackling taboos that even classical horrors don’t dare venture. Critics were more favourable towards the film whereas audiences weren’t as convinced although it was still a success at the box office. I think that because it was marketed as a straightforward horror, audiences weren’t expecting the many layers that this film has. It is more about Thomasin’s characterisation than the gruesome death scenes or jump scares. Taylor-Joy is nothing short than spectacular as Thomasin and brings that juxtaposition between childlike innocence and the more adult curiousity. She feeds into the fear to her twin brother and sister innocently at the beginning but then the more sinister intentions underlying the film begin to creep out. It’s definitely a horror film for the 21st century and helped to pave the way for more horrors that have intricate character studies. The VVitch could be viewed as a film exploring female empowerment and rejecting the traditional patriarchal society.

The Lighthouse (2019)

One of the most anticipated films of 2019, The Lighthouse stars Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe as warring lighthouse keepers, Winslow and Wake, respectively, who are stranded on an island during the storm. It’s not a horror in the traditional sense but the rising tension and characters’ waning sanity are the perfect combination to making one of the best horrors in recent years. Pattinson and Dafoe are pretty much the only characters for the majority of the film with Valeriia Karaman making an appearance as the Mermaid who seduces Winslow. The Lighthouse is a film unlike any other nevermind a horror film unlike any other. FIlmed in black and white 1.19:1 aspect ratio, the film is reminiscent of a claustrophobic vintage horror, reflective of the era it is trying to portray. Loosely based on the short story “The Light-House” by Edgar Allen-Poe, Eggers and his brother Max Eggers worked the script to a late 19th century setting and wanted to keep the focus on the deterioation of its male protagonists. I have written a more in-depth review of The Lighthouse which can be read here. Every aspect of this film is perfect from the casting to the writing to the set design. It was nominated for one Academy Award for Best Cinematography which was very well-deserved but I really feel that it should have been nominated for more, especially Willem Dafoe for Best Supporting Actor. Dafoe consistently brings his A game and the fact that The Lighthouse is among his best says a lot.

Eggers is currently working on his upcoming project The Northman which will star mega stars like Nicole Kidman and Alexander Skarsgard as well as reuniting the director with Anya Taylor-Joy and Willem Dafoe so needless to say there are high expectations. From what I can tell, this new film will be the first Eggers film not to be distributed by A24 as 20th Century Studios have locked it in which shows the faith the big budget studios have in him. Hopefully the studio will give him the freedom to follow his vision through like A24 do. There is no doubt that Eggers has a hugely exciting future ahead of him in the film industry and it will be interested to see what else he comes up with.

Which Robert Eggers is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below!