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My Son (2021)

It’s always exciting when films try to do new things and Christian Carion’s latest film, My Son, has a unique approach that makes it intriguing to watch. The film follows Edmond (James McAvoy), a man whose job takes him all over the globe which has in turn made him an absent father. When his son, Ethan (Max Wilson) is kidnapped, Edmond has to take matters into his own hands to locate Ethan and bring him home safely before it’s too late. It’s not the plot that makes this film intriguing, however, but the approach that Carion took by refusing to supply McAvoy with a script beyond the basic facts regarding his character. This means that McAvoy genuinely had no idea what was going to happen or how the film was going to unfold, adding a layer of genuine emotion to his character. The simplicity of the plot and limited setting helps to aid this to ensure that McAvoy can really delve into his characterisation without feeling overwhelmed by complexity.

The film is written and directed by Christian Carion, who is best known for his Oscar-nominated film, Joyeux Noël, My Son is an English-language remake of his 2017 Mon garçon which also incorporated the experimental aspects of having the lead character make discoveries of his own without having a script to rely on. The direction of the film is highly intense with some brilliant contrasts as Carion blends vast Highland landscapes with close-ups to provide that sense of entrapment and claustrophobia reflecting Edmond’s feelings. The script and story is fairly simple in terms of what happens to Ethan, but this serves in the film’s favour as it never feels overwhelming or overcomplicated as crime films often do. While this means that the film can delve into a predictable nature, the intensity of the direction keeps the audience gripped throughout.

Leading the film is James McAvoy as Edmond and arguably, the film relies on McAvoy’s performance and the conviction that he brings to the character. As ever, he is fantastic in the role and proves to be the perfect choice for Edmond as he is able to play a deeply flawed character that the audience roots for. Edmond is hard-working but neglectful of his family, to the point where his ex-wife has started a new life with her partner, Frank (Tom Cullen), while Edmond rarely visits to see Ethan. It’s a performance that hinders on this heartbreak that he doesn’t spend time with his son, but the love that he has for him knows no bounds. The climactic scene in which Edmond searches a large house for his son and has to kill or injure the kidnappers is deeply intense as the house serves as a claustrophobic labyrinth. While this performance may not show the range that his turn in Split did or be as well-known as his turn in the X-Men franchise, McAvoy demonstrates yet again his ability to play flawed characters that the audience will get behind with ease in a role that seems tailor-made for him.

Supporting McAvoy is the incredible Claire Foy who is best known for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in the first two seasons of Netflix’s The Crown. Her performance as Joan couldn’t be further from her turn as the Queen as she is able to showcase even more versatility. Joan is a character who has been burdened with the duty of bringing up Ethan without Edmond’s help, while also having to be Edmond’s cheerleader when he doesn’t turn up for his son. Foy’s performance provides plenty of nuances and it’s a shame that her character isn’t in the film even more. She perfectly brings all of Joan’s frustrations to the surface in a performance that is powerful and works well against McAvoy’s temperamental Edmond.

Laurent Perez del Mar’s score perfectly undercuts the film and draws out the thriller elements. Just as the film provides many twists and turns, the score is full of swooping strings and drawn-out notes that highlight Edmond’s frustration and confusion. The score feels as though it is in tune with Edmond and his emotions, becoming more intense as the film goes on. However, del Mar knows when to create subtlety such as the scene in which Edmond is sneaking around the lodge to say Ethan from the kidnappers. This contrast between loud, dramatic strings and quieter moments provides an unpredictability to the film.

My Son may not have the most complex plot and story, but the strong leading characters and intense direction make this a thrilling watch, even if it does lose a bit of momentum in its closing scenes. McAvoy is brilliant to watch, as always, and it’s great to see him in a film that relies as heavily on his performance as we are able to feel his character’s array of emotions as he figures out what has happened to Ethan. My Son should be commended for its unconventional approach to filming and hopefully, this will inspire even more creative experiments in the filming process.

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

My Son is available to view on Amazon Prime!

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Being the Ricardos (2021)

One of the films that Amazon Studios is pushing this awards season is Aaron Sorkin’s Being the Ricardos which follows a week in the life of TV superstar Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) and her husband, Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) in which the former is accused of being a member of the Communist party and has to wait to see how the media portrays this which in turn could threaten to kill her career. This biopic weaves in and out of the studio as Ball has to balance dealing with her professional and personal life from the domestic dynamics with her husband to the business meetings with studio heads and legal teams as they plan for the turbulent week ahead. Despite covering a short period of time, Sorkin is able to cover a wide emotional spectrum and brings one of television’s brightest stars to life in this whimsical drama that harkens back to the golden age of film and television.

The film marks Aaron Sorkin’s third directorial effort and he naturally provides the script as well. The script follows an intense week as it has emerged that Lucille filled a form stating she was a Communist decades before which the media has managed to get ahold of. During this week, we see Lucille grapple with the possibility that her career may end as well as the news emerging that she is pregnant while also having to deal with one of the most iconic episodes of her TV show. All of this chaos weaves together to create a tapestry of Lucille’s life in a way that we are able to get a clear view of who she is without feeling overwhelmed by the script.

Nicole Kidman has been experiencing somewhat of a resurgence in recent years, although it could easily be argued that she never really went anywhere at all and has always pulled out great performance after great performance. Her turn as Lucille Ball, however, is among her best performances as she inhabits Ball’s mannerisms and quick wit. From beginning to end, Kidman is dedicated to the character and we experience the struggle Ball faces from within the male-dominated industry and those in the media who threaten to end her career when it is unveiled that she once ticked a box as “Communist” when she was younger. Undoubtedly, Kidman will be receiving a lot of awards attention and it is well-deserved as she is absolutely gripping and does a fantastic job when reenacting filming the scenes from I Love Lucy. Kidman’s performance is strong and commanding and her presence is felt in the moments that she is not which proves the strength of the character and Kidman’s interpretation.

Paired with Kidman is none other than Javier Bardem who plays Lucille Ball’s husband, costar, and producer, Desi Arnaz and he proves himself as the perfect choice to play alongside Kidman’s powerhouse performance. While Kidman has deservedly been receiving an abundance of praise for her performance, Bardem’s turn as Arnaz shouldn’t be forgotten either. His performance is electric and he brings out a career-best since his Oscar-winning turn in No Country For Old Men. Bardem has always proved that he can act in a variety of different genres with ease and playing someone as iconic as Desi Arnaz could have been extremely challenging for any other actor but not Bardem. We get to see Arnaz in his element as he performs in the bars but this is then contrasted with the stresses he faces at work and the reality that he lives in a world that expects the husband to be the provider and the head of the family and yet Lucille seems to be the headliner and more popular than he is. Bardem’s chemistry with Kidman is fantastic and they work well at showing the ups and downs of a very public marriage.

As expected from any Sorkin project, this film has a strong supporting cast and J. K. Simmons, in particular, provides one of the most heartwarming and funny performances that are among some of the film’s highlights despite him having a limited amount of time onscreen. Simmons plays Ball and Arnaz’s I Love Lucy costar, William Frawley, who has spent decades in the industry and has experienced the ups and downs that come with it. Simmons’ portrayal of Frawley is one of sentiment and sadness as he has an awareness of his own drinking problem while also advising Lucille on how to make life easier for both herself and Desi. What makes Simmons such a brilliant actor is his ability to tap into a character’s psyche and really bring out a rawness and depth that is not often seen but even with a small role, the performance makes such a huge impact on the film’s dynamic as well as proving to be integral to the script.

Another highlight of the film is its score which is provided by Daniel Pemberton who has quickly established himself as a brilliant composer and has worked on a wide variety of films. His score for Being the Ricardos feels classical and nostalgic while also providing undertones of thrillers as Pemberton plays on Ball’s ongoing struggles and the looming threat that her career may be coming to an end. The scenes in which Lucille and Desi argue amongst themselves are undercut by ominous and threatening strings that bring plenty of tension.

Being the Ricardos takes us back to a golden age in television and is filled to the brim with strong performances from the leading and supporting cast. Paired with Sorkin’s innovative direction and beautifully paced script, it is a film that does a great job at capturing the hectic celebrity lifestyle behind the scenes while also showing the delicate balance required in order to stay at the top. As Ball’s career is threatened by a form she filled in decades prior as well as having to deal with misogynists on a regular basis. Kidman is undoubtedly the star of the show and proves yet again why she is one of the best living actresses thanks to her fearless approach to the character and her ability to capture every aspect of Lucille’s personality.

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

Being the Ricardos is available to watch on Amazon Prime!

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The Green Knight (2021)

Another film to suffer a delayed release date due to the pandemic, The Green Knight brings a new retelling of the Arthurian legend, David Lowery’s epic sees Oscar nominee Dev Patel lead the cast as Gawain, a man who aspires to be knighted and among the company of King Arthur (Sean Harris) and his knights. Whilst celebrating Christmas with the King, the mysterious Green Knight appears and poses a challenge which Gawain accepts. Garwain than must travel a year later to find the Green Knight and allow the latter to strike a blow against him. Based on the legend by Anonymous, Lowery immerses the viewer into the world through striking imagery and innovative sound mixing to create a film that was well worth the wait and more.

David Lowery directs and writes this stunning epic and has proven yet again that he is a force to be reckoned with. Not only is The Green Knight one of his most anticipated projects to date, it sees him collaborate with A24 yet again after the success of his previous film A Ghost Story. The result of which is a phenomenal film that shows Lowery’s mastery as a storyteller whilst also highlighting his growth as a filmmaker.

Dev Patel gives an exceptional performance as Gawain and shows just how far he has come as an actor. Following an extremely varied career which includes an Oscar nomination for 2016’s Lion, Gawain seems like the kind of role Patel was born to play. Due to the nature of the film following Gawain’s journey, a huge portion of the quality of the film relies heavily on Patel’s shoulders and it is his performance that elevates it to a level where you really feel as though you are with the character throughout. Patel’s Gawain is ambitious to a fault and most importantly inexperienced which becomes more apparent the closer he gets to his final destination. The scenes in which Patel encounters the Green Knight are captivating and leave you on the edge of your seat.

Taking on two roles in the film, Alicia Vikander delivers one of the best performances of her career as Gawain’s lover, Essel, a common woman who lives in a brothel and the Lady who Gawain meets on his journey to his encounter with Green Knight. These performances are so different that you could be forgiven for mistaking the roles for two different actresses, however, Vikander has already proven herself as one of the finest actors working. Her performances in 2014’s Ex Machina and 2015’s The Danish Girl are masterclasses in stunning performances with the latter winning Vikander the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her performance as Essel is sweet and innocent as she is happy where she is and her place in the world but longs for Gawain to publicly declare her as his lady. This flows in beautifully to her performance as the Lady who is more sinister and corrupt in her encounters with Gawain. Where Essel desires Gawain’s live and affection, the Lady seems to be driven by lust and sex. Despite their mutual fixation on Gawain, both characters have agency and individual motives that allow them to be strong and rounded in their development.

This film smashes every element but for me, the music composed by Daniel Hart is definitely a highlight. Mixing Medieval sounds with fantasy elements makes this score memorable and hauntingly atmospheric. From the use of Medieval instruments to the lingering choral chants, Hart creates music that utilises the time period and the environment that the world inhabits. Tracks such as “The Giant’s Call” are beautifully fitting as they seem to merge natural sounds within the environment with a perfectly crafted score. It’s as though the score goes hand-in-hand with the scenes, managing to accompany the image and stand out without actually overwhelming the film at any point. Perfectly nuanced yet wide in its range of tone, Hart’s score is one of the best of the year by far.

Overall, The Green Knight is spectacular film that deserves to be seen on the big screen. Definitely worth the wait, Lowery manages to tell an Arthurian legend in a way that hasn’t been done before and mixes this with high fantasy imagery. It’s a film that packs both a visual and emotional impact as we feel Gawain’s struggle to complete his journey physically and mentally.

What did you think of The Green Knight? Let me know in the comments below!

The Green Knight is available to watch on Amazon Prime now!

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Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (2021)

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the latest in a slew of musical adaptations heading for the big screen and makes it mark with a bang. Based on the true story about a 16 year old boy who aspires to dress in drag at his high school prom, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is an upbeat film about identity, difference and acceptance. The stage musical has taken the world by storm and is a mainstay on the West End having been nominated for numerous Laurence Olivier Awards and won many awards from awarding bodies such as the WhatsOnStage Awards. When the film adaptation was revealed to be in the works, there was naturally a lot of excitement as it has very big shoes to fill and it does not disappointment. From the heartfelt performances to the crisp choreography, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie can be viewed as a necessary film in this time of uncertainty and social negativity.

The film is directed by Jonathan Butterell who directed the original stage production when it was developed in Sheffield and based on a script by Tom MacRae, who wrote the book and lyrics for the musical which means that we are in reliable hands. There are certain changes that have had to be made but are necessary to help the story translate well on the screen. Equally, they have taken advantage of the fact that it is a film and allow themselves to push themselves cinematically to create a world in which the audience can truly be immersed and connected to the characters. Recruiting Butterell and MacRae as director and writer, respectively, allows the film to stay true to its roots and helps push the authenticity of the narrative and the community.

Leading the film is newcomer Max Harwood who does a stellar job as Jamie. He fits naturally into the role and truly captures every side to the character from his desire to perform in drag to the reality he has as an openly gay teen in a small community where he is bullied and encouraged to hide that side of himself. What makes Jamie such a fantastic character is that he is flawed which makes him more relatable and Harwood portrays him with no filter so we are able to see every side while still remaining likeable. With this film marking Harwood’s big breakthrough, it’s a great foreshadowing of what is to come in what is guaranteed to be a flourishing career. There has been a lot of debates about adults playing teenagers but although he is 24, Harwood does look appropriate and plays the role well with the maturity required so it isn’t distracting in the way that other films can be.

Playing Jamie’s mum, Margaret is Sarah Lancashire who can always be relied upon to bring a fantastic performance. Known primarily for her stellar work on TV, Lancashire is a great choice as she brings that authenticity to the role and has great chemistry with Harwood which makes their relationship seem completely believable. What is great about Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is that the majority of the supporting cast is made up of established working class actors which is incredibly important when it comes to onscreen representation, especially when it comes to British cinema.

As with any cinematic adaptation of a musical, there always has to be at least one A-lister among the cast and in this case we have Richard E. Grant as Jamie’s mentor, Hugo who also performs in drag under the persona Loco Chanelle. Grant is a fantastic actor and has shown throughout his career that he is capable of turning a great performance in any kind of film. Coming off the back of his Oscar-nominated turn in Marielle Heller’s Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Grant brings this character to life in a way where we really feel the struggles that Hugo has faced as an older gay man who lived through the AIDs epidemic. As one of the most versatile British actors working today, Grant was definitely the perfect choice for this role and no doubt should be thought about for awards consideration.

The way that the musical numbers are integrated into this film is incredibly important and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie does a great job of not just replicating the stage musical to the screen. From having some of the songs in the background to incorporating tracks from the conceptual album, the music feels different than the stage and this makes it great and feel more confident in itself as a film. With a wide range of songs on the soundtrack, some of the highlights include “Don’t Even Know It” in which we see Jamie’s dream as a drag queen and introduced to this side of him as well as Lancashire’s heart-breaking performance of “He’s My Boy” in which she laments the struggles and rejection Jamie faces from his father. The film’s ability to shift emotionally is portrayed perfectly through the music without feeling stagey or unnatural.

Overall, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a fantastic adaptation that makes the appropriate changes so it works well onscreen and allows the audience to get to know the characters. With perfect casting and great performances from the leading and supporting cast, this film is incredibly enjoyable and an ideal choice for those wanting a new and exciting film that leaves you feeling upbeat.

What did you think of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie? Let me know in the comments below!

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is available to watch on Amazon Prime now!

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Sound of Metal (2019)

Sound of Metal has been on the minds of many film fans for years now. With images first released a couple of years, it was definitely worth the wait. Darius Marder’s directorial debut is a fantastic study into deafness. Following heavy metal drummer, Ruben Stone (Riz Ahmed), whose life is turned upside down as he loses his hearing and his struggle to adapt to his new life. From a script written by Marder and his brother, Abraham Marder, Sound of Metal will have you feeling the distress and frustration that Ruben experiences as we begin to see and hear the world through his eyes and ears.

The first thing to notice is the brilliance of the script. Starting off at a concert, Ruben plays the drum in a band while his girlfriend, Lou (Olivia Cooke) sings. It’s an overwhelming experience filled with loud music which is then contrasted with the gradual loss of hearing through the subsequent scenes. As Ruben has to accept that his music career is over, he must also adjust to the new situation. As a recovering alcoholic, his sponsor is concerned that he will relapse and sends him to a shelter ran by Joe (Paul Raci) where he can meet fellow people within the deaf community as well as finding a job that can suit him. The screenplay is fantastically paced and doesn’t leave a moment of relaxation as we explore Ruben’s relationships with his new community as well as trying to salvage his relationship with partner, Lou.

Riz Ahmed pulls off a career best performance as Ruben and has received an array of award wins and nominations, including a very well deserved nomination for the Best Leading Actor Award at this year’s Oscars. The film acts as a brilliant character study into Ruben’s life as we begin to learn more about him and his life story as the film develops. At the shelter, Ruben takes on a job as a children’s drum instructor and becomes an inspiration to those around him as well as inspired by the community who has welcomed him with open arms. Despite this, he still feels as though something is missing. With Lou having gone back to France, Ruben cannot feel cometary satisfied or whole without his hearing and he becomes determined to get implants put in that can bring back his hearing. This conflict between retrieving his hearing and learning to accept his deafness is one that resonates throughout the whole film and the results are heartbreaking.

In support, Paul Raci is fantastic as Joe, the owner of the shelter that Ruben is taken to. Having also lost his hearing later in life, Joe is able to lip read and interpret and is the key that Ruben needs to accept his situation. Raci has long worked as an interpreter and his deep knowledge on the subject makes him the perfect choice for this role. His final scene in the film when Ruben tells him about his implants is absolutely heartbreaking as it seems that his work was for nothing. His presence in the film is scattered throughout and he seems to be the missing puzzle piece as Ruben needs to find a consistency that his old life couldn’t afford him. Joe gives him the opportunity to settle down and make a decent living inspiring children to become musicians. Raci’s Supporting Actor nominations this awards season are completely deserved and it’s fantastic to see him receive such recognition for a brilliant performance that will stay with you long after the film finishes.

The sound editing and mixing in this film is second to none. Brilliantly conveying the struggles of Ruben’s deafness through the use of muffled sounds, moments of complete silence which is later juxtaposed by a whirlwind of chaotic noises after Ruben receives his implant. The sound team have done a brilliant job of keeping the audience on edge and capturing their attention by making the film just as important to listen to as it is to watch.

Sound of Metal is an exhilarating watch that will have you feeling the frustration and limitation as the protagonist as he struggles to deal with his new life. With extremely strong and impactful performances from the cast and a stellar script to boot, this a film that commands your attention from the first frame and will hold it until the credits start to roll.

What did you think about Sound of Metal? Let me know in the comments below!

Sound of Metal is available to watch on Amazon Prime!

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One Night in Miami (2020)

One of my biggest regrets of London Film Festival was that I accidentally missed the showing of Regina King’s directorial debut, One Night in Miami. Quickly becoming one of the most exciting films tonlook out for this awards season, the film follows the integral meeting that took place between boxer Cassius Clay (Eli Goree), activist Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), football player Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge) and musician Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr.) on the night that Clay became World Champion and leads up to the announcement that he is converting to Islam. Based on the play of the same name written by Kemp Powers, who also wrote the screenplay, One Night in Miami is fully engaging and beautifully shot. In an awards season that is dominated by films directed by women, King stands out as she brings a unique perspective to a film that is heavily dominated by men.

As the film is based on a play, it could have easily slipped into the trap of coming across too “stagey” and over the top. However, Powers did a brilliant job of adapting his script in a way where the location changes and long conversations feel completely natural and brings an authentic pace to the film that doesn’t feel jarring at all. Mixed with King’s ability to weave in the different backstories flawlessly, One Night in Miami tells its story effectively without patronising or spoon feeding the audience. We soon find as the film goes on just how complex each individual’s life is and how their own struggles reflect that of other African-Americans during that time as well as their power and influence to inspire change.

In the lead as activist Malcolm X, Kingsley Ben-Adir is absolutely astonishing. By far one of the most exciting breakouts of this awards season, Ben-Adir perfectly captures Malcolm’s strength and resilience that is often associated with Malcolm whilst also adding in the fearful side as we see Malcolm as a family man who is scared for his own wellbeing and mortality as he grows more paranoid of the FBI and the Nation of Islam. Naturally, Malcolm is the instigator of many conversations and arguments that occur in the film simply because he wants his friends to use their platforms to speak up about racial equality. Of course, this isn’t the first time Malcolm X has been brought to the big screen with the most notable performance coming from Denzel Washington in Spike Lee’s 1992 film, Malcolm X but Ben-Adir holds his own and shows that he is definitely a star on the rise.

In support we have Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge and Leslie Odom Jr. as Cassius Clay, Jim Brown and Sam Cooke. Each man a pioneer in their respective field through the worlds of sport and art, Malcolm invites his friends round to discuss the opportunities they have to promote racial equality thanks to the public platform they have. Every actor in this film pulls more than their weight and deliver performances that stay with you long after the film is over but the highlight in support has to be from Leslie Odom Jr. who shines as the conflicted musician Sam Cooke. Cooke is a successful musician who makes his own money and chooses to make music that caters to both black and white people because it makes him rich and allows him to be his own boss. After hearing Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind”, he is inspired to write his own song about racial injustice and the result is “A Change is Gonna Come”. To say that Odom Jr. is the perfect choice for the role is an understatement. He captures Cooke’s personality brilliantly and his voice is spot on, bringing out the passion and love Cooke has for music. It should also be noted by Odom Jr’s performance of the original song “Speak Now” which plays during the ending credits is just as beautiful as the film and I hope it receives an Academy Award come Oscars Night.

Overall, One Night in Miami is a standout among othet directorial debuts by actors because of its simplicity. King has created a film that physically is fairly still but there are a lot of moving pictures as loyalty is questioned and tensions rise. It’ll be excited where her directorial career will take her to next but right now, this film is definitely an important conversation piece that easily holds its own against the heavy hitters that boast extortionate budgets. King will no doubt be amongst the Best Director nominees when it comes to the Academy Awards and deservedly so.

What did you think of One Night in Miami? Let me know in the comments below!

One Night in Miami is available to stream on Amazon Prime now!