THE SUBSTANCE (R) Dir. Coralie Fargeat Horror becomes her, as Demi Moore endures toxic beauty standards – and feminism – in what is easily one of the giddiest and goriest thrillers of the year. Grade (4.25 / 5.0) Societal expectations are a weird and terrible thing, and that seems to be something that there […]
KINDS OF KINDNESS (R) Dir. Yorgos Lanthimos Lanthimos’ absurdist comedy triptych examines the bizarre, ugly aspects of the human condition and our struggle to accept and control our existence – complete with finger-severing, sweat-licking, cringe-worthy laughs (4.0 / 5.0) B- Yorgos Lanthimos movies are strange. That statement almost goes without saying; from The Lobster
One of the most audacious films of the year might also be one of the most nominated this season. Director today, auteur tomorrow, Yorgos Lanthimos, has a reputation for pushing the envelope in his cinematic choices with what the audience can and will accept. “The Killing of a Sacred Deer,” “The Lobster,” and “The Favourite”
French director Claire Denis is leaning increasingly toward English language films. Typically known for her French language submissions that make a splash at Cannes or international film festivals, Denis is not what you would call a mainstream filmmaker. Her intimate films always explore human connections, whether it be love triangles, space life, or in this
Ironically indie darling Kristen Stewart gave a more original performance in Charlie’s Angels than Seberg. In a rare turn playing a real person, Stewart takes on the role of 70’s era actress Jean Seberg who became involved in The Black Panther movement. Director Benedict Andrews (Una) is a relatively new filmmaker who focuses the story
Jamie Bell (“Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool”) has two films at TIFF this year, apparently, I saw the wrong one. “Donnybrook” is a cross between a drama about poverty issues (“Winters Bone”) and a high stakes street-fighting action flick (“Warrior”). We see drug dealing/drug selling elements similar to “Winters Bone,” which take up the
We have seen nuns depicted in so many different films and in so many different ways. Novitiate offers something rather simple, yet original to the world of cinema. An in depth look at what exactly were the requirements and expectations of a young woman choosing a convent and to marry Christ in the 1960’s. Not