'Every Little Thing' Review: Answering Nature's Call, One Hummingbird at a Time
Sally Aitken's uplifting documentary Every Little Thing perfectly captures a feeling of hopefulness the world needs right now. Proving that small acts of kindness can make a big difference, the filmmaker turns her lens on Terry Masear, a hummingbird rehabilitator who dedicates her life to preserving the most vulnerable and smallest bird species. Having made its premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, Every Little Thing flies into the Laemmle's Monica Film Center this weekend with a national expansion to follow.
Observing Nature's Gentle Warriors
From the moment we meet Los Angeles resident Terry Masear, it's clear that she is living out her life's destiny. Terry is somewhat of a local legend in the birder community, known for the hummingbird rescue she runs out of her home. An empathetic and knowledgeable one-woman show, Terry is an expert at pinpointing the physical and emotional ailments of these small animals. Speaking directly to the camera with a tiny creature in her hand, Terry effortlessly showcases both her maternal instincts and intellectual prowess.
Throughout the film's hour-and-a-half runtime, Terry takes in and cares for a handful of birds she charmingly names "Larry Bird", "Cactus", and "Jimmy". Filmmaker Sally Aitken highlights the beauty and fragility of these animals by quietly observing Terry's compassion and empathy. However, like most nature documentaries, Every Little Thing doesn't shy away from showing the harsh realities of Mother Nature. Some moments are difficult to get through with dry eyes, yet every death is acknowledged with dignity and respect.
The Hummingbird's Biggest Fan
Terry's Hummingbird Rescue has been operational for over 20 years, making her the longest-practicing hummingbird rehabilitation expert in the country. Every Little Thing is based on Terry’s best-selling book, Fastest Things on Wings. The documentary mirrors the book by intimately showing the triumphs and heartbreaks of rehabilitating orphaned and injured hummingbirds. Terry’s impact has directly led to the increased health of the hummingbird population as well as enhanced their breeding and nesting practices.
Takeaway
If any movie can restore faith in humanity, it is Every Little Thing. This charming indie film acts as a beacon of light and goodwill. It offers space for genuine reflection and serves as a reminder that no act of kindness is too small.
'Stockton to Table Rock' Review: Harnessing Strength During Difficult Times
Watching a movie can be a very therapeutic experience. Seeing a character you relate to can help you feel less alone and process situations from a new perspective. In the indie feature Stockton to Table Rock, filmmaker Elliot Norton bravely shares his wife's story of survival amidst childhood abuse and lingering trauma. The result is an authentic-driven narrative that will touch hearts and signal to anyone struggling that they are not alone. Relief is possible.
Based on Reality, a Story of Hope
Stockton to Table Rock, inspired by and starring Zoë Kelly, tells the story of Rori (Kelly), a high school senior who reaches a breaking point in her tumultuous relationship with her mother, Shelly (Jessica Ires Morris). Rori is a spunky and sharp teenager who typically thrives at school, taking initiative and projecting confidence. However, feelings of self-doubt and insecurity arise when she returns home and is around her self-centered and alcoholic mother. Using flashbacks to portray her complicated past, Rori is exhausted by living this double life. Her scholastic safe haven is interrupted when she encounters a teacher's assistant who reminds her of her mother. The woman has a short temper and is borderline verbally abusive, triggering Rori to relive difficult moments from her childhood, including gaslighting, abuse, and manipulation.
As a single parent, Shelly depends on Rori for daily tasks and household upkeep. As a result, Rori must bear more responsibilities than most children from two-parent households. This codependency between mother and child finally comes to a head when Shelly suffers a medical emergency and Rori is forced to act as her caretaker. Seeing Shelly as a dependent instead of an abuser is a strange contradiction for Rori to make sense of. Now that Rori is older and has agency over her life, she is finally able to decide if the current relationship she has with her mother is one worth maintaining.
Takeaway
In Stockton to Table Rock, filmmaker Elliot Norton and Zoë Kelly share a story of resilience and strength. Through tremendous vulnerability, Kelly shows that it's never too late to make amends with those you've wronged. Your inner child can heal at any age so long as one's intentions are pure. The character of Rori serves as a symbol of hope, of not letting the past define one's future. Set to a richly layered score by composer Jesse Blake Rundle and strong performances by Kelly and Jessica Ires Morris, Stockton to Table Rock is both an inspiring and aspirational watch.
'The Last Showgirl' Review: A Star is Born
Pamela Anderson makes a stunning return to the screen in Gia Coppola's inspiring indie darling The Last Showgirl. Set in Las Vegas, Anderson plays an aging showgirl faced with the harsh reality of life after the final curtain call. Hailed as one of the year's best performances, Anderson has received much-deserved recognition for her role as the glamorous dancer, including nominations from SAG and the Golden Globes. Gia Coppola lives up to her familial name in this sentimental yet strong portrait of a woman whose resilience shines brighter than any stage lights ever could. The Last Showgirl is a must-see.
The Final Curtain
Las Vegas's "Le Razzle Dazzle" is the last of its kind. A burlesque show that has been a mainstay on the strip for over 30 years, it's one of the city's most cherished and infamous entertainment options. However, it's legacy and aura pail in comparison to the newer shows that have begun popping up all around town. The show's downward trajectory is when we meet Shelly (Anderson), a middle-aged dancer and industry veteran. Shelly takes her role in "Le Razzle Dazzle" seriously–both on and off the stage–as she is widely considered a mother figure to the younger dancers Jodie (Kiernan Shipka) and Mary-Anne (Brenda Song). However, tension continues to grow between the dancers and the show's empathetic producer, Eddie (Dave Bautista), who finds himself in the middle of an increasingly somber situation.
One evening, during a get-together at Shelly's house attended by Eddie, Jodie, Mary-Anne, and Shelly's best friend and former dancer/current casino cocktail waitress Annette (Jamie Lee Curtis), Eddie reveals that "Le Razzle Dazzle" will be closing its door imminently. He explains that new casino owners are rebranding the entertainment slate and will be retiring the show in two weeks. In its place will be a "dirty circus", and producers are already casting for roles. Shelly stares at Eddie blankly, expressionless as the emotion drains from her face. Reality sets in that in two weeks, she will be an unemployed middle-aged dancer looking for work in an industry that prioritizes youth.
Pamela Anderson's Star Power Has Never Been Brighter
Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis both give unmatched performances. It should come as no surprise to hear that Curtis vanishes into the role of Annette, whose cigarette-saturated clothing you can smell through the screen. One scene in particular, a dance montage to Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart", perfectly encapsulates her emotional state in a stunning, dialogue-free way.
Pamela Anderson gives a remarkably memorable performance, commanding the screen with a quiet but sturdy grace. It's hard not to think of Shelly as Britney Spears of an alternate timeline, her passion for performing being both a blessing and a curse for her personal life. Shelly is naive and optimistic, despite being unlucky in love and having a fraught relationship with her daughter, Hannah (Billie Lourd). For years, Shelly was a big fish in a small pond, and this made her feel safe. "Le Razzle Dazzle's" closure is no doubt a disruption to her life but perhaps this is what she needed to finally push her outside of her comfort zone and live bigger.
Takeaway
The Last Showgirl plays like a spiritual sister to The Substance while also existing in the same universe as The Iron Claw and The Wrestler. It serves as a fascinating character study of not just Shelly's, but also Annette's, threatened livelihood due to the "out with the old, in with the new" mentality. Filmmaker Gia Coppola offers a poignant opportunity to reflect on what constitutes a "successful" life. Is it wealth, status, or just doing what you love? Ending with the original song “Beautiful That Way” by Miley Cyrus, The Last Showgirl is an indie gem worthy of a standing ovation.
'Step Back, Doors Closing' Review: A Lovely Millennial Meet-Cute
The energy of budding young love, set against the bustling city of Washington, DC, lends itself to an electrifying romantic adventure in writer-director Carter Ward's feature film debut, Step Back, Doors Closing. Grounded by charmingly authentic performances from its lead actors, Step Back, Doors Closing is a refreshing and inspiring film. Fans of Celine Song's Past Lives and Nora Ephron's You've Got Mail will appreciate this indie film's spiritual connection to the magic of human relationships.
A Love Story with a Time Limit
Julisa (Carmen Berkeley) is not having the best start to her trip to DC. Her flight from Los Angeles is uncomfortable, and her phone gets water-damaged and stops working, rendering her completely lost. As she attempts to make it to her friend's apartment without an address, Julisa begins chatting with Ryan (Reilly Walters). Julisa and Ryan's chemistry is undeniable from the start, clicking as if they were friends reuniting after years apart. Ryan, sensing Julisa's anxiousness about her situation, offers support until she makes contact with her friend and can continue on her planned journey. But until then, Ryan and Julisa make the best of a strange situation together.
Ryan, a DC native, is happy to show Julisa around the city. As they get to know each other better, they realize they have a mutual friend in common. This finding puts Julisa's mind at ease and reinforces the adage that it really is a small world. The more time they spend together, the more their innocent flirtations turn into tangible feelings. However, they both know that their time is finite. They live on opposite coasts, for starters. Ryan also shares that he recently got out of a four-year relationship. Despite the timing not being perfect, Ryan and Julisa dive in head first and explore this unexpected connection.
Strikes the Balance of Heartfelt and Humorous
In addition to being a reflection of modern-day meet-cutes, Step Back, Doors Closing is a love letter to being young and taking risks. Carter Ward infuses the perfect balance of heartfelt and humorous moments in the script, and doesn't shy away from bigger philosophical questions like free will vs. predetermination. Lead actors Carmen Berkeley and Reilly Walters do a phenomenal job driving this film with their onscreen chemistry and layered performances. What is also impressive is the use of practical locations secured, including an airport interior and nearby National Monuments.
Takeaway
“This is a story about being 24, learning to smell the roses, and falling in love,” says Ward. This sentiment is echoed throughout the film in a lovely way. Nominated for the Grand Jury Award at Dances With Films, Step Back, Doors Closing is a film to be felt as well as seen.
'Trumpet Gumbo' Review: A Chef Narrowly Avoids a Kitchen Nightmare
Music, like food, is best when made from the heart. This sentiment rings true in writer-director Brad Courtemanche's aspirational short drama Trumpet Gumbo, which shows how a young chef overcomes an embarrassing kitchen blunder by remembering love is always the main ingredient. Made for a modest $10,000, Trumpet Gumbo is a highly effective film that showcases the intensity of kitchen etiquette and the power of positive thinking.
Yes, Chef
The film opens with a recognizable trumpet melody that immediately brings the viewer into the heart of New Orleans. Here, we meet Chef Buddy Bontemps, a local street food legend and recent winner of a popular cooking show. Buddy's star is burning bright, and with the newfound attention on him and his culinary skills, he has the opportunity to open his own restaurant. However, he is still months away from completing a mandatory mentorship under the highly skilled Michelin star Chef Deluca before Buddy's restaurant dreams become a reality.
Buddy may not be a perfectionist in the kitchen, but his routine is uniquely his own. He cuts herbs and sharpens knives while listening to his late father's jazz album. The spirit of the record keeps Buddy's mindset optimistic until a kitchen misstep gets into his head, and this worst-case scenario begins playing out like a surreal nightmare. Chef Deluca berates him in front of the entire crew for misremembering a recent order. Almost losing his cool, Buddy turns to the one thing he knows can get him through anything: music. Taking a breath, he pulls out his phone and plays his favorite song, made by his late father, "Trumpet Gumbo". He gets back to work with his confidence slightly shattered, but his head held high.
Takeaway
Trumpet Gumbo is a story of resilience set in the creative world of culinary arts. A strong performance by lead actor Brandon Scales anchors the film. His emotional catharsis serves the film's bigger picture and gives way to a strong payoff. Fans of The Bear and those who love the music of Damien Chazelle's films (Whiplash, Babylon, La La Land) will find much to enjoy in Trumpet Gumbo.
'Nosferatu' Review: A Tale of Gory, Gothic Heartache
Writer-director Robert Eggers has never been one to shy away from provocatively visceral moments in his films. His feature debut, The Witch, dips into the dark abyss of Puritan folklore and witchcraft. My favorite of Eggers' repertoire, The Lighthouse, shows Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe increasingly spiraling into isolation insanity. His fourth and most recent feature, Nosferatu, further solidifies his trademark gothic style and wholly unholy flare.
Not a Remake but a Reimagining
Eggers' vision is not just a remake but a reimagining of the classic 1922 silent German film Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror. Directed by F. W. Murnau, the original film set a precedent as being one of the most influential within the horror genre. Its stark vampire lore has continued to excite filmmakers over the last century, and Eggers is not the first to try his hand at showcasing this material through a new lens. In 1979, Werner Herzog released Nosferatu the Vampyre. In the early 90s, Francis Ford Coppola released his adaptation, which was more so inspired by the original Dracula source material, called Bram Stoker's Dracula. Like its predecessors before it, Eggers' Nosferatu offers a familiar story with the benefit of upgraded technological advancements.
Obsession Turns Deadly
Lily-Rose Depp plays Ellen Hutter, a young woman haunted by a mysterious and supernatural vampire. The vampire's obsession with Ellen began in childhood and its grip on both her free will and well-being continues to tighten the older she gets. When we meet Ellen, she is happily married to the love of her life, a real estate agent named Thomas (Nicholas Hoult). A work opportunity forces the couple to spend a few weeks apart as Thomas travels to visit a prospective property owner hundreds of miles away. As soon as Thomas arrives at Count Orlok's (Bill Skarsgård) eerily foreboding castle nestled within the barren mountains, he knows something is wrong. Upon meeting the evasive and frightening Count, Thomas looks for a way out but soon realizes that he has what Count Orlok really wants: Ellen. And this time, Count Orlok–or, Nosferatu, as legend has it–isn't letting anything or anyone get in his way.
Evil lurks around every corner as Count Orlok makes his way toward Ellen. Thomas, with his friends Friedrich (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Anna (Emma Corrin) Harding, attempts to interfere but they are only met with increasing distress and devastation. This is where Professor Albin Eberhart von Franz (Willem Dafoe), a leading expert on the occult, comes into the picture. Joining forces, they work to save Ellen from the clutches of this demon. The only problem is, it doesn't seem like Ellen wants to be saved after all.
A Gorgeously Gothic
Lily-Rose Depp throws her body into the role of Ellen, which demands a high degree of physical maneuvering and expression. Any time Nosferatu visits Ellen, she flails her body in seizure-like contortions. It's a painful yet pleasurable experience for Ellen, who cannot seem to break Nosferatu's spell despite her love for Thomas. This love triangle is the centerpiece of the film's climax. While the ending may be obvious to those who already know this story, Eggers' interpretation is full of emotional depth. Its inconclusiveness may not satisfy everyone but Eggers remains confident in his choices.
Every craft department fires on all cylinders, from the casting to the set design (which included 5,000 live rats!). However, the most stunning element is Jarin Blaschke's brilliant cinematography. The shadow play is incredible, the richness of color is deliciously satiable, and every frame looks like a Victorian painting.
Takeaway
As expected, Nosferatu isn't going to be light-viewing. It's macabre in nature and Robert Eggers amplifies this darkness through skilled camerawork and design. More horrifying than thrilling, Nosferatu will no doubt send a cool shiver down your spine.
'A Complete Unknown' Review: The Rise of a Cultural Disruptor
What happens when you get one of the most in-demand (some may argue currently oversaturated) actors to play an enigmatic legendary musician? Director James Mangold makes this incredible challenge look easy in his latest biopic, A Complete Unknown. Timothée Chalamet is electric as the rebellious nobody turned American folk hero Bob Dylan. Chalamet defies naysayers' assumptions as he channels Dylan's defiance and creative genius through spellbinding performances that vividly capture the revolutionary musical awakening of the 60s. While the film still has its blemishes, it's an easy Best Actor nomination for Chalamet come Oscar season.
From a Rolling Stone to Folk Icon
A Complete Unknown charts the meteoric rise of Bob Dylan's spectacular and complicated career. Based on the novel Dylan Goes Electric!: Newport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night That Split the Sixties by author Elijah Wald, the film captures a short but substantial period of Dylan's early life. Bob Dylan (Chalamet) arrives in New York City with nothing more than an acoustic guitar and a dream. The year is 1961 and the 19-year-old from Minnesota is eager to make a name for himself. His confidence and singular talent catch the attention of Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) who swiftly takes Dylan under his wing.
Seeger is eager to introduce Dylan to the wider NYC music industry. He knows full well that what Dylan harnesses is something special. Acting as his manager, Seeger sets up various showcases around Greenwich Village. Instantly, audiences are captivated by Dylan’s poetic and dagger-like lyrics and unique sound. He catches the eye of another folk darling, Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), and they go on to have a sporadic but highly passionate and rocky relationship. His romantic life is one of disarray as he also juggles his on-again, off-again relationship with Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning).
Dylan Goes Electric!
Bob Dylan's revolutionary talent came with its fair share of controversy. After years of playing traditional folk-inspired songs, Dylan feels compelled to explore the new sound of the 60s: electric. Everything culminates on the day of the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. At this point, he is bored of playing his hit songs and is determined to shake things up, much to the concert promoters' and audiences' dismay. Never one to stray from his authenticity, Dylan plugs in and ends up playing a groundbreaking performance that changes the trajectory of his career–and folk music–forever.
Timothée Chalamet Deserves a Standing Ovation
The film's biggest source of awe is undoubtedly the pitch-perfect performance by Timothée Chalamet. Chalamet not only physically embodies the scrawny songwriter, but he also belts the songs and plays the guitar and harmonica with incredibly detailed precision. He performs for nearly half of the movie, at times it seems as if there are more songs than dialogue. Every song, from "A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall" to "Like A Rolling Stone" to "Girl From The North Country", is spellbinding. Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez is equally impressive. Her rendition of "House Of The Rising Sun" and "It Ain’t Me, Babe" are emotionally compelling and just plain fun to listen to.
Despite Powerful Performances, Mystery Remains
A Complete Unknown is not a perfect film. The biggest source of frustration comes from the script not going into enough depth about Dylan's mysterious life pre-NYC. Little nuggets intended to pique our interest are never fully addressed. For example, we see an envelope intended for Bob Dylan but it's addressed to a moniker we've never heard before. Perhaps a future documentary can explore more details about his early life. However, in A Complete Unknown, these moments should have either been addressed or cut altogether. Aside from the riveting performances, which is why this film is worth seeing in theaters, Mangold's biopic leaves much to be desired about the mysterious early life of this icon.
Takeaway
Fans of Bob Dylan should feel optimistic about A Complete Unknown. Timothée Chalamet exceeds expectations and delivers one of the most unforgettable performances of the year. Dylan's music has been attributed to bridging the gap between genres and generations. Similarly, A Complete Unknown is a film for everyone: every age and musical preference, especially those with a rebellious spirit.
'The Room Next Door' Review: A Bold Statement on Life and Death
Pedro Almodóvar's English-language feature debut is a stylish albeit strained saga of reconnection amid tragedy. Based on the novel What Are You Going Through by Sigrid Nunez, The Room Next Door gives glimpses of strength in its beautiful production design and enviable wardrobes. Still, strong visual aesthetics ultimately don't make up for a soft script. Even Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore's star power can't stop this drama from nearly flatlining.
An Overdue Reunion Sparks Joy and Sacrifice
Ingrid (Moore) is a best-selling author whose career is flourishing, as evidenced by her sold-out book signing event. She gets a sobering reality check after learning that her once-close friend Martha (Swinton) is in the late stages of cancer. Despite not seeing each other in some time, Ingrid feels called to visit Martha in the hospital. Ingrid's presence is the greatest gift to Martha, who welcomes her back into her life with open arms.
We learn that Ingrid and Martha were colleagues-turned-friends from when they worked for the same NYC magazine. Their lives eventually led each down a different path. Ingrid pursued writing and Martha became an on-the-ground war correspondent. The women were gradually separated by circumstance, until now. Perhaps it's Martha's persuadable personality, or maybe it's Ingrid's desire to please, but the women quickly become inseparable. Martha appreciates this quality time, and eventually asks Ingrid the most unexpected yet important question of the relatively short time she has left: will she accompany Martha upstate and keep her company until she decides to end her life?
In Sickness and in Health
It's a bizarre situation that Almodóvar infuses dark humor into to relieve the grief. Ingrid agrees to Martha's final wish, despite her obvious and repeated statement that she's "terrified of death". The house upstate is gorgeous and, ironically, beaming with life due to its proximity to nature. The film's second half takes place primarily in this architecturally stunning wonderland that borders the dimension between life and death.
Tilda Swinton Makes it Impossible to Look Away
Tilda Swinton gives a staggering performance as Martha. She comes alive as she exaggeratedly retells stories from her deathbed, which usually includes flashbacks and (frankly unnecessary) reenactments. Swinton embodies Martha's vulnerability so delicately that it's hard to look away anytime she is on screen. I wish I could say the same about Julianne Moore's Ingrid, although that's not entirely her fault. Ingrid is written so one-dimensionally and flat, there isn't much for Moore to work with until the film's end. Ingrid acts primarily as a sounding board and even therapist for Martha. She is never given a personality of her own.
The biggest question that is never really answered is why Ingrid feels the need to put her life on pause while she essentially acts as Martha's hospice BFF. Her career is taking off and it can be argued that, while it's incredibly generous to step away to care for a loved one, the two women hadn't been close in years. Decades even. The motivation is never fully revealed.
The Almodóvar Color Palette Doesn't Disappoint
Fans of Almodóvar will be pleased to know that his signature style of bold colors and breathtaking visuals are all over The Room Next Door. The color red is nearly in every scene, whether it be a car, coat, purse, or lipstick. When we first meet both women, Ingrid wears a bright red sweater. Martha is dressed in a muted red top. Their varying shades of red, the color of passion and vitality, seem to ultimately foreshadow their fate. Almodóvar's frequent collaborator, composer Alberto Iglesias, reteams with the director again here. While the score is emotive and large-scale, it feels oversaturated and conflicting in certain scenes. Ultimately, it is more distracting than a helpful storytelling device.
Takeaway
The Room Next Door is not Almodóvar's finest work, but it offers a unique perspective on an unconventional life journey. The film's message of accepting and living with tragedy is a very personal one, I'm sure it will resonate differently with everyone who views it.