'Gazer' Review: A Neo-Noir Full of Suspicion and Conspiracies
There's an eeriness that permeates Ryan J. Sloan’s feature film debut, and it's enough to send chills down your spine. This tangible sensation makes Gazer's darkly emotive storytelling and overall aesthetic such a captivating watch. Making its World Premiere in Directors’ Fortnight at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Gazer is a neo-noir for modern times.
A Seedy Neo-Noir Full of Suspicion and Conspiracies
Set against an unforgivingly bleak cityscape, Gazer is the story of a young mother Frankie Rhodes (co-writer Ariella Mastroianni) who finds herself trapped in a dangerous transaction. Frankie suffers from a unique condition that affects her perception of time, which proves to be a hindrance in her quest for normalcy. Frankie's condition progresses with age, and she is doing everything she can in the present to prepare for the future, specifically saving money for her young daughter. To keep her life in order, and somewhat functional, Frankie relies on a tape recorder that constantly plays self-narrated tapes of her various memories.
One evening, a desperate yet determined Frankie accepts a shady job from a mysterious woman with a dark past. Little does she know that by accepting this questionable opportunity, which promises to pay her $3,000 cash, she will inadvertently get caught up in a murder plot full of conspiracies that put both her and her daughter's futures at stake.
An Unapologetically Bold and Beautiful Indie Film
In addition to the film's cerebral and layered storyline, Gazer excels at creating a moody ambiance. It is masterfully shot on 16mm by cinematographer Matheus Bastos. His capturing of surreal moments, specifically a dream sequence between Frankie and her husband, stopped me in my tracks. In this scene, Frankie and her husband mirror each other's movements in uncanny unison, giving incredible performances. The hauntingly melodic score, which is fantastically crafted by composer Steve Matthew Carter, further propels the film.
Takeaway
If you're a fan of Memento or Severance, you will find a lot of tonal crossovers in Gazer. Ryan J. Sloan's impressive directorial debut is even more commendable by its production capabilities. Per the film's press notes, Gazer was "shot on a shoestring budget over weekends" for two years. In front of and behind the lens, Gazer is an exciting thriller that proves independent film is alive and well.
'Hello Beautiful' Review: Finding Oneself When All Feels Lost
A model undergoes a transformative journey that leads to a life-changing epiphany in the film Hello Beautiful. Based on Christine Handy’s bestselling novel Walk Beside Me, director Ziad H. Hamzeh's dramatic adaptation shows how a breast cancer diagnosis brings to light an uncomfortable reality, but in the aftermath of this challenge, there remains a sense of resilience and strength. Hello Beautiful makes its premiere as the opening night film at the 25th Beverly Hills Film Festival.
A Model Realizes Beauty Is Only Skin Deep
Willow (Tricia Helfer) seems to have the picture-perfect life: a loving husband and children, a beautiful home in a desirable neighborhood, and continues to thrive in her career as a middle-aged model. Despite appearances, however, Willow is not living a fairytale life. Her relationship with her teenage daughter can be described as toxic at best, and her self-esteem is fragile. Willow has always been able to fall back on her beauty but she is soon forced into accepting a new, uncomfortable reality that challenges her perspective of worthiness.
A devastating breast cancer diagnosis sends Willow into a spiral. Her gorgeous blonde hair is soon gone, the victim of aggressive chemotherapy. For a woman who has depended on her looks her whole life, this is a harsh reality check. She is bitter, and angry at the world, even threatening suicide during her lowest moment. Willow's acceptance of her situation does not happen overnight, but she gradually comes to terms with her new circumstances. Her true epiphany comes after meeting a woman during chemotherapy who arguably has less than Willow. This is the catalyst for Willow's reflection on her privilege. It's true, she has cancer, but she also has a loving family, a wonderful support system, and the means to fight the disease until she reaches remission.
The Nuances of Playing a Complex Character
Handling the subject matter with sensitivity, filmmaker Ziad H. Hamzeh explores themes of identity and the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Capturing Willow's heartbreaking and emotional journey is Tricia Helfer, who herself is a supermodel-turned-actress. Her performance is adequately layered and complex. There are moments where she comes across as entitled and selfish but I attribute that to her shock. Not everyone processes trauma the same, and there is no "correct" way to grieve. Understanding this and giving Willow grace is the best way to empathize with her during her more trying moments.
Takeaway
Hello Beautiful captures a universal experience for many women who find themselves on the receiving end of a cancer diagnosis. The film doesn't shy away from showing the ugly side of illness, and this authenticity is what makes Hello Beautiful such an important watch.
'Thank You Very Much' Review: Andy Kaufman: The Offbeat Anti-Comedian
Thank You Very Much asks a very simple question: Who is the real Andy Kaufman? The answer, however, is not as straightforward. With his controversial and gonzo style of comedy, Andy Kaufman was a provocateur. An iconoclast. He found pleasure in confusing and outraging audiences. Some people loved him for this while others found it incredibly annoying. He may not be everyone's cup of tea, but there's no denying that the tea was on a meteoric rise to fame. From the filmmakers behind Uncut Gems (Elara) and Won't You Be My Neighbor (Tremolo Productions), Thank You Very Much is a long overdue exploration into the all-too-short life of a one-of-a-kind comedic genius.
An Enigmatic Legend
Filmmaker Alex Braverman sorts through never-before-seen archival footage and speaks with some of Kaufman's closest friends, colleagues, and family members to craft a portrait of the curious Andy Kaufman. The consensus among the group is that Kaufman is an artist in the truest sense of the word. His artform is his act, his "always-on" persona that had everyone questioning the lines between reality and fantasy. Was he really an awkward guy with a high-pitched foreign accent? Or was he more like Tony Clifton, a rare steak-eating, womanizing drunkard? Through interviews, we learn that no one was ever 100% sure who the real Andy Kaufman was.
But there's a downside to being a full-time jokester... no one knows when you're telling the truth. Andy Kaufman was diagnosed with and later died from lung cancer at 35 years old. And still, people thought he was faking his death. Danny Devito admitted to not believing it, thinking it was just another one of Kaufman's outlandish pranks. Some people even poked his coffin to make sure he wasn't messing around. In death, as in life, Andy Kaufman kept everyone on their toes. I'm sure he would have been thrilled to know that this is the legacy he leaves behind.
Unearthing the Public Persona
Thank You Very Much brings to life an engaging timeline from Kaufman's early days, starting at NYC's The Improvisation in 1963. From here, we see tons of archival footage from his standup sets, all still hilarious and relevant today. Braverman makes it a point to also infuse the darker moments of Kaufman's life, including homelessness, addiction, and a traumatic childhood event about his family's decision to cover up the death of his grandfather. He overcame a lot of adversity in his short life, thanks in part to his belief and practice of Transcendental Meditation. The film goes into more detail on how exactly this form of meditation literally saved his life.
A Quote From Director Alex Braverman
"The greatest joy of making a documentary about Andy Kaufman is that he is impossible to define. The musicality of his act, his shapeshifting, and wild tonal experimentation gave us a thrilling, enigmatic performer whose influence can still be felt across our entertainment, art, even politics. But for me, his most indelible legacy is that he wasn’t afraid to be the fullest, most beguiling version of himself no matter how others responded to it. That’s his genius."
Takeaway
If Andy Kaufman were alive today, would he have liked his private life examined so publicly? Would he revel in the fact that some people still believe that he is alive and his death is just some elaborate hoax? While Thank You Very Much does an excellent job of reminding audiences of the once-in-a-generation talent that was Andy Kaufman, the real truth is we may never fully understand him. One thing seems clear though: he couldn't have written his legacy any better.
'izidor' Review: An Artfully Sincere Homage to Survivors
Sometimes, the reality of someone's past seems like an impossible challenge to document on screen. The subject matter can be considered too difficult or heartbreaking for audiences to witness, despite a strong central character worth rooting for. In izidor, a short film inspired by true events, director David Kabbe finds a way to tell one man's melancholic story in a way that leads with empathy and optimism.
To Belong is to Be Alive
In 1988 communist Romania, many civilians faced a difficult quality of life. Perhaps none are more affected than children with disabilities, whom the government takes away from their birth families and displaces them to various hospitals and care centers. Banished from the rest of society, these children grow up strictly within the walls of the Asylum for Irrecoverable Children. Sensing this injustice, one daring woman (Sarah Padbury) resolves to make a difference however she can by taking home 8-year-old Izidor (Iosua Barbu). Izidor suffers from a right leg deformity and he has been in the ward his whole life.
At the beginning of the film, animation is purposefully used to depict the passing of time and horrid living conditions. Says director David Kabbe, "[It] allowed us to handle sensitive content with delicacy and compassion, yet still invoke the harsh realities of that life." However, once Izidor is led out of the facility by the woman, the animation turns into a realistic portrait with actors and set pieces. This shift indicates Izidor's new world, one of possibility, color, and hope. Having never ventured into the outside world before, Izidor is amazed by everything he sees. Eventually, the woman has to bring Izidor back to the facility where his vivid world immediately turns back into animation. Despite this, he carries with him a glimmer of hope. He sweetly shares a little piece of the outside world with one of his friends on the inside.
Takeaway
izidor turns a difficult topic into an artfully sincere homage to Izidor's life story. The film makes its World Premiere at the 2025 Cleveland International Film Festival, running March 27 - April 13, 2025.
'Nomad Solitude' Review: The Reality of Nomadland Living
When Nomadland won the Oscar in 2021, it strongly indicated what audiences wanted to feel from a film. At the height of the pandemic, when people were forced into quarantine, there was an undeniable longing for fresh air, open roads, and above all else, freedom. The days of lockdown may be over but the resounding interest in alternative lifestyles remains high. Director Sebastien Wielemans captures this spirit of minimalist living in the documentary Nomad Solitude.
Life on the Open Road
Nomad Solitude tells the real-life stories of three women who live the lives depicted in big-screen feature films. A couple of examples from recent filmography include characters like Fern (Frances McDormand) in Chloé Zhao's Nomadland and Faye (Dale Dickey) in Max Walker-Silverman's A Love Song. Wielemans documents these women, all in their sixties, who live in their vans and travel wherever the wind takes them. Up and down the beautiful and vast American roads, Laurie, Kristy, and Linda individually give audiences a peek into their lives as nomads. All struggling to make ends meet in traditional society, they find immeasurable joy in their alternative lifestyles.
Linda is a vlogger and runs the YouTube channel Serene and Simple Life. She is a go-getter and monetizes her lifestyle by promoting her Amazon storefront and selling inspirational quote packs. Laurie is very down to Earth, pun intended, and has been solo traveling for many years. She too has a YouTube channel but with only 50ish subscribers, she falls back on family when facing a difficult financial situation. Finally, there is Kristy, a technologically unsavvy nomad who believes the whole purpose of van life is to live in the moment without the burden of having to document every minute of it. All without financial security, these women believe in placing importance on what they believe is a higher currency: freedom.
Camper Vans and Cinéma-Vérité
Filmmaker Sebastien Wielemans travels between Arizona, Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas, Georgia, and Texas in this sweeping portrait of American life. He captures the highs and lows of being addicted to freedom and how that impacts each woman's life differently. He makes an excellent decision to break the fourth wall in the film's third act, which makes the audience feel even closer to the subjects on screen. Further aiding this intimate journey is the score, which masquerades more like windchimes than a traditional soundtrack. The result is serene and heavenly.
Takeaway
A story of resilience and an unsatiated lust for life, Nomad Solitude acknowledges and celebrates uniqueness. If you've ever been curious about life as an "outside person", take a cinematic field trip with Nomad Solitude.
'¡Quba!' Review: For Cuba's LGBTQ Community, Love Wins
The veil of mystery shields much of the world from daily life in the socialist country of Cuba. Director Kim Anno bravely, and successfully, lifts the lid on Cuba's marginalized queer community in the documentary ¡Quba!. Shining a spotlight on the LGBTQ+ people who have struggled for visibility and safety in their communities, ¡Quba! offers a beacon of light and the promise of a more inclusive future. The documentary makes its World Premiere at the 2025 La Havana International Film Festival on Saturday, April 5.
Homosexuality is Not a Danger. Homophobia is.
The vibrancy of Cuba's colorful buildings and vibrant coastline act as a backdrop to this important human rights story. The film takes place around five cities: Havana, Santa Clara, Caibarién, Matanzas, and Santiago de Cuba. They share a similar background where the population's education is low but activism is high. Our protagonist is Adela Hernandez, a trans politician who overcame a four-year stay in prison due to her sexual identity to then become the first transgender official in Cuba's government.
The documentary also interviews Ramon Silverio, a trailblazer who has dedicated his life to El Mejunje Center, often regarded as a cultural haven for the queer community. This safe space aims to challenge prejudice through the universal language of art. Fidel Castro’s niece, Mariela Castro, Las Isabellas, and Ulises Suarez further propel the social revolution by leading the charge on the Marriage Equality Act, which resulted in a victory in 2022.
Love Wins
Combining modern interviews with archival footage from Fidel Castro's reign, ¡Quba! documents just how far the country has come. Gone are the days of machismo patriarchy and religious bigotry. The Cuba of the past is transforming into a country of acceptance and belonging. Says filmmaker Kim Anno, "The Cuban LGBTQ community opened their minds and hearts to our film and I am the first LGBTQ director to make a feature film about this topic."
Takeaway
For most Americans, visiting Cuba for tourist purposes is off the table. Due to a trade embargo and travel restrictions implemented in 1961, U.S. citizens may only enter the country for specific reasons, like visiting family, journalism requirements, or humanitarian projects. Until this ban is lifted, if it ever does, Kim Anno's ¡Quba! is our only window into the Cuban way of life. Thankfully, we have a front-row seat to their LGBTQ revolution.
'Billie' Review: This Queen of Hearts Seeks Revenge
Billie is an operatic revenge thriller that flips the male-dominated poker industry on its head. Writer/director Vincent Bossel's short film artfully puts the control back into the hands of young women everywhere. An exercise in combating ugly and misogynistic stereotypes, Billie is an unapologetic response to the power imbalance that still exists in certain communities and lifestyles.
This Queen of Hearts Seeks Revenge
Set in a Lynchian-style red room with dark furnishings, Billie (Luna Demeules) spends her nights as a masseuse at a private poker club. As the high-rolling men sit around the table smoking, drinking, and carelessly throwing money down in hopes of hitting the jackpot, Billie has her eyes on a different prize. For reasons slightly unclear, although we can assume it has to do with sexual abuse and misogyny, Billie attempts to find one specific man to enact her revenge on. This queen of hearts is on a mission
The Film's Visual Style Hits the Jackpot
Running just shy of 10 minutes, Billie impressively feels like a cornucopia of visual style. From the luscious production design to the dramatic organ piece in the opening sequence, Billie is an inspired crime drama. Award-winning Swiss-Vietnamese filmmaker Vincent Bossel seemingly takes inspiration from Quentin Tarantino and Park Chan-wook in crafting this short. The film's moodiness and fantastical elements play like fever dreams, blurring the lines of reality and fantasy. Bossel also expertly plays with the senses. Bold colors cut drastically between black and white, while walls of sound frequently descend into silence.
Takeaway
A pulsing thrill ride from start to finish, Billie is a deliciously satisfying femme-focused power anthem. The film played at the Rhode Island International Film Festival.
'The Assessment' Review: A Darkly Dystopian Mindf*ck
What immediately piqued my interest in The Assessment wasn't the headlining cast or the Pinterest-worthy production design photos. No, it was the film's director, the French visual artist Fleur Fortuné. Having personally worked in the commercial and music video industry for over a decade, I'd recognize Fortuné's visual style anywhere. She expertly blends surreal and whimsical imagery with compelling narratives, which makes for unforgettable cinematic feats. Fortuné uses her artistic strengths in The Assessment, a dystopian story about a couple's struggle to have a child for reasons other than you'd expect.
Keep Calm and You May Get a Baby
Starring Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Olsen, and Himesh Patel, The Assessment is a psychologically provocative minefield. Set in the near future where parenthood is strictly controlled, Mia (Olsen) and Aaryan (Patel) are ready to take their relationship to the next level. They want to have a baby. However, the reality of this dream coming true is far more laborious than it once was. In this dystopian landscape, resources are limited and the government has total control over reproduction rights. Despite being a successful couple in every sense of the word, Mia and Aaryan have to undergo a seven-day assessment to determine if they are "fit" enough to have a child.
It doesn't take long before their assessor, Virginia (Vikander), arrives at the couple's home. Without delay, she quickly begins the highly confidential and borderline inhumane process. At first glance, Virginia seems like a levelheaded, unbiased judge of character. Any nerves the couple have are momentarily put at ease. However, Virginia's test quickly unravels into their worst psychological nightmare. Virginia begins acting like a child, roleplaying every worst-case scenario regardless of harmful intent. Mia and Aaryan's relationship begins to crack as they–for the first time–question the very foundations of their society and whether their relationship can survive.
Stunning Production Design Lends Itself to A Swoonworthy Retro-Futuristic Aesthetic
Elizabeth Olsen and Himesh Patel do an excellent job grounding the film in reality while simultaneously pushing against Alicia Vikander's absurdity. Vikander has a lot to play with as Virginia, her performance reminds me of her role in the Mike Mills short film I Am Easy to Find. Vikander is theatrical, brash, and at times borders on annoying. However, her role is to push Mia and Aaryan’s patience threshold. And in doing this, she successfully tests the audience's patience as well.
The retro-futuristic world of The Assessment is beautiful, almost museum-like. Stunning production design by Jan Houllevigue and art design by Philippe Mayanobe bring to life a cohesive blend of fantasy and reality. Further driving the mood is the original score by Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch whose previous work includes All of Us Strangers and Censor).
Takeaway
Filmmaker Fleur Fortuné crafts a darkly humorous and poignant thesis statement in The Assessment. At its core, it requires us to get introspective and determine what we're willing to sacrifice for our heart's desire. It's a chilling film to watch, and even harder to shake.