'What Remains' Review: The Harrowing Story of Sweden's Most Notorious Serial Killer
Inspired by true events, What Remains tells the harrowing story of a mentally ill Scandinavian man who confessed to, and was convicted of, more than 30 murders of young boys. Based on the life of Sweden's most notorious serial killer Thomas Quick, filmmaker Ran Huang avoids turning this emotionally fraught story into a showy spectacle. It can be argued that the true crime genre, as a whole, has become "Netflix-ified," catering to audiences who crave easily digestible, pop culture content over the more mundane reality of police investigations. What Remains is not an easy watch in any sense. It is dark, voyeuristic, and devastating. It is also an interesting meditative study of the effect trauma has on memory, and how the body keeps the score.
An Unsolved Disappearance Threatens a Massive Unraveling
Mads Lake (Gustaf Skarsgård) has been held in a Scandinavian psychiatric hospital for years after being convicted of molesting multiple young boys. Recently, though, his chance to start over and rejoin society is actually within reach. The thought both excites and terrifies him. Mads currently exists in the world as a shell of a human. He has hollow eyes and a shaky voice that barely registers above a whisper. His long, stringy hair and unkempt appearance show obvious signs of depression and defeat. His look is the epitome of a guilty man.
This is also the impression he gives his therapist Anna Rudebeck (Academy Award-nominated Andrea Riseborough) upon their first meeting. However, she can see through Mads' physical appearance as she gently digs into his past in search of the canon event that altered his life. It's not long before she discovers that Mads was sexually abused as a child by his father. Hearing this, Anna stays neutral and non-judgemental, offering patience and grace. However, Officer Soren Rank (Stellan Skarsgård) has a less lenient approach. His only goal is to get to the truth of the unsolved disappearance of a six-year-old boy that Mads may have been involved in.
Anna and Soren's opposing viewpoints sometimes lead to tense conversations, which only makes Mads' memory murky. Did he kill this boy, and the others he abused? At first, Mads is adamant he had nothing to do with this boy's disappearance. But as evidence is produced that seems to claim otherwise, Mads begins to question everything he thought he knew about himself.
A Skarsgård Family Affair
What Remains is a bold directorial debut for Ran Huang, whose only previous credit includes the 2014 short The Administration of Glory. Most notable is the deliberately slow pacing, almost leaning into director Apichatpong Weerasethakul's territory. For a high-intensity, high-stakes thriller, Ran Huang unfolds the narrative beats in What Remains with almost too much restraint. Running two hours and six minutes, a tighter edit could have offered a stronger thrill component to the story. As it currently plays, the abundance of silence dilutes the tension.
The darkness of the subject matter equally matches the film's visual aesthetic. The score, composed by Ben Frost, includes limited cues. But when the intensity of the music starts to creep in, it effectively shifts the whole mood. It's also worth pointing out that What Remains is a family affair for Sweden's royal family, the Skarsgårds. Not only does Stellan and his son Gustaf star in the film but Megan Everett-Skarsgard (Stellan's second wife and Gustaf's stepmother) co-wrote the screenplay.
Takeaway
Again, What Remains is not an easy watch, but it does offer a fascinating look at procedural psychology in action. The performances are steadfast and strong, which is to be expected with the Skarsgård family. Its darkness may be a tough sell but if you're interested in a unique approach to the overdone serial killer story, What Remains may be for you.
'A Two Hearted Tale' Review: The Craft Beer Revolution is Coming and it Starts With the Label
When discussing craft beer, most of the time the conversation centers around the taste and quality of the beverage. In co-directors Bret Miller and Rory McHarg's short documentary A Two Hearted Tale, they ponder a more philosophical question: What makes a good beer label? The answer, they come to, is escapism. Featuring Ladislav Hanka, the eccentric artist behind Bell's Brewery's famous label the "Two Hearted Ale", for which the documentary's name is inspired, A Two Hearted Tale explores how beer can be more than just an adult beverage but a fascinating story.
Dave Chappell famously asked for a Bell's Beer during a comedy set and pointed out its unusual label. “Why the hell did you put a fish on the label?”, he exclaimed aloud to much laughter from the crowd. It is a good question, why a fish? For the answer, the label's artist Ladislav Hanka goes into colorful detail about his storied career in animation and the early lessons from childhood that shape his art today. He also speaks to drawing–pun intended– inspiration from John Voelker, author of Trout Madness and Anatomy of a Murder, a former Supreme Court Justice who quit his job in order to live a simpler life. A running theme in his work centers around the simplicity of life, a vibe that Bell's Brewery and their signature beer label, the "Two Hearted Ale", want to align with.
Watch A Two Hearted Tale trailer here.
A Fascinating Peek into the Advertising Industry
Bell's Brewery is considered the pioneer of commissioning artists to create labels for their bottles. Unlike traditional beers like Coors or Budweiser, the "Two Hearted Ale" takes the drinker on a journey. Additional interviews with craft beer connoisseurs go into further detail about the history of the label and their plans for the future of Bell's Brewery.
A Two Hearted Tale has an edgy, contemporary feel to it, almost playing more like a piece of branded content than a traditional film. It is engaging from start to finish, both visually and narratively. Due to the abundant and intricate discussions surrounding the themes of art and design, A Two Hearted Tale also offers a fascinating peek into the advertising industry.
Takeaway
Made with compassion and genuine curiosity for the art of design, A Two Hearted Tale is a wonderful story about discovery and self-actualization. This is the start of the craft beer revolution, and Bell's Brewery is leading the charge by showing the world what a beer label is capable of.
'Kinds of Kindness' Review: A Twisted Anthology of Artful Mayhem
Despite its weird and oftentimes head-scratching moments, one thing is clear: Kinds of Kindness is made by a man who absolutely loves cinema. Yorgos Lanthimos, director of my favorite film The Lobster–as well as Academy Award-winning Poor Things and The Favourite–cooks up a smorgasbord of eccentricity and kookiness in his latest work, Kinds of Kindness. It does have a lengthy runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes but the film surprisingly breezes by with uncompromising energy. Kinds of Kindness is a film you may not completely understand, but it's surely one you will not forget.
The Less You Know, The Better
Like a gothic Wes Anderson anthology on ketamine, Kinds of Kindness is a very different movie for Lanthimos. Instead of following a traditional narrative structure, the film is broken up into three distinct short films that seem to have no correlation to each other. The cast includes Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Mamoudou Athie, and Joe Alwyn (with a brief appearance by Hunter Schafer). The actors appear in each film but play different characters, completely unrelated to each other. It's quite engaging and often hilarious, much like how the cast of SNL fluidly jumps in and out of different scenes and personas.
The first in the anthology, "The Death of R.M.F.," tells the story of a wayward man (Plemons) who struggles to regain control of his life, ultimately facing the mercy of his unsympathetic boss (DaFoe). In the second film, "R.M.F. is Flying", a police officer (Plemons) is reunited with his wife (Stone) but questions whether the woman really is who she claims to be. The third film, "R.M.F. Eats a Sandwich", stars Plemons and Stone again, this time as brainwashed cult followers who are on a mission to find the next spiritual prodigy. Of all three films, the second one stands out as most in line with Lanthimos' earlier Greek "weird wave" classics. Emma Stone's physical comedy shines here, proving that her partnership with Yorgos Lanthimos continues to strike gold.
Despite the seemingly incompatible narratives, some common themes and symbols are present. The purpose of dreams, fragility of identity, sexual exploration, and vulnerability in the form of walking barefoot appear in various ways throughout the film.
Riding the Greek Weird Wave
Lanthimos and co-screenwriter Efthimis Filippou re-team with many familiar faces from their recent Oscar-winning Poor Things (I can't imagine how everyone had time to make this movie in between production and awards campaigning!). In addition to Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe, he notably enlists cinematographer Robbie Ryan, editor Yorgos Mavropsaridis, composer Jerskin Fendrix, and sound designer Johnnie Burn to help bring Kinds of Kindness to aesthetic perfection. It's worth pointing out that, unlike the sonically flamboyant score in Poor Things, Jerskin Fendrix takes a much more restrained approach here. All three films embody the same off-key, eerie piano melody, akin to if your cat started walking across a keyboard.
Yorgos Lanthimos' love affair with the craft is on full display, enough to make every cinephile giddy with excitement. There is enough of his classic styling, like signature angular framing and intense closeups, to allow fans to find comfort in the familiarity and just enough disruption to push boundaries. All that to say, Kinds of Kindness isn't exactly an "enjoyable" movie to watch, rather, it's wholly fascinating. The distinction here is specific; it's not a film I'm rushing to rewatch soon but that might be because I still can't stop thinking about it.
It's worth sharing a quote from Yorgos that opens the press notes: "Sometimes you just need to be ridiculous in order to achieve what we're trying to achieve."
Takeaway
If you take away anything from my review, let it be this: It is a long movie but don't make the mistake of leaving before the credits! While I admit that the surprise final scene didn't answer all of my lingering questions about how everything ties together, it did offer a very crucial nugget of information that made me nod my head in appreciation of the long game that Lanthimos plays all throughout Kinds of Kindness. Checkmate, Yorgos.
'Janet Planet' Review: A Charming Meditation on Mother (and Child) hood
Julianne Nicholson is one of those actors who, anytime you see her name in the credits, you can trust that you're likely to witness a truly great film. Janet Planet, the impressive feature debut from writer/director Annie Baker, doesn't just meet this expectation, it surpasses it. Distributed by A24, Janet Planet is a tenderly told, slice-of-life film about a middle-aged single woman and her inquisitive 11-year-old daughter who show up for each other in different ways.
Summertime and the Living's Easy
It's the summer of 1991 in rural America. Western Massachusetts to be exact. Janet (Julianne Nicholson) and her boyfriend of the moment have just picked up her daughter Lacy (Zoe Ziegler) from summer camp, weeks earlier than intended. Lacy is a self-aware, quiet kid who–anticipating that she wouldn't make friends quickly enough–drastically calls home in an attempt to avoid the embarrassment of summer camp isolation. On their way back to the family home, Lacy stares out of the backseat car window. The warm breeze blows down the highway while the radio plays a distinguishable tune. Lacy feels settled once again, knowing she is back with her mom for the rest of the summer.
The summer months play out onscreen through various relationships Janet engages in, both romantic as well as friendships. When three visitors enter Janet's orbit, and by proxy Lacy's as well, they bring out different sides of the mother/daughter duo. The way each person affects Janet and Lacy is captured with slow and steady precision. Janet camouflages into a caretaker, a lovesick romantic, and a loyal disciple depending on who she spends her time with. It becomes clear that despite lacking unwavering confidence, Janet is always just trying to do what she thinks is right. Lacy is reactionary to her mother's personality shifts, as any child would be. By the end of the summer, Lacy realizes that she is morphing into her own unique existence, independent of her mother's adult world.
The Organic World and Sound of Janet Planet
Encapsulated in warmth and earnestness, the film's best moments come as we observe Lacy letting her imagination run wild. Interpreting the world through her eyes as she attends hippie dance performances and eavesdrops on grown-up conversations, Lacy's childlike wonder and unassuming naivety hit the right sweet notes. I have a feeling Lacy and Olive from Little Miss Sunshine would have become best friends forever.
Contrary to the assumption, Janet Planet moreso follows the character development of Lacy than Janet. However, it's Julianne Nicholson who anchors the film with her quietly commanding presence. She can tell a full story through facial expressions alone. Her charisma and authenticity ring true with fierce tenacity.
The world of Janet Planet is unlike anything I've seen this year. Baker's vision for an organic, immersive experience is almost trancelike in its ability to transport audiences into the scene. Notable factors include the production design of their house in the woods, overseen by production designer Teresa Mastropierro, art director Thomas Slattery, and set designer Danica Chipman. Forgoing a traditional score in favor of mostly diegetic sounds and field recordings, the sound of Janet Planet reflects the loneliness and purity of the central characters. It's a genius choice, helmed by sound designer Paul Hsu, that tips the film into greatness.
Takeaway
Janet Planet is a deliberately slow-paced film about evolving into one's own person. The mother/daughter bond is sacred for so many, the process of finding individuality within this relationship is a universal experience. Through beautiful performances, a sensitive script, and breathtaking design, director Annie Baker crafts one of the most tender and unifying films of the summer-yet alone, the year.
'Stupid Games' Review: Love is a Losing Game in This Indie Horror
"Play stupid games, win stupid prizes" is a phrase often used as a warning that one should heed as cautionary. Co-directors Nicolas Wendl and Dani Abraham embody this infamous adage by creating cinematic suspense in the indie horror, Stupid Games. Equal parts psychological thriller and paranormal fright film, Stupid Games is a modest yet highly executed feature that thrives off of its tight-knit cast, well-balanced screenplay, and smart use of light and shadow.
Dinner Party From Hell
It's late one night as two friends, Jaxon (Saad Rolando) and Rex (Gage Robinson), make their way over to Celeste's (Alyssa Tortomasi) apartment, Jaxon's on-again, off-again hookup buddy. Jaxon and Celeste's relationship recently went through a rough patch after she ghosted him for weeks but now she seemingly wants to make amends by inviting him and his friends over for a dinner party. Celeste is adamant that Jaxon bring two, and only two, friends with him to balance the ratio for her two roommates. When the third friend cancels en route to the party, Jaxon and Rex get desperate. Not wanting to break their promise to the girls, the guys recruit Stanley (Grant Terzakis), a man they find in the apartment building, to accompany them to the dinner party.
Once the guys arrive, Celeste, her roommate Riley (Cass Huckabay), and their friend Mia (Ashwini Ganpule) greet them. The night starts innocent enough with couples pairing off organically. Just as the group gets into lively conversation over glasses of wine, the apartment loses power. The girls assure the guys that this happens frequently and suggest they stop dinner and play board games by candlelight until the electricity turns back on.
Darkness Brings The Demons
They settle on a game that seems innocent enough. However, the guys quickly start to notice strange, unexplainable glimpses of paranormal activity throughout the apartment. Then–like a record scratch–the girls' facade suddenly strips away, uncovering their ulterior motives as the night descends into madness and witchcraft. The only way to end the chaos and break the spell is to finish the game but the question of who will make it out alive remains to be seen.
Stupid Games, written by Tanner Adams, takes place predominantly in a single location over the course of one night. This intimate setting further adds to the foreboding claustrophobia of the evening's events. The composer behind the evocative and eerie score, Darren Wonnacott, crafts heightened tension, especially during the board game scene. The film's theme, a minor-note simple melody, is darkly unsettling and completely enjoyable. Cinematographer Christian Klein uses the film's themes of darkness to his advantage as he incorporates beautiful shadow work into nearly every scene. The orange hue from the street lamps to the wax candles surrounding the interior of the apartment clearly sets the tone that audiences are in for a nighttime nightmare.
Takeaway
Similar to classics like Jumanji and Practical Magic, Stupid Games shows how evil can lurk in unexpected places. It also stands as a cautionary tale to think twice before agreeing to participate in any stupid games, or a stupid prize may be the least of your worries.
'Rebel Country' Tribeca Review: Exploring Country Music's Evolution
From Lindsay Ell to Lil Nas X, country music has gone through one incredible makeover in recent years. The long-held stereotype that the genre has previously faced of being racist, bigoted, and politically right-leaning seems to, thankfully, now be a thing of the past. It's safe to say that the tides started changing in 2019 when Lil Nas X burst onto the scene with his hit Old Town Road. Who could have guessed that a queer, black rapper would have dominated the charts and changed the trajectory of country music forever? In Rebel Country, directed by Francis Whately (David Bowie: Five Years, Dolly Parton: Here I Am), a handful of culture changers and country music artists set the record straight on the exciting state of the genre today.
Music for the Outcasts
Country music has always been a home for the outcasts, the rebels, and those who challenge the status quo. It is an outlet for creative storytelling through heartfelt lyrics and catchy chord progressions. Following in the footsteps of legendary crooner Johnny Cash, Rebel Country opens with CMT Music Award-winning musician Jelly Roll performing Folsom Prison Blues to a crowd of inmates in the prison where he used to be incarcerated. Going from criminal to celebrity is a humbling and hopeful trajectory that Jelly Roll reiterates, through his music, is possible. Not fitting into the mold is almost a requirement to be a successful country star. This sentiment is echoed by Jelly Roll, along with Blanco Brown, Breland, Lainey Wilson, Sam Williams, Lindsay Ell, and more as they share their stories of finding refuge in the country music community.
Whose Country is It?
There is no doubt that country music is far more diverse today than ever. However, that doesn't mean that the genre is free from criticism. An obvious example that the documentary explains in depth is Lil Nas X's debut Old Town Road, and how it was rescinded from appearing on the Country Billboard chart due to not being "country enough." Lil Nas X opened Pandora's box, showing that the future of country music didn't have to revolve around heterosexual, midwestern white men and women. His presence on the scene allowed Black and Mexican-American artists like Breland and Frank Ray to finally see themselves reflected in the community and feel confident pursuing their own musical ambitions.
Takeaway
Despite its progression, Rebel Country is quick to confirm that the genre's target audience is still the same. Country music still is–and always will be–music for the outsiders and misfits. After watching Rebel Country, which recently premiered in the Spotlight+ competition of the Tribeca Film Festival, it's easy to see why many believe country music is the future.
'AM I OK?' Review: Dakota Johnson Explores Her Sexuality
It's a full-circle moment for Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne. The real-life couple, who first met on the set of the 2013 Sundance selection In a World... return to the festival as evolved women: now married, and bringing their directorial feature debut, AM I OK?, with them.
Even if you aren't familiar with stand-up comic Tig Notaro & actor Stephanie's real-life love story, you'll find there is a lot to admire in their new film. Born out of the duo's personal vulnerabilities around self-discovery and acceptance, it's their authentic point of view that makes AM I OK? a satisfying film debut. Although a little simply conceived, AM I OK? is a tender and tonally-confidant first feature.
Finding Yourself at 32
Lucy (Dakota Johnson) and Jane (Sonoya Mizuno) are best friends. No one understands each others' lunch orders or inside jokes better than they do. The earliest hint of a strain in their relationship comes when Jane tells Lucy some unexpected news: her company has given her relocation orders and she'll be moving from Los Angeles to London in a few months.
Lucy is taken aback; she tries her best to be happy for her friend but deep down, she's terrified that their relationship will change forever. With time now ticking against them, Lucy also musters up the courage to share something she's never admitted before: she's gay.
Equally taken aback by this confession, Jane swiftly makes it her mission to help Lucy feel confident exploring her sexuality before she leaves for London. But Lucy is a bottle of anxiety, which causes her to overthink every interaction with her cute co-worker Brittany (Kiersey Clemons). Lucy is angry, frustrated, and sad. How, at 32 years old, is she just admitting this out loud now, she bemoans. Lucy's insecurities eventually take their toll on Jane, which causes a rift between the girls as the London countdown looms closer. The film ends on a slightly predictable note but the heartwarming sentiment is more than enough to have us invested up until the very end.
Shoutout to Silverlake
Sundance darling Dakota Johnson embodies the conflicted Lucy with such grace, that it's impossible not to sympathize with her struggles. Her typically quiet demeanor is stretched in unfamiliar ways, as we see her weeping in bathroom stalls and having explosive public arguments. Dakota proves that she can hit any note on the emotional spectrum. Sonoya Mizuno plays Jane with such loyalty and tough love, that we'd all be lucky to have a best friend like her.
Stylistically, notable moments include the spot-on soundtrack curated by music supervisors Randall Poster and Meghan Currier. Phoebe Bridgers' Motion Sickness and ROE's Etc Etc fit like missing puzzle pieces in its script. (It's also incredible to see many scenes take place at my favorite LA bar/restaurant, Edendale!)
Takeaway
AM I OK? is a love story about female friendship and the strength it takes to be honest with yourself. As Lucy learns through her highs and lows of self-discovery, fear shouldn't dictate the choices you make. Yes, it's scary to face rejection or disappointment but it's even more terrifying to look back on life and realize you've missed out on what you truly wanted.
This review originally ran on January 25, 2022 during the Sundance Film Festival.
'Robot Dreams' Review: When "Best Friends Forever" Has an Ending
Director Pablo Berger's Robot Dreams may be an animated film but its ability to tug at your heartstrings should not be underestimated. After a long awards campaign, which included an Academy Award nomination in 2023 for Best Animated Feature Film, Robot Dreams is finally coming to theaters in Los Angeles on June 6th. Adapted from the graphic novel Robot Dreams by Sara Varo, this beautiful cinematic interpretation is a poignant portrayal of friendship, growing up, and moving on.
From BFFs to Just a Memory
It's another typical day in 1980's New York City. Dog sits down on his couch and unboxes a TV dinner while flippantly surfing through the channels on his TV. Basking in the dim glow from the screen, Dog suddenly feels lonely. He wants–no, needs–a companion in his life. That night, he orders Robot. After a quick assembly on his living room floor, Robot comes to life, and the two misfits immediately become best friends.
There is a newfound pep in Dog's step as he walks the streets of NYC with Robot. This happiness culminates in an epic dance montage where Dog, Robot, and a posse of animal civilians dance to Earth Wind & Fire's "September." The song is reprised as a piano instrumental when the duo takes a trip to the beach, and it evokes the quintessential feeling of summer. The sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, and Dog has never been happier. That is, until Robot realizes that the salty ocean water has rusted his robotic parts in place, rendering him paralyzed. Dog is determined to get his friend off of the beach but the hurdles he faces prove to be anything but smooth sailing.
Things don't fare well for Robot either. Stuck on the beach, he is at the mercy of strangers, some of which are not so kind. Both Dog and Robot are heartbroken at their separation. As time passes, their once-solid friendship inevitably weakens. What was once a beautiful relationship starts to become a distant memory.
A Film Without Dialogue
Music is the driving force behind Robot Dreams, as there is no dialogue throughout the entire film. In addition to being a strong creative choice–that works extremely well–this also allows universal accessibility for audiences. A film without dialogue removes the barrier to entry and allows any age to connect with the material.
On one hand, Robot Dreams is a film for children. The flat-look animation is easy on the eyes with continuous clean lines, flat colors, and limited shadows. On the surface, it is fun, light-hearted fare. On the other hand, it can be argued that only adults can truly absorb the film's emotional subtleties. Robot Dreams is ultimately a meditation on being alone, together, a sentiment that empaths will have a hard time getting through the ending with dry eyes.
Takeaway
Fans of Past Lives and La La Land will feel a similar emotional connection to Robot Dreams. It is a fantasy, a whimsical animated tale, and also a surprisingly emotive story of reflection and friendship.
'Invisible Nation' Review: Taiwan's Battle for Self-Identity
It's fitting that Invisible Nation, a documentary about perseverance, is directed by someone who carries the surname “Hope.” As if intuition led her to make this project, filmmaker Vanessa Hope crafts an empathetic and eye-opening statement that sheds light on Taiwan's struggle for self-identity and acknowledgment. Invisible Nation closely follows Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan's first female president, as she fights for the future of Taiwan's democracy at a pivotal moment that puts her country's freedom at risk of authoritarianism.
The Political Struggle: ROC vs PRC
"China does not want the world to hear the story of Taiwan," says Tsai Ing-wen as a camera intimately captures the quiet stoicism that covers her face. It's this stark, matter-of-fact sentiment that is the catalyst for Tsai Ing-wen's political motivation to preserve Taiwan's autonomy. For decades, China has considered Taiwan part of the People's Republic of China (PRC) however, Taiwan believes itself to be an independent nation and therefore considers itself the Republic of China (ROC). The film goes deeper into the history of the division by explaining the genesis of the divide and the present-day discourse it elicits within China and Taiwan.
Watch the Invisible Nation trailer here.
At the heart of the film's urgency is the PRC's desire to eventually "unify" Taiwan with China, relinquishing Tsai Ing-wen's control as President and removing the nationality of over 23 million people who call Taiwan home. Throughout interviews with political leaders and notable figures, many project that a major political and geographical upheaval will take place in 2025. Looking at a similar fate in the war between Ukraine and Russia, President Tsai Ing-wen is doing everything in her power to keep what's happening in Ukraine from happening in Taiwan.
Keeping Taiwan in the Headlines
Invisible Nation is equal parts educational and cinematic. The storied history and uncertain future of Taiwan are captivating. Stand-out moments include the erasure that took place on the global stage. As it still stands today, Taiwan is the only member of the International Olympic Committee who is banned from using their name, singing their country's anthem, or flying their country's flag due to the People’s Republic of China's communist rule. Mainland China continues to make concerted efforts to reduce the international personality and exposure of Taiwan, which further hurts Taiwan's global and social status.
Takeaway
President Tsai Ing-wen doesn't shy away from the fact that fighting against the People's Republic of China is an uphill battle, but she knows it's a fight worth engaging in. Invisible Nation is a battle cry and powerful act of defiance that mirrors the threat of democracy everywhere. It's an urgent and necessary viewing for all.
'War and Justice': The Verité Documentary Exposing Global Crimes
Thirteen years in the making, filmmakers Marcus Vetter and Michele Gentile are finally ready to share their new documentary, War and Justice, with the world. Set to screen at the Munich International Film Festival this summer, War and Justice is a politically charged exploration of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its importance in keeping order in an increasingly disordered world. Billed as the "first and only true-life verité thriller" about this organization, War and Justice offers unparalleled access to the inner workings of the ICC and key players on the inside.
Established in 2002, the International Criminal Court investigates and tries individuals charged with the most horrific crimes impacting the international community. Located in The Hague, Netherlands, the ICC is somewhat of a last resort, only called upon when states belonging to the Nuremberg Legacy fail to act in their own best interest. Similar to the United Nations, the ICC is a non-partisan, humanity-first organization. The crimes the ICC oversees are some of the worst offenses, including genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression.
War and Justice follows three key people who have helped shape the future of the ICC: Benjamin Ferencz (prosecuting attorney of the Nuremberg Trials), Luis Moreno-Ocampo (ICC’s first prosecutor), and Karim Khan (its current prosecutor). Interviews with other notable figures, including Angelina Jolie and Julian Assange, further illustrate the worldwide support the ICC receives for their valiant work.
The film itself is a very matter-of-fact documentary, there are no bells and whistles. The archival footage of speeches from some of the most violent dictators, including Gadaffi and Putin, is horrific enough. While never exploitive for shock value, there are moments in the film that are hard to absorb. The most unsettling moment comes from Luis Moreno-Ocampo's prosecution of the Congo's unethical practices of recruiting child soldiers for their military. Harrowing footage shows militia stripping naked a young boy, who looks no older than ten, and forcing him into their vehicle. His cries are deafening and his powerlessness is heartbreaking.
War and Justice affirms that the biggest threat to our existence is "aggressive war." While the ICC cannot keep all conflicts from escalating, the documentary shows the institution's invaluable importance in keeping some semblance of worldwide order. Can justice replace war as a mechanism for resolving conflict? This is the question the film sets out to answer. And while there is no quick solution, the positive impact the ICC continues to make is a silver lining in the fight for an equitable and safer world.
'Not Him' Explores the Underbelly of Toxic Relationships
Never ignore a woman's intuition because doing so can result in serious consequences, as seen in filmmaker Sarah Young's short film Not Him. Set in a small New York apartment, a young woman finds herself in an increasingly toxic relationship with her husband and must decide whether or not to stand up for herself. Domestic violence can hide in plain sight and Not Him highlights this all-too-prevalent situation through an empathetic lens.
Michelle (Tori Ernst) has noticed that her husband John (Charlie McElveen) has been acting differently lately. One night, she wakes up in a cold sweat after she has a nightmare that her husband became possessed. However, we soon discover that her night terrors and her reality aren't that different. Michelle is convinced that there is an imposter who body-snatched her once-affectionate and caring husband. The man she sees in front of her now is a volatile and abusive menace who likes to watch Michelle suffer. It isn't until their mutual friends, Kim (Katharine Chin) and Joe (Ryan Nicholas Cooper), come over for an impromptu dinner party that Michelle works up the courage to finally leave him, once and for all.
There is a Jordan Peele similarity to Not Him, be it the uneasy tension or surreal disposition. Writer/director Sarah Young knows how to craft these "pins and needles" moments with finesse. She keeps the audience on their toes right up to the very end. Aiding in the film's suspenseful tone is the strong, surreal music by composer Luke Lotardo. Reminiscent of Philip Glass, there is a familiarity to the sound that grounds Michelle's situation, reminding the audience just how prevalent domestic violence is. The film's third act suffers from the absence of a concrete resolution, the cliffhanger feels more incomplete than an intentional "choose your own adventure" ending. However, as it stands today, Not Him would make a great spec film to aid in a subsequent feature development.
For those who are sensitive to the topic of domestic violence, Not Him can be a triggering watch. Never feeling exploitive or without an empathetic touch, Not Him explores the underbelly of the often secretive trauma that can occur within toxic relationships. Sarah Young stares this difficult topic in the face and the result is an empowering, albeit slightly unfulfilling, story about conviction and self-preservation.
'Gunfighter Paradise' Review: God, Guns, and the American South
Emmy-winning filmmaker Jethro Waters brings his semi-autobiographical dark comedy to life in Gunfighter Paradise, a micro indie film with big ambition. Inspired by his childhood as the son of an Army veteran father and a free-spirited educator mother, Jethro was raised by a very contrarian couple. From this experience, he crafts a tight-knit, experimental film about God, guns, and the American South. Gunfighter Paradise was recently selected into the 2024 RiverRun Film Festival with more screenings taking place this weekend in North Carolina.
Starring Braz Cubas as Stoner, a camouflage-flanked hunter who never removes his face paint, the film begins just as Stoner returns home to North Carolina following the death of his mother. As he settles back into the familiar surroundings of family, he begins to have surreal dissociations, some of which include intense and erotic flashbacks and conversations with God. As he attempts to make sense of the nonsense, Stoner is also forced to deal with another unexpected turn of events: a mysterious green suitcase left to him by his Uncle, containing roughly seven million dollars. Once Stoner discovers that his mother left him hand-written riddles to decipher after her death, he becomes fixated on piecing the clues together. But he doesn't go on this unholy journey alone. Strange visitors, including a cable guy, a mummified cat, and a stone-cold killer threaten to further impact his already fragile state of mind.
Making his narrative feature film debut, Jethro Waters' Gunfighter Paradise is a poetic, trippy passage through the religious South. Baked in a strong visual style set to luscious and poetic descriptions of guns and ammo–something I never thought was possible until now–Gunfighter Paradise is gothic comedy done right. Intentionally dry dialogue delivery and an impressive score feel reminiscent of both Jim Cummings and David Lynch, two filmmakers with extremely specific and highly admirable cinematic canons.
Written, directed, shot, edited, and co-composed by Jethro Waters, Gunfighter Paradise is an equally beautiful and disturbing portrait of spiritual insanity. It offers a unique viewing experience into American psychosis and will no doubt leave a lasting impression on those who resonate with a religious upbringing.
'Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story' Review: A Tale of Unlikely Friendship
It's a tale as old as time and yet it never fails to strike an emotional chord. National Geographic Documentary Films turns its lens on a special relationship between man and mammal in Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story. Premiering in the Documentary Spotlight section of the SXSW Film Festival, this heartwarming doc tells the story of a married and childless man, Billy, and the unlikely paternal bond he develops with a motherless young otter, Molly. Be prepared to be awestruck by the beauty of the remote islands of Scotland, which our protagonists call home, as well as astonished by the wonder of the natural world.
Much like the Academy Award-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher, Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story will leave a lasting impression that I'm convinced has the power to restore faith in humanity. Billy and his wife Susan live a simple life alone by the sea with their sheepdog, Jade. One day, while out on the dock near his house, Billy notices a young, malnourished otter who struggles to crack open a crab. Worried for her well-being and ability to survive on her own while so young, he takes it upon himself to feed the pup and provide her some sense of security. What unfolds in the days, weeks, and months thereafter is a love story that transcends species. With compassion and curiosity, Billy and Molly develop an unlikely relationship that ebbs and flows with joy and heartbreak and ultimately, saves them both.
As to be expected with a National Geographic-distributed film, the visuals are mesmerizing. The arctic waters crashing against the luscious green hills are truly a sight to behold. Drawing comparisons to the rolling landscape depicted in the 2022 stunner The Banshees of Inisherin, the Scottish island that Billy calls home seems to be heaven on earth. Further aiding in the location's angelic quality is the score from Scottish composer Erland Cooper. A beautiful, emotionally persuasive violin score sets the tone of the film and encapsulates the whimsicalness and delicate nature of Billy and Molly's story.
Connecting with nature and those who live in it is the central encouragement at the heart of Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story. In learning to trust the natural order of things, Billy lets go of the false sense of control he had in his own life. Embracing the role of "surrogate father" for a young otter isn't what Billy imagined when he initially encountered Molly on the dock that day. Little did he know that a year later, he would be building an otter-sized replica house for Molly–whom he has started calling his "wee girl"–fitted with wifi and Polaroid pictures of Billy, his wife, and their dog, hanging on the wallpapered walls.
Directed by Charlie Hamilton James, Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story is a sincere, uplifting film that offers strong takeaways for both kids and adults alike. Through its strong storytelling arcs and memorable score, Billy and Molly teach us that friendship comes in all shapes, sizes, and species.
This review originally ran on March 9, 2024 during the SXSW Film Festival.
'The Idea of You' Review: Love, Art, and Complicated Relationships
Imagine the lead singer of the hottest British boy band dedicating a love song to you while he's on stage performing for tens of thousands of fans at Coachella. It's pretty much every teen girl's dream and in Michael Showalter's romantic drama The Idea of You, this fairytale is lived out by the most unexpected person: a middle-aged single mom from Silverlake. Part escapist fantasy, part grounded love story that transcends conventional dating taboos, The Idea of You strikes all the right chords in its portrayal of two people living life on their terms.
Anne Hathaway takes command as Solène, an art gallery owner navigating through a complicated relationship with her recently divorced ex-husband, Daniel (Reid Scott), and his much younger girlfriend. Solène and Daniel share custody of their teenage daughter Izzy (Ella Rubin) and she is in the adolescent stage where she'd rather hang out with friends than her parents. Still, Izzy is ecstatic when Solène agrees to accompany her and her friends to Coachella. Making it a point to stay out of her daughter's way, Solène stumbles into the presence of Hayes (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of the UK pop group August Moon. Almost immediately, Hayes is mesmerized by Solène's maturity, confidence, and ignorance of his fame. Solène, on the other hand, meets his flirty advances with politeness but it isn't until Hayes subtly dedicates a love song to her during their set that she unexpectedly begins to form a crush.
What follows is a rush of young love that spans continents, high highs and low lows. Despite their age difference and very different life circumstances, their connection is electric and undeniably authentic. However, Solène can't help but feel out of her element when she is constantly faced with Hayes' youth and mischievous behavior, especially in the form of past girlfriends and hookups. This is the most alive Solène has felt in a long time but still, she questions whether this spark is worth the personal and psychological strain that the relationship is putting on her daughter and, if she's being honest, also herself.
There is a lot to love in this Michael Showalter-directed film, especially the strong casting choices. Anne Hathaway effortlessly slips into the role of Solène, her cool-girl style and graceful aging give off icon status. The only moments I couldn't get behind were the few times she insecurely compares her body to the teenage girls she is surrounded by, because in reality, Hathaway looks better than most supermodels. Nicholas Galitzine, who plays the heartthrob Hayes, nails the Harry Styles vibe. Not only does he give a compelling performance as an infatuated young man who may or may not have mommy issues, but his musical talent is equally impressive. Singing and dancing the way he does, it's no wonder Solène fell under his spell.
Based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by Robinne Lee, The Idea of You is an irresistible story about love, art, and complicated relationships. The film premiered on the Closing Night of SXSW and was nominated for an Audience Award in the Headliner category. The Idea of You comes to Prime Video on May 2nd.
'The Contestant' Review: Tortured For Entertainment On Reality TV
Before The Truman Show became an Oscar-nominated film with undeniable cultural relevance, there was a real-life series that started it all. The year was 1998, and over 15 million people tuned in every week to watch Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes. This real-life Japanese reality TV show pushed the boundaries of physical and mental endurance of its single, unwitting participant. In The Contestant, directed by Clair Titley, the unethical practices that went on during this show are exposed in fascinating detail, as well as the ramifications of being tortured for entertainment.
Tomoaki Hamatsu had a difficult childhood. His family was constantly on the move and schoolyard bullies were extremely unkind, specifically pointing out his physical appearance. They called him Nasubi–which translates to "eggplant"–and poked fun at his oblong-shaped head. The name stuck, as soon Tomoaki embraced the name Nasubi, which he still goes by today. Embracing the name was both empowering and comedic, and soon Nasubi realized that comedy was a great deflection to the teasing. He decided to dedicate his life to making people laugh. However, he didn't expect to get recruited to participate in a new reality show that would have people laughing all right... for all the wrong reasons.
Trapped in a tiny apartment, naked and with nothing but stacks of magazines and hundreds of postcards, Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes is a human experiment that forces the contestant to survive only on the prizes he wins from magazine sweepstakes. This includes food, clothing, and entertainment. To win the game and end the experiment, the prizes must equal more than one million yen.
Nasubi was the most famous television personality in Japan without even knowing it.
A Life in Prizes coverage consisted of 24 hours of filming, 7 days a week, with two cameras, and eventually, a round-the-clock live stream was available online. Nasubi, who understandably started to lose his grip on reality from isolation and starvation, was in a constant struggle between sanity and madness. If he didn't win a sweepstake prize that day, he would go to bed hungry. On occasion, producers had to sneak into his room in the middle of the night to give him crackers so he wouldn't die from malnutrition. Audiences were obsessed with Nasubi's journey and cheered him on from the sidelines, but Nasubi had no idea he was gaining any notoriety. In fact, he didn't know he was being broadcast at all. Nasubi was the most famous television personality in Japan without even knowing it.
Through exclusive interviews with Nasubi and people close to the show, The Contestant exposes so many cracks in its foundation. For starters, Nasubi never signed a contract. The show's producer, Toshio Tsuchiya, initially persuaded Nasubi to strip naked by claiming that most of what he did wouldn't be aired. This overt manipulation tactic lowered Nasubi's initial hesitation, therefore making it easier for Toshio to control Nasubi. While not literally locked inside the apartment, Nasubi was gullible enough to go along with the inhumane antics until he won. He recounts this experience with a sense of quiet pride, despite the harsh conditions and unethical treatment, Nasubi came out on top. When all was said and done, he spent 1 year and 3 months competing in A Life in Prizes.
Nowadays, it's not uncommon to look back on various forms of entertainment of the past and see how poorly it has aged with time. Britney Spears talks about it in her memoir, specifically how cruel the press and industry were to her as she was coming of age in the spotlight. Denpa Shonen: A Life in Prizes is another one of those moments in the cultural zeitgeist that would not exist if it were pitched today, based on the sheer torment and manipulation that Nasubi was put through. The Contestant reveals, in stunning detail, how Nasubi not only survived fame and famine, but everything in between.