In 'The Greatest Hits,' A Heartfelt Hipster Travels Time
When it comes to recalling memories, music is one of the most powerful tools we have. The documentary Alive Inside poignantly proves this connection in Alzheimer's patients. As the disease slowly takes over one's personhood, the sudden needle drop on a beloved record from their past brings back vivid memories that their loved ones thought were previously lost to time. Almost like magic, we see music acting as a portal to alternate dimensions. In the Lucy Boynton-led romantic comedy The Greatest Hits, this music/memory connection is further examined, but this time, with a fun, sci-fi twist.
Boynton plays Harriet, a Silverlake-dwelling, newly widowed single who is mourning the death of her boyfriend Max (David Corenswet)as the second anniversary of the fatal car accident they were involved in approaches. With survivor's guilt weighing heavy, Harriet copes by playing music that reminds her of their time together. What she didn't expect, however, was that the music could literally transport her back to the moment that she and Max heard it for the very first time. Looking like the Maxell Cassette Bown Away Guy, Harriet time travels through different periods of her life with Max, reliving those precious moments over again.
Determined to return to the life she once had, Harriet goes through every one of her records–track by track–to find the song playing just moments before the fatal accident, in hopes that she can change what happens next. As Harriet lives her days with this synesthesia-type superpower, life continues to go on. She gets a job at a library, the quietest environment imaginable, and consistently wears headphones to distract from the outside noise.
She also attends grief recovery meetings, which is where she meets David (Justin H. Min), a soft-spoken, sweet man who is quite curious about her condition. The more time they spend together, the more Harriet begins opening herself to love again. There's just one problem, she still can't control her time-traveling whenever she hears a song that reminds her of Max. What develops is a twisted love triangle between Harriet, the man she once loved, and the man she is beginning to fall in love with.
This being a film about music, the jam-packed soundtrack doesn't fail to disappoint. Personal standouts include the Phoebe Bridgers cover of The Cure's "Friday I'm in Love," Jamie XX's "Loud Places," and countless songs from Roxy Music. Each track is a banger after banger, the music supervisor (who is surprisingly left off of the IMDb credits) had their work cut out for them! Adding to the sound's strength is the multi-layered score by composer Ryan Lott, perhaps best known as a member of Son Lux, the experimental band behind Everything Everywhere All At Once. As far as performances go, Lucy Boynton plays the manic pixie trope to expectation. Her comedic chops are subtle but they shine against Justin H. Min's more mellow persona.
Directed by Ned Benson, whose previous credits include The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby trilogy (Her, Him, and Them), The Greatest Hits is a love letter (rather, "song") to music and the memories it sparks within us. The title is a bit tongue-in-cheek as we undoubtedly witness Harriet through the worst, not greatest, moments of her life. But the magic of music is overwhelming and The Greatest Hits proves that with the right song, nostalgia and heartbreak can turn into the start of a beautiful new story.
'The Greatest Hits' opens in select theaters on Friday, April 5th before landing on Hulu in April.
'Immaculate': All Hell Breaks Loose in This Feral Horror Flick
Sydney Sweeney gives a wickedly righteous and feral performance as a scorned nun turned rogue vigilante in the psychological horror film, Immaculate. Directed by Michael Mohan, who last collaborated with Sweeney in 2021's The Voyeurs, Immaculate may fall short when it comes to convincing plot points but still, it is without a doubt an unforgettable, heart-racing, blood-soaked visceral experience. Immaculate opens in theaters this Friday, March 22nd.
Sweeney (Euphoria, The White Lotus) plays Cecilia, a young nun who suffers a near-death experience and subsequently decides to uproot her life in America for a fresh start in Italy. With a renewed sense of optimism and faith that she will find her purpose here, she arrives at the devastatingly beautiful convent set in the remote Italian countryside. This spiritual sanctuary, with its baroque architecture and longstanding religious legacy, is where she is prepared to call home for the foreseeable future.
The language barrier aside, Cecilia receives a mostly warm welcome from the other religious residents, including Mother Superior (Dora Romano), Father Sal Tedeschi (Álvaro Morte), and the rebellious Sister Mary (Simona Tabasco). Nuns of all ages who have devoted their lives to serving the church live on the property, and Cecilia finds the sisterhood comforting. However, the angelic facade deteriorates as she begins witnessing bizarre behavior and grotesque atrocities at the hands of the women she called sisters. Once Cecilia finds herself at the center of an unexplainable circumstance–falling pregnant despite being a virgin–all hell breaks loose.
Proving that she can confidently master the spectrum of emotional and physical exertion, Sydney Sweeney gives a mesmerizing performance as Sister Cecilia. From doe-eyed novice to bad-ass avenger, Sweeney gives it her all in a way we haven't seen before. Her transformation over the film's 89-minute runtime is captivating.
Immaculate isn't without its flaws, however, especially in the script. For as strong as the first half of the film is, the plot seems to derail into goofy territory that leans more towards comedy than full-bodied horror. Suspension of disbelief isn't so much suggested as it is required here, and even then some moments come across as a parody of a campy horror flick. Sweeney and company nail the performances, every supporting role is successfully unwavering in its impact, yet Immaculate pales in comparison to similar genre films with a more solid plot.
Those looking for a fun and freaky night out will find much to enjoy in Immaculate, despite its less-than-serious storyline. Sydney Sweeney proves that she has the range–and the vocal strength–to carry a horror film and watching her slowly spiral is sinfully sadistic. Immaculate made its World Premiere at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival and was nominated for the Audience Award in the Headliners category.
SXSW: 'The Black Sea' is a Lo-Fi Dramedy on Finding Purpose
Making its World Premiere at the SXSW Film Festival is The Black Sea, a cheeky low-fi dramedy about finding purpose and making big dreams happen in little places. The Wolfpack and Skate Kitchen filmmaker, Crystal Moselle, co-directs the feature with Derrick B Harden, the film's lead actor who is also a musician, filmmaker, and barista (which sounds random but is relevant to the film). Set in Bulgaria with no script, non-actors, and a local crew, The Black Sea is a thoroughly engaging adventure film made even more sensational by its offscreen circumstances.
Inspired by Derrick B. Harden’s real-life travels to Bulgaria, The Black Sea charts the zany story of one charismatic man's search for home, both literally and figuratively. Khalid (Harden) is struggling to make ends meet. Living in Brooklyn and having recently–and dramatically–resigned from his barista position at a local coffee shop, he is desperate to make a quick buck. After answering a Facebook ad from an elderly woman looking for "adult physical touch," Khalid finds himself on a one-way flight to Bulgaria to meet his sugar mama. The problem is, once he arrives at her small island town, he is met by the woman's adult son who breaks the news that she died earlier that morning. Khalid is in shock; not only is he still broke, and notably the only Black man in town, but now he is broke and stuck in Bulgaria.
What transpires from here is a journey of self-discovery in this humble setting on the Black Sea. Khalid is the type of man who makes his own luck and doesn't wait for things to come to him. His outgoing nature is mostly well-received by the local townspeople who embrace his cultural differences, especially his love for hip-hop and matcha. Khalid may be penniless but his spirit is not broken. At first, he couldn't wait to escape the island and go back to what was familiar, but as the days pass, and Bulgaria continues to embrace him for who he is, Khalid rethinks where he truly considers "home."
The sun-drenched visuals by cinematographer Jackson Hunt give The Black Sea a timeless quality that perfectly complements the loose structure of the story. It is light and airy, almost bordering on docu-style filmmaking akin to Moselle's own The Wolfpack. Aiding in this aesthetic is the contemporary soundtrack by Charles Moselle, which adds lusciousness and warmth to the picture.
Nominated for the SXSW Grand Jury Award in the Narrative Feature competition, The Black Sea is a little indie that makes a big statement. Crystal Moselle and Derrick B Harden work together to create a communal sense of creativity and execution. The story of The Black Sea is simple but the way in which it is told is an inspiring feat.
'Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus' Is a Stunning Send-Off For a Beloved Virtuoso
It was no surprise that Ryuichi Sakamoto had been sick for some time. The legendary composer and pianist had a semi-public battle with throat cancer in 2014, temporarily hitting pause on work engagements and creative output. The documentary Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda, directed by Stephen Nomura Schible, elegantly captures Sakamoto's gentle return to music in 2017 after living in remission from cancer. For fans, the film offered a glimmer of hope that our maestro would live cancer-free and continue to bless us with beautiful music. But the happy ending we hoped for wasn't meant to be. The cancer came back in 2021, and Ryuichi Sakamoto died in March 2023. His final performance lives forever in Ryuichi Sakamoto | OPUS, a feature-length concerto directed by his son, Neo Sora.
It's hard to find the words to convey just how powerful OPUS is. Watching Sakamoto put what energy he had left into this performance is both heartbreaking and devastatingly beautiful. Shot in black and white with practically no spoken words, Neo Sora puts the audience front and center to be immediately swept up in the protruding elegance of the Yamaha grand's ivory keys. Sora doesn't shy away from close-ups, which is a welcomed sight. Sakamoto's signature eyeglasses are displayed in such stunning detail, as well as his soft, nimble hands and sturdily-constructed jacket.
His career-spanning final performance consists of twenty compositions, including "Lack of Love," "The Last Emperor" "The Wuthering Heights," "Aqua," and "Opus," and ends with Sakamoto's most recognizable song, "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence." Tears were flowing throughout the film but this finale gutted me. I couldn't help but feel a little selfish watching him play. Here is a 71-year-old man, pushing through visible discomfort to give us, his fans, a final gift. For Sakamoto, the reason he is making this film is clear: it's because he is dying. But instead of surrendering to the illness in self-pity, Sakamoto gracefully and selflessly offers us a lyrical elegy that will withstand time. His legacy is preserved in his music and fortunately, we can revisit this moment in time when Ryuichi Sakamoto graced the world with his stunning compositions through OPUS.
The film ends with Sakamoto's favorite quote, projected on the big screen as a reminder to embrace the world as he did. It simply states, "Ars longa, vita brevis," which translates to "Art is long, life is short."
This review originally ran on November 15, 2023 as part of our AFI FEST 2023 coverage.
Ryuichi Sakamoto | OPUS is now playing in New York at Lincoln Center, with a national rollout to follow.
'When Unfettered' Challenges the Divisive Perception of AI
The topic of AI inclusion in our future-facing world can be a very divisive one. Some trust it, and others don't. Filmmaker Derek Franzese takes the side of the optimist in his short film When Unfettered, which tells the story of how AI can be of help and is not a hindrance, especially when it comes to assisting humans in times of need. Running 11 minutes long, When Unfettered has been selected to screen at the 2024 Cleveland International Film Festival.
An AI caregiver called Ash (Ashley Whelan) spends her last day tending to an elderly man before he peacefully passes away. As his loved ones grieve the loss of their family member, they gracefully relieve Ash of her duties (which included typical hospice nurse to-dos). With no one to look after anymore, Ash roams the neighborhood until she stops at a park. Here, she interacts with a young special needs boy and his mom. Spending a few precious moments in the park getting to know each other, the boy and Ash ultimately give each other the biggest gift. Together, they celebrate their differences and embrace the parts that make them special.
When Unfettered has the look of a glossy commercial and captures the beauty of simplicity. Franzese crafts a vibrant world, captured by cinematographer Joe Simon, who also acts as executive producer. It's a small crew and simple story but what the filmmakers were able to achieve with what was no doubt a limited budget is commendable. Also, the decision to work with both animals and children deserves even more recognition, as we all know that isn't easy!
In the world of When Unfettered, admittedly a mouthful of a title, AI is on a mission to help the greater good. If the future unfolds the way the film intends it to, we can all rest assured that AI is nothing to fear.
SXSW: 'How To Build a Truth Engine' Examines the Vulnerability of Misinformation
Filmmaker Friedrich Moser's captivating documentary How To Build a Truth Engine boldly examines the vulnerability of how we receive and distribute information, putting into question the authenticity and intention behind "non-biased" news. Society can thrive when it uses technology for good, connecting us to cultures, ideas, and world views that we wouldn't have been privy to pre-internet. However, as Spider-Man would say, "With great power comes great responsibility," and Moser's film points out the damning repercussions of misinformation when falling into the hands of the wrong people. Executive Produced by George Clooney, How To Build a Truth Engine is a film that screams with urgency.
Landing somewhere between Herzog and Poitras in its execution, Moser crafts a visually rich documentary that, at times, feels more like a Black Mirror episode than our current reality. Interviews with key investigators from various fields of study–including technology, journalism, folklore, and neuroscience–shed light on how each subsection of society deals with the threat of disinformation. Much to my horror, but not to my surprise, the fallout teeters on the edge of catastrophe.
In the political system, lying and manipulation have become acceptable methods for pundits to push their agenda. Political figures have started turning into their own media sources, relying on their PR teams over established news outlets to deliver information. This prospect is worrisome for many reasons, as the intellectuals in the film point out, "If we lose the truth, the non-partisan information that keeps society functioning, we lose our civilization." Perhaps the most obvious example of this action was the January 6th takeover of the Capitol by right-wing conspiracy theorists. False information, fueled directly by the deliberate, ill-intended words of Donald Trump, encouraged large groups to wreak havoc on our political infrastructure as well as our code of ethics. The repercussions were not only a global embarrassment; they, unfortunately, also turned deadly.
How can people believe so many different versions of our shared reality? This is the thesis statement the film begs us to ponder. With the rise and threat of cyber attacks, echo chambers, and "fake news", How To Build a Truth Engine does offer a beacon of hope. A respite from the buildup of dread, the film documents the journalists, scientists, engineers, and other truth-seekers as they actively develop groundbreaking technology that helps to understand the human psyche. The thought is that by cracking the question of "why" we latch on and spread misinformation, we can use that insight to restore truth back to the valued forefront of a functioning society.
There is a line that one of the interviewees says that made a striking impact on me: "The best way to win a battle is not to fight it but rather create confusion in the camp of the enemy." Today, it feels like we are falling prey to this confusion, and the only way we as a society are going to overcome this looming threat is by taking a big step back and objectively reassessing how we receive and digest information. Cyber warfare has the potential to turn our society back into the Stone Age, and if that were to happen, we would never be able to recover.
Running just over two hours long, How To Build a Truth Engine is big in scope, production, and thought. Its importance can't be understated, making this a vital film to see as we consider and care for our collective future.
'How To Build a Truth Engine' is currently seeking distribution.
SXSW: 'The School of Canine Massage': A Dogumentary On Wellness
For too long, man's best friend has been left out of the wellness conversation but the Ojai School of Canine Massage is hoping to change that. In director Emma D. Miller's short "dogumentary" The School of Canine Massage, dog owners learn firsthand how valuable and beneficial it is to indulge their pets in a little doggy TLC, for both their health and relationship.
Running 11 minutes long, The School of Canine Massage is a tightly bundled piece of filmmaking. Taking place in one location, Ojai Valley Women's Club, the film opens with a canine masseuse demonstrating various movements and massage techniques on a black pug who seems to turn into putty the longer the back rub goes on. Like their human counterparts, the masseuse points out that dogs also enjoy cupping, kneading, gentle back-slapping, and prodding. Not only does this attention stimulate muscles and relieve tension and tightness, but it also strengthens the bond between owner and pet.
Sure, this borderlines SNL skit territory, but there's no denying that the massages are truly making a difference in these dogs' lives. Close-ups of satisfied pups getting head scratches would be laughable if it wasn't so cute. Pugs, poodles, corgis, and more sit contentedly in the laps of their attentive owners and quickly fall into a deep meditative state, much to the amusement and relief of their pet parents. Animal massage therapy and acupressure really work, and Emma D. Miller's exploratory documentary makes a strong case for shamelessly pampering your pet. My only critique is that I wish the film was longer, I could watch dogs getting massages for days.
SXSW: 'Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story' Shows Friendship Comes in All Shapes, Sizes, and Species
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, where 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.