Women Talking
It's been a while since we've seen a memorable arthouse output from Orion Pictures, the production company behind box office classics like The Terminator (1984), RoboCop (1987), and The Silence of the Lambs (1991). Their re-introduction to the art-centric, indie crowd hits a high note with writer/director Sarah Polley's powerful feminist drama, Women Talking. Based on Miriam Toews' 2018 novel of the same name, Women Talking is an unapologetic statement of radical awakening and action, where feminine needs are the focus and sisterhood is an act of self-preservation.
At first glance, it looks as though we've been transported to a remote compound in the early 1900s. Kids running around outside free from screens, conservatively dressed women unloading goods from horse-drawn buggies, and pencils and paper taking the place of computers. But this is not a time-period piece. This is what an isolated religious community looks like in 2010, as close to Amish as one can get without directly saying so. The audience is dropped into the middle of heightened tension as soon as the film begins – clearly, there are disturbing issues that must be dealt with. A group of women from the community's most prominent families are appointed to sort out the impending dilemma.
The men of the community, who have been mysteriously absent from the compound since the beginning of the film, are accused of sexually violent acts towards the women and children. Outraged and disgusted by their predatory and vile behavior, there is no disagreement from the women the men need to stop. Where it becomes a point of contention is how – or if – the women choose to retaliate.
Within the group are those who want to stay and keep things status quo (Scarface Janz - Frances McDormand), those who want to stay and fight (Salome - Claire Foy), and those who want to leave (Ona - Rooney Mara). The arguments for their varied positions all come back to their interpretation of the Bible, which some take literally while others interpret it more vaguely. Everyone is sensitive to the religious element but that doesn't stop the women from candidly voicing their opinions, no matter how divisive. Acting as the group’s secretary is the affable school teacher (and sole male) August Epp (Ben Whishaw), who writes down the points and arguments made by the illiterate women. Shot almost entirely in the hayloft where these conversations take place, the tension builds like a pressure cooker until a decision is finally reached.
Women Talking derives its strength and staying power not just from the eloquently-voiced script, but also from its phenomenal ensemble cast. Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Frances McDormand, Judith Ivey, Sheila McCarthy, Michelle McLeod, Kate Hallett, Liv McNeil, August Winter, and Ben Whishaw give some of the year's best performances. Like a delicately woven web, the characters' lives intertwine amongst heartache, elation, and love. Despite their differing views, they continue their heated conversations for the greater good and immediate future of the women of their community (a gentle reminder that earnest communication can de-escalate many problems).
Resilience is the backbone of Sarah Polley's script adaptation, beautifully realized on the big screen. The film lacks saturation, giving off cool blues and greys, perhaps in an attempt to show how devoid of color and joy this moment is in all of their lives. The trauma these women are dealing with is both felt and seen. Behind the scenes is another strong female force in composer Hildur Guðnadóttir. Her layered, transcendent score builds throughout the entire film until it culminates in a glorious final sweeping shot that will evoke goosebumps.
Explosive, euphoric, and powerful, Women Talking is a passionate piece of filmmaking from all sides. It broaches difficult subject matter with empathy and compassion and encourages audiences to do the same.
Distributed by Orion Pictures. 104 minutes. Rated PG-13. In select theaters Christmas, everywhere January 20, 2023.
Brian H. Kim Debuts Track From 'Spoiler Alert'
Los Angeles-based composer Brian H. Kim reunites with director Michael Showalter in Focus Features' latest Spoiler Alert, based on Michael Ausiello’s best-selling memoir Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies. Blending soft synth notes with evocative strings and gently stroked piano keys, Brian guides the audience through the highs and lows of navigating life when the happy ending you expected doesn't go according to plan.
Starring Jim Parsons and Ben Aldridge, Spoiler Alert is a heartwarming, soulful story that follows the 14-year love affair between entertainment journalist Michael (Parsons) and his partner, Kit (Aldridge). Since the beginning of their relationship, Michael has always been in awe of Kit. From his close-knit family (Sally Field and Bill Irwin) to his supportive friends, Michael realizes that Kit is living the life he always wanted. Their love and admiration for each other are strong – seemingly unbreakable – and their future looks stable and bright. However, when a terminal diagnosis enters the relationship, their Happily Ever After begins to look very different.
Cinemacy is excited to premiere “I Will Delete It, Michael”, from Focus Features' Spoiler Alert, below:
Brian's awareness of the sensitive nature of the subject matter is brightly reflected in this beautiful track. As heard here, Brian intentionally creates music that feels authentic and true to the characters onscreen without overpowering the story. He doesn't force the audience to emote through stereotypical musical tropes, rather, he gives the audience space to figure out their own feelings and identify their own thoughts. He explains, "‘I Will Delete It, Michael’ accompanies one of the film’s most emotional moments — a love scene with almost no dialogue that is a culmination of Michael and Kit’s 14 years together. I used a combination of prepared piano, strings, and atmospheric synths with long, dreamy delays, playing a melody and progression that would become ‘Michael and Kit’s theme’ as we worked on the film. This theme returns in crucial moments later in the film, but it is at its fullest in this scene.”
Spoiler Alert is Brian's first wide-release studio feature. His repertoire is expansive, having created scores under a myriad of musical genres including the rhythmic beats in Panic (Amazon) and Search Party (HBO Max) to more cinematic orchestrations in G.B.F. (dir. Darren Stein) and Hello, My Name Is Doris (dir. Michael Showalter). Outside of the film industry, Brian has recorded with artists such as Adele, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Neil Patrick Harris, Patrick Stump, and Boyz II Men.
Back Lot Music is releasing the ‘Spoiler Alert’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack on Friday, December 9th. Listen to the album here.
‘Spoiler Alert’ is now playing in select theaters, everywhere December 9.
The UnRedacted
Back in January, an independent documentary called Jihad Rehab had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. Fast forward to October 11th, Jihad Rehab–now going by The UnRedacted–has resurfaced in the zeitgeist after the film's director Meg Smaker made an appearance on the Sam Harris podcast, Making Sense. Her story is inspirational, to say the least, and I encourage everyone to give the episode "A Tale of Cancellation" a listen. Last month, I was invited to watch The UnRedacted at a small theater in Glendale, CA. With no official distribution or release plan, The UnRedacted is a film that no one can see. However, its story is still worth telling in hopes that this will change.
The heartbeat of the film is empathy which, ironically, upsets many of the film's naysayers. The UnRedacted follows a small group of former terrorists and Guantanamo Bay detainees as they attempt to reintegrate into society by spending a mandated amount of time at the Prince Mohammed Bin Nayef Center for Advice and Care, a rehab institution for Islamist jihadis in Saudi Arabia. Meg Smaker's film is highly intimate as she is the one sitting across from the men asking them, in their native Yemeni tongue, questions about their childhoods, their decision to join terrorist organizations, and their dreams for the future.
It's easy to feel hatred toward these strangers at the onset, it goes against every instinct to empathize with evil. However, Meg's film intends to push audiences out of their comfort zone. The UnRedacted encourages us to look beyond one's horrifying past, without judgment, and just listen.
At times, it feels almost surreal to acknowledge any feelings of sympathy for the men who participated in al-Qaeda's reign of terror. Years spent at Guantanamo Bay didn't offer any humanitarian rehabilitation, which is why it is vital that behavioral and psychological centers like Prince Mohammed Bin Nayef Center for Advice and Care exist. Through drawing, expressive writing, and other creative activities, the men are given the opportunity to process their past and set their sights on a brighter future. Enrolling in classes to learn basic skills, like navigating the internet and balancing a checkbook to dating advice and interpersonal communication, are all intended to set up the men for success once they graduate and enter the outside world again.
This is not a film that has a "happy ending", nor did it set out to be. This is a film that shows reality in all of its confusing and complex forms. Sure, the controversy surrounding the subject matter is layered and divisive, and best explained by Meg Smaker through her own words in her conversation with Sam Harris. But just because something is hard to watch, doesn't mean it should be erased. The UnRedacted is not a hateful anti-American film, quite the contrary in fact. The UnRedacted is a symbolic peace offering to those who have wronged, showing that if one is committed to change and truly redemptive, a second chance at life is possible.
At the time of this review, The UnRedacted is still unavailable for viewing.
Edit: A correction was made on December 3rd, 2022: an earlier version of this article misstated that the film had been pulled from the Sundance Film Festival lineup following its World Premiere; Sundance Institute has confirmed that the film had all of its intended screenings at the festival.
'EO' is a Stunning, Emotive Arthouse Gem
EO is a future classic. Declaring its imminent legacy might seem premature to some, but it feels wholly appropriate after having witnessed the film's singular, spectacular vision. 84-year-old director Jerzy Skolimowski's film about a wayward donkey tells a story not just of human nature and goodwill but the reality of detachment and survival. Stark imagery combined with a pitch-perfect score and sound design, EO is a truly unforgettable piece of filmmaking.
Running just 88 minutes long, the film opens with a mesmerizing shot of EO and his handler performing one of their routine circus shows under the big top. Lights are flashing, the crowd is cheering – it's disorienting but impossible to look away. EO remains calm under the pressure. Outside of the circus, however, local activists confront the traveling show with broad claims of animal abuse and rip EO from the comforts of his environment, taking him away from the only home and people he has ever known. He is boarded with the other animals and driven all over Europe for days before he is eventually dropped off at a barn in an unfamiliar destination.
Despite being "freed", EO is restless and longs for the routine and the personal attention he received from his circus handler (Sandra Drzymalska). Without words, EO conveys his determination to change his circumstance through action as he escapes the barn and begins his journey back through the Polish and Italian countryside, encountering highs and lows–cruelty and kindness–in equal measure.
The protagonist of the picture, a gray Sardinian donkey named Tako, is the heart of the film. His expressive eyes and cheeky personality convey so much through subtle movements and melancholic grunts. Six donkeys were used throughout the filming process, and it's been made clear that no animals were harmed in the making of the film.
Aiding EO's valiant journey is the sweeping, full-bodied orchestral score from Polish composer Pawel Mykietyn. Mixing classical symphonic melodies with more contemporary, synth-based electrics, EO's score is a fusion of operatic peaks and gentle ambient soundscapes. Sound in general is heightened throughout EO, from visceral ADR to intimate ASMR, our senses tingle in every scene.
After many successful festival runs, including Cannes (Jury Prize winner, Palme d'Or nominee) and the European Film Awards (European Original Score winner), EO has continued to have a strong hold on me. Tenderly told with striking visuals and a ruminating score, EO deserves a top spot in the modern arthouse canon.
Distributed by Janus Films. 88 minutes. Not rated. Opening at the Los Feliz 3, Alamo Drafthouse DTLA, and Laemmle Royal this Friday, December 2, 2022.
'Good Night Oppy' Tells An Unexpected Love Story Between Man and Machine
If the rock scene from Everything Everywhere All at Once – you know the one – unexpectedly brought a tear to your eye, make sure you bring a box of tissues to Good Night Oppy. Having its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival before playing at TIFF, this documentary tells the true story of two NASA robots who defied the odds by surviving nearly 15 years longer than expected. See how I used the word "surviving"? I almost wrote "living" which, as we all know, inanimate objects cannot be considered living things. But director Ryan White gives us reason to pause as we can't help but form an emotional attachment to these autonomous rovers over the course of the film.
In 2004, the Mars Exploration rovers Opportunity and "twin sister" Spirit landed on opposite sides of the foreign planet. The goal coming out of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA was to determine once and for all if there was neutral water on Mars, furthering the possibility of life. A team of scientists and researchers spent years developing rovers that could investigate the Red Planet and communicate back to Earth through complex tech systems. Opportunity and Spirit were built to have a life expectancy of 90 days. So, imagine the excitement when both rovers made it to day 91 and the disbelief when they hit the one year mark, and so on until nearly 15 years later.
Of course, Good Night Oppy is only as sentimental as you allow yourself to get as the viewer. Imagine the *Criterion-selected* film Wall-E come to life – if that film tugged at your heartstrings, be prepared for a similar feeling with Oppy. Featuring photo-real special visual effects and animation by Industrial Light & Magic, the visual effects company founded by George Lucas, Good Night Oppy has that classic Star Wars look: rich and stunning.
The story at the heart of the film is the quintessential American Dream. A team of scientists from around the world come together to propel US space exploration into the future, quite literally reaching for the stars. Good Night Oppy offers audiences old-fashioned, feel-good optimism and stands as a testament to just how powerful inanimate objects can be when personified by humans.
Distributed by Prime Video. 105 minutes. Rated PG. Available to stream on Amazon Prime Video on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.
This review originally ran on September 23, 2022 during the Toronto International Film Festival.
'The Menu' Serves a Slice of Humble Pie to Elitist Eaters
The world of fine dining is an elusive one. The thought of spending a month's paycheck on a meal–regardless of how many Michelin stars it has–feels like a blasé act reserved for the affluent community (and the affluent community alone). So, when the opportunity arises to enter into the world of elitist eaters for one unforgettable night, of course, one would jump at the opportunity. What could possibly go wrong? Turns out, a lot. Director Mark Mylod's (Succession) satirical thriller The Menu puts a clever spin on the "Eat the Rich" anecdote that, while mesmerizing to look at with the right amount of humor, leaves us wanting more.
Margot (Anya Taylor-Joy) and Tyler (Nicholas Hoult) are a well-off and stylish couple who are about to embark on the experience of a lifetime: partake in a lavish tasting menu from the globally-celebrated Chef Julian Slowik (Ralph Fiennes). From the onset, the couple gives an "oil & vinegar," "opposites attract" vibe; an apathetic Margot in her black leather jacket tries to stay interested as she listens to an overzealous Tyler talk about what they can expect at Hawthorn, the exclusive restaurant on the remote island they are heading towards. With tickets in hand for this once-in-a-lifetime dining experience costing thousands of dollars (which a sensible Margot immediately views as suspicious) the couple, along with a handful of other guests, board the charter boat headed to fine dining mecca.
Awaiting them on the island is the reclusive Chef Julian Slowik, manager Elsa (Hong Chau), and their obedient staff, who have prepared a luxurious night for the special guests. Along with Margot and Tyler are boisterous tech bros, Bryce (Rob Yang), Soren (Arturo Castro), and Dave (Mark St. Cyr), well-mannered repeat customers, Anne (Judith Light) and Richard (Reed Birney), arrogant restaurant critic Lillian Bloom (Janet McTeer) and her minion editor Ted (Paul Adelstein), an aging movie star (John Leguizamo) and his assistant Felicity (Aimee Carrero). It's a cornucopia of egos and entitlement, to which Margot is definitely the odd woman out. Once seated in the minimalist open-concept kitchen and dining area, the guests are treated to avant-garde creations that are both wacky and genius. "Bread is food for the poor," laments Chef, so he offers his guests a bread basket with no bread. Confused but engaged, the guests embrace the theatrics of the Chef's multi-course menu. However, things take a dark turn when a sous chef commits suicide as part of the menu and the guests realize that danger is served.
The Menu has a cheekiness that feels both fun and dark; there are moments that are laugh-out-loud funny–mostly due to Ralph Fiennes' *chef's kiss* performance– while other moments exude heightened tension. The containment of the characters on the remote island with no working wifi or plausible escape route works in the film's favor and builds suspense and a sense of dread almost immediately. Adding to the film's robust tension is the score from celebrated composer Colin Stetson (who created the eerie soundscape for Hereditary).
Director Mark Mylod pokes fun at food culture not just within the story of The Menu, but in how the film is structured. Before the film begins, a title card acts as an invitation into this elitist culinary experience, welcoming audiences to the event that is to unfold. An obvious inspiration is also the David Gelb-helmed Netflix series, Chef's Table. Some shots pay homage to the show by mimicking how the distinct courses are framed, described, and lusted over by eager foodies.
However, what falls short is the story itself. The execution is fully-formed, but the plot feels half-baked. The biggest question I was left with after viewing was "Why?" Why this group of guests? Why did Chef choose this night? Why that grand finale? Perhaps answers to those questions would've helped provide answers to another qualm I have about the inadequate backstory. The characters deserved more backstory, especially Tyler who-contrary to what the poster implies–is not a main character. I'm aware that what I'm going to say next is purely a personal preference but I also wasn't convinced Anya Taylor-Joy was the right actress for this role. It felt as if she was going through the motions. In this role, she lacks the charisma and power that is needed when acting against Ralph Finnes, making for an off-balanced output.
Ultimately, for as beautiful and stylish as it is, The Menu leaves a mediocre aftertaste. If you're looking for an "Eat the Rich" film, I suggest The Menu be your appetizer and Triangle of Sadness be your main course. Perhaps Bones and All can be dessert.
106 minutes. Rated R. 'The Menu' is now playing in theaters.
Chanda Dancy Premieres Track From ‘Devotion’
There's a scene in director J.D. Dillard's upcoming aerial war epic, Devotion, that completely caught me off guard. Navy officer Jesse Brown – played by a mesmerizing Jonathan Majors – stares intensely at his reflection in the mirror at base camp. It's quiet, eerily so, until composer Chanda Dancy's ruminating score takes hold of the scene and pushes Jesse to the verge of a total breakdown. The restraint in this pivotal moment of character development could be viewed as risky to some, but it's the delicate attention to detail and subtext that makes this war drama sound unlike other films in the genre.
Based on the bestselling book of the same name by Adam Makos, Devotion tells the inspirational true story of Jesse Brown (Majors), the first Black aviator in Navy history, and his comrade and friend, Tom Hudner (Glen Powell), as they set out to fight in the Korean War at the start of the 1950s. The film depicts a brutal reality – one of hardship, loss, and hate – while also keeping the themes of brotherhood, sacrifice, and love close by. It's a rich film full of high moments, tragic realizations, and everything in between – all of which are encapsulated in Chanda's emotive orchestral score.
Cinemacy is excited to premiere “The Lighthouse”, from Sony Pictures and Black Label Media’s Devotion, below:
Much like the fighter jets in the film, "The Lighthouse" soars through a symphony of melodic strings and EDM synths. Chanda brings the audience into the cockpit of the plane by using sounds that resemble engines, wind, and other elements of flight. Speaking about her creative process, she explains, "Love is everlasting - love for your friends, love for your family, love for country, and love for your fellow human. That is the true meaning of Devotion, and I wanted the score to reflect that. From the elation of flight in “The Lighthouse”, to tender love for a wife in “A Gift For Daisy”, true friendship in “Be There For Them”, duty to country in “Procedure”, and the very essence of standing up and showing up for others in “Measure Of A Man”, I hope to give the listener a sense of these emotions, and in turn, a glimpse into the lives of Jesse Brown, Daisy Brown, Tom Hudner, and the aviators of U.S. Navy VFA-32."
Chanda started composing orchestral works at the age of 12 and is an alumnus of both the USC Film Scoring Program and the Sundance Composers Lab. Her most recent project, the documentary Aftershock, won the Impact for Change award at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival in addition to being nominated for the Grand Jury prize. Her 18+ years of experience in the film and TV space has not gone unnoticed in the music community, as Anthony Parnther, conductor of the San Bernardino Symphony, confidently states that Chanda is “quickly gaining recognition as a foremost black American contemporary composer.” Her next project is scoring the upcoming Whitney Houston biopic, I Wanna Dance with Somebody.
Lakeshore Records is releasing the ‘Devotion’ Original Motion Picture Soundtrack on Friday, November 18th. Listen to the album here.
‘Devotion’ opens in theaters everywhere on Wednesday, November 23rd.
'Utama' Elegantly Depicts The Honoring of Family Traditions
Utama comes into my life at a time when I'm feeling extra sensitive toward the importance of honoring family traditions passed down from older generations. One's legacy can be appreciated while still earthside, but it's especially in death when their physical absence is felt, does their impact realize itself. Life, death, and how we spend the time in between is the thesis statement of writer-director Alejandro Loayza Grisi's subtle yet remarkably powerful debut feature, Utama.
Immediately taken by the colorful garments set against a dry and dusty landscape, we're transported to the Bolivian Altiplano, home of elderly Quechua couple Virginio and Sisa (José Calcina and Luisa Quispe). Presumably, in their late eighties or so, the couple spends their days following the same simple routine: he manages the llamas and she walks to town to gather water.
However, when their only source of drinking water goes dry, the effects of this ongoing drought begin to have real consequences for the townspeople. It doesn't help that Virginio is secretly battling a mystery cough, and a lack of appropriate resources like water could cause him grave danger.
Amidst the troubling prospects, Virginio and Sisa are in for a surprise when their grandson, Clever (Santos Choque), shows up at their remote home. His hope is that he can convince his grandparents–specifically his bullheaded grandfather–to move with him to the city where water and resources are boundless.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmI3R__51Qc
But Virginio is offended by Clever's good-natured offer; he won't accept a handout, even from his own family. Virginio's stubbornness and loyalty to tradition are at odds with Clever's more progressive way of life. His unwillingness to adapt ultimately does more harm than good to his family.
Utama, which literally translates to "our home," is a tightly packaged, slow burn of a film that radiates with a heart both onscreen and off. Alejandro Loayza Grisi's portrait of a struggling community proves to be as devastating as it is breathtaking.
Loayza Grisi's respect for the people and the culture is apparent from the very first frame, as we get swept up in the picturesque visuals and unique sounds of Bolivia. The decision to use non-actors, José Calcina and Luisa Quispe, further grounds the film in its reality, almost teetering on the feeling of a documentary.
An elegant depiction of honoring family traditions and their impact on future generations, Utama is a beautifully crafted film that radiates with sincerity.
This review was first published on Jan 25, 2022 as part of our Sundance Film Festival 2022 coverage.