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Reviews
Stockholm (2018)
Compelling Dark Comedy, Hawke is Amazing
Stockholm is thoughtful in its human moments, but thoroughly entertaining at the same time. Its premise warrants insanely hilarious scenes with Ethan Hawke's character Lars, but at its core it's about the unusual circumstances that relationships form- in a way that is both moving and a little messed up. This film isn't short of highly tense, stressful moments that have you completely hooked. The weird balance of absurd comedy and human drama is perfectly matched with Hawke's performance. You buy the motivations behind his character and shortly realize that he is just someone pretending to know what the hell he is doing, and it's really incredible to see someone as good as Hawke portray a character that has such a big personality.
Soul to Keep (2018)
Great Characters and Impressive Horror Plot
Soul To Keep is a thoroughly enjoyable movie for horror fans. The execution of the subtle and haunting horror slowly coming into play for the characters is fantastic. It takes advantage of the dread you feel for what is about to happen, and knows just when to let the story fully unleash. The film also cleverly brings in demonic and spiritual mythology in a way that feels organic and intensely interesting. Kate Rose Reynold does some really impressive body horror when she plays the first friend to be possessed. She is so creepy and unsettling, which I really loved out of the performance. I was terrified of her. This is a really engaging and interesting film that exceeds all expectations you could have. The cinematography is really impressive and only made the horrifying moments even more horrifying.
Saint Judy (2018)
Optimism and Compassion are a Strength
Saint Judy does a really beautiful job at showing how defiant it is to fight for others to be treated with simple empathy. We live in an extremely unfair world, and our immigration system is just one facet of that. Where it seems like all hope is lost and there's no use in fighting, there is Judy's vibrant and determined outlook on life, just genuinely wanting to make other people's lives better. She is an infectiously bright presence, and a lot of that is because of Michelle Monaghan. She really captures the uplifting spirit of the film and makes you believe in all the good in the world. This film is both clever and inspiring, and leaves you with the reminder that there is always hope.
Life and Nothing More (2017)
Completely Immersing and Emotional
Life And Nothing More is a beautiful and intimate piece of work, much like Moonlight or Boyhood. Unlike a lot of movies we see today, it is entirely focused on its characters and how they operate in the unfair system around them. Regina is a single mother who has a complicated relationship with her son, and their dynamic is raw and heartbreaking. It is obvious that Regina cares deeply for her son but she is unable to help him in his run-ins with the law and own emotional struggle. It is striking to me that the camera almost acts as a character just observing what is happening. There is no crazy editing or direction style and it's like we are in the moment with these characters, feeling what they are feeling. It is a must see if you like deeply moving portrayals of honest real life people.
Nommer 37 (2018)
Highly Intense and Stressful
I love thriller films, and Number 37 blew me away with how insanely invested I was while watching it. At first it seems like it could be a more quiet thriller, but as the plot picks up everything goes to full intensity and stays there until the heart-racing conclusion. For a crime movie, the characters have so much depth and emotional range. It makes every small misstep or triumph all the more heart-wrenching as a viewer. I can't even begin to explain how good Irshaad Ally and Monique Rockman are- they are powerhouse performers. Absolutely unreal. I rooted for their characters every step of the way and really felt their desperation to have a better life for themselves. I can't speak for everyone, but I know that I was extremely stressed out while watching this movie- which to me speaks to how good of a film Number 37 actually is. It is so wonderfully executed with interesting characters and plot/suspense that is powerfully engaging.
Darkness Visible (2019)
Dark and fascinating story about returning to your roots
Darkness Visible mostly takes place in India, with stunning establishing shots and displays of the beautiful architecture. India also serves as the backdrop to the horrifying and gruesome events happening in the film and it fits with its dark and gritty tone. The horror and suspense are fantastic, but what strikes me the most is the character of Ronnie and his journey as he goes to his roots and learns more about who he is. This movie is far from a story about someone re-discovering themselves after returning to their hometown in a traditional sense, but the core of the story is about just that. Ronnie has been cut out completely from his dark and troubling past and he is now forced to confront it. He learns more about his family and how he is connected to his hometown in more ways than he thought. The way that the supernatural is connected to that idea of going back to your roots is extremely unique and unlike anything I have ever seen before.