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Reviews
Hereditary (2018)
Heads Will Roll
Aster literally turns the horror genre "on its head" with Hereditary. The intricately woven plot, the stunning visual and visceral body elements, and sublime performances (Collete especially heartbreaking and real) all add up to the best horror/dysfunctional-family drama/mystery of the year. On top of all that, Aster crafts what is possibly the most disturbing image caught on film in the last decade or so (and not because of gore or anything like that) - without spoiling, the way he creates this rising tension with the car scene, when it finally culminates, we don't even see the gruesome image - it's all told through Wolfe's eyes and the eerily tranquil silence of the aftermath. Simply brilliant filmmaking. Then, it really amps up the horror quality in the last act, as truly frightening, nightmare inducing images begin to populate the screen. Plus the actual ending is so cool, it will leave you with your jaw hanging open for a long while. Such a gorgeous movie.
Blood Falls (2018)
somewhat spellbinding...
This movie was clearly made for no money, but I really enjoyed it. The story is very compelling and had me guessing the whole time. There were some weird elements that didn't make a ton of sense to me, but were creepy and even a little thought-provoking nonetheless. I see what the filmmakers were trying to do: the main character is stuck in a dream, and so a lot of the scenes have that dreamlike quality, where you don't know who exactly is who and what is actually happening. There were a couple of duller stretches with too much dialogue and a some other moments that didn't really lead anywhere, but I really liked what the actors did with what they had (the two main girls were actually pretty phenomenal) and I loved the witch/spell related segments. No spoilers, but the quirky end was fairly well done and surprising too. Definitely worth a watch if you're in the mood for a simple little indie with a different vibe.
Annihilation (2018)
Amazing.
How is this movie rated so low?? It's so good on all fronts. The acting is amazing, the story is gripping and compelling from start to finish and the effects are mind-blowing. It's so well done! The art direction and color schematics are so captivating, it's like a horrible rainbow nightmare. The final (no spoilers) sequences are so cool and the end twists are very unexpected. I love the performances, all of them. Natalie Portman is such a great actress, and this role is perfect for her. Watch this film for a fun and mindbending ride.
Le notti di Cabiria (1957)
Hope springs infernal
Masina, the Charlie Chaplin of her time, has never been better than as Cabiria. Transcending mere comical genius, here she evokes such deep emotional wells it's astounding. Her journey from poverty-stricken prostitute to reformed woman exuding hope to... what ultimately befalls her, is one of the most dynamic arcs in cinema. Fellini captures post-WWII Italy's wasted outskirt landscape here so beautifully, juxtaposed with Rome's eternal opulence, that the stark contrast highlights each faction all the more. What an uplifting and hilarious and sad piece of art. Bravissimo!