Tag: 2010s

I’M NOT HERE: An Empty Existential Drama

I'm Not Here Review Pic

I’m Not Here is a generational drama looking to address ambitious questions related to the nature of time, the cyclical tragedy of repeating our parents’ mistakes, as well as how the past can shape our future. With a runtime clocking in at just under an hour and a half, that is a tall order to fill. The story is ultimately about the vacuous void that can be formed when one is shut off from their love ones yet ironically offers an empty message in what it posits to the audience by the time it ends.

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THE AFTERMATH: A Sizzling Drama Lacking Originality

The Aftermath Review

The Aftermath directed by James Kent, is a tale focused on an estranged couple with the backdrop of post-World War II Germany serving as a metaphor for their troubled marriage. When Rachael (Keira Knightley) is instructed to live with a German widower (Alexander Skarsgård) and his daughter at the behest of her husband (Jason Clarke), their marriage is put to the test, as Rachael is tempted by the unexpected bond she forms with this German man. While this tale of lust and betrayal is clever in the way the state of the couple’s marriage closely mirrors the political climate that surrounds them, it is ultimately hindered by a lack of ingenuity as the moral of the story has long been exhausted by practically every story set during any historical war.

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2ND CLASS: The Role of Education in Fostering Tolerance

2ND CLASS: The Role of Education in Fostering Tolerance

2ND CLASS, directed by Jimmy Olsson, is a Swedish short film centered on Charlotte (Hannah Davidson), a newly hired elementary school teacher who is quickly made the victim of a hate crime after inadvertently crossing paths with a Nazi. After enduring her horrific encounter, Charlotte gets the surprise of her life the next day when she learns that a quiet, young boy in her class named Anton (Milo Adermark) happens to be the son of the Nazi who attacked her the night prior.

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BRAID: A Repugnant Psychedelic Horror Show

Braid Film Review

Braid, directed by Mitzi Peirone starts as a home invasion thriller in the vein of 2016’s Don’t Breathe wherein the target of a criminal heist quickly turns the tables on their aggressors, causing you to rethink who is in control in this scenario. The horror flick morphs throughout its runtime, incorporating elements of torture porn, stoner film, and even a David Lynch inspired abstraction towards the conclusion. None of this ultimately works though, as this hallucinogenic thriller is neither creepy nor clever, but rather uniquely unpleasant to watch.

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ALL THESE SMALL MOMENTS: A Tender Coming-Of-Age Dramedy

ALL THESE SMALL MOMENTS: A Tender Coming-Of-Age Dramedy

Over the past few years there has been an abundance of riches as it concerns coming-of-age teen dramas. Unlike recent genre entries such as Love, Simon with its aims of inclusion and Eighth Grade with its commentary on the influence of social media’s role on teens, All These Small Moments goes back to basics, foregoing a contemporary hook completely. The film, however, possesses an uncommon honesty in its exploration of timeless themes related to growing up as we examine a young man and his unconventional infatuation with a woman in her 30’s.

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THE ASPERN PAPERS: Devoid Of Suspense Or Intrigue

The Aspern Papers is a mystery period drama based upon the classic story published in the 1800s from the influential literary figure, Henry James. The original story has long been considered one of James’most acclaimed tales for its ability to generate mounting suspense while also creating complicated, well-developed characters. With a tale this celebrated and a cast including legendary actress Vanessa Redgrave, The Aspern Papers would appear to be a safe bet, however, none of the same praises can be applied to this dull adaptation from Julien Landais.

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