I.S.S.

 

      I.S.S. stands for International Space Station which makes a very claustrophobic setting for this "thriller".

      As the film starts, two American astronauts arrive at the station to be greeted by their American colleague and three Russian cosmonauts. These six characters are the only people in the film and for the first day or so, they live and work in friendship and perfect harmony.

      The film stars Ariana DeBose, Chris Messina, and John Gallagher as the Americans. Masha Mashkova, Costa Ronin, and Pilou Asbaek as the Russians.

      Very quickly things take a turn for the worse when they notice explosions of some sort back on earth. Each group then receives transmissions from their respective governments that war has broken out between Russia and the United States and they are to take control of the station at all costs. 

      It is an extremely intriguing premise that sets the stage for some suspenseful moments as friends and allies are now enemies and unsure just how far to take their orders. For a while the premise holds up, heighted by a suspenseful score but with only six people in a very tight space there can only be so much tension. There are a couple of twists to keep things off balance but eventually interest wanes.

     Definitely a movie you can wait to stream...or not.

       

The Zone of Interest

 

      Written and directed by Jonathan Glazer, this is an extraordinary historical drama in both it's inception and production. It is also quite possibly the most discomforting film I've ever sat through.

      Rudolf Hoss was the commandant of Auschwitz, responsible for the death of millions of Jewish prisoners during World War Two. He and his family lived in a villa directly outside the concentration camp walls. The story, filmed in and around the home (never in Auschwitz itself) tries to humanize Hoss and his family as they go about their daily life but it is impossible, as the sounds of the camp always linger in the background as well as the black smoke from the crematoriums. We follow their mundane life totally apathetic to what is taking place mere feet from their home. 

     Mr. Glazer's sound designer, Jonnie Burn's work is incredible. The sounds of gunfire, screams, barking dogs and other horrors are  unseen "characters" in the film. It's as if there is a second film running simultaneously fueled by the imagination of the viewer. The minimalistic score by Mica Levi is reduced to painful noise (with the exception of the prologue and epilogue) to add further discomfort.

     Christian Friedel plays Rudolf Hoss and Sandra Huller plays his wife Hedwig. Both do incredible work. They portray loving parents to their children and pets but are otherwise cold and unaffected by the world around them.

      Mr. Glazer's camera forces us to see beyond the ordinary life that hides a horrific brutality. While atrocities are never seen, the film is deliberately unsettling to watch and yet, it's an important testimony to the horrors of the holocaust.

      Post script (not seen in the film)- After the war, Rudolf Hoss was found guilty of war crimes and was hanged outside the very gates of Auschwitz.

Origin

 

     This new biographical drama, brilliantly written and directed by Ava DuVernay, is based on the non-fiction book, "Caste". The book came out in 2020 and shot to the top of the NY Times non-fiction bestseller list. "It examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped America and shows how our lives today are still defined by a hierarchy of human divisions".

      "Caste" was written by Pulitzer Prize winner Isabel Wilkerson. The film follows Ms. Wilkerson's journey from her decision to write the book, her research, and the writing itself, all while dealing with difficult moments in her own life. As her story is told, parts of the book  are brought to life through reenacted sequences and Ms. Wilkerson's narration. Both the book and the film look to connect particular actions of the past with their impact on our present, and to provide hope for our future.

       The film stars Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Isabel Wilkerson, Jon Bernthal as her husband Brett and Niecy Nash-Betts as Isabel's cousin Marion. Ms. Ellis-Taylor and Ms. Nash-Betts are absolutely remarkable. The film co-stars Emily Yancy, Finn Wittrock, Victoria Pedretti, Jasmine Cephas Jones, Isha Blaaker, Vera Famiga, Audra McDonald, Connie Nielsen, Myles Frost, Blair Underwood, and in a one scene cameo, Nick Offerman. Almost the entire cast portray actual people.

        This is not a film to necessarily "enjoy" but it is an important film to see. It is intelligent, insightful, thought provoking, brutally honest, heartbreaking in so many ways (certain scenes may shatter you and haunt you for days), and yet, is filled with so much love. 

         "Origin" asks us to look below the surface and find the humanity underneath, in all of us. It is a must see experience. 

         In select theaters now and opens wide January 26th.

The Book of Clarence

 

       This new biblical comedy/drama is from writer and director Jeymes Samuel. It borrows its DNA from "Life of Brian" and many biblical dramas but definitely has an odd originality all its own.

       Seeing how Jesus is revered by the masses, Clarence (a non-believer) decides to become a messiah himself as part of a larger con in AD 33 Jerusalem. His comical deception leads him down a parallel path of the actual Jesus, where he encounters the Virgin Mary, the 12 apostles, Judas, Barabbas, Pontis Pilate, Mary Magdelene, and John the Baptist.

        Clarence is played by LaKeith Stanfield, who is absolutely terrific in the role (he also plays his twin brother, Thomas). Co-starring are Omar Sy as Barabbas, RJ Cyler as Elijah, David Oyelowo as John the Baptist, Micheal Ward as Judas, Alfre Woodward as the Virgin Mary, Teyana Taylor as Mary Magdelene, Marianne Jean- Baptiste as Clarence's mother, James McAvoy as Pontis, and Benedict Cumberbatch as Benjamin. It's a fine cast caught in a film that has a hard time finding its core. 

       Divided into three "books", the film gets less funny and much more serious as we arrive at book three, "The Crucifixion". At once, a biblical satire, social commentary, comedy, and dark drama, the film is uneven but ultimately an interesting work.

         

The Beekeeper

 

        Jason Statham may be getting older, but he hasn't lost a step, starring in this action thriller. When a shadow organization of hackers cons his close friend into losing all her money, beekeeper  Adam Clay goes on the hunt for those responsible. While a literal beekeeper, Clay is a retired "Beekeeper", part of an elite organization dedicated to protecting "the hive".  Using all his skills, Clay goes on a one-man warpath taking down everyone responsible for, not only for his friend but all the innocents taken in by the hackers.

      It's an action revenge story anyone can relate to, which adds an emotional element to this "check your brain at the door" thriller. Mr. Statham shows he's still in great shape and very resourceful at taking down the bad guys.

      The film co-stars Emmy Raver-Lampman, Josh Hutcherson, Jeremy Irons, Jemma Redgrave, Minnie Driver, Bobby Naderi, and Phylicia Rashad. Mr. Irons adds a certain gravitas to a part he can do in his sleep. Ms. Driver's and Ms. Rashad's roles are not much more than cameos, but Mr. Hutcherson chews the scenery as the man behind the scenes running the scams.

       Getting hacked is everyone's nightmare so it's fun to see the hackers get “stung” for a change, even if it is only a movie.

 

Society of the Snow

 

   In 1972, a Uruguayan rugby team were on their way to a match in Chile. Their plane crashed in the Andes mountains. A book was written about the crash called Alive and then a film followed in 1992. It was filmed with an American cast and the most controversial thing about the book and the film was that the survivors of the crash resorted to eating the flesh of the dead to survive.

    This new film, while not a remake, does tell the same story with a cast of Uruguayan and Argentinian actors that lend authenticity to the story and is absolutely harrowing in its tale of survival. The crash itself is horrific in detail and the makeup, weather conditions and acting all combine to add a dimension of realism that couldn't be done in 1992. The cinematography is outstanding and if this was not a thrilling tale of survival, one could really appreciate the beauty of the natural surroundings.

    Director and co-screenwriter, J.A.Bayona does a remarkable job filming, not only in the Andes but at the actual crash site, adding another layer of realism to the film. The story doesn't shy away from the survivors making the incredibly difficult decision to eat the flesh of the dead, but it is presented with care and reverence without resorting to sensationalism. 

     Truely an amazing story of human resilience and endurance that should not be missed. It is currently on Netflix.

      

 

The Color Purple

 

   Based on the Broadway musical adaptation of the Alice Walker novel, this new version of "The Color Purple" hits all the rights notes in the music and dancing departments. It also incorporates elements from the original 1985 film, filling out the story.

   The musical numbers and the choreography are terrific but the story drags at times, seemingly waiting for the next number to start. The director, Blitz Bazawule's pacing is slow and somewhat labored but he is in complete control of the musical sequences.

    The cast is wonderful. Fantasia Barrino reprises her role from the Broadway show and she is excellent as the tortured soul, Celie. Danielle Brooks also reprises her role of Sophia from the show and she is a force of nature, stealing every moment she's on screen. As the villain in the film, Colman Domingo is a very frightening "Mister" and shows his versatility as an actor. The film also stars Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery. With a long list of dramatic roles in her resume, she now adds singer and she does a great job. Rounding out the cast is Corey Hawkins as Harpo, H.E.R. as "Squeak", Halle Bailey as the young Nettie, Jon Bastiste as Grady (who, of course, gets a musical number at the piano), Louis Gossett Jr. as Ol' Mr. Johnson (he 's a national treasure), David Alan Frier as the Rev. Avery, and Elizabeth Marvel as Miss Millie.

    Personally, I preferred the dramatic version of the story as I'm not a big fan of movie musicals. They tend to take you out of the story's reality (as happens here too) but you can't deny the wonderful singing and dancing in this version. 

      

Night Swim

 

      Well, it's January and the start of the bottom feeder movie season. While I'm still waiting for a great horror film to scare me out of my seat, this one will have to do for now.

       Written and directed by Bryce McGuire, the film serves up a solid level of creepiness with a few good scares thrown in for good measure. What sets this apart from other horror films, is the idyllic setting of a backyard pool being the home of an evil entity. Pools are friendly and inviting, making this all the more unsettling as it goes on.  

       The film stars Kerry Condon (doing a great American accent) and Wyatt Russell as Eve and Ray Waller. Their kids are played by Amelie Hoeferle as Izzy and Gavin Warren as Elliott.

       Things get more intense or sillier, depending on your tolerance for this story, but despite how you feel about the plot, the cast works hard to make you believers in the evil oozing out of their backyard.  As silly as it may be, it's also unsettling and I, for one, will think twice now about swimming alone in a pool at night.

Ferrari

 

       "Ferrari" centers the story of Enzo Ferrari during 1957. Enzo is reeling from the death of his son, his disintegrating marriage, company financial trouble, dealing with his mistress and his illegitimate son, all while preparing for the Millie Miglia, one of Italy's most important races.

        Adam Driver stars as Enzo Ferrari in a cold self-absorbed performance While his acting is solid, it's difficult to empathize with this character. Penelope Cruz co-stars as Laura, his wife and company partner. Ms. Cruz steals every scene she's in and is simply an unstoppable force of nature. Also co-starring is Shailene Woodley as Lina, Enzo's mistress. While a very capable actress, Ms. Woodley is completely miscast this time. And in another strange casting choice, Patrick Dempsey plays Piero Taruffi, one of Ferrari's racecar drivers.

       The film is directed by Michael Mann who appears to have lost a step from his usual style. Outside of the car scenes, the film moves at a slow pace amounting to nothing more than an Italian soap opera. The racing scenes leading up to the Millie Miglia are all practice runs and become repetitive but the Mille Miglia itself is very exciting and features one of the most horrific sequences I've ever seen in a racing film.

        While a fascinating character study, the only real winner at the checkered flag is Ms. Cruz whose performance leaves everyone else in her dust.

The Boys in The Boat

 

   Director George Clooney tells the true story of the University of Washinton's 1936 crew team, a bunch of underdogs that learned to work as a team and overcome adversity and become winners.,

   On the surface, the screenplay by Mark L. Smith is a sure-fire crowd-pleasing sports film that features exciting race sequences, but the film may as well have been called "The Boy in The Boat" as its focus is on one particular crew member, Joe Rantz, played by Callum Turner. Joe is the only fully realized character out of the eight-man team. Crew members Don Hume, played by Jack Mulhern and Roger Morris, played by Sam Strike show a little personality as does coxswain Bobby Moch, played by Luke Slattery but that leaves four members of the crew we know nothing about (yes there is one scene where we do learn one of the crew was so poor, he stole clothes but that's it).

   The eight men work hard to become a team and beat the odds but knowing more about each member would leave audience more fully invested. As a character says, "we weren't eight men, we were one". And that one character is represented by Joe. So of course, we root for him. I also found myself rooting for Joel Edgerton who plays Al Ulbrickson, the coach and Peter Guinness, the wise old boat craftsman.

   Mr. Clooney's direction is pretty standard but it's the racing scenes that really sell the film. The cinematography, by Martin Ruhe, is terrific, especially the overhead shots of the boats. Those shots make the races even more exciting and poetic watching the crew as they row in synchronization.

    It's a good movie that will stir a crowd but like the boats it features, the story just skims the surface when there is obviously more story to tell below the waterline. Plot points are left dangling like oars at rest. A missed opportunity to make a good movie...great.

    

   

Saltburn

 

       The less said about this new film from writer/director Emerald Fennell, the better. If you are prepared for a debauched jolt to your senses, you won't be disappointed.

       Barry Keoghan stars as Oliver, a scholarship student at Oxford who befriends Felix (played by Jacob Elordi), his handsome and rich roommate. When Oliver tells Felix his father has died, Felix feels bad for him and invites Oliver to Saltburn, his family's estate for the summer. Oliver meets the rest of Felix's spoiled rich family and what happens from that point on, simply can't be described.

       Rosamund Pike and Richard E. Grant play Felix's parents, Lady Elspeth and Sir James. Alison Oliver plays Venetia, their daughter and Archie Madekwe is Farleigh, Felix's sarcastic American cousin. Cary Mulligan has an almost unrecognizable cameo as Pamela, Elspeth's friend.

       The plot, as is, has been done before but never to this extreme. The film is at once, funny, dramatic, intense, sensual, explicit, creepy and while a bit too neat, surprising. It's a polarizing story that will definitely leave an impact.

       It's still in some theaters and now available, streaming on Prime video.

Best & Worst of 2023

My Best and Worst films of 2023-

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2023

Killers of the Flower Moon- a masterpiece of film making co-written and directed by Martin Scorsese. Incredible in every way.

Poor Things- Emma Stone is sensational in this amazing and original fantasy.

American Fiction- Brilliant satire with the incredible Jeffrey Wright in the lead role.

Maestro- Bradley Cooper’s magnificent story of the life and times of legendary composer and conductor, Leonard Bernstein

Barbie- Bizarre, surreal, and brilliant. Greta Gerwig found the perfect way to make this film work.

Oppenheimer- Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece. “Nuff” said.

Napoleon- Epic in scale, it’s a great examination of the world conqueror and his great love, Josephine.

The Holdovers- A funny yet heartbreaking comedy/drama with a wonderful performance by Paul Giamatti.

Anatomy Of a Fall- Excellent courtroom and family drama.

RRR- India’s highest grossing action-adventure film. A simply amazing story filled with impossible sequences that will blow you away.

BOTTOM 10 FILMS

Leave The World Behind- Leave this film behind.

65- The Last of Us meets Jurassic Park with Adam Driver battling dinosaurs.

The Meg 2: The Trench- Cheesy sequel starring the always reliable Jason Statham.

Haunted Mansion- Not very funny or scary and a waste of a very good but eclectic cast.

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania- Overblown visually and noisy. Exists only to introduce new Marvel villain, Kang played well by Jonathan Majors, who is now banned from the Marvel Universe.

Triangle of Sadness- Sad how this terrible film has fooled every critic.

Operation Fortune- A lazy Guy Ritchie spy flick with very few good moments but co-stars the wonderfully snarky Aubrey Plaza.

About My Father- Sebastian Maniscalco should stick to stand-up. An unfunny comedy loosely based on his life.

The Boogeyman- Disappointing generic horror film.

The Iron Claw

 

   Written and directed by Sean Durkin, this new sports drama is inspired by the real life story of the Von Erich wrestling family. It is both a story of triumph and also terrible tragedy.

    During the 1980's the Von Erich brothers were wrestling's only family of competitors. They wrestled individually and as a tag team. At times, there was great success but also personal tragedy. The film doesn't shy away from what the family called it's "curse" and while it ends on a positive note, it's actually harbors quite a bit of sadness.

     As the brothers, the film stars Zac Efron (almost unrecognizable), Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, and Stanley Simons. Their parents are played by Holt McCallany and Maura Tierney. The film also co-stars Lily James and Michael J. Harney. Mr. McCallany has been acting for some time now and this is his best role to date.

     The wrestling scenes are realistically filmed and exciting enough but the pace of the film drags at times. I'm sure wrestling fans familiar with the Von Erich brothers will enjoy the film but even if you are not a fan, it is a fascinating and entertaining (albeit sad) film with very solid acting.

Wonka

 

       With a screenplay co-written and directed by Paul King, this is a new musical fantasy of how Willie Wonka became "Wonka". It's a clever origin story but leaves out an important detail. Just where does he get his incredible ingredients?

        Timothee Chalamet plays Willie Wonka and while his singing is just passable, he makes up for it with plenty of charm and personality. His co-stars include Calah Lane as Noodle, an orphan girl who becomes his assistant of sorts, Keegan- Michael Key as the chocolate addicted chief of police, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, and Matthew Bayton as the villainous trio of evil chocolate makers, Sally Hawkins as  Willie's mom, Rowan Atkinson as a chocolate addicted corrupt priest, Jim Carter as Abacus Crunch, Tom Davis as Bleacher, the wonderful Olivia Colman as Mrs. Scrubitt and Hugh Grant as Lofty, the Oompa-Loompa.

        Ms. Colman and Mr. Grant almost steal the film out from Mr. Chalamet. They are both clearly having a great time. Fans of "Ghosts U.K." will recognize Charlotte Ritchie, Simon Farnaby and the previously mentioned Matthew Bayton, all from the series.

        The film is a visual treat, full of color and fantastic sets. The songs don't overpower  and fit well into the story. And the running time is perfect at just under two hours. Much lighter in tone than the previous films of Willie Wonka, this is a fun film for the entire family.

Leave the World Behind

 

         A great cast does not always a great movie make. Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, and Mahershala Ali lead a cast that also includes Myha'la, Farrah Mackenzie, Charlie Evans, and in a small but significant part, Kevin Bacon in this apocalyptic "thriller". It thrills for about 45 minutes with a great premise (and a wild scene at the beach), but it ends up as the most boring "Twilight Zone" episode ever.

        The acting is as good as expected from this cast but just about all the characters are annoying. While the premise pulls you in, things happen with no explanation (which I can accept) but almost no reaction from the characters (which I can't accept). If  something really strange happens wouldn’t you tell someone right away rather than wait to casually mention it later in the film?

        Set in a beautiful Long Island home for most of the film, the most interesting thing is the architecture as we watch the cast wait for "something to happen". To keep us awake, the characters and the viewers are exposed to a very annoying noise at various intervals. Mr. Bacon, in basically a cameo, induces the most tension in his one scene, which considering the state of our country these days, is scary in a very real way.

        Director Sam Esmail doesn't help by stretching out the story at a snail's pace. When the big reveal does eventually come, all I kept thinking was "wow, we have just given our very real enemies a blueprint to attack our country". Thanks Mr. Esmail, who also wrote the screenplay.

         Available on Netflix, I wish I could leave this movie behind.

   

Past Lives

 

    Written and directed by Celine Song, this romantic drama is a lovely and honest look at a relationship in its many forms for two people over the course of 24 years. Far from a "rom com", the story borders on painful yet hopeful as we follow the life of Nora Moon (aka Seung Ah Moon) from her early years in Korea to her life in New York as an adult.

     As 12-year-olds in South Korea, Seung Ah Moon and Hae Sung share a friendship that is on the cusp of young love when suddenly Seung's family decides to immigrate to Canada. Hae Sung is quietly crushed by the sudden departure and never gives up trying to find his lost love. 12 Years later, Seung is now Nora and living in New York when a chance encounter on the internet reacquaints her with Hae. They renew their friendship on-line with her in New York and Hae in Korea, but it soon becomes difficult for Nora to continue. She suggests they take a break which lasts another 12 years until one day he decides to visit her in New York.

     Nora is played by the amazing Greta Lee and Hae Sung is played by Teo Yoo, who's love for Nora has never died and is conveyed so well by Mr. Yoo. John Magaro plays Arthur, another character important to the story.

     Ms. Song's screenplay is semi-autobiographical and inspired by real events in her life. Her subtle direction lets the story breathe as we follow the fate of these characters.

      

American Fiction

 

 

       Directed by Cord Jefferson (who also wrote the screenplay), this new comedy-drama is a biting satire with a not so subtle underlying of truth.

       Jeffrey Wright stars as Thelonius "Monk" Ellison, a serious writer who takes some non-voluntary time off from teaching to visit his family and attend a book conference. "Monk' has not published in some time and is bitter and cynical about the state of modern American fiction. Using a pen name, he decides to write a "street" book as a joke to illustrate the sad state of contemporary fiction, and no one is more surprised than him when the book takes off and is hailed a masterpiece.

       Mr. Wright is marvelous as "Monk". His sublime physical reactions to the madness occurring around him is just one of his strengths as an actor. He handles the comedic moments as deftly as the dramatic ones. Co-starring with Mr. Wright are Tracee Ellis Ross, as his sister, Leslie Uggams (yes, Leslie Uggams) as his mother, John Ortiz as his book agent, Myra Lucretia Taylor as the family housekeeper, Erika Alexander as a potential love interest, Issa Rae as another author and Sterling K. Brown as "Monk's brother, Cliff. Ms. Uggams is a lovely surprise addition to the cast and Mr. Brown sheds his "This Is Us" personality in an entire new way.

        The film is very smart and the satire sharp as a knife. While it has its share of dramatic and even sad moments, it is also very funny with great dialog and situations that get more absurd as the "book" keeps gaining in popularity. And through it all, Mr. Wright tries hard to maintain his sanity right up to the moment of a very clever ending.

        One of the best films of the year that I hope finds a wide audience.

         

Eileen

 

   A  character study that moves between film noir and melodrama with surprising twists along the way. It stars Thomasin McKenzie as Eileen and Anne Hathaway as Rebecca, a woman who becomes Eileen's obsession.

   The two stars have great chemistry in this psychological drama that gets darker and stranger as it goes on. Ms. McKenzie, in particular, is terrific as the complex title character. Ms. Hathaway, of late, is choosing far more interesting roles in Independent films than her previous Hollywood lead parts. Here she plays a disturbed femme fatale.

   The film co-stars Shea Whigham as Eileen's widowed, alcoholic father, and Marin Ireland as  Mrs. Polk, a pivotal character. Ms. Ireland's part is small but she delivers a a great performance during an extended monologue.  

   Richard Reed Parry ( of Arcade Fire) did the music and both the score and song selections are perfect.

   Moody and progressively twisted, the story may not appeal to everyone, especially with an ending that I found unsatisfying but it does have two excellent performances from Ms. McKenzie and Ms. Hathaway.

   

     

Godzilla Minus One

 

   To be honest, this film was not even on my radar until a friend recommended it (Thanks Alan) and then I started to read positive things about it. To say I was not disappointed is an understatement.

   Written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki (he also did the special effects), the film is terrific.  Mr. Yamazaki uses the metaphor of the monster to reflect upon Japanese society just after World War Two (as well as war itself). He's not afraid to criticize the government at that time under the guise of a monster movie. 

   The special effects rival any Hollywood blockbuster and Godzilla appears as a truly terrifying monster, especially during his destruction of Ginza (which is easy to see the parallel of war torn Ukraine or even the war in the middle East). Tokyo, as well, is a bombed out shell of it's former self, even before the monster makes an appearance, due to the allied bombing of the city during the war.

   Besides the special effects and action sequences, what really makes the film special is the humanity of its lead characters, who give the movie it's heart and soul. Ryunosuke Kamiki stars as Koichi, a Kamikaze  pilot who defies his mission and first encounters the monster on a remote island (where only he and a technician named Tachibana survive). Tachibana is played by Munetaka Aoki.

   Koichi has survivor's guilt, both from the war and the monster's first strike on the island. When he returns home to a bombed out Tokyo, his family is gone and he reluctantly takes in a young woman and a baby who have nowhere else to go. His relationship with the young woman, Noriko, played by Minami Hamabe and the baby form a bond that is the strength of the film. 

   It's pretty clear that Mr. Yamazaki was influenced not only by the original film but also "Jaws". He features the monster sparingly but when he does, it's very impactful. The scenes on the ocean will definitely bring "Jaws" to mind.

   I'm still not sure what the film's title actually means but it was a pleasant surprise and a welcome addition to the Godzilla mythos. I guess you can teach an old monster new tricks.

   In Japanese with English subtitles.

Poor Things

 

          From the fertile imagination of director Yorgos Lanthimos comes the fantastic story of Bella Baxter. Unlike anything else you will see this year, this film, starring Emma Stone, is a perfect example of cinematic art.

           Emma Stone is absolutely remarkable as Bella Baxter, a Frankenstein-like creation of Dr. Goodwin Baxter, played by Willem Dafoe. Reanimated by the doctor, Bella has the brain of a baby and must face the world with a fresh start on life.

           Ms. Stone's performance is fearless, and superlatives just don't do it justice. She is simply a wonder to watch as her brain catches up with her body through the course of the film. Mr. Dafoe, under incredible makeup, is still able to give a nuanced performance as Bella's creator and father figure. The film costars Mark Ruffalo, in one of his best performances in years, as Duncan Wedderburn, a lecherous suitor and Ramy Youssef as Max, Dr. Baxter's assistant who helps Bella to learn and eventually falls in love with her. Other co-stars include Chriistopher Abbot, Herrod Carmichael, Kathryn Hunter, and Margaret Qualley.

          While the film takes place primarily in Victorian England with stops in various other countries, Mr. Lanthimos reimagines every location in a fantasy reality with remarkable sets and visuals. Filmed both in black and white as well as color, the film is a feast for the senses. The screenplay by Tony McNamara is brilliant with wonderful dialog and social commentary as Bella learns independence and demands equality.

            Full disclosure, the film deserves its R rating. There is nudity and sex but it is relevant to the story. "Poor Things" is surprising and wonderful and easily one of my favorite films of the year. It blew me away.