In this modern take on the Faust story, the central theme is appropriation, specifically pertaining to how modern systems appropriate and dehumanise the already vulnerable, be this through the art world or on a global, political level. The tragic irony is that the film itself feels uncomfortably appropriative, as it takes advantage of real world … Continue reading The Man Who Sold His Skin (Review)
Shiva Baby (Review)
Filmic comedy is rarely as modern or as razor sharp as it is in Shiva Baby. While we live in an age of fabulous and diverse comedy, from fresh - or previously underrepresented - perspectives, this has been somewhat relegated to television, short form video and podcasts. The contemporary comedy film still often feels formulaic … Continue reading Shiva Baby (Review)
Collective (Review)
Occasionally, a documentary comes along that feels utterly vital: Collective is that documentary. This jaw dropping exploration of large scale corruption in the Romanian Health system (and connected systems) needs to be seen to be believed. It is a powerful and expertly constructed singular narrative about how the insufficient response to a tragedy - that … Continue reading Collective (Review)
The Mole Agent (Review)
At the heart of this documentary is a perceptive statement about the way the elderly are treated by wider society. It is a film that wants to highlight the isolation and loneliness that is burdened upon the older population, even by the well meaning. It is a thing we notice at an institutional level, but … Continue reading The Mole Agent (Review)
Mulan (2020) (Review)
Seeing as there are many legitimate reasons to boycott Mulan, it certainly helps that it is awful. This takes an animated classic, and an evergreen story, and repurposes it as a flat, nonsensical mess with almost nothing of value. The film prods at the wuxia genre, as a way of legitimising it not being a … Continue reading Mulan (2020) (Review)
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (Review)
Though primarily an important documentary about the disabled community - and about disabled representation in general - this film is also a great document on the change that everyday people can achieve. The film morphs into something really inspiring and shows how revolutionary actions come from seemingly pedestrian origins. It is a portrait of potential, … Continue reading Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (Review)
Onward (Review)
The beauty of Pixar films often stems from a crystal clear premise, the kind of singular idea that a film just laps out of - and that is then effortlessly surrounded by accessible yet deep themes. Toys come alive at night; monsters want to care rather than scare; a discarded robot is in search of … Continue reading Onward (Review)
Over the Moon (Review)
From the very start of this animated musical, you know everything that's going to happen. Some of this is because it ticks some comfortingly familiar boxes but, mostly, the lack of narrative originality is a chore. The film also repeats regressive tropes, starting with a woefully predictable event that is a much too common an … Continue reading Over the Moon (Review)
Nomadland (Review)
Despite its poeticism and beauty, Nomad feels oddly empty. To an extent, this feel purposeful. After all, it is a film about nomadic lifestyles shot in a fascinatingly pseudo-documentary style that combines reality and fiction. In this film, we have the verité of non-actors alongside Frances McDormand, who is as excellent as always. Her performance … Continue reading Nomadland (Review)
The Midnight Sky (Review)
While so much sci-fi explores unknown and uncharted territory, The Midnight Sky decides to boldly go where every other film has been before. And boldly is charitable. This George Clooney directed, and starring, feature is an awkward mess of science fiction tropes and faint echoes of better films. The bizarre thing is, at points it … Continue reading The Midnight Sky (Review)
Assorted Opinions 