‘The Outrun’ premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last night. Starring front and center is Oscar Nominee Saoirse Ronan, playing a former alcoholic who is on a journey to recovery.
Small Things Like These | Shane O’Connor The 74th Berlin International Film Festival is preparing to raise their curtains, announcing their opener film “Small Things Like These,” an Irish-Belgian production starring Cillian Murphy, Emily Watson and Michelle Fairley. Directed by Tim Mielants, the film is based on the acclaimed novel by Irish writer Claire Keegan, published in 2021. The book won prizes such as the Orwell Prize for Political Fiction, the Ambassadors’ Prize for best Irish novel published in France, and The Kerry Prize for Irish novel of the year. Written by Enda Walsh and Claire Keegan, the film is set in 1985, delving into the dark history surrounding Ireland’s Magdalen laundries – gruesome institutions operated by Roman Catholic organizations from the 1800s until 1996, aimed at reforming “fallen young women.” Cillian Murphy himself has helped produce the film alongside Alan Moloney and Catherine Magee, through their company Big Things Films. Director Mielants and Murphy have previously collaborated on the acclaimed series “Peaky Blinders.” The film’s exploration of Ireland’s historical Magdalen laundries is expected to shed light on a dark chapter in the nation’s history, bringing awareness to social issues while delivering a powerful cinematic experience. Carlo Chatrian, the Artistic Director of the Berlinale, expressed enthusiasm for the film, emphasizing its ability to portray kindness towards the fragile and the determination to stand up against injustice—and anticipates that audiences will be deeply moved. The decision to open the festival with “Small Things Like These” aligns with the broader celebration of Irish culture through Zeitgeist Irland 24, a year-long cultural event. “Small Things Like These” stands as a compelling choice for the opening night and Competition. With a talented cast, a gripping storyline, and a commitment to shedding light on historical injustices, the film promises to set the tone for a festival that celebrates the power of cinema to explore, challenge, and inspire. The Berlinale kicks off February 15 and runs until the 24th. It has already revealed the lineups for the panorama, forum and generation sections.
Tim Mielants’ ‘Small Things Like These’ Set to Open Berlin Film Festival Read More »
Things change once Mahito meets this mysterious and rather creepy talking heron. A heron that keeps on telling him that his mother is still alive. That he just needs to follow him to find the truth. Once his aunt disappears young Mahito takes the challenge and follows the bird to a world between life and death.
Review: Exploring Life and Death in Miyazaki’s ‘The Boy and the Heron’ Read More »
Willem Dafoe’s journey from a modest upbringing in Appleton, Wisconsin, to becoming a celebrated Hollywood actor is a testament to his determination and talent.
Emerald Fennell’s second feature film takes you into a world of intrigue, wealth and hidden danger. We get to know Oliver (Barry Keoghan), a student at Oxford University who struggles to find his place among his peers. He finds himself fascinated with aristocratic Felix (Jacob Elordi) and begins finding ways to earn his trust and friendship.
Review: Barry Keoghan captivates audience in Saltburn Read More »
In a mesmerizing blend of raw performances and unnerving storytelling, May December delivers an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. The cast, led by Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore and Charles Melton’s riveting portrayals is for sure going to sweep some awards this season. The plot is loosely inspired by the controversial Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau case. Disturbingly, this film draws you into its compelling narrative with its eerie atmosphere and tension that feel akin to one, amplified by Todd Haynes’ masterful direction. Portman’s character Elizabeth is an actress who is trying to prepare for a role for a future true crime movie by getting awfully close to her study objects, Gracie (Julianne Moore) and her husband Joe (Charles Melton). Piece by piece, we learn the horrifying details of what occurred in this marriage. Todd Haynes’ film tries to critique the true crime entertainment industry while ironically drawing the audience into its own exploration of the same subject matter. Like previously mentioned, the cast of this film delivers incredible performances that feel real and haunting. While we are actually seeing adults in a very serious situation, it feels like we’re watching kids in adult bodies – deliberately and involuntarily. Natalie Portman has a memorable monologue in this, representing the lack of empathy that actors in the industry often have when faced with roles based on true crime events. Melton in particular stands out with his meticulous mannerisms and carefully chosen body language symbolising stolen innocence. While the acting in May December is horrifyingly realistic to the tragic true story its based on, the music and the color coding remind you of a cheery 80s sitcom, which may be why this movie is often seen as camp or even going as far as calling it a comedy. Through the symbolism of the monarch butterfly, a hobby of Joe’s, the film manages to tell us more about what he goes through – starting off as caterpillars and transforming into one of the rarest butterflies until they can finally be free. This is something Joe relates to and works as a direct parallel to his situation. Gracie however constantly dismisses the butterflies as bugs, downplaying their struggles and uniqueness. The film captures the loss of time and sentiments of trauma and abuse in a way that stays with you even after a couple days of having seen it. With its deliberate anticlimactic and unsettling ending, May December stays true to the harsh realities of lives like Joe’s, where justice often eludes those failed by systems and society. The film is currently streaming on Netflix.
Review: May December Read More »
Ridley Scott returns with a new historic epic about the ups and downs of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby.
Napoleon Conquers The Screen – Review of Ridley Scott’s New Epic Read More »
Ridley Scott returns with a new historic epic about the ups and downs of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby.
Napoleon Conquers The Screen – Review of Ridley Scott’s New Epic Read More »
Long before Coriolanus Snow became the president of Panem that we know and despise – he was an eager student, determined to help his family. The prequel by Hunger Games, directed by Francis Lawrence, tells the story of the upbringing of President Snow. The Antagonist of the franchise.
Review – The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Snowbirds and Snakes Read More »
