The Words Come from CYRANO

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this week from director Joe Wright and MGM is a tale of unrequited love all written by the one and only CYRANO.

Roxanne (Haley Bennett) is a lovely young woman living in 17^th century France trying to get by. Pushing to win her is De Guiche (Ben Mendelsohn) who is wealthy and could easily solve all of her problems. One night at the theatre, Roxanne sees childhood friend soldier Cyrano (Peter Dinklage) and at the same time locks eyes with the handsome Christian (Kelvin Harrison Jr.).

The problem is Cyrano has been in love with Roxanne for so very long that he only wants her happy. When Roxanne tells him that she has been struck by love for Christian who is a soldier in Cyrano’s regiment, she asks her friend to help keep him safe from the war in France and asks for love letters.

Christian is beside himself realizing he does not have the gift of words like Cyrano. A plan is made that Cyrano would use his words of love to benefit Christian. Also, not wanting to give up on what he thinks he deserves, De Guiche persists in a way that Roxanne must find a way around. When she does, it has serious consequences.

Christian and Cyrano now both have to leave Roxanne to fight for their country and to fight to come home to the woman they both love.

Dinklage as Cyrano is nothing short of spectacular in this role. He has the humor, the gift of delivering a line that will either make you chuckle, cheer or feel your heart melt into a puddle. He mostly had me at the latter with the relatable feeling of unrequited love that we have all felt at some time in our lives. The ability to write his feeling to her, even though under the guise of Christian, gives him the outlet and still protect the two people he has come to care about.

Bennett as Roxanne is delightful and looking for someone to love. The clandestine meeting with Christian takes her breath away, and so much so that she enlists her childhood friend to make love happen. Deep down Bennett’s Roxanne already knows Cyrano’s feelings but, as the song she sings professes, she wants more.

Harrison Jr. as Christian is captivated by Roxanne and wants to keep her close. The problem is that he does not have the eloquence or vocabulary to woo her the way she wants. When Cyrano offers, Christian is hesitant believing it is not right. But to gives Roxanne what she wants most in her heart, he agrees. Harrison Jr. gives Christian the same heart and love as Cyrano which makes these two actors perfect together.

Mendelsohn as De Guiche is ruthless, unforgiving and believes he is entitled to whatever he wants – especially Roxanne. There is nothing in his character that gives off an air of care and concern for anyone but himself. Mendelsohn is such a versatile actor that can play characters with compassion and characters with evil intent with equal skill.

Other cast include Monica Dolan as Marie, Bashir Salahuddin as Le Bret, Joshua James as Valvert, Anjana Vasan as Sister Claire, Ruth Sheen as Mother Marthe, Mark Benton as Montfleury, Richard McCabe as the Priest, Pater Wight as Ragueneau, Tim McMullan as Jodelet, and Mike Shepherd as Marquis.

MGM is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television across all platforms. Owning one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content and is home to two of the longest-running and most successful film franchise in cinematic history with JAMES BOND and ROCKY. For more please visit www.mgm.com.

CYRANO premiered at the 48^th Telluride Film Festival and has 6 award wins and 46 nominations including a nomination for Best Achievement in Costume Design for Massimo Cantini Parrini and Jacqueline Durran.

What I love about this story is that it is about people and the difference of their insecurities. Roxanne is insecure because she needs something she can not really describe, Cyrano is insecure that he is not worthy of love and Christian is insecure because he does not have the eloquence of words and, dare we add, De Guiche is insecure using power to demand instead of lovingly earned.

Dinklage carries Cyrano with such soulfulness, and I emphatically enjoyed every moment he was on screen. Singing with Bennett in the final scenes is filled with more emotion than my being could handle yet I did not want it to end.

Set in the backdrop of an uncertain time in French history, everything seems rushed because, as is said, no one is guaranteed tomorrow. These three characters are living for the moment and for the one elusive emotion – a deep abiding love. The story is based on the 1897 Edmond Rostand play Cyrano de Bergerac.

In the end – have you ever loved someone?

THE DESPERATE HOUR

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and On Demand from director Phillip Noyce and Vertical is the terror of a mother that turns into THE DESPERATE HOUR.

Amy Carr (Naomi Watts) is the mother of Noah (Colton Gobbo) and young daughter Emily (Sierra Maltby). Recently widowed, she is trying to bring some kind of normal to the family making sure they engage back in their regular schedule.

But, there is a disconnect between Amy and son Noah who continues to be withdrawn from his mother. Getting the kids off to school, he is the one who drags his heels. Feeling she should just leave it be rather than argue with him, Amy suits up and heads out for a run that takes her miles out into the forest.

The peace and quiet seems to be hard to get as work calls and her mother calling keep interrupting her run. One call she could have never expected was that there is a lockdown of schools in town. Amy begins calling who ever she can to find out what is happening. Reaching Emily’s class, she knows that her daughter is safe.

Reaching Noah’s school becomes difficult and it becomes clear that what is happening is at the high school. There is a shooter and the more and more she investigates, the more panic stricken she becomes. Five miles out, she starts back but being in the middle of the woods she has shoddy service.

Each call brings worse news as there is still an active shooter at the school and Amy has no idea where Noah is.

No one will stop her until she has the answers!

Watts as Amy is a woman trying to keep her family together since the death of her husband. It is son Noah that is hardest to reach as he has become withdrawn. Trying not to rock the boat to much, she is careful in the way she tries to reach out. When the nightmare parents never want to experience happens, Watts turns on a powerful performance of a mother who would do anything for her children. Her terror is as palpable as her will to find answers when those in charge try to keep her character at bay.

Gobbo as Noah is a young man dep within his emotions and no where to put them all. His relationship mom Amy is a difficult one as the separation between them grows in silence. He also has the challenging role to bring across that pain and the fear that will soon follow.

Vertical Entertainment is a global independent distributor that offers a unique wealth of experience minus the studio costs. They have won a Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Actress for Molly Shannon’s role in OTHER PEOPLE and the film won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Film Limited Release, Best International Film for Babak Anvari’s UNDER THE SHADOW, a BAFTA and three Independent British Independent Film Awards as well.

THE DESPERATE HOUR is a film that brings out the worst in humanity and the parents who try to protect their children from it. Amy is trying to find peace in the world that she is left to deal with and running gives her those moments. On this particular day, running takes her farther and farther away from being able to do anything about what is about to happen in their town.

It is Watts who carries the film from start to finish doing everything humanly possible in an impossible situation. Technology is sketchy and the character of Amy reaches into her bag on Mom tricks to be able to not only find out what has happened to her children but how to help put a stop to it all.

The emotions of shock, anger, desperation and fear are all wrapped up in every decision this character makes. Time is not on her side and neither is the distance.

In the end – time is running out!

Their Life Began in BELFAST

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from writer/director Kenneth Branagh and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment tells one story of a family in BELFAST.

It is 1969 Belfast, Northern Ireland, and young Buddy (Jude Hill) is living his best childhood playing in the streets with friends. At home is Ma (Caitriona Balfe), Granny (Dame Judy Dench), Pop (Ciaran Hinds) and Will (Lewis McAskie). Pa (Jamie Dornan) is away most of the time working at a job in England.

This is a time of unrest as Protestants begin to attack Catholics on the same street where Buddy and his family live. The young man is busy with his feelings about classmate Catherine and how he can move his seat up closer and closer to hers. He also has to worry about Billy Clanton (Colin Morgan) who is making it clear he will make trouble for Buddy’s Pa if he does not join the cause.

Buddy finds support and love with grandparents Granny and Pop who keep him focused. They also share in the family life and love being with their grandson Buddy. Getting tips and words of wisdom from both, Buddy cannot imagine life without them.

Pa wants to do what is best for his family and that means thinking about leaving Belfast which is met with resistance. Buddy is upset and falls into family friend Moira’s (Lara McDonnell) plot to steal. It gets even worse when riots break out and she once again grabs him for trouble. Ma jumps into the madness but the British Army arrives and now the family knows what must be done.

That is their world in Belfast.

Hill as Buddy is a young boy who is happy playing with his friends, going to school and spending time with his grandparents. Knowing that things are difficult in Belfast, he also knows that things are difficult for his parents with money and being apart. This character learns early about the tax man and the fight against Catholics, which is devastating since the girl he cares for is Catholic. Hill gives us all a look inside the life of this young man with all the emotions of a boy his age and some emotions that are much older than needs be. I loved his performance.

Balfe as Ma has a clear set of rules in the house and the behavior she expects from her children. Raising them to be good people, she is also trying to keep them alive during a time that is deadly and dangerous. Balfe gives us a strong character that believes in family and loyalty. Dornan as Pa must leave his family for weeks at a time to take care of them financially. He also believes that leaving Belfast is the only way to save them from what is happening on the streets. Dornan gives his character a love of family trying to find the balance that will keep them together.

Dench as Granny has me in stiches with her views on life and relationship with Buddy. There is one particular scene where she broke my heart because I could not imagine ever having to do what she does with such grace. Hinds as Pop is equally as lovely with his wit, stories and knowing that Pa has to do what is right and not to look back. There is such a strong connection between Buddy and his grandparents, and it brings back personal memories.

Morgan as Clanton is determined to bring Pa into things that not only could get him killed but hurt his family as well. Morgan’s character brings fear to Buddy which follows the young boy around like a weighted backpack. McAskie as Will also sees what is happening and finds it difficult to know how to handle it all.

Other cast include Olive Tennant as Catherine, Gerard Horan as Mackie, Josie Walker as Aunt Violet, Turlough Convery as the Minister, Vanessa Ifediora as Miss Lewis, Conor MacNeill as McLaury, Drew Dillon as Mr. Kavanagh, and Gerard McCarthy as Bobby Frank.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Bluray and Digital Bonus Features include Alternate Ending featuring Kenneth Branaugh (which is so touching), Deleted Scenes, A City of Stories: The Making of BELFAST, Everyone’s Inner Child and Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Kenneth Branagh.

BELFAST has been nominated for over 230 awards include seven Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director, eleven Critic’s Choice Awards and fourteen Best Picture nominations as well as PGA and DGA Awards nominations for director Kenneth Branagh.

The music is absolutely stunningly placed in the film with Belfast born musician Van Morrison.  Song such as Wild Night, Stranded, Days Like This, Warm Love, and Jackie Wilson Said add to the richness of the story and, I must admit, I am a huge Van Morrison fan.

BELFAST is such a lovely, heartbreaking, funny, real look at a time that is captured by director Branagh. It is the young Hill who draws the viewer in and his family that makes us want to stay. It is a story of a young boy who comes to understand adulting way to soon and it is a story of a generational family trying their best.

The director not only dabs color that are brilliantly placed in the black and white film but ends it with the heartfelt “For the ones who stayed. For the ones who left. And for all the ones who were lost.”, and I felt that, deeply.

In the end – never forget where you came from!

There is Fear on THE BURNING SEA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director John Andreas Andersen and Magnet comes the story of the continual need for oil and the dangers created from getting it with THE BURNING SEA.

It is 2019 and in the Norwegian Sea there are platforms spreading over the water that are drilling for oil. Since its beginning in 1969, it has been successful in the original plan. Sophia (Kristine Thorp) and fellow researcher Arthur (Rolf Larsen) created a underwater robotic camera that help search for the missing and check wreckage.

Sophia has a mixture of business and relationship as boyfriend Stian (Henrik Bjelland) and his young son Odin (Nils Olsen). Stian works on platforms but supports Sophia’s work and loves having her as part of his life. When one of the platforms collapse, Sophia and Arthur are brought in to look for survivors, instead they discover a crack in the ocean floor.

When going through the footage they collected, it is clear that the crack is connected, and all of the platforms are in danger. More frightening is that Stian is on one of those rigs. Sophia reaches out to William Lie (Bjorn Floberg) who is in the operations room watching everything to tell him what she has discovered, and that boyfriend Stian is on one of the rigs.

Not seeming interested and refusing to help Stian, Sophia takes matters into her own hands. Arthur agrees to go as well as they make their way to the platform and learn that Lie made a decision that means they are in the path of death.

They now face what is in front of them and what is to come!

Thorp as Sophia is well aware of the dangers of the rigs out in the ocean. Keeping her research on technology that can help in different ways is her focus. That gives her a break from knowing the potential of what could happen to boyfriend Stian. Once the worst begins to happen, Sophia jumps into action and Thorp gives her character what it takes to save lives and bring at least one person home to his son.

Bjelland as Stian knows a few things for sure, he loves his son Odin, loves Sophia and loves his job. He has his priorities straight and, when it comes to saving lives, he jumps into action. Bjelland’s character is not splashy, but he is heroic and that is everything. Olsen as Odin is just as strong as his father as this young actor gives the feeling of strength and hope.

Floberg as Lie is the man making the decisions and it seems he is doing what is best for himself rather than the good of the people on the rigs. Sophia does not see him as an ally at all since Lie has been secretive and shady from the beginning. Floberg does a good job at keeping the audience wondering if he has the same compassion as everyone around him.

Other cast include Anders Christiansen as Navy, Anneke von der Lippe as Gunn, Christoffer Staib as Steina, Ane Skumsvoll as Berit, Cengiz Al as Jaswinder, Renate Hellerud as Renate, and Arild Sondre Sekse as Martin.

Magnet Releasing is a part of Magnolia Pictures that specializes in films from the vanguard of horror, action, comedy, and Asian cinema. It is also the home of classics like Tomas Alfredson’s LET THE RIGHT ON IN, Ti West’s THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL, Andre Ovredal’s TROLLHUNTER, Neil Marshall’s sword and sandals bloodbath CENTURION and Tony Jaa’s ONG BAK trilogy. Recent released include the terrifying anthologies V/H/S and V/H/S/2, Xan Cassavettes’ stylish vampire film KISS OF THE DAMNED, and the sci-fi thriller THE LAST DAYS ON MARS. Upcoming films include Ti West’s THE SACRAMENT and to find out more of what is to come please visit www.magnetreleasingfilms.com.

Norwegian director John Andreas Andersen worked on another one of my favorite disaster films with THE QUAKE. Andersen is making a name for himself in this genre with good story telling followed with sharp cinematography.

THE BURNING SEA is suspense but with a story about what happened to a country and the year long after affects of this disaster. There is an understandable story here because it has truth in it that environmentalists continually warn of.

The film does not sugar coat anything in its telling and the cinematographer shows that. Andersen gives us a beginning story of when the rigs came to be and a shoot straight into 2019 and the effects of fifty-year drilling. The action sequences are powerful and large in scope, at least that is what my 75” television shows and it is perfection for a disaster film fan such as myself.

A mixture of truth and consequences are everything in THE BURNING SEA and it is also an action ride from beginning to end.

In the end – the sea has its own plan!

 

There is Spy Action with THE 355 on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital as well as streaming on Peacock from director Simon Kinberg and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the story of a drive, world domination and the women who will not let that happen with THE 355.

In Bogata, Columbia, there is a deal being made regarding a drive that is dangerous to the world. When a raid takes place, the drive falls into the hands of DNI Agent Rojas (Edgar Ramirez) and he is now on the run. Contacting the U.S. Government about the drive, CIA officer Mace Browne (Jessica Chastain) and Nick Fowler (Sebastian Stan) are off to Paris to negotiate for the drive.

But chaos breaks out when Rojas runs and someone else joins the mix. German BND agent Marie Schmidt (Diane Kruger) is looking for the same drive, but the missions get twisted. Rojas is found by SNI psychologist Garciela (Penelope Cruz) to bring in Rojas. Mace turns to former British MI6 agent Khadijah (Lupita Nyong’o) for her special skills with computers to try and locate who has the drive and where it could be heading.

It forces Mace, Marie, Graciela and Khadijah to join forces using each of their special skills to find the drive leading them to Chinese MSS agent Sheng (Fan Bingbing). At an auction house, the drive is put up for bid but there is more going on than the women could know, and betrayal is not far behind.

Chastain as Mace leads the group of women on what should have been a clean sweep in Paris. Joining forces with three other women means they have to always be one step ahead even if they feel one step behind. Chastain’s character is tough but that does not mean her emotional side is hidden – especially when she is looking for her own bit of revenge.

Nyong’o as Khadijah is savvy, fast and knows exactly what to do to get the job done. Motivated to help her friend Mace, she also becomes motivated but something much more powerful. Nyong’o gives her character tech-savvy that is pretty darn awesome.

Kruger as Marie has a history of being betrayed so it is something that she seems to be use to. She makes it consistently clear that she does not want a partner in anything she does, except now she needs all the women to get this dangerous job done. Kruger is awesome in this role and a chance to see her get tough!

Cruz as Garciela makes it clear from the start that she is a psychologist with the agent in Columbia and not an actual gun-toting agent. Worried about her family as the mission becomes more and more dangerous, something inside Cruz’s character clicks and she does her part to stop the madness. Bingbing as Sheng has a mission of her own and it is never clear what side she is on – until it is time to know it. She is the calm one in the midst of all the chaos and that can be just as powerful as holding a weapon!

Stan as Fowler is an agent that has worked with Mace before and there are subtle hints about the ending of their personal relationship. That does not stop them from being sent to Paris together to find the drive. Things go wrong and become complicated for the two as the world-wide search for the elusive drive begins.

Other cast include Emilio Insolera as the Hacker, Jason Wong as Stevens, John Thompson as Larry Marks, Hiten Patel as Ahmed-Imam, Leo Staar as Grady and Oleg Kricunov as Pyotr Khasanov.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

The Bluray Special Feature include Deleted Scenes, Chasing Through Paris, Actions that Hurt, Reconstructing Marrakesh, Chaos At The City Of Dreams and VFX Breakdowns.

THE 355 is an action-packed film that keeps the guessing and the jaunt around the world quick and intense. The title of the film is based on Agent 355, a woman spy during the American Revolution who worked for the patriots.

Coming in at 124-minutes, there is no moment of peace as the story plays out from the moment the film opens until it becomes clear who these women truly are. They are up against a world of men who want power and the ability to corrupt but those same men never expected to be up against “a bunch of girls”.

That was their first mistake.

In the end – work together or die alone!

He Learns About True Friendship Because of DOG

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/directors Reid Carolin, Channing Tatum and MGM/UA is the story of two soldiers and one of them is the furry four-legged DOG.

Briggs (Channing Tatum) is not happy with life working at a sandwich shop and trying to get reinstated as an Army Ranger for another rotation overseas. Learning that friend Sgt. Rodriguez has passed, he joins his fellow soldiers to be together talking about experiences only they all know about. Discovering his Captain is also there, he tries everything to get a telephone call to make rejoining his fellow soldiers happen.

An agreement is struck that Briggs would take Sgt. Rodriguez’s service dog to his funeral and the captain would make the call. The problem is the dog, Lulu, is not exactly happy to be around anyone. A binder filled with information shows she is suffering trauma and is very aggressive.

Almost immediately, Lulu sets her own ground rules and Briggs becomes immediately frustrated. Acting out, it is one frustration after another as Briggs tries to prove he is the more intelligent of the two. But the chase is always on between them as he is dealing with darts in the butt cheek, interruption of a bit of adult yoga, having things be stolen and car breaking down.

Each episode makes it difficult for Briggs to get where he needs to be for the family funeral service in Nogales. Along the way, both Lulu and Briggs have to come to terms with what is in their hearts and minds, the understanding could go a long way between both healing.

Tatum as Briggs wants nothing more than to get back into action. The problem is he has issues that are being ignored or hidden by sarcasm and just plain acting as if nothing is wrong. The relationship with Lulu is when all of those things no longer work for him bringing about frustration and bad choices. Tatum’s character tries the ‘I am smarter because I am human’ logic on a dog that clearly does not think that is a valid thing. The on-screen chemistry between the two is sad, funny, cute and endearing which won my heart. This is the perfect role for Tatum.

Now, lets talk about Lulu (plays by three Belgian Malinois) who basically stole the show. Starting out as an anxious dog that is misunderstood as aggression, she has such expressive and beautiful eyes, yet no one sees. There has been so much trauma for the pup, but humans think their trauma is much more important that they miss what is clearly in front of them. Lulu has a mind of her own, sees the world as she was trained to see it and shows confusion about everything being so different, especially with Briggs not being Sgt. Rodriguez. I just love this dog to pieces.

Shout out to Nash as Gus the pot growing big guy who just made us laugh ourselves silly and Adams as Tamara as Nash’s wife who sees Lulu for what she is. I thought both of these characters just came out of nowhere yet seemed to understand everything. Awesome.

Other cast include Q’orianka Kilcher as Niki, Emmy Lampman as Bella, Kevin Nash as Gus, Jane Adams as Tamara, Aqueela Zol as Callan, Darren Keilan as Ranger Lucas, Cayden Boyd as Corporal Levitz, Skyler Joy as Natalie, Amanda Booth as Tiffany and Eric Urbiztondo as Sgt. Riley Rodriguez.

MGM is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television across all platforms. Owning one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content and is home to two of the longest-running and most successful film franchise in cinematic history with JAMES BOND and ROCKY. For more please visit www.mgm.com.

DOG is a journey that truly is an experience for those who understand what happened to Sgt. Rodriguez and what is happening with Briggs is relatable. It is the issue of soldiers who come home with body and mind trauma and feeling that there is no other way out because the pain is to much.

The character of Briggs thinks the answer is to jump right back into the very thing that has given him so much pain and confusion. Needing that camaraderie, he is willing to do whatever it takes to get that again, except deal with the death of a friend. Tatum also gives his character the ability to walk away from a family feeling justified for doing so.

This film is not an action story but instead a story on the importance of the traumas of soldiers (be it two or four legged soldiers) and what happens when they can no longer run from what brings them such pain. Briggs and Lulu have more in common than either realizes, but their stubbornness gets in the way from what turns into an amazing relationship.

In the end - a filthy animal unfit for human company and a...dog!

TED K

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and Digital from writer/director Ted Stone and Neon is the unnerving story of a man who would becoming known as TED K.

Ted Kaczynski (Sharlto Copley) was born and raised in Chicago in the early 40’s becoming clear in his early years that he was gifted in mathematics. Graduating high school at the age of 16, he would attend Harvard University receiving a degree in mathematics and even became aa assistant professor for a brief time.

In 1971, with the help of his older brother David, Ted would build a small cabin in the woods of Montana living without electricity or running water. There he spent his time in the woods but easily became agitated when people, machinery or outsiders in general came to close to him.

When the outside world encroaches and he has had enough, Ted decides it is time to take action. Believing he is right in the actions he has taken; Ted also records his thoughts, explanations and reasons step by step. He begins his path to destruction starting with a mail package bomb and continuing on to more intense explosives.

Reaching out to brother David and his mother to talk only frustrates Ted sending him on an emotional spiral. Adding to that more intrusion from the outside world he begins to write a list of what he sees as problems.

Believing that here is no more peace in his life, Ted begins a grander plan that rocks the world who cannot begin to understand the man that will be known as the Unabomber.

Copley as Ted is disturbing in his portrayal of a man who lived a quiet life until the world came crashing in around him. Having enough of it all and believing the only way to make a difference is to be louder than the noise around him, Copley is remarkable in his performance as a man bent on destruction. Even the process of changing his characters appearance was so interesting until I jumped back in horror at the steps taken.

This is not an easy role because the portrayal is so dark and complex. If he had been left alone, one has to wonder if he would have simply led his life on the land or would his actions still have come to pass. Copley does not attempt to answer this question but instead give the performance of a man who could not be changed. A strong performance from this actor who still has my hope for DISTRICT 10.

Other cast include Drew Powell as Tom, Travis Bruyer as Ranger Jones, Wayne Pyle as Psychiatrist Gary Dryce, Tahmus Rounds as tommy Sauerkraut, Amber Mason as Becky, Sal Rendino as Gilbert, Christian Calloway as Tommy, Megan Folsom as Mrs. Hill, Daniel Knight as Bob, and Keith Barber as F.B.I. Agent White.

Neon is a film production company that is best known for such films as I, TONYA and one of the most incredible Oscar winning film PARASITE. With a total of 12 Academy Award nominations, Neon appeals to audiences that are looking for in-your-face storytelling. For more information, please visit www.neonrated.com.

TED K is the film based on the eccentric dairies and writings to Ted Kaczynski. From 1978 to 1995, bombs were sent all over the country. The FBI could never know where the next bomb would go off and Ted played games leaving false clues making it more difficult to find him. It would be his own brother that would suspect him.

His manifesto Industrial Society and Its Future was printed by The Washington Post saying he believed, “The Industrial Revolution and its consequences have been a disaster for the human race. Arrested in 1996, he was convicted to eight life sentences without the possibility of parole. Ted Kaczynski spent seventeen years terrorizing with every step he took and every fiber of his being.

Director Stone had the difficult job of taking the written words of Ted Kaczynski and putting it on the screen giving it authenticity and believability. This is two hours of a life that did so much damage in 17 years. Yet, Stone has done just that, brought an inside look at a man who believed justified in everything he did.

TED K has been nominated for Directors Debuts Competition for director Tony Stone at Camerimage, Best Feature at Fantasy Filmfest and Best Film for Tony Stone at the Stockholm Film Festival.

In the end – it started with wanting peace.

ANTLERS Frights on Bluray

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and currently streaming on HBO/Max from director Scott Cooper and Searchlight Pictures is the story of a town and the mythology about the ANTLERS.

In a small town in Oregon, Julia Meadows (Keri Russell) has come home to live with brother Paul (Jesse Plemmons) who happens to be the town sheriff. Teaching at the local school, Julia has student Lucas (Jeremy T. Thomas) in her classroom. Very withdrawn and gaunt looking, Julia wonders about his home life and one day decides to follow him a little.

Over ice cream she learns that Lucas lives at home with dad Frank (Scott Haze) and young brother Aiden (Sawyer Jones) who stays home. Lucas makes it clear that everything is fine, but Julia believes it is time to talk with school Principal Booth (Amy Madigan) after seeing some of the frightful drawings done by the young boy.

Julia even brings it up to Paul, but their conversations always seem to turn to the issues of their childhood. Never really getting to the heart of their feelings, they do not seem to be able to communicate. Also, Paul is dealing with strange things happening in their town when body after body seems to show up, and it is the manner of death that no one can comprehend.

Turning to Warren Stokes (Graham Greene), Julia and Paul learn about the legend of the area and a creature, the ‘wendigo’ that could be responsible for what is happening in the town. The thought of what they are told is too much for them to even consider believing.

Back at his home, Lucas is trying to keep secrets but, as with all secrets, it only takes a fraction of a second for the truth to come tumbling out under the weight of fear – and there is plenty in his house to be afraid of.

Thomas as Lucas is at the top of my list in this film. What an amazing young man to take on such a frightening role. His appearance is everything and his demeanor is so controlled when anyone else is around. What is living in his home would emotionally take down any other adult on the planet, but this young man does not see fear, he sees a family that he wants to hold on to. Thomas portrays his character with such strength and protectiveness, truly well done.

Russell as Julia has her own bag of issues that she brings back to the home where she grew up. Trying to find joy in her job, she just does not feel it. Focusing on Lucas and giving him attention takes away from having to deal with her own fears. Russell’s character relates to Lucas and that is why she keeps going forward where most people would run.

Plemmons as Paul wants to reconnect with his sister, but she seems wrapped up in her own past pain. I thought the most poignant thing said during the brother-sister conversation was after Julia rants he calmly says, “you don’t know what happened to me” and he should have added, “because you never ask!”. I actually said that out loud because Plemmons gives his character also an air of having felt trauma but hiding it with equal skill to his sister.

Greene as Warren shares the mythology of what he suspects is living in the woods. As horrifying as it is, he knows the truth even if no one else wants to believe it. Greene is always a welcome sight in any film he is in. He has such a presence that is endearing, comforting and yet he does not hold back in the roles he chooses to play.

Other cast include Rory Cochrane as Daniel LeCroy, Cody Davis as Clint Owens, Lyla Marlow as Jasmine Drury, Jesse Downs as Harrison Crawford, Arlo Hajdu as Arlo Kebbins, Ken Kramer as Dr. Ferguson, Dendrie Taylor as Carol Reynolds, and Dorian Kingl as Antlered Man.

Searchlight Pictures is responsible for such films as SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, 12 YEARS A SLAVE, THE SHAPE OF WATER and THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI. They have an extensive film library as well as documentaries, scripted series, and limited series. For more information, please visit www.searchlightpictures.com.

Bonus Features include The Evil Within – Co-writer/director Scott Cooper gives us a glimpse of the many complex layers at play in his approach to making Antlers, a horror film about very human concerns, and his most ambitious film to date. An Exploration of Modern Horror with Guillermo del Toro – Producer Guillermo del Toro traces the lineage of elevated horror in cinema. Employing his encyclopedic knowledge and passion for the horror genre, he discusses the connection between mythology and human behavior.

Artifacts and Totems – The filmmakers discuss how they created this world of a small, tight-knit Northwest community of working-class Americans in bringing Scott Cooper’s vision to life.

Gods Walk Among Us – An in-depth exploration of the digital and practical effects used to create the film’s primal creatures. Cry of the Wendigo – Discover the fascinating folklore behind the wendigo from the film’s First Nations consultants. Learn about the creature’s mythic origins and about its connection to man’s betrayal of the land.

Also, Metamorphosis – At the center of Antlers is a transformative performance by Scott Haze. Hear about the actor’s preparation for filming, including how he lost some 70 pounds in order to play a deeply tragic character. Comic-Con @ Home with Scott Cooper and Guillermo del Toro – Steve Weintraub moderates this candid Comic-Con@Home 2020 Panel interview with Guillermo del Toro and Scott Cooper. Hear the filmmakers describe their process and learn who some of their filmmaking heroes are.

ANTLER is based on the short story The Quiet One by Nick Antosca. Director Cooper takes the idea of a nature mythology and brings it fully on screen and the effects are on fleek. There is the open-faced part of the story but there are so many complex layers that lie underneath.

These are deeply flawed and deeply hurt people, I do not think there is one character in this film that has not dealt with trauma. Maybe that is why it seems so unnoticeable to everyone in the town that Lucas is a little boy suffering. They are all so wrapped up in their own pain that everyone looks like them and if that is the case, that feeling of hopelessness makes it impossible to grasp what is happening.

That being said, man the ‘monster’ is real, and the changing is real and the only way to stop it is to accept that it is all real.

In the end – pray it desires not you!

She is Captive on THE LEDGE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres, Digital and On Demand from director Howard J. Ford and Saban Films comes a climb for survival until reaching THE LEDGE.

Kelly (Brittany Ashworth) and bestie Sophie (Anais Parello) are out in the woodsy mountains to do a little climbing. They meet a band of guys clearly led by Joshua (Ben Lamb) with Reynolds (Nathan Welsh), Nathan (Louis Boyer) and Taylor (David Wayman).

Sitting around the campfire having a few drinks and laughs, things turn serious when Sophie teases Joshua. It is clear he does not find her amusing as a darkness sets over them all. When she goes off, the angry Joshua follows and what happens next is horrendous. Reynolds, Nathan and Taylor are panicked by what has happened and listen to everything Joshua tells them.

Hearing the commotion, Kelly grabs her camera and follows the sounds recording every horrible detail. Joshua hears her and notices the camera yelling for all of them to go after her. Doing her best to get away back to the cabin, she grabs a bag with the camera inside and runs!

Knowing they are only steps away; Kelly does what she knows how to do – climb! Heading up the face of the mountain, she finds a spot that the men cannot get to easily. Settling on a precarious ledge, Joshua is determined to get the camera and does not care who or what he sacrifices to get it.

He did not count on coming up against a strong woman and an immovable mountain!

Ashworth as Kelly is no shrinking violet in this film! Fighting for her life and for the truth about Sophie is all she is concerned with. There is no ego in the mix like those chasing her. Doing what she clearly is good at and has been trained for is what is keeping her on that tiny ledge. I enjoyed her performance if only to see Ashworth’s character was not about to back down AND can climb like a very cute mountain goat. Well done!

Lamb as Joshua is clearly a psychopath immediately into the film. Having total control of those around him, Joshua seems to have made it his life’s work to beat down anyone who gets in his way. Controlling his friends when they know good and well he is insane was the part that had my head shaking. Then again, that’s what you want when playing a character like this and Lamb gave it everything.

Boyer, Welsh and Wayman are the ‘friends’ who continually make excuses and exceptions for Joshua’s behavior. This is a very twisted and dangerous batch of guys who are clinging to a ‘bro code’ out of sheer fear. They know what he is capable of and have experienced it firsthand for years but stopping him is something each of them is unable to do. Going after Kelly is not exactly on their list for an exciting weekend, but neither is dealing with the ugly and frightening Joshua.

Saban Films was launched in 2014 and has built an impressive slate of high-quality feature films distributed with partner Lionsgate. Focusing on talent-driven films, the company looks at projects in all stages of production to be released across multiple platforms. Films such as SISTER OF THE GROOM, FATMAN and BREACH are part of the wonderful Saban slate, and more information can be found at www.sabanfilms.com.

THE LEDGE is a thriller from beginning to end that is a frightening and disturbing cat and mouse game with a mountain between them. Is it perfect? No. Are their things that sort of take the viewer out of the story for moments here and there? Yes. Is there wording that I could have done without. Yes. I have yet to see a film that does not make me want to go ‘huuuuummmmm’.

Once Ashworth’s character Kelly is on the ledge, I am hooked because she is mentally stronger and less likely to fall apart than the disturbingly-nutty counterpart Joshua. Kelly thinks things through, one step at a time and remembers all she has learned about being on the side of a mountain. Joshua makes hasty decisions based on anger that someone has control over the situation and has the camera!

Having the second half of the film focused on the power of the mountain and that becomes the only cinematography that matters. Ropes and ranting are the theme of the rest of the film and the story gives a grand lesson in patience comes to those who can handle being on a ledge.

In the end – do not lose your grip!

There is Treachery in the HOUSE OF GUCCI

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray, DVD and Digital Code from director Ridley Scott and Universal Pictures is the based on the true story about the HOUSE OF GUCCI.

Patrizia Reggiani (Lady Gaga) works for her father’s transportation business and enjoys a night life. One evening at a party, she meets Maurizio Gucci (Adam Driver) and learns he is the son of the famous brand created by father Rodolfo Gucci (Jeremy Irons) and Uncle Aldo Gucci (Al Pacino).

The two fall hard for each other and even when Maurizio’s father kicks him out of the family home, they are happy in their lives. When Maurizio becomes part of the family business, it is Patrizia who sees what is happening to that business, including the mess of a Cousin Paolo Gucci (Jared Leto). Needing encouragement, she turns to psychic Pina (Salma Hayek) and now Gucci is back on top.

At least for a while, as Maurizio begins to make his mark on the Gucci name and all the excess that comes with it. As the power begins to shift, so does the dynamic of relationships in the family as hearts are broken, anger turns to revenge, and a name is up for grabs.

Gaga as Patrizia gives her character fire, family and, oh yes, love of Gucci. She is strong, a bit arrogant and knows how to play the game to get her husband to the top of the family business. The probably with being a person of fire and passion is that when you try to put those two things out – ugliness soon follows. Gaga does not hesitate to bring it all front and center with no qualms about who this character is and what she wants.

Driver as Maurizio begins as a shy law student who is a bit taken aback by Patrizia’s forwardness. Soon he finds himself totally enthralled in her, their life and being away from the Gucci family stresses. As much as he wanted the simple life, it was the Gucci life that would come calling. Learning how to play the game, Driver gives his character the brass what-evers to come out of his nice guy shell and play dirty.

Pacino as Aldo Gucci jumps into the family messes trying to discover what will benefit his bank account. Foregoing his own son, Aldo brings in Maurizio and Patrizia under the guise of doing whatever it takes to get their share of the family business. He is charming and a bit sleazy at the same time until, as with all things Gucci, he hits a speed bump. I do have to say that Pacino can certainly yell extremely well!

Leto as Paolo is a man who just wants his fashions to be seen but the problem is that his idea of fashion and Gucci’s idea of fashion are two different things. He is a problem for both his father and anyone else that he surrounds himself with. Leto is absolutely fantastic surrounded by hair, makeup and prosthetics but that is only decoration for his outrageous character performance.

Hayek as Pina is the mystical force in Patrizia’s life that gave her the green light for life with the Gucci clan. Consistently reading cards and staring into candle flames, it is their friendship that leads to an outcome the Gucci family could never have seen coming.

Other cast include Vincent Riotta as Fernando Reggiani, Gaetano Bruno as Franco, Jack Huston as Domenico De Sole, Alexia Murray as Silvana Reggiani, Camille Cottin as Paola Franchi, Youssef Kerkour as Nemir Kirdar, Florence Andrews as Jenny Gucci, Mehdi Nebbou as Said, Miloud Benamara as Omar, Andrea Bodini as Ivano, Vincenzo Tanassi as Benedetto, and Reeve Carney as Tom Ford.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

Apple TV Digital Code Included. 

The Bonus Features include The Rise of the House of Gucci: Making Of, The Lady of the House and Styling HOUSE OF GUCCI.

It is a shame, on a personal note, that the Academy did not see fit to nominate Lady Gaga for her performance. Her fellow male actors did well, and I am not pulling a “they could not have done it without her” woman thing – quite the contrary. Both she and Driver were the upfront stars of the film, my point is that both Lady Gaga and Driver gave us Patrizia and Maurizio, but damn if she did not give us a touch more.

HOUSE OF GUCCI is a fascinating, jaw dropping and head shaking look into a family that each lives in a world of their own. From the Gucci brothers and the ridiculous behaviors toward their sons to believing that nothing could possibly touch them, one could get whiplash keeping up with who is smacking who.

The look is authentic, the fashion is pure lux and, for the era, it is easy to see why women around the world just wanted to be wrapped in Gucci. This is the story of the rise of a brand, the fall of those who let their heads become as puffed up as the name and how all the mess did not seem to hurt the Gucci brand one, single, bit.

In the end – it is a legacy worth killing for!

 

It is the Return of the Iconic LOOPER

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming on 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and Digital from writer/director Rian Johnson and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the 10^th Anniversary since the release of LOOPER.

Kansas City in 2044 and Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) works for a crime organization as a looper. Using a looper means one can send an enemy back in time to be disposed of conveniently and this is all run by Abe (Jeff Daniels). There is a little glitch in being a looper because after a certain amount of time – loopers meet themselves to ‘close the loop’.

Now, a man named Seth (Paul Dano) tells Joe that he has failed to close a loop and now everyone is in jeopardy as the Rainmaker wants to take out bosses. The Gat men are now on the hunt for Joe who seems to jump time to avoid being captured. Continually trying to alter history, there is no escape.

Old Joe (Bruce Willis) is affected by everything young Joe does and has memories of everything. When the two meet, Old Joe makes it clear he wants to save his wife and take out the Rainmaker. The only way they can find him is by markings on a map that could tell them everything they need to know.

Joe’s information leads to a farm where Sara (Emily Blunt) lives. She recognizes the numbers as her son Cid’s (Pierce Gagnon) birthday and more importantly the hospital where he was born. Old Joe is going there to do something heinous as another Gat Man comes to the farm where Cid and Joe have to hid.

Sara confesses that she and her son have telekinetic gifts and when put to the test, Cid uses them to save his mother. Old Joe and young Joe have unfinished business and Sara will do everything a mother would to protect her child.

There is only one way out!

Gordon-Levitt as Young Joe gets the opportunity to play opposite another iconic actor as his younger self. When the film was released 10 years ago, I did not think they looked much alike but that did not stop me from enjoying the dance between them. Gordon-Levitt is good at the no-emotion dead stare of his character but there are ‘human’ moments that shine through.

Willis as Old Joe gave us all a look into how he would continue to give us action films. When LOOPER was made, the world already knew he had amazing chops and this film, although still being picked apart by fans, stands firm. Old Joe is a man on a mission, and he does not see the right or wrong in what he is attempting to do and the focus on this actor’s face is everything.

Blunt as Sara is a protective mother who has her own secrets to hide. When young Joe shows up it seems the cat is out of the bag but that does not stop her from pointing a weapon in any face that gets in her way. Gagnon as son Cid has a few tricks up his own sleeve and when push comes to shove, he can cause more mischief than any looper.

Daniels as Abe runs a tight ship and there is not much leeway in what he wants done. He sees what is happening, what is to come and how there is only one option. I just adore Daniels in the choices of roles that are consistently different and pure – well, Daniels. Shout out to Paul Dano, another one of my favorite actors for his epic demise but important contribution to the story!

Other cast includes Noah Segan as Kid Blue, Piper Perabo as Suzie, Summer Qing as Joe’s Wife, Tracie Thomas as Beatrix, Garrett Dillahunt as Jesse, Nick Gomez as Dale and Franke Brennan as Old Seth.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Bonus Materials include in the 4K Ultra HD Disc are Feature Presentation in 4K Resolution with Dolby Vision, and All-New Director-Approved Dolby Atmos Audio. The Bonus Materials on the Bluray Disc are Feature Presentation in High Definition, Feature Commentary with Director Rain Johnson, Joseph-Gordon Levitt and Emily Blunt, Looper: The Future from Beginning, 22 Deleted Scenes, Scoring Looper, The Science of Time Travel Featurette and Looper Animated Trailer. 

LOOPER is one for the books because, ten years later, still has people asking the question ‘what did I just see?’. It has stood the test of time and is just as fascinating to watch now as it was the first time the film hit theatres.

There were so many twists and turns the first time I saw the film in 2012 that seeing it once again I have caught nuisances that I did not even consider before. The film is still strange, fascinating, unusual and worth every moment of the one hundred- and eighteen-minute running time.

Sony did themselves proud in re-releasing this film making it available to add to everyone’s home entertainment library. There is the discussion of the colliding of these two Joe’s where one wants his riches and the other wants his love and how far each will go to get what they want. Willis and Gordon-Levitt are stellar and allow us all to see the Joe’s go at it.

In the end – hunted by your future and haunted by your past!

MARRY ME

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Kat Coiro and Universal Pictures is what happens when you hold up a sign that says MARRY ME.

Kat Valdez (Jennifer Lopez) is a mega-superstar who has recorded the song Marry Me with her fiancé Bastian (Maluma). Now, they have decided to actually marry at a concert and gives twenty million fans a glimpse of glamor. But right before the ‘I do’s’, a breaking news story sets in motion a surprise that the world could not have seen coming.

Out in the audience is Math teacher Charlie Gilbert (Owen Wilson), teenage daughter Lou (Chloe Coleman) and friend Parker (Sarah Silverman). He has a sign that says, ‘Marry Me’ and once Kat sets her sights on it, she agrees in front of everyone. Coming to the stage, Charlie sees that Kat is devastated but goes along with the ceremony.

Now, Kat is a married woman and manager Collin (John Bradley) has to figure out how to handle the press aspect of the shock. Everyone else is thrilled for Charlie but he admits that he really does not know much about Kat or her music. On a whirlwind media frenzy, Charlie does what he can, but he is a dedicated schoolteacher and makes it clear nothing comes before that.

That is when Kat decides to learn about Charlie’s life and finds that she is truly interested in it. The two become close and there seems to be a true match, that is until Bastian comes back into her life and Charlie doubts he truly has a place in her life.

Music and love need to find a way!

Lopez as Kat gives us the rom-com she has been famous for over the years. Once again, a character looking for love in the midst of her half-eye closed pouty lip whispers of how sad she is. This is not a stretch for Lopez, she followed the formula to the letter.

Wilson as Charlie also gets to stay with the formula of being that average Joe who just happened to be at a concert and – well got married. What I will give Wilson is the characters dedication to the students before any of the glitz and glamor nonsense that came along with getting weirdly married. The equal love for daughter Lou and her needing special attention is also a passing grade for Wilson’s character.

Bradley as Collin is the manager that manages everything, including disasters brought on by this unusual wedding. Running around to make wrong things right, Kat marrying Charlie is something he cannot control. It is nice to see Bradley try different roles, and this is his second film release in two weeks.

Silverman as Parker was relatively annoying throughout the film, but she got the chance to throw out one-liners and be the protective friend to Charlie. Coleman as daughter Lou is thrilled that her father has married the pop superstar and comes out of her shell a bit as the days pass. This actress is very sweet and plays opposite Wilson like a pro.

Other cast include Utkarsh Ambudkar as Coach Manny, Brady Noon as George, Stephen Wallem as Jonathan Pitts, Katrina Cunningham as Tyra and Jimmy Fallon as himself.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us to all experience and re-experience in our own home theaters. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

MARRY ME is a bit like walking down memory lane of several rom-coms. The snapping of the expensive jewelry box a la PRETTY WOMAN starts off my eye rolling. The first stage performance gives an ode to LIKE A PRAYER nunnery mischief with an added feature of IF I COULD TURN BACK TIME privates-strapping outfit.

The character of Kat being married four times, I’m sure Lopez can easily relate to that herself. Her ‘Queen of the Night’ costuming is surrounded by a song that’s lyrics are repetitive, and again repetitive. I probably could have learned the song in the same take, but my brain cannot do it (i.e. ‘marry me, marry me’ and ‘ring, ring, ring, sing, sing, sing’)

There comes a point where I felt as if I was watching MAID IN MANHATTAN in reverse with an ending that was reminiscent of WHEN HARRY MET SALLY. So, basically, I felt like the writers just decided to pull all the rom-coms out of the value and steal pieces here and there.

All of this being said, it was not the most nauseating rom-com that I have seen. It is a formula film with two actors who have made their mark in that genre. It has its moments that bring a grin and a few one liners of wit. Would it make me run to the theatres? Not really, this is more of a rainy-day Saturday curled up channel flicking film.

But, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there are those looking for a bit of romance, a bit of music and a reason to be back in the theatre seat. Lopez and Owen are charming and that says a lot for the film.

In the end – just marry me!

They Have Made THE PACT

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Billie August and Juno Films is the story of writers, love and pain all with THE PACT.

Karen Blixen (Birthe Neumann), who became famous for her work “Out of Africa” is living a quiet Danish life still dealing with the heartbreak of a lost love. What is worse, she is also suffering terribly from an illness from years past. Finding things to keep her life occupied, a visitor shows up at her door and a journey is about to begin.

At her door is poet Thorkild Bjornvig (Simon Bennebjerg), a young man with a family to support who dreams of spending his days writing. Karen spending their visit explaining that she wants to make a pact with him, that he trusts in her with everything about his life and he will receive all that she can provide for his success. When not together, letters are being exchanged between them.

In the beginning, it is all exciting at the prospect of being able to write without financial worry. Wife Grete (Nanna Voss) has always supported Thorkild and sees this as an amazing opportunity and continues to support him. When a home accident occurs, Karen tells Grete that Thorkild should come to her home to recuperate and give him time to write in peace and quiet.

Grete is uneasy realizing that there is a strange attachment Karen has for her husband. But the party goes on as Thorkild finds another friend in Benedicte (Asta August) who is married to his financial benefactor Knud Jensen (Anders Heinrichsen). Watching everything is Karen.

Deciding that it is time for Thorkild to stretch his wings, she arranges for him to study in Bonn. Karen also has other plans convincing Benedicte that he needs a friend to convince him to stay and finish his studies. That is when things become even more twisted as families are on the verge of being torn apart and one person is pulling the strings.

Neumann as Blixen is a woman who is dealing with so many different issues. Still pining over the love she had for Denys Hatton during her time in Africa and an illness that was poorly treated years before. She turns to those that delve into artistic writing and the society that supports them but with one extra step and that’s where Thorkild comes in. Wanting full control over his life and his emotions is like watching a magician cast a spell over everyone that is in her presence. Neumann gives a stunning performance with twists, turns and shocks.

Bennebjerg as Thorkild is a man who wants to spend his life studying and writing. When the opportunity comes with Karen Blixen, he is astonished to the point of easily making the pact with her. Even when she has unusual requests, he believes that everything is done for his artistic betterment. Bennebjerg gives his character a mixture of loyalty to his family and loyalty out of what he things is gratitude. This actor also gives his character choices and whether right or wrong, they are his choices.

Voss as Grete is a wife that is far more understanding than anyone has a right to be. Supporting her husband time and time again, she sees what is happening but can not make him understand that it is rather frightening. When she feels trapped, it takes one desperate decision to change everything. Voss is beautiful and wonderful in this role and I enjoyed her performance even if it caused pangs of heartache for Grete which is a great sign of a true actress.

August as Benedicte is a woman who is also under Blixen’s emotional control. Trusting that her words about befriending Thorkild is for the best, she follows blindly into something that causes literal pain and heartache for people who do not deserve it. Benedicte is also at a crossroads in her life but still allows Blixen to take her down a destructive path. August gives her character the angst of everything she is experiencing.

Other cast include Kurt Dreyer as Heinrich, Jytte Kvinesdal as Sygeplejeske, Mikkel Stubkjaer as Bo Bjornvig, Teo Lepetit as Fransk Kultulerite, Susanne Bruhn as Dansk Kultulerite, Bjarne Jonsson as Dansk and Nathan Benson as the Journalist.

Juno Films is a boutique film distributor. Its founder Elizabeth Sheldom has over twenty years of experience in the distribution of documentary and feature films.

THE PACT is the Official Selection of the 2022 Palm Springs International Film Festival and the Official Selection of the 2021 AFI European Union Films Showcase.

The film is filled with intense emotions and twists that will have the viewer either shaking their head or having that look of ‘do they not see what she is doing?’. Of course, these characters do not because they want to trust in the best of people and the best of Karen Blixen. The cast does a remarkable job of presenting this story with heartbreak and beauty.

There is also the majesty of costuming and cinematography that invites us into this world and era. Once again, as a huge fan of costumes, it brings a richness an authenticity that I just adore.

THE PACT is based on the relationship between the 63-year-old Nobel Prize winner Karen Blixen and Thorkild Bjornvig. Their time together proved to be intense and raveled in the artistic emotions of two people who were looking for something, anything to find what each was seeking. The problem is, it was at the expense and intense emotions of others.

In the end – how far will you go for love and art!