It is all About LIVING

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Oliver Hermanus and Sony Picture Classics is the story of coming to life to learn about LIVING.

Mr. Williams (Bill Nighy) is a quiet man living in the 1950’s working in a bureaucratic role. Once a week he would take time to go see a film at the local cinema but life becomes awakened when it is discovered that Mr. Williams is ill.

Also, in the office working with Mr. Williams is Miss Margaret Harris (Aimee Lou Wood), a young woman who sees that moving ahead is not going to work so she decides to move on. The only thing stopping her is needing a reference from her boss Mr. Williams who seems to be absent from work.

Mr. Williams discovers that there is a life outside the office and away from the son Michael who means well. There is song, drink and discovering that sharing feelings with someone else is never too late to experience. It is in this grand opportunity of opening up does Mr. Williams discover what he has been afraid of, what he has been missing and the chance to embrace the time left of his life.

Nighy as Mr. Williams is so charming, eloquent and poignant in this role. He is a man that has been stuck in one place to the point of not even realizing it until the word ‘terminal’ is put into his life. Confused about what to do and how to feel, life shows Mr. Williams a path he never expects to be on and it is subtly beautiful in the hands of Nighy. Honestly, I’d expect nothing less from this fine actor.

Wood as Miss Harris is equally charming in that she gets to see a different Mr. Williams than everyone else gets to see. She wants to find her own place in the world and once she enters the into his new open world, she also sees the possibilities herself. Wood is the life breeze in a room full of stale air.

Other cast include Barney Fishwick as Michael Williams, Nichola McAuliffe as Mrs. Blake, Patsy Ferran as Fiona Williams, Jessica Flood as Mrs. Porter, Anant Varman as Mr. Singh, Lia Williams as Mrs. Smith, Zoe Boyle as Mrs. McMasters, Adrian Rawlins as Mr. Middleton, Oliver Chris as Mr. Hart, Michael Cochrane as Sir James, Hubert Burton as Mr. Rusbridger, and Alex Sharp as Mr. Peter Wakeling.

Sony Pictures Classics brings television, digital content, new entertainment services, independent films and technologies to viewers. Such films as GREED, THE BURNT ORANGE HERESY, THE CLIMB, CHARM CITY KINGS, I CARRY YOU WITH ME and THE FATHER are just a few of the current and upcoming releases. For more information on what Sony Pictures Classics has to offer please visit www.sonyclassics.com. 

LIVING is actually a remake of IKIRU written by novelist and Nobel Laureate Akira Kurosawa. It is the story of postwar Japan and a family moving from Nagasaki to England and their struggle to rebuild their lives after war.

The film has always been given nods from the Hollywood Music in Media Awards, British Independent Film Awards, National Board of Review, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, Chicago Film Critics Association, Dallas-Ford Worth Film Critics Association, Alliance of Women Film Journalists, National Society of Film Critics, San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle, Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, London Film Critics’ Circle, Satellite Awards and Golden Globe Awards.

LIVING moves slowly and deliberately in the life of Mr. Williams. He has one final chance to feel, live, remember and explore the possibilities of life. He sees the opportunities to be something more, anything more than he has been and Nighy lights up the screen with his blossoming portrayal of this man.

Director Hermanus keeps the story so simple and that keeps my eye on Mr. Williams’ exploration. It gives the viewer pause when Nighy speaks bringing a reaction of thoughtfulness and awakening to the reasons for having a purpose in this life. It is a marvel and beauty to see and experience this film.

In the end – an ordinary man discovers the extraordinary key to life!

 

THE MISSING CHILDREN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently streaming on Topic is the shocking and heartbreaking documentary about the children of Ireland and the Mother and Baby Homes filled with THE MISSING CHILDREN.

Tuam is a small town in Ireland and in the town was St. Mary’s, Tuam’s Mother and Baby Home that was once a workhouse. Women had their babies and could not take them home. Now having that stigmatism, the children were treated differently and could not socialize normally with other children.

In the corner of the home was a small grotto, two boys jumped over the wall to get apples and the ground gave way. The boys discovered the horror of child remains, it was reburied and life went on. That was until Catherine Corless, a local historian of Tuam, started researching about the home and discovered all the children that died at the Tuam home.

The thing is, the register is supposed to have a location where over 700 children were buried and there was no record at all. Getting maps of the home, she discovered one place where they could be. The journalist Allison O’Reilly took over the story with the thought that an investigation would start – none did.

Catherine confronted the nuns at Bon Secours Convent told that the sisters vehemently denied any such thing occurred. Caelainn Hogan, also a journalist, heard that the story of the Tuam children was not true. Terry Prone, who represented the sister of Bon Secours emailed people saying, ‘if you come here, you’ll find no mass grave’. 

Fergus Finaly of the Irish Government found it hard to believe that the nuns would not keep a record of the deaths as they were so meticulous with their record keeping. He believes the nuns know something. In Manchester, England, Annette McKay was a child of a woman who went to the Tuam home to give birth to another child. The sister’s told her the baby had died and she was turned away.

Dr. Maeve O’Rourke, a human rights lawyer, explains how Ireland was a Catholic country and wanted to show that by being a morally pure country. The homes were a way of keeping those who didn’t tow the religious line out of sight. It did not matter how you got pregnant, having a baby brought shame and was a sin.

PJ Haverty was born in 1951 and survived his time at Tuam. He tells of how his own mother was treated by the family and was eventually taken to Bon Secours Convent. This particular convent was filled with nuns that had nurses training. When PJ was born, his mother continues to work at the convent and he rarely saw her until she eventually was made to leave.

Peter Mulryan, born in 1944, also remembers his time and the memories still haunt him. He remembers the sounds most of all. Pat Duffy explains how they were just kept in their beds with nothing but their own selves. This is the horror grown men still remember.

In 2015, the Irish government finally began an investigation into the mother and baby institutions. They announced they would look at the years 1922 to 1998 but also other homes as well. Tuam’s was just the beginning of the story and now the plot that Catherine believes existed, would finally be looked at in 2016.

Beginning with Dr. Linda G. Lynch, Human Osteoarcheologist, the digging began along with Dr. Niamh McCullagh, Forensic Archaeologist and Excavation Director. There job is to decide if the spot was an official burial spot or not. A 19th century sewage structure is what they found along with human remains. What Catherine believed had finally been proven to be true.

In 2017 at the House of the Oireachtas, which is Ireland’s Parliament, Katherine Zappone, Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, announces their findings at the digging site in Tuam. Now, people want to know what really happened to these children and Catherine is still asking the hard questions. One of the people who has been asking questions as well is Anna Corrigan who had two brothers die in Tuam.

Anna, like Catherine, starts collecting information about what happened and discovers that there was something wrong with her brother John. Backing up her suspicion is an inspection report yet no one then followed up. When starvation becomes a reason for death, it does not make sense since the sisters were paid by the government to take care of these children and they grew their own food in large quantities.

Catherine wonders if it is possible that some of the children did not die, if that is the case, where are they? Patrick Naughton was born in 1954 and later adopted from Tuam but he never knew until he confronted his loving parents. He discovered the true story from his mother Lucy and it was devastating. Now, it is not only the deaths of the children at Tuam but the unknowing parents who are adopting children.

Mothers were led to believe that their children had died when, in fact, the nuns and priests were sending the children away for adoption in other countries like the United States. Journalist Mike Milotte learned that in the 50’s over 500 children arrived in the United States in one year. One of those children is a little boy named Michael.

What becomes more disturbing is that as the adults who survived Tuam begin to find paperwork from their ‘parents’ and learn the truth of who they are and where they came from. Looking for records or anything that could help them trace their own roots becomes important to them all.

The answers are slow in coming but with the determination and anger of those who see the injustice done to the children of Tuam and holding accountable those who are to blame.

Topic is the boundary-pushing streaming service for thrillers, mysteries, dramas and documentaries from around the world, serving viewers who crave entertainment beyond the mainstream. Whether it’s a Nordic-noir crime thriller (The Killing), a back-stabbing, an Italian political drama (The Miracle), or a mind-blowing supernatural mystery from Russia (Dead Mountain), Topic expands your view of the world. For more of what Topic has to offer please visit www.topic.com.

THE MISSING CHILDREN is just a horribly heartbreaking documentary about the blatant disregard for human life both living and dead by the nuns and the church for these children. Once the box was finally opened, papers came flooding out about how many children actually died and how many were ‘bought’ by adoptive parents. I never believed through the storytelling of this documentary that the adoptive parents knew what was happening.

That means that the church, an institution that people have generationally believed that they could trust, was an agent of destruction both physically and mentally of human beings. If the children truly died, their remains were treated with such disrespect and if they lived, they became victims of human trafficking. Calling the purchase money for the child a ‘contributions’ can only be described as disgusting.

Those who are trying to piece together the story and those who are living this injustice are so patient and, to be honest, I know I wouldn’t be. They are continually blocked by a system that is clearly afraid of what more the documents they are holding back will expose about those responsible. Using their power to block any legal action is once again a slap to survivors.

THE MISSING CHILDREN won the BAFTA Award in 2022 for Tanya Stephan, Rachel Cumella, Brian Woods, Anne Morrison, Paddy Garrick, Ella Newton, True Vision, Nevision and Itv.

This documentary is just so hard to watch at moments because all of the child-survivors of Tuam share their heart, story and soul. There is no way to watch and not become angry at the way they have been treated from birth until now, in their senior years. Their emotion just breaks my heart but, there are moments of joy and that has to be enough – for now.

Finally, the speech given by the Prime Minister holds nothing but disgust for me. Hiding behind laws, the church and making the records unavailable for thirty years proves that he is just as complicit as everyone else who is hiding the total truth.

In the end – they are finding who they truly are!

 

 

 

He Sacrifices All for GOLD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Anthony Hayes and Saban Films is the story of a world gone haywire but still knows the value of GOLD.

In the future, the world has turned into one big dustbowl, so much so that people are trying to find work and a place to survive. Arriving to report to the Compound, Virgil (Zac Efron) waits to be taken to his new home. Pulling up with an attitude is Keith (Anthony Hayes) who makes it clear that the ride will cost him and do not mess with the air conditioning.

Wanting a little conversation, Keith asks a few questions and Virgil is not to forthcoming with answers. It is clear from his demeanor that he would just prefer to be left alone. Stopping for the night by campfire, Virgil learns that the desert is filled with noises and hungry dogs.

Driving the next day so Keith can sleep, Virgil is not happy about the heat that is taking over the car and does the one thing he was asked not to – turned up the air conditioning. Keith is furious and the two are on the side of the road waiting for everything to settle down. Virgil walks around but notices something sticking out of the ground – a huge piece of gold.

Keith knows someone with an excavator and Virgil agrees to stay with their find. It may take days, so the antsy Keith gives him a few hints on how to stay alive until he gets back. That’s when things get interesting as Virgil fights each day and each night with very little food and very little water.

Now, Virgil is up against nature and the will to survive for a piece of gold!

Efron as Virgil is a very quiet person who is not interested in talking about where he came from or what has happened to him. His time in the desert is excruciating to watch and a bit frustrating as I found myself yelling at the screen. That being said, Efron has to use emotions, dead eye and body language to tell us everything we need to know about his character. He gives a strong performance about survival and a kind of greed that cannot be easily defined.

Hayes as Keith cannot believe that Virgil is in the territory a day and he makes the find that is truly unbelievable. Agreeing to help dig it out, he tries to stay in contact with Virgil as the days stretch out and will not take any interference with their find. Hayes gives us a creepy character that clearly is only interested in himself and that makes his performance successful.

Shout out to Susie Porter who plays ‘The Stranger’ because she is strong and does not take anything from someone scavenging in her area. I loved her performance and saw her as a way for Virgil to survive and yet, he chose wrong.

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.

GOLD is an interesting film because it is centered around a future that is environmentally broken but then again, so are the people trying to survive. Efron is the epitome of a broken human being arriving in a barren place believing this is all he entitled to for life. Finding the gold, it is as if something awakens in him, the world as it once was – greedy.

Yet, his greed seemed based in survival knowing there could be something better, but his buddy Keith is that kind of character that does not care about anything but maybe living the high life. Watching Efron go into frightening depths of a life shrinking further and further away, when challenged, it is the gold that snaps him back into survival mode.

This film is definetly one that is worthy of conversation for those who see it because I can guarantee everyone will experience something different – but the main topic will be the GOLD.

In the end – for everything he will do anything!

 

He Wrote A JOURNAL FOR JORDAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to Bluray and Digital from director Denzel Washington and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is the true story about A JOURNAL FOR JORDAN.

Dana Canedy (Chante Adams) comes home to visit her dad Sgt. T.J. Canedy (Robert Wisdom), mom Penny Canedy (Tamara Tunie), sister Gwen (Jasmine Batchelor) and brother Mike (Marchant Davis). While there, she meets 1^st Sgt. Charles King (Michael B. Jordan), a man dedicated to his military service and friend of Sgt. Canedy.

Acting as if she is not interested, it becomes clear over a few days that King is someone that Dana wants to know more about. Going back to her job in New York at The New York Times, she and King continue their talks on the telephone until he is finally able to visit Dana. Taking King around the city to see all the sites, it is obvious that there is more to their feelings.

As their relationship deepens, King returns to Dana every chance he gets and the two see that their lives are meant to be together. When 9/11 happens, Dana knows that there is a real chance that King will be deployed. King wants to marry right away but Dana wants to hold off and have a real wedding knowing that’s what she really wants.

But those plans are put a bit on hold when Dana tells King that she is pregnant with their son Jordan. King is beside himself with happiness and takes every moment on his leave home to spend time with the family he loves. Returning to the war and only weeks away from coming home for good, things take a turn.

As Jordan grows, it becomes for Dana to share a journal with her son and in return, Jordan (Jalon Christian) helps his mother find peace in her own life.

Adams as Dana is a feisty character of a woman who knows what she wants, or at least she thinks she does when it comes to love. She makes her needs clear from the beginning with King and has no problem voicing her displeasure when things are not as she wishes them to be. The worse thing in anyone’s life is death of a loved one and as Dana tells her story, it is clear she has not dealt with it until her son brings her to that point.

Jordan as King is the yin to Dana’s yang in that she expresses everything outwardly and King is a calmer person because he trusts in himself. He also makes it clear what he is looking for in their relationship and where he has come from in other relationships. I liked that about his character and Jordan gave King grace and dedication to Dana and to military service.

Christian as Jordan is so lovely, understanding, gentle and comes to know his father in a way that many never have a chance to. It is also easy to see that Jordan is so much like his father in the calm way he talks and reasons. Such a lovely young actor to give so much to a very sensitive role.

Other cast include Susan Pourfar as Miriam, David Wilson Barnes as Schaefer, Melanie Nicholls-King as Kaleshia, Vanessa Aspillga as Robin, Grey Henson as Ciro, Johnny M. Wu as Manny.

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.

Special Features include Deleted Scenes, Family Portrait: Making the Film, Heart and Soul: Charles and Dana, Words of Wisdom: The Journal and Gag Reel.

A JOURNAL FOR JORDAN is based on the book A Journal for Jordan: A Story of Love and Honor by Dana Canedy. Virgil Williams wrote the screenplay from the book as Denzel Washington also co-produced the film along with Michael B. Jordan.

This film is deeply moving, powerful and a lesson in love and the written word. Just knowing that King took the time to write things to his son is in itself amazing, but it is what he writes to his son that is stunning. Words to help a young man live by and find in himself as he grows, A JOURNAL FOR JORDAN lets us in to experience it all.

It is a love story between Dana and King that is sweet but also a learning curve as she never wanted to be with someone in the military because of her own father. What a shock it must have come to Dana to find herself falling in love with such an honorable young man who was definetly meant for her.

I enjoyed both Adams and Jordan’s performance on so many levels and found myself laughing, smiling and crying as they share the story of the King family.   

In the end – it is a love beyond words!

HBO Takes a Look at FOUR HOURS AT THE CAPITOL

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Jamie Roberts and HBO is a look at one day that has changed the way we look at our politicians and political system with the documentary FOUR HOURS AT THE CAPITOL.

This documentary starts off with Officer Mike Fanone from the D.C. Metro Police Department with twenty years of duty. Explaining how his day would start it would be even more difficult to experience how his day would end.

At the White House, the then 45^th President was giving a hell-fire speech to his supporters but down at the Capitol, proud boy Eddie Block was at the Washington Monument because he could not get to the speech. He sees people moving toward the Capitol, so he follows the group and records what he sees.

Many in the Capitol know there are people gathering outside including Rep. Buddy Carter and Rep. Jim McGovern but neither could have seen where it was going. Liah Han, assistant to the office of Speaker Nancy Pelosi also was becoming aware of the gathering.

Tayler Hansen, a reporter for The Gateway Pundit was in the crowd at the White House speech and is witnessing the reaction of the crowd to what they were hearing. He followed the proud boys even before the violent outbreak. Ashley Gilbertson of The New York Times recalls the crowd as showing “blind devotion”.

Bobby Pickles, also a proud boy explained, “the president says, ‘go to the capitol’ so we went to the capitol.” Soon after began the pushing past barriers with crowds following and it is when “all hell broke loose”.

Officer Winston Pingeon from the U.S. Capitol police reports that the incident actually began 19 minutes before the White House speech ended. Already the police are overwhelmed as the crowd grows even larger, chanting gets louder and tempers flare like a flash fire. Trying to enter the Capitol building, the officers are overtaken.

Inside the chamber, Rep. Eric Swalwell and Rep. Ruben Gallego are there to certify the electoral votes of the election and have no idea what is happening outside. Violence erupts as pepper balls are shot into the crowd and pushing past the police now turns to violence against them. Videographer Brendan Gutenschwager feared what was going and for very good reason.

Couy Griffin representing cowboys for the then standing president, saw the outburst along with activist filmmaker Nick Alvear, and car salesman Domic Box all have their opinions about stolen votes and frustrations. As the crowds escalated, Commander Ramey Kyle of D.C. Metro was making his way to the Capitol saying, “we knew we were in for a fight”.

Inspector Robert Glover, also of D.C. Metro talks about officers beginning to fall and becoming injured by the crowds. Civilians were now attacking and beating police officer to get further into the building. Rep. Jim McGovern began getting txt from family about what was happening. The police are now outnumbered and the break in begins as fire alarms go off and Capitol police sweep in to take people away.

Rep. Jason Crow speaks on how everything quickly became intense, and Rep. Rosa DeLauro was told to continue on with government business. It also became quickly clear that those still in the building knew it was time to protect themselves any way they could as the protestors were becoming insurrectionists.

Officer Goodman tires to keep the crowd away from the Senate Chambers as Officer Byron Evans hears on the radio of the escalation and Officer Keith Robishaw helps to hold the line. Both Majority Whip Dick Durbin and Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer both tell of their experience and how quickly it happened.

The crowds inside grow larger and they are looking for the Vice-President and the Speaker of the House. Finding the Senate Chamber, the intruders ransacked papers and sat in seats while outside it had become complete bedlam as more officers like Daniel Hodge are assaulted and to survive they had to retreat.

The House of Representatives and those inside can now hear the insurrectionists and had to run. Trying to escape to the chant of “stop the steal” reverberating on the floor. There were people in the gallery hiding and making calls to loved ones. Finally, Rep. Adam Kinzinger is led with others to a protective location and is angry that the then president said – nothing.

Officer Fanone arrives at the Capitol and, along with partner Jimmy Albright get to the Capitol tunnel and see that the insurrectionists were attempting to push their way in as the police hold the line. Other officers begin to show up as well and they managed to push the crowd completely back out the tunnel.

As control is resumed, so is the business of the government and the continuation of certifying the election. In the end, 140 officers are injured with one officer dead and four protesters die.

Arrests begin to happen and the reality of it is that the man who pushed the crowds forward promising to be there with them to the Capitol is the same man who stayed behind.

HBO Home Entertainment brings critically acclaimed and groundbreaking programming throughout the world. Releases include the global hit Game of Thrones, True Detective, Girls, The Sopranos, Sex and the City, True Blood, The Wire and Entourage. The company's catalog contains hundreds of titles including Big Little Lies and Band of Brothers. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.hbo.com.

FOUR HOURS AT THE CAPITOL is a look at the timeline of the attack on the Capitol building on January 6, 2020. I know where I was, because it was hours before I could get up from my seat. Sitting at home with family watching the news about the certification, it started as a low murmur and almost in a blink it became violent, and my jaw dropped. Calling out to my family who were in the next room to join me because there was no way I was seeing what I thought I was seeing.

They looked at the television set and I saw the look on their faces so it became clear that we were witnessing something frightening which would be followed by horror. It became a day that is still talked about 21 months later.

What director Roberts was able to do was gather those who lived and, in some cases, survived the day. Even more poignant are the stories that we did not know about that reignited the horror for my family who thought we had seen it all. It is in these stories and the faces of those telling it that will break hearts.

That day also bring the realization that since September 11^th has our country been united in a cause like we all were that day. Now, there is arguing, fighting, accusing, lying, deceiving just to name a few of the divisive things that are happening in the country. The idea of fair play and people who run for office congratulate the winner and look to the next challenge has been damaged, perhaps beyond repair.

Watching FOUR HOURS AT THE CAPITOL, all I could think was that those protecting the Capitol and its occupants inside must have felt like the day was never going to end. The fear and anxiety was palpable then and it seemed to still be with those telling their story. Each frame of the story lets us know what happened and we have certainly learned why it happened even before January 6, 2020.

The importance of this documentary is to never, ever let this happen again and to do that we have to understand how it all got to this point. Not that many of need a grand outline of that but it is important in the telling about this day.

In the end – the ramifications are still being felt today!

 

 

The Are Together Because of a MASS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from writer/director Fran Kranz and Bleecker Street comes the story of two couples that are trying to come to terms with the MASS.

Judy (Breeda Wool) and Anthony (Kagen Albright) are preparing a room in the basement of a church. Trying to make it comfortable and stress free, they meet with Kendra (Michelle N. Carter) who looks over everything giving it her seal of approval.

In the parking lot are couple Gail (Martha Plimpton) and Jay (Jason Isaacs), sitting in the car discussing if they are able to go inside. Gail becomes stressed at the mere idea of what they have decided to do on this day. Gathering their wits about them, they go inside to meet with Kendra entering the very quiet room set up for them.

A few minutes later, Linda (Ann Dowd) and Richard (Reed Birney) come into the room as both couples sit around a table. Kendra leaves them to talk but that is where the awkwardness begins. These two couples have come together to discuss their sons, death, reasons, excuses and pain that no one else in the world could know.

It is about to get real honest real fast!

Plimpton as Gail is, as the actress describes it, “is a woman who is kind of frozen. She loves her husband; she’s alienated and stuck there. She desperately wants to see a way out, but she is not able to navigate it. I wanted to find out where the character would take me.” She takes on this character’s pain, frustration and anguish to such a level that is believable and hits deep to the heart.

Isaacs as Jay is a man who wants to help the grief his wife is feeling but it is mixed with anger of his own. Trying to be more analytical than emotion is testing his own limits. “I read it and sobbed…how do people get beyond resentment; how do people get beyond hatred? How do people see their sworn enemies as human beings?” Issacs takes his character through all the gambit of emotions, but it takes saying everything he needs to find that place of living again.

Dowd as Linda is a woman who has wrapped herself with a shroud of grief and guilt never knowing which is going to take over. Just walking into the room, Dowd’s character is a shell and guilt is pouring out of every move she makes. “Hers is a heart injury and a soul injury that she does not believe will be released ever. She’ll move forward, just to be able to stay alive…she retained her kindness, and she did not put up the strong and tall wall to protect herself.”

Birney as Richard is a well dress businessman who sees everything straight forward even though it clearly is not. He speaks as a man who is hesitant to admit to anything wrong but when push comes to shove, it is the way he speaks that brings out the frustration for Gail and Jay. “He [Richard] clearly does not want to be at this meeting. He’ll show up but he’s not going to be – intimidated by the situation in the room.”

Bleecker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

MASS has its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival.

“This is a movie about life after loss and the need for reconciliation,” says director Kranz. “I never imagined when I wrote it that it could fee so relevant and urgent, and I am honored to work with Bleecker Street in finding the largest audience possible for this story”.

MASS is a film that is so relevant as once something like this happens, we are shocked and speak about gun control then it stops. What is left behind are families – Moms, Dads, sister, brothers, aunts, uncle, grandparents, and friends who attempt to piece together the biggest question of all – why?

It is not that this film will answer those questions, instead, we are privy to the process of these two families sorting out the niceties, pleasantries and the brutal truth about what is really underneath. This is how they deal with the day-to-day life trapped in a swamp of toxicity. Its time for the truth, a reality check and to just breathe!

MASS is brilliantly done with no distractions on the screen as these four actors take this story head on and do not let up for the entire one hour and fifty minutes. Nothing slips by and excuses are not tolerated, instead, we are the fifth person in the room who is not allowed to speak but asked to feel. That is extremely powerful.

In the end – the only way out is to forgive.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Stephen Chbosky and Universal Pictures is the story of pain, sadness and hope with DEAR EVAN HANSEN.

High schooler Evan Hansen (Ben Platt) lives with single hard working Mom Heidi (Julianne Moore). Dealing with anxiety issues, Evan takes medications and follows with therapy. Trying to understand why he does not fit in; Evan tries to write supportive letters to himself.

On one particular day after a run in with Connor Murphy (Colton Ryan) and a signed cast, he takes a letter belonging to Evan never meant for anyone to see. After a day or two of high anxiety, Evan is called into the principal’s office.

Waiting for him is Cynthia (Amy Adams) and Larry (Danny Pino), Connor’s parents. He learns the awful truth about Connor and Cynthia sees the signature on Evan’s cast and believes that the two boys were friends. Not knowing how to handle it, he says nothing. Going to their house for dinner, Evan meets Zoe (Kaitlyn Dever) and sees the family dynamics of pain but wants to be there for her.

Enlisting the help of Jared (Nik Dodani), he creates a falsehood and finds himself dug in. Truly wanting things to be different, Evan comes face to face with what he has done and the consequences it will bring to all.

Platt as Evan is a young man who is trying to deal with every gambit of emotion. A chance meeting with Connor starts a chain reaction that he could never have seen coming. Platt has a beautiful voice and uses it to invite viewers into the world that plagues him. Mixed with sorrowful expressions, we are planted squarely into the trauma that is coming.

Dever as Zoe has her own pain to deal with left behind with parents who she can not reach. Evan offers her a respite to remember her brother in a different light. Dever begins as a young girl frozen in her own way but grows right before our eyes.

Adams as Cynthia is a mother who clearly wants to believe in the positive. Seeing something in Evan that offers her hope to hang on to a son she feared would disappear from memory. Adams has the cheery disposition but also the deep sadness of a mother conflicted by so much that there are no answers for.

Pino as Larry is a straightforward stepdad who is trying to keep it all together. When confronted with the reality of his expectations and memories – he comes to believe in Evan. Pino keeps that straight face and tight emotions and when he does allow emotion, he gives us a broken heart.

Ryan as Connor, although a short role, is the focus of the story. His musical with Platt is ingenious and so well done as both actors flow so well together. Dodani as Jared is a family member we can probably all relate to, he has his moments of wit but he is there for Evan come what may. 

Other cast include: Amandla Stenberg as Alana, DeMarius Copes as Oliver, Liz Kate as Gemma, Zoey Luna as Leila, Isaac Powell as Rhys, Marvin Leon as Skye, Hadiya Eshe as Cherise, Julia Meyers as Naomi, Gerald Caesar as Josh, Avery Bederman as Isabella and Swift Rice as Mr. Howard.

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.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN is a film about those who feel like they are not seen in the world. There are different ways anxiety works and this story attempts to tackle quite a few scenarios. From Evan’s outward fear of having an anxiety attack to Alana’s busy tactics of avoiding her issues to how Connor dealt with his own.

The music is beautiful, and the voices provide so much emotion. The film is based on the 2015 musical Dear Evan Hansen allowing Ben Platt a chance to bring his stage performance to the big screen. Interscope Records will be releasing the soundtrack as well with artists such as Sam Smith, Dan + Shay and Carrie Underwood. Songs such as Waving Through a Window and You Will Be Found are lovely and have a lot to say for those who might need a little help finding the words.

The storyline itself is a bit rough in that from start to finish, the audience is not given much time to take a breath. Starting out with pain, it continues and is a bit overpowering by the end of the film. That is not to say the film does not have something to say, I think perhaps it has so much to say in a short space. The cast does an amazing job in the roles absolutely!

In the end – it is a story for the outsider in us all.

BEST SELLERS

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Lina Roessler and Screen Media is the story of two people who turn out to need each other during the worst of times with BEST SELLERS.

Lucy Stanbridge (Aubrey Plaza) is running a publishing company inherited from her father that needs a boost of energy to get it back on track. Turning to assistant Rachel Spence (Ellen Wong), they go through their list of writers they could work with, and the name Harris Shaw (Michael Caine) comes up.

First, they have to get through the door to meet with him! Shaw is not a pleasant individual and he makes sure that everyone knows it. Reminding him of his contractual obligations, Lucy reminds him that the publishing company is owed another book. Realizing he is in financial trouble, he gives up the manuscript for The Future is X-Rated.

Not happy that the book also has to be edited, he goes on a rant with not wanting his words “in incompetent hands”. That’s when Lucy makes him a deal, go on a book tour and the manuscript will not be edited. At his first public reading, he uses the word “bullshite” and takes off like hair on fire.

Shaw does not understand the fuss but if it gets him what he wants, then “bullshite” it is! Yet, the underlying story of both Lucy and Shaw become clearer and their working relationship changes as truth spill out and history gets cleaned up.

That’s the real story!

Caine as Shaw gets the opportunity to jump right in to being a grumpy, cantankerous, outspoken old man who wants to smoke his cigars and drink till he can not remember anything. Washing away his life memories, Caine gives his character no filter and no excuses in the beginning but all of that hides Shaw’s truths that cannot be hidden anymore.

Plaza as Lucy is a young woman who has a clear incentive to keeping her father’s publishing company up and running. Her character is clearly capable of doing the job, but her time with Shaw begins to change her perspective on life and as realities begin to change, Plaza gives us a young woman who begins to see things quite differently.

Also in the film is Scott Speedman as Jack Sinclair, Cary Elwes as Halpren Nolan, and Veronica Ferres as Drew Davis.

Screen Media is an international distributor of television series and films, licensing content through theatrical, home video, pay-per-view, free, cable and pay television, and subscription and advertising video-on-demand platforms.  In 2017 Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. acquired Screen Media which is in its 23rd year as a leading global independent distribution company. With one of the largest independently owned libraries of filmed entertainment in the world and license agreements across all forms of media, Screen Media’s distribution capability enables direct distribution of all rights in all countries, thus enhancing the profitability of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment productions. The company is continually looking to add films and television series to its content library.

Caine and Plaza are amazing together playing off one another’s fears and life stories. On screen together they give their characters such life in the midst of pain and frustration. The story is a simple one but filled with emotion that just gave me a heart pitty-pats. It is a very cool opportunity to watch these actors explore their lives from different angels.

BEST SELLERS is a heartwarming and heart wrenching film that is worth of a watch and a box of Kleenex. The film was also the Gala Presentation – 2021 Berlinale Film Festival. The relationship between these two characters begins with such anger and hostility but those emotions clearly mask what is really going on with both Shaw and Lucy. Watching these two actors bring out the best and worst is worth every frame.

In the end – the story is not always on the page!

His Fight Comes From THE EAST

 De Oost

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from writer/director Jim Taihutto, Mustafa Duygulu and Magnet Releasing based on a true story of a war within THE EAST. 

Johan (Martijn Lakemeier) is a young Dutch man sent to Indonesia in 1946 as the Netherlands attempt to stop the people from claiming their independence. Almost immediately Johan is curious about everything around him, especially a man known as The Turk (Marwan Kenzari).

The Turk has also noticed Johan and shows the young soldier the way around getting information, working with the higher-ranking officers and government officials and what is expected of him in return.

At first, Johan takes it all in and pays attention to what is said and done. That is also when he begins to see that there are horrible things happening to the native peoples. Trying to understand what is happening and why the man he has come to respect does not seem to comprehend the wrong being done, Johan decides he must stop it all.

He takes on The Turk and his own fellow soldiers with a shocking ending!

Lakemeier as Johan portrays the conscience of a young soldier yet the conscience of many soldiers who might not have been able to step forward. It was the strong against the weak on both sides and Lakemeier gave his character the strength to face the repercussions of standing up for something so heinous. As a young man going through so much, there is no surprise to learn it has followed him home and is in every step he takes.

Kenzari as The Turk is the mysterious man who seems to have control of everything around him. The soldiers, government and officials know who he is and know he can make things happen. Whether right or wrong seems to be of no concern to him and Kenzari gives his character a shivering coldness that makes its way through the screen and creeps me out. Well done!

Other cast include Jonas Smulders as Mattias Cohen, Abel van Gijlswijk as Charlie, Coen Bril as eddy Coolen, Jeroen Perceval as Janssen, Mike Reus as Commandant Mulder, Peter Muller as Major Penders, Huub Smit as Lt. Hartman, Putri Ayudya as Myra, David Wristers as Marcus Waterman, Robert de Hoog as Nachtegaal and Reinout Bussemaker as Johan de Vries.

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.

THE EAST is a film of war, those who participate in the wrongs of war and one man who must decide to stand up for what he knows is right. The haunting of what Johan saw would make anyone question why? The character that Lakemeier portrays is a young man who must come to terms with it long after the war is over.

It becomes one man against being a soldier, against fellow soldiers and against those who think they are justified in their behavior. Using these young men to do their dirty work is unthinkable and as stories like these emerge either through media or film, soldiers become more and more aware of their conscientious duty to cry foul when they see it.

THE EAST is a difficult film yet one that is important to watch but it allows the conversations to be had. Yes, it does remind me of the 1986 film PLATOON as well as the 1989 film CASUALTIES OF WAR. That being said, those films also brought out the injustices and conversations. Johan’s story is equally as important and Lakemeier’s portrayal is heartbreaking and relevant.

In the end – it’s a war between duty and conscience!

 

They are Beached and OLD

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director M. Knight Shyamalan and Universal Pictures based on the graphic novel "Sandcastle" by Frederick Peeters is the tale of OLD.

On a family vacation in what looks like paradise, Guy (Gael Garcia Bernal), Prisca (Vicky Krieps) and their two children Trent (Nolan River) and Maddox (Alexa Swinton) check in to the island resort. The children make a friend with Idlib (Kailen Jude) as they all hit the beach for sun and waves.

The resort manager tells Guy and Prisca of a special place that they may want to visit and he would be happy to arrange it. Looking forward to it, they are driven to their destination along with fellow travelers Charles (Rufus Sewell), Chrystal (Abbey Lee) and their daughter Kara (Mikaya Fisher), and couple Patricia (Nikki Amuka-Bird) and Jarin (Ken Leung).

Each setting up their spot, the location is beautiful but Maddox notices someone who is already there, rapper Mid-Sized Sedan (Aaron Pierre) is off to himself. Almost immediately things begin to happen as they find someone who has drowned as Dr. Charles checks out what could have been the cause. Wanting to get help, everyone with a phone notices there is no cell reception.

Minutes go and again the group of people are jolted by noticing that the Trent (Alex Wolff), Maddox (Thomasin McKenzie) and Kara have grown to the point that their parents are shocked. Trying to understand what is happening, the group decides it is time to go but something is keeping them on that beach - and even more shocking, aging is not the only frightening thing happening on the shocking shores.

Bernal as Guy is a man of data who does not know what to do with his emotions. Trying to keep things light on the family vacation, arriving at the secret location almost immediately messes with his data sense of common sense! Jumping from unexplainable event to the next, Bernal's character cannot control his deer in the headlights look. Krieps as Prisca wanted the family to have one good family vacation before the adults have to come clean about their situation. Prisca only concern is her children and what the cove is doing to everyone around her.

Wolff as the aging Trent is trying to understand what is happening to him and at the same time begin to decipher how it is all possible. Dealing with understanding everything through the mind of a six-year-old, time is not on anyone's side. McKenzie as Maddox is continually protective of her brother and even as she ages, dealing with emotions and coming to terms with adulthood is difficult enough without the effects of the cove.

Sewell as Charles is a doctor who seems to be in control of every aspect of his life and when he feels threatened, taking action is swift. As people become more and more affected, making sense of it all has an odd effect on Charles. Lee as wife Chrystal is a very attractive woman who does not mind trying to get attention from more than just her husband but as with all things - beauty fades.

Amuka-Bird as Patricia is a psychologist, but this is not exactly covered in any schooling or training she ever had. Leung as Jarin tries to help as much as possible with what he knows being a nurse but has to make a decision on how best to escape their circumstances. Pierre as Sedan can only tell the group next to nothing about what happened prior to their arrival.

Other cast include Eliza Scanlen as Kara, Embeth Davidtz as Maddox, Emun Elliott as Trent, Gustaf Hammarsten as the Resort Manager, Kathleen Chalfant as Agnes, Francesca Eastwood as Madrid, Luca Rodriguez as Trent, Mathew Shear as Sidney, Daniel Ison as Greg, Jeffrey Holsman as Mr. Brody, and M. Knight Shyamalan as the Hotel Van Driver.

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.

OLD is an interesting mix of fantasy, a bit of horror, spotty acting and a story of losing control in a situation controlled by what is around them. The ensemble cast each brings their own story that comes in fast and furious as it all weaves in through the entire film. Keeping it strictly in one location allows for keeping tabs on each character and with the flip of the camera angle the change happens right before our eyes.

What makes Shyamalan's films work is that we cannot help but see what madness he will create film after film. Knowing his films are not for everyone, it certainly does not stop him from embracing some far-fetched, yet eerily simple plots based on the graphic novel. There are strokes of genius in the film and then it seems to revert back to a bit of predictability, yet I still watch every single second.

OLD is a good yarn to tell and if you are looking for a bit of fun and twists on a Friday night, then this film is right up the shoreline for you.

In the end - it is only a matter of time.

There is more to THE PHANTOM

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from BAFTA-winning director Patrick Forbes, Greenwich Entertainment and premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival is the story of death, investigation, and injustice with THE PHANTOM.

In 1993, a young woman named Wanda Lopez was working a night shift at a Shamrock gas station in Texas when police dispatch receives a call. Ms. Lopez is worried about a young man outside the store who is scaring her. He enters the store and proceeds to rob and bring tragedy leaving behind a haunting recorded moment for investigators.

Arrested is 20-year-old Carlos DeLuna who is found lying underneath a car after a telephone call gives away his hiding. Taken into custody he is charged with the murder of Wanda Lopez. After questioning, Carlos tells police that the person responsible is also named Carlos Hernandez. During the investigation police did not find any other Carlos to link to the crime.

Prosecutors in the case told the jury that the “other” Carlos was a phantom, someone DeLuna wanted to blame for the heinous murder of an innocent woman. Even with no evidence linking DeLuna (no blood on his body or money from the robbery etc.) the jury found him guilty, and he was sentenced to death. Covering the trial was just a young reporter Karen Boudrie Greig who was swept up in the trial as the Lopez and DeLuna families were.

After the trial, it was Greig who kept in touch with DeLuna who continued to tell the story that it was the other Carlos responsible for the young woman’s death. In December of 1989, no one else could help DeLuna face the courts verdict. Professor James Liebman from Columbia University would speak with Greig letting her know the team was looking into it and discovered the phantom was real.

The answers would come, but not before the truth could set DeLuna free!

The Wrong Carlos: Anatomy of a Wrongful Execution is a book by James S. Liebman and the Columbia DeLuna Project as well as thewrongcarlos.net that lets readers see crime scene photos, court records, videotape interview and more.

Director Forbes says of the film, “I’m thrilled to be working with Greenwich on THE PHANTOM. They completely got the movie from day one – the mystery at its heart, and the tragic importance of what happened. In this film, for the first time we prove without a shadow of a doubt that America executed an innocent man. It’s a shocking, moving, and enraging story, and I couldn’t wish for a better partner to tell it with”.

THE PHANTOM is a heartbreaking story of a young man who told the truth and instead of diving deeper to keep from doing the wrong thing, chose the easy way to convict and move on. The DeLuna family is horrified learning of the history of Hernandez and how the police refused to investigate or admit they were wrong from beginning to end.

The tape played in court of Ms. Lopez seemed to me to be the convicting factor for a jury looking to make someone responsible. Yet, when it came time for evidence, there just was not any so for a jury to not take that into consideration just hurts the soul.

Listening to DeLuna’s brother tell his story of youth, family, difficulties and how it is possible that his brother became connected to Hernandez is so very important. DeLuna is not seen by the court as a person because they chose to believe and took the easiest route to “solving” a murder investigation.

THE PHANTOM does what the justice system did not, bring together all the evidence and all the people who have brought this story so that it never happens again.

  

There is Love in a SUPERNOVA

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this week and soon to Digital from writer/director Harry MacQueen and Bleeker Street comes a story of love when knowing we are all part of a SUPERNOVA.

Pianist Sam (Colin Firth) and writer Tusker (Stanley Tucci) have decided to take a road trip and visit some of the people and places that they have shared. In an RV and driving on narrow roads on left side, they take loving jabs at one another until they reach one of their beautiful destinations.

Going from a beautiful lake to Sam’s sister Lilly’s (Pippa Haywood) home, they spend time with family and friends talking about what Tusker is writing and when Sam will play next. Later in the evening, Sam discovers something about his partner that he did not know before and isn’t sure how to deal with it.

Listening to Tusker and Charlotte (Nina Marlin) together in the evening air, it is clear that he is a loving person who sees the beauty in each and every star. On their way to the next destination, it is clear there is tension between the two. Once arriving, Sam must decide how to handle what he knows understanding that Tusker’s illness may make that difficult.

Firth as Sam is the music half of this relationship and is getting back into that world by preparing to play a small intimate concert. Taking the road trip with Tusker is an amazing way to revisit a few of the memorable places that mean something to them both. Firth is snappy in wit, lovely in affection and gives a beautiful performance mired in a deep sadness. This lovely actor has always had a soft spot in my heart and in SUPERNOVA, he proves why that is.

Tucci as Tusker is the writer half of the relationship and he has a lot to say. The problem is that he is having a difficult time saying it with pen to paper. Tucci matches wits with the character of Sam but then again, he has clearly made a career out of it and excelling consistently. Tucci in this role gives us a man dealing with knowing his life is slipping away and trying to accept that reality for both himself and Sam. Tucci is also an actor that I adore because he makes his roles look effortless whether it be a comedy or a drama.

Other cast include Peter MacQueen as Clive, Ian Drysdale as Paul, Sarah Woodward as Sue, James Dreyfus as Tim, Lori Campbell as Lola, Daneka Etchells as Rachel and Truffles as fur-baby as Ruby.

Bleeker Street is a New York City film company that has brought outstanding films to the public. Their library includes TRUMBO, DENIAL, THE LOST CITY OF Z, BEIRUT, HOTEL MUMBAI, ORDINARY LOVE and THE ROADS NOT TAKEN. For more information on the titles from Bleeker Street please visit www.bleeckerstreetmedia.com.

SUPERNOVA is a film of love, relationships, secrets, and grief wrapped up in two men who have made a life for themselves. From the first scene it is clear that Firth and Tucci bring their characters in with such believability that it felt like being a third wheel in the RV. I wanted to hear their story and more about the life they have shared together.

That is what makes this film so totally stunning, the beauty of their trip, the reality that even love can not stop what is coming for them and the acceptance of what is to come. Firth and Tucci allows us to share in all of that in such a way that the final scene just brings tears.

Writer/director MacQueen gives us everything in its simplest form allowing us to not be distracted by anything else but the relationship between Sam and Tusker. Even their surroundings from the RV to the countryside is cinematic to be sure and reminds us the world can be so lovely, as lovely as Sam and Tusker.

In the end – in this life never forget who you love and why.

A PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Emerald Fennell and Focus Features is the story of a woman on a mission away from being a PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN.

Cassie (Carey Mulligan) works in a coffee shop with Gail (Laverne Cox) and is content with that. Living at home with her parents Susan (Jennifer Coolidge) and Stanley (Clancy Brown) can be a bit contentious at times. Dropping out of medical school does not help Cassie but after her friend Nina was raped, it became clear that the affect it has had on Cassie is extreme.

Her evening hours are spent at bars picking up strangers and then putting a notation down in a book. That is until meeting Ryan Cooper (Bo Burnham), a pediatric doctor who remembers Cassie from medical school. Not wanting to get serious with anyone, Cassie does not want to be distracted from her goal.

But, finding someone who makes her laugh and spend time with has made Cassie a bit softer but no less determined. One of her visits to talk about Nina is to Dean Elizabeth Walker (Connie Britton) and remind her of what happened to her friend. Dean Walker is given a dose of reality as Cassie makes it clear that she has not forgotten what happened.

When Cassie begins to put even more of the pieces of Nina night together and discovers that the horror is more than she could have possibly imagined. She knows there is only one thing left to do and they are never going to see it coming – none of them.

Mulligan as Cassie is completely and unequivocally stunning in this role. From the moment the story begins there is something about Cassie that you can not take your eyes off of. Clearly, she is a woman who has been through something tragic and it has had a lasting impact on her. There are moments she seems checked out of everything and then she becomes laser focused on the only thing she understands – making others pay for how she feels. Mulligan is just brilliant to the point where I watched the film a second time, that is how incredible she is.

Burnham as Ryan is the calm in the midst of Cassie’s emotional storm. He makes her laugh, does not judge what she has been through and tries to bring her some happiness in her life. Remembering Cassie from medical school, their friendship blossoms and Burnham gives us hope that good guys do exist. Britton as Dean Walker is someone Cassie is not going to forget or let get away with what she pretends not to know.

Shout out to Coolidge as Mom Susan and Brown as Stanley who, as parents, just do not seem to understand their daughter and the choices she has made. Cox as Gail shows up on the screen with her beautiful self, brought sarcasm along for the ride and does it so damn well.

Other cast include Chris Lowell as Al Monroe, Adam Brody as Jerry, Max Greenfield as Joe, Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Neil, Sam Richardson as Paul, Alfred Molina as Jordan, Angela Zhou as Todd and Molly Shannon as Mrs. Fisher.    

Focus Features’ mission is to make a lasting impact on global audiences by creating the home for artists to share diverse, distinctive stories that inspire human connection. Focus Features is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies that brings entertainment and news to a global audience. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.focusfeatures.com.

PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN is a film that deserves award after award for several reasons. First and foremost is Mulligan’s engrossing performance down to the last frame of the film. It has been a while since I invested so much into a film only to be shocked by the final ten minutes.

Second, a screenplay that does not hold back in its feeling and that includes revenge, fear, love and a deep friendship. A character like Cassie has layer upon layer and the way the story is told brings an unpredictability that I thoroughly enjoyed. It brings about a rollercoaster with deeps valleys and high highs and anyone watching will be more than happy to take the ride.

Finally, this has been a year where good films are few and far between with a pandemic keeping theatres mainly closed. It is my hope that everyone has a chance to see PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN in whatever platform they can because this is definetly a film you do not want to miss.

Hear that Oscar?

In the end – revenge never looked so promising!