She is THE MARSH KING’S DAUGHTER

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Neil Burger, Roadside Attractions and Lionsgate is the intensity of a family that is dealing with the problems of being THE MARSH KING’S DAUGHTER.

Helena (Daisy Ridley) has been living a quiet life with husband Stephen (Garrett Hedlund) and daughter Marigold (Joey Carson). Yet, there is a past that still haunts her about her father Jacob Holbrook (Ben Mendelsohn), given the nickname The Marsh King, who is in prison. Keeping her head down and looking forward, that façade begins to crumble when Jacob escapes from custody.

The FBI lands on Helena’s door as they suspect he will land on her door. Stephen is confused as to why the government agency is in their house and Helena must tell him who her father truly is. There is so much more he needs to know but can not bring herself to talk about it. Equally surprising is her step-father Clark (Gil Birmingham) also arriving on her doorstep to make sure she is safe and trying to untie the strain in their relationship.

Trust is definetly not in her wheelhouse but when it threatens to destroy what she has built, Helena must make a decision.

That leads to back home to a cabin in the woods as Helena must come to terms with feelings she has been holding deep down. Those feelings and everything she learned as a child might be the one thing to save those she loves from a man she once adored more than anything.

Ridley as Helena has the huge task of bringing the story of a young girl who lived a very secluded life and a way of remembering to adult life. Hiding it all in the shadows, Ridley’s Helena is a bit dark (understandably so) and the secrets are starting to leak out. I enjoyed watching her twist and weave through the characters memories as Helena begins to discover that her life is more of a puzzle than she realized.

Mendelsohn as Jacob was a perfect choice to play the man who taught his daughter everything he knew about survival in their marsh home. There is an immediate creepiness when first seeing Mendelsohn’s Jacob and, as a viewer, didn’t trust him right off. That’s how you know this is a character to keep an eye on. The effect on Helena with or without Jacob means that just the mere thought of this character sends her into chaos. When Mendelsohn is on the screen, it is all pure magic.

Birmingham as Clark is a man who just wants to protect Helena and not just because he is a cop. There is a history between them and he has seen what Jacob and that life did to the young girl and her mother. I always enjoy Birmingham’s performances and this one has just been added to the list of well-done characters.

Hedlund as Stephen is a husband who is not only shocked by the past he had no clue about but confusion about how to deal with it when Helena stays silent. Hedlund role is small but motivating for the characters left to unravel the chaos. Carson as Marigold is just charming and so sweet.

Shout out to Brooklynn Prince as the younger Helena – what an outstanding performance of a young girl who knows nothing different about life than the one she was living. Her dedication to Jacob and her wariness of her own mother gives rise to adulthood difficulties.

Other cast include Brooklynn Prince as young Helena, Caren Pistorius as Helena’s mother, Pamela MacDonald as Mrs. Haver, Dan Abramovici as Max, Imali Perera as Donna, and Sophia Walker as Monica.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

Roadside Attractions has, since 2003, grossed over $300M and garnered nineteen Academy Award nominations. They have had critical and commercial hits such as MANCHESTER BY THE SEA, BEN IS BACK, BEATRIZ AT DINNER, HELLO MY NAME IS DORIS, WINTER’S BONE and THE COVER as well as so many others. For more information of what Roadside Attractions has to offer please visit www.roadsideattractions.com.

THE MARSH KING’S DAUGHTER is the story of a young girl’s very secluded life and an adult version who is trying to come to terms with the two. The story is taken from the 2017 novel The Marsh King’s Daughter written by Karen Dionne. She used her own experience living in the wilderness to create a setting that works beautifully for the storyline. Seeing Daisy Ridley play the character of Helena, Dionne says, “Ridley has the right demeanor to play this role. The emotion she puts across her face that I was so impressed. It’s a pleasure to watch her bring my character to life and I am beyond excited”.

Director Burger says, “Ridley came in and so right for the part. We talked a lot about this woman’s emotional journey and her past.” The combination of Ridley’s Helena and keeping the setting close allows the telling to flow organically and to come full circle. Following from book to screen, Dionne’s words and descriptions gave Burger everything he needed for the film.

I truly enjoyed THE MARSH KING’S DAUGHTER because, although a little quick at times, there is such a deep background story of these characters. The viewer is given pieces to a life puzzle for these characters but not at all once, instead it is a step by step. There are deep inhale stunning moments and as the story unfolds, a new view of Helena begins to form. Well done to everyone!

In the end – fear the past or face it!

The Return of OLDBOY to Theatres

 

Jeri Jacquin

Celebrating its 20^th Anniversary from director Park Chan-Wook and Neon is the restored and remastered in stunning 4K masterpiece film of OLDBOY.

Oh Dae-Su (Choi Min-sik) has been held prisoner for fifteen years and his days are spent trying to understand why. He is not being held in a cell but in a room with a bed, shower, ability to write and even watch the world go by on television. It may have been a sealed hotel room but a prison is a prison when you can’t walk out the door.

During this time, Oh Dai-Su decided that it was time to free himself after realizing that whoever is holding him will not allow suicide. He then decides to use his time shadowboxing and it makes him stronger. At the same time, he finds a way out of his prison after years of preparation.

Once out in the world, he meets Mi-do (Kang Hye-jung), a sushi chef that helps when he passes out in a restauraunt. When he finally feels more ‘human’, he begins to realize that he may be physically free, but mentally the question of who is responsible for his imprisonment hits hard. The person responsible for his captivity, continues to make his presence known and Dae-su thinks Mi-do could be part of it all.

He turns to buddy Joo-hwan (Ji Dae-han) while Mi-do finds out what happened to Dae-su’s young daughter after being set up for his wife’s death. Every step leads him to Lee Woo-jin (Yoo Ji-tae), a wealthy man that seems to know Dae-su very well and challenges him to discover the reason for his imprisonment.

What Oh Dae-Su discovers with each step is horrifying as he moves closer and closer to the truth of who is responsible and why he lost fifteen years of his life.

Min-sik as Dae-Su is nothing short of perfection in this role. As a man who struggles with captivity (as would any sane human being), this character goes from complete madness to the focus of survival. Once freed, if you can call it that, the mental prison still exists as Min-sik takes us on his portrayal of a man seeking answers and once he gets them, well, it’s a conversation for sure. I adore Min-sik in this role and having the film re-released just reminded me why.

Hye-jung as Mi-do is drawn to Dae-Su and truly wants to help him find answers. Putting herself in dangerous situations, it is clear that she has her own struggles to deal with. She is naïve but equally as invested in discovering who is haunting her new friend. With ever step that they uncover information, Hye-jung’s character maintains her undeniable care and concern for Dae-Su.

Dae-han as Joo-hwan tries to help his friend of many years look through the world of the internet and chat rooms for answers and connection. Dae-han is crafty and makes his role look easy.

Ji-tae as Woo-jin is deceitful and has the presence making him feel invincible and untouchable. He has a reason for everything he does as Ji-tae brings his character out in the open with no fear and plenty of story to tell. This actor has a presence that brings such intensity that it’s kind of freaky.

Other cast include Oh Tae-kyung as young Dae-su, Yoo Yeon-seok as young Woo-jin, Woo Il-han as young Joo-hwan, Kim Byeong-ok as Mr. Han, Yoo Jin-seo as Lee Soo-ah, and Oh Dal-su as Mr. Park Cheol-woong.

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.

OLDBOY was released in 2003 as the remastering of the original film just breathes new life into a fantastic story. I can easily see why directors that saw the film when it was first released, realized where storytelling and filmmaking could go. The uniqueness, the characters and flow of it all is truly a work of cinematic art.

Min-sik gives a stellar performance of Dae-su’s struggle to understanding his captivity, survive his captivity both physically and mentally and struggle to come back into the world to find out why it happened in the first place. The twists and turns this character goes through gives the viewer and experience like no other. He is strong and he will fight to his last breath.

Park Chan-Wook is also responsible for two other films as producer that are high on my list with the 2009 film THIRST and 2016’s THE HANDMAIDEN. His ability to tell this particular story is done with such in-your-face intensity that the fight scenes brought a mixture of jaw-drop and a few moments of uncomfortable giggle. That is because I expect a lot from the character of Dae-su but man oh man I got more than I bargained for.

Personally, I was thrilled when I heard that the film would be released in theatres because it is another opportunity for everyone to see the original. Imitations are fine I guess but the original source material can not be remade, reimagined or repeated as far as I’m concerned. OLDBOY is iconic in itself and should remain so.

In the end – laugh and the world laughs with you, weep and you weep alone!

 

 

 

 

 

They Come Together in AMSTERDAM

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on Digital and coming to 4K Ultra HD, Bluray and DVD from 20^th Century Studios and director David O. Russell is the trio from AMSTERDAM.

It is 1918 and Burt Berendsen (Christian Bale) is off to fight in France during World War I and there he meets his soon to be best friend Harold Woodsman (John David Washington). When both are seriously wounded, they are taken care of by Valerie Voze (Margot Robbie) who has a strange penchant for collecting shrapnel from wounded soldiers.

Making their way to Amsterdam, they all spend time together until Burt goes home to New York City and becomes a doctor. Eventually, Harold follows to become a respected lawyer in the same city. Time passes and both men have their own practices which brings Harold to call upon his friend Burt to find out what killed their regimental commander, Bill Meekins. It is his daughter Elizabeth (Taylor Swift) who wants the answers.

Irma St. Clair (Zoe Saldana) helps Burt discover what could have happened and then chaos breaks loose. Now Burt and Harold are suspected of murder! Both men begin to look for answers to clear their names and it shocks them leading to Valerie! Her brother Tom (Rami Malek) and his wife Libby (Anya Taylor-Joy) who worries that his sister might have mental health issues.

Explaining their predicament, Tom suggests they seek out General Gil Dillenbeck (Robert De Niro) who knew Meekins. Inviting him to speak at the veteran’s gala, Burt and Harold are hoping that those responsible for everything will unknowingly reveal themselves.

Now comes the fast past unraveling as a hitman is after them, the Council of Five is a mystery, there is a secret meeting at the Waldorf Astoria and a plot to removed the President of the United States is met with a gala of beautiful people planning heinous things.

Things were quieter in Amsterdam!

Bale as Burt is afraid of what his wife will think of his injuries when they first happen but also knows that after spending time in Amsterdam, it is time to go home. Becoming a doctor is a way he can help his fellow man, even if he can’t be helped. Bale is a tad scary looking in this role but that starts to fade away when the character just wants to clear his name. Oh, there is the occasional eye thing to remind us of his frailties but his mind works just fine.

Washington as Harold equally wants to help people and knows he can always rely on his friend Burt for help. He doesn’t realize that his latest need for it will cause them both to be on the run! Washington gives us a solid character who knows his heart and is equally as quick as his mind takes it all in and pieces it together.

Robbie as Valerie loves both of the men but in love with just one. She helps them start their lives and fades into obscurity, or so both men thought. Once they realize who she is, Valerie wants to help and if it means being a little nutty doing it then – so be it. We know Robbie can do crazy and it works.

Taylor-Joy as Libby is just as mean as she wants to be under the guise of a caring sister-in-law. Personally, I would have knocked her down a peg or two with a hammer but that’s just me. Saldana as St. Clair helps Burt but keeps her feelings to herself. She is calm, cool and collected which Burt sometimes is not.

Malek as brother Tom is a smooth character and keeps his gentlemanly like composure, well, 99% of the time anyway. De Niro as Dillenbeck is another cool cucumber who wants the answers as to who is responsible for the death of his friend Meekins. He will go along to get along but won’t be bought – period. That’s a De Niro character right there!

Other cast include Alessandro Nivola as Det. Hiltz, Andrea Riseborough as Beatrice Vanderheuvel, Chris Rock as Milton King, Matthias Schoenaerts as Det. Getwiller, Michael Shannon as Henry Norcross, Mike Myers as Paul Canterbury, Timothy Olyphant as Tarim Milfax, Beth Grant as Mrs. Dillenbeck, Casey Biggs as Augustus, Colleen Camp as Eva Ott, Leland Orser as Mr. Nevins, Tom Irwin as Mr. Belport, Dey Young as Alvelia and Ed Begley Jr. as Bill Meekins.

Twentieth Century Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.fox.com.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment continues to bring quality programming to kids and kids at heart. Home of the most beloved animated features including SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO and SLEEPING BEAUTY to name a few is what keeps families coming back for more. To see what is currently available to add to your own family library please visit. www.movies.disney.com for their At Home titles!

The Bonus Feature includes Welcome to Amsterdam – Learn How this original, witty crime epic was made. Hear from the writer/director about his process, the actors who transformed into their characters, and discover how the production created the period look of this visually spectacular film.

AMSTERDAM is a noir thriller with everything in the mix! There is forbidden love, longing, war, secrets, spies, mystery, death, chase, suspects, twists, turns and more twists and that’s probably in the first hour alone. This is a large cast of characters and each has their own part to add to the extremely large puzzle.

The humor is there and it is subtle which if you are going to do a murder mystery is as it should be. I have always been an admirer of this genre of film because, as much as the costuming and settings are an added character bonus, it is the actors who make it all happen. They create these unusual people with unusual background stories that don’t seem so unusual once it is all unraveled.

So, popcorn up and guess who done it!

In the end – let the love, murder, and conspiracy begin!

 

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!

 

 

 

They are the GUARDIANS OF TIME

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from writer/director Stephen Shimek and Lionsgate is the story of a family and the GUARDIANS OF TIME.

Alex (Ava Torres), Sybil (Samantha Ryan), Zoey (Carley Colemon) and Theo (Nia Salaam) are good friends. When Alex and Sybils parents go out of town, they are left with Papa Nickolaou (David Fletcher-Hall) who is a bit out of the ordinary. Soon enough, the girls discover a passage in their home they did not previously know about.

Entering the door, they four girls find themselves in a strange land and the only way out is to find the pieces of a crystals to make a key that need to be assembled. They meet Agot (voiced by Nicolas Greco) who tells them what is happening and what they must do. When they are chased by creatures of all types and separated, Agot becomes wounded and the only thing that will save her is a visit to Greya (Katherine Bellantone).

Theo, Sybil and Zoey meet with Panfelos (Michael Nguyen) who refer to them as the Warriors Four and tells them brief history of where they are. He believes these girls are the warriors they have been waiting for as the Guardians of Time. Back on a very tall mountain, Agot and Alex look for Greya who helps cure the small creature. At the same time, she tells Alex her story.

Before taking the girls where they need to go, Panfelos gives them a bit of training to create things that will help them on their way. Alex becomes friends with Greya who shows her some of the magic Kyros. When reaching the temple, Agot tells Alex that he can not enter, that only a Guardian of Time may do so as she retrieves the Crystal of Kronoception.

Sybil, Theo and Zoey find a temple of their own and enter together to find their crystal. Also, each of the girls are discovering their individual special powers which could help them along the way. Now, they need shelter to hide from the darkness, a Hooded figure (Jonathan Dale Moore) and Deimos (Drew Pollock).

But is it the danger closest to them, memories resurface and that could either help them get home or trap them forever.

Ryan as Sybil is a young woman who wants to protect her young sister and friends from the unknown. As she becomes more and more aware of what is happening, Ryan brings her character strength and love them all. Although she may be seen as the leader, Ryan gives Sybil an equal place in the group of four.

Torres as Alex is so sweet but is very insecure about how she is small and unable to keep up with her big sister and friends. Coming to the other world, Torres brings Alex self-awareness and acceptance that it is not status that shows who you are but the size of your heart. She is so charming from beginning to end.

Coleman as Zoey finds her power and learns to give it its proper place. Instead of letting it take over and frighten her, she embraces and uses it to help them all. Coleman is intelligent and that brings her power into such wonderful focus.

Salaam as Theo has such a wonderful power to be able to stop time and allow the group to not only figure things out but keep those that would hurt them at bay. Sometimes a little extra time is all you need to set things right. Salaam shows her strength in this performance.

Bellantone as Freya is living in a castle and waiting for her own world to change. She is not beneath using anything around her to do it. Bellantone is straight faced and gives nothing away until it is time to do so and that is everything in her performance. Plus, she has a little secret of her own.

Nguyen as Panfelos help the girls when they are being attacked by creatures. He tells them the story of the Guardians and even helps them find their powers. Nguyen portrays his character with a history the girls need to know and yet, is helpfulness is either a good thing or bad. This young actor gives nothing away until he has to.

Greco voicing the character of Agot sets us for a surprise. Pollock as Diemos has a history and wants what the girls have but then again, all power hunger characters usually do!

Other cast includes Katie Burgess as adult Alex, Natalie Daniels as Alyssa, Jason Schwink as Jason and Harper Heath as young Sybil  

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

GUARDIANS OF TIME is a charming adventure that the whole family can enjoy. It is twists, turns, creatures, mythical places of course, yet there is so much more for this film. It is about family, loyalty, love, friendship, secrets, mystery, good guys, bad guys and a key that holds it all!

The girls each are given a special power but, in reality, they hold their own keys. Each has something they are not sure about themselves, especially Alex, but they learn along the way that with family and friends support and encouragement – anything is possible. Isn’t that what makes a good adventure? I think so.

In the end – it only takes a second to become a hero!

 

MISS WILLOUGHBY AND THE HAUNTED BOOKSHOP

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to DVD from director Brad Watson and Lionsgate is a mystery that needs the attention of MISS WILLOUGHBY AND THE HAUNTED BOOKSHOP.

Miss Willoughby (Nathalie Cox) is a professor at the local school who lost her parents at an early age. She is happy in her family home studying history, and literature as well as self-defense. Raised by family friend Robert Thompson (Kelsey Grammar), he continues to keep an eye on her and help when he can.

Visiting her favorite bookstore, Miss Willoughby visits with Oliver Deakin (Steven Elder) and his wife Helen (Louise Bangay). There seems to be something amiss! Oliver tells her that there seems to be something of a haunting in the bookshop. Helen asks Miss Willoughby to help her discover what is happening and why.

Looking for clues and asking the right questions, Miss Willoughby wants to solve the mystery. More importantly, she wants to help the Deakins’ find answers to the looming question of ‘what is responsible?’ and is there something the presence wants to tell them!

Cox as Miss Willoughby is made of sterner stuff. Losing parents as a young child, it is because of loyalty that her life becomes so much more than she could have imagined. Cox gives her character a wonderful strength and an inquisitive mind that she is well known for. When someone needs her talents, she drops everything to be there and that is loyalty.

Grammar as Thompson raised Miss Willoughby since the death of her parents and spent time making sure that the things she learns about are important. Grammar is the just as centered in his character as Cox is. Knowing his responsibilities, Grammar’s portrayal is serious but occasionally quips a line or two.

Bangay as Helen is a woman who is not sure if she is seeing things or losing her mind. Turning to Miss Willoughby is her only choice if they are to ever have peace of mind again. Bangay turns in a marvelous performance, especially when things are proving a bit frightening.

Elder as Oliver Deakin is a man who is worried about his wife and business. The strangeness happening around them is not only in the bookshop but also in their home. Elder is almost as jumpy as Helen or perhaps he knows more than he realizes.

Scarlett Graham as young Miss Willoughby, Giacomo Gex as young Robert Thompson, D.I. Pryce as Wayne Gordon, and Tara Fitzgerald as Diana Branson.

Lionsgate is a global leader in motion picture production and distribution for theatres, television, home entertainment and more. Theatre franchises include THE HUNGER GAMES, and DIVERGENT along with JOHN WICK. Now, adding this film to its 16,000-motion picture and television titles you can see everything coming soon as well as available now at http://www.lionsgate.com.

Special Features include Behind the Scenes Featuring Cast/Crew Interviews and Trailer.

MISS WILLOUGHBY AND THE HAUNTED BOOKSHOP is a fantastically fun family film filled with mystery, intrigue and smarts. Cox gives us such a great character for girls and young women to see on the screen. She embraces intelligence but not just from books but from being naturally curious about the world around her.

She also shows the importance of caring for others. Her family friend Thompson began that by taking in a young girl and becoming responsible for her upbringing which showed his loyalty to her parents. Encouraging her learning and love for books, these two main characters are just a wonderful example of care and concern.

The cinematography, set design and location adds to the mystery that Miss Willoughby is uncovering. I actually love the location and the quaint street where the bookstore is. That makes the story easy to become involved and we never want the mystery to end.

In the end – who is responsible for it all?

He Can Only Find Her With REMINISCENCE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently in theatres and on HBO/Max from writer/director Lisa Joy and Warner Bros. Pictures is the story of our world through REMINISCENCE.

Nick Bannister (Hugh Jackman) is living in a world now surrounded by water, rebellion and the have nots. During the day it seems quiet, and the nighttime is when everything comes alive. His business is investigating but also allowing people to revisit the past using a hologram program and the help of partner Watts (Thandie Newton).

At closing time, Nick is about to be thunderstruck when the beautiful Mae (Rebecca Ferguson) walks in with a request. She can not seem to find her keys and while in the program, Nick sees into her life. Starting a relationship that is filled with everything he never thought possible, devastation follows when Mae disappears.

Devastated, he uses his own program to try and understand if there are clues to where she has gone. Watts, trying to snap him out of it, reminds him that they need to get to the local police station to help a case. In the tank is Cyrus Booth (Cliff Curtis), during questioning Nick sees Mae.

Now he must come to terms with the mystery of who Mae truly is, those that have been part of her life, the connection with the Sylvan family and following the trail of murder.

Jackman as Nick is a love-struck detective that uses the mind technology to trace where Mae would have gone. Instead, he finds the life of bad guys and bad choices realizing that the only truth lies in the end. Jackman does his usual stellar job giving us a hardy performance with intensity and a broken heart.

Ferguson as Mae is a femme fatale songstress who sends Nick on a chase of love and pain. Is she really who she seems to be? That is the question and Ferguson is not giving up any answers to the very end.

Newton as Watts has worked with Nick for years and sees the path of destruction he is going on. They butt heads over the investigation and the choices Nick is making, and Newton makes sure her character is strong and no-nonsense.

Curtis as Booth looks as dastardly as they come, and he knows more than he ever plans to share. Locked inside his mind are a good portion of what has been happening all along and he is not going to give it up easily. Curtis has the remarkable ability to play both a good guy and a bad guy in equal measure because he does it so dang well.

Other cast include Natalie Martinez as Avery Castillo, Marina de Tavira as Swati Sylvan, Daniel Wu as Saint Joe, Mojean Aria as Sebastian Sylvan, Giovannie Cruz as Cindy, Brett Cullen as Walter Sylvan, Angela Saratyan as Elsa Carine, Javier Molina as Hank, Sam Medina as Falks, Norio Nishimura as Harris, Nico Parker as Zoe and Roxton Garcia as Freddie.

Warner Brothers is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry from feature film, television and home entertainments with worldwide distribution to DVD and Bluray, animation, comic books, videogames and broadcasting. For more please visit www.warnerbros.com.

Although enjoying the film, I could not help but think that the story is a mixture of other stories and genres (WATERWORLD, INCEPTION, ALTERED STATES, a tad MEMENTO and all black and white P.I. films I have ever watched etc.). The backstory of the new ‘water world’ seems to be a story all its own and gave me more questions than answers.

Jackman, Newton and Ferguson carry their part of the film very well. I enjoyed their performances as Jackman takes us on the noir mystery thriller set in a future world. Director Joy was co-creator and executive producer of the HBO series Westworld.  Also, she might have gotten a few pointers from brother-in-law Christopher Nolan but for her first project, it is all about the mystery indeed.

So enjoy in a theatre or enjoy at home – just enjoy the mystery and discover REMINISCENCE.

In the end – don’t look back!

 

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.

The Story of THE LONELIEST WHALE

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming from director Joshua Zeman and Bleeker Street is the story of the ocean and what creature has come to be known as THE LONELIEST WHALE.

Zeman takes us on a journey to tell a story that is unknown by most, yet we all are fascinated by the sea where it takes place. It is 1989 in the Pacific Ocean when the United States Navy is using under water surveillance called SOSUS to listen for enemy subs during the Cold War era. During a surveillance they discovered a sound that they could not identify registering at 52 hertz which was not a submarine. It was a low 52 hertz sound that repeated itself over and over with no reply.

Enter Dr. William Watkins of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution who deduced that it was a whale calling out for others of its kind. He called the whale “52” believing it was a solitary whale with no other of its kind. In 2004, after tracking 52 for over twelve years, the whale was about to become the focus of fascination worldwide.

Hearing about the 52 Hertz Whale is director Zeman, and it was then that the tale of a sad and lonely whale captivated him. Researching the story, he would soon discover that he was not the only won who could not stop thinking about 52. He discovered songs, paintings, and all manner of expression from those who connected with the whale.

After a whale watching trip, Zeman wondered if it were possible to find 52 after all these years. Locating Bruce Mate from the Marine Mammal Institute, he asked if it was possible to look for the lonely whale. With no one ever actually laying eyes on 52, it became an even bigger adventure for Zeman and Mate.

Another challenge would be to raise fund for such a search. They would need cameras, a boat, scientists, and research equipment. Adrian Grenier and Leonardo DiCaprio donated because of their concern for ocean conservation. After trial and error, it would be Dr. John Hildebrand from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography at UCSD who would help them. But there are so many more people that made the expedition to find 52 possible with their data and ears to the water.

Hildebrand says, “Everybody loves whales. It is hard not to love them. They are very majestic animals, and they are mammals like us. I think the thing is most people think we know a lot more about whales and the ocean and marine mammals than we actually do. You can value and love and appreciate something and not know everything about it, and maybe that’s part of the attraction, the mystery.”

This group of dedicated believers want only one thing, to hear 52 once again and know that perhaps he has found what his call has been looking for through the years. Their excitement and joy in the expedition can bring answers that the world has been asking for, ‘where is 52?’

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.

Director Zeman says of 52, “No one’s loneliness is cut from the exact same cloth as anyone else’s, but this one story of a whale brought us all together. This creature is more alone than any of us could ever imagine, and yet refuses to give up, continues to call out, hoping to one day be heard. It is a story that I want to share with other – one that inspires us to have hope and reminds us that the bonds of love, friendship, and family we share must remain meaningful as we navigate the vast oceans of our ever-changing world.”

This is truly a lovely documentary because it is based on fascination and a wonderment that has lasted for years. The continual song of one whale changed so much about the way scientists and people see what was in our oceans. A song of longing is the way 52’s life has been seen until this point and Zeman is responsible for taking his fascination and bringing it to life.

The difficult expedition could have been daunting to some, but Zeman found the same fascination in scientists and others who wanted to be part of something amazing and wonderful. This documentary lets us share in their journey of discovery and the amazing range of emotions with a search that brings joy to us all.

In the end – it is a call that has kept us fascinated!

 

They Are Watching for the WEREWOLVES WITHIN

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and to other platforms from director Josh Ruben and IFC Films is a story of a small town and a WEREWOLVES WITHIN.

Finn Wheeler (Sam Richardson) has arrived in small town Beaverton as the new Forest Ranger. He is greeted by townsfolk and learns their story whether he wants to or not. Happy to provide further information is Cecily Moore (Milana Vayntrub), the postal woman who takes to Finn rather quickly.

Staying at the local hotel owned by Jeanine (Catherine Curtin), Finn learns that her husband left her for another woman in a warmer place. She is also dealing with Sam Parker (Wayne Duvall) who wants everyone to sell their land rights to him so he can continue with his pipeline. That is a lot for a newcomer to take in, but Finn goes along with the flow.

What he does not expect, nor does anyone in the town, is that attacks begin to happen. They seek out Emerson Flint (Glenn Fleshler) to help track whatever it is. Then they turn to Dr. Ellis (Rebecca Henderson) for answers, it is decided that with a huge storm getting ready to set itself down in Beaverton everyone will stay at Jeanine’s hotel where it will be safe. Well, it seems that perhaps no where is safe as long as whatever is on the loose manages to evade them.

It is hard to fight what you can not see in the dark!

Richardson as Finn is the calm and collected man in the middle of the strange and unusual town of Beaverton. Taking it all in while dealing with his own love life, Richardson gives his character a naivete that is charming and when things get tough, he might be freaked out by the new towns happenings, but Finn is the first one in the mix.

Vayntrub as Cecily gets an opportunity to shed her AT&T image and jump into the film as a postal carrier who knows everybody’s business. She is smart, funny and seems to be attracted to Finn. When the craziness begins, Vayntrub’s Cecily is right with Finn the entire time trying to solve the towns mystery.

Curtin as Jeanine as runs the local hotel but still has issues understanding why her husband decided to leave her. The hotel is the center of town and now with a mystery happening, it is a place to hide. Duvall as Sam makes his way through those who live in Beaverton trying to convince them to sell and even become abrasive towards those who will not.

Henderson as Dr. Ellis is trying to discover the secrets behind the mystery of what is happening to the towns people. Finn and Cecily look to her for answers, but they are slow in coming and might be too late. Fleshler as Flint may not know about Mr. Rogers but he does begin to understand what it means to be a good neighbor.

Other cast include Pete Anderton, George Basil as Marcus, Harvey Guillen as Joaquim Wolfson, Cheyenne Jackson as Devon Wolfson, Michaela Watkins as Trisha Anderton, Glenn Flesherler as Emerson, Patrick Walsh as Dave Sherman, Anni Krueger as Charlotte and Ritz as Cha-Chi.

IFC Films is a leading distributor of quality talent-driven independent films. Some of the company’s successes include BOYHOOD, FRANCES HA, MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN, TOUCHING THE VOID, CHE, TINY FURNITURE and CARLOS. For more information on films from IFC please visit www.ifcfilms.com.

WEREWOLVES WITHIN is a funny, fun, fantastically acted with a cast that takes this horror and gives it a lining of comedy. Based on a video game of the same name, I am hoping to get my hands on it to play for a bit of fun myself.

The cast is so well put together, and each has a part to play, and plays is it extremely well. It is a who-done-it from start to finish and I must admit to enjoying that aspect of the film. The music adds an awesome touch as I enjoy films that have tunes to reminisce too.

There is something fun when a mix of horror, comedy and music come together in such a way that it all looks easy and flows well. So much so that WEREWOLVES WITHIN is worth seeing again and enjoying with friends because there is nothing better than a lights-out movie night for horror and laughs.

In the end – it is a whodunnit with teeth!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Freeform Show Us a CRUEL SUMMER

 

Jeri Jacquin

Currently on FreeForm and streaming on Hulu created by Bert V. Royal is the story of perspective, truth and lies that bring out a CRUEL SUMMER.

In Skylin Texas, Jeanette Turner (Chiara Aurelia) is a young girl who feels like she is invisible in her awkwardness. Hanging out with friends Mallory (Harley Quinn Smith) and Vince (Allius Barnes) gives her friendships that hold them all together.  She even has a great relationship with older brother Derek (Barrett Carnahan). Kate Wallis (Olivia Holt) is the popular blonde girl who is loved by everyone and has a great life. Sharing her days with friends and love Jamie (Froy Gutierrez), mom Joy (Andrea Anders) share in keeping up their lifestyle.

Jeanette, Mallory and Vince love making challenging lists of things to do. Jeanette’s father Greg (Michael Landes) is a local real estate broker which made it easier for her to grab keys to an empty house so the gang can play hide and seek. The problem is the house is not empty as she meets Martin Harris (Blake Lee) and discover he is the new Vice-Principal as Skylin High School where they all attend.

One evening Kate Wallis disappears sending the town into an uproar. Parent Joy and Rod (Ben Cain) try everything to find her and are devastated as the days pass. As times does, an interesting change happens, Jeanette Turner blooms and becomes the popular girl and finds love with Jamie, Kate’s boyfriend.

The change does not go unnoticed by friends Vince and Mallory and Jeanette does nothing to include them in her ‘new life’. When Kate Wallis reappears, the questions surface about where she has been and during a television interview, Kate faces the camera and names Jeanette Turner as someone who knew she was being held captive and did nothing.

Discovering that boyfriend Jamie has moved on and her friends being totally unsympathetic to what happened during her time away, Kate finds herself befriended by Mallory. It seems as if Mallory totally understands Kate and offers her ways to handle the stress that plagues her every day.

Now, the story rewinds and is told from the years 1993, 1994, 1995 as Kate continues to point the finger at Jeanette and Jeanette defends herself to the point of seeing her life crumble day by day. It is in those years that secrets are revealed, and the truth is told – but what is the truth?

That depends on who you ask.

Aurelia as Jeanette is a young girl who sees and envy’s the fantastic life of Kate Wallis. At home she has Mom, Dad and brother Derek who is heading off to college, but they are together as a family when all of the problems begin. The show gives us a change from gangly young teen to flowered young teen to dark teen. Watching Aurelia navigate this complex story is so impressive that I found myself just jaw dropped when there was a twist exposed and Aurelia plays it so smoothly.

Holt as Kate gives everyone around her the image of a fresh faced young popular girl who has friends and a wonderful home life. When she goes missing and then returns, there is more to having that life than anyone could have imagined. Holt also navigates her character through a complex tale of choices and the result of those choices.  Aurelia and Holt take the show neck and neck with the portrayal of their characters. Holt gives a stunning performance as her story takes us deeper into the mystery.

Smith as Mallory is a larger-than-life person who pretty much gets Jeanette and Vince to go whatever she wants. From the beginning I though her such a push individual who did not mind sacrificing friendship to feel justified for her behaviors. Smith gives Mallory free reign and at the same time learns from her friendship with Kate. Barnes as Vince is a young man living during a time where making his sexuality known could be dangerous for him.

Landes as Greg is a father who believes in his daughter, he believes in her so much that he sacrifices his happiness, life and marriage to make sure his daughter is safe. Even as the story begins to unfold, Landes makes sure that no one tries to sway his decision to protect what he can of his family. Gutierrez as Jamie is confused by the relationship he once had with Kate to the relationship he now has with Jeanette. At the same time, he must come to terms with his own behaviors and reactions to what has happened and realize who it is he trusts.  

Andes as Mom Joy is a woman who is concerned with optics about her life, business and marriage. Even when Kate becomes aware that everything is not as it seems, Joy has a way of talking anyone out of whatever it is they think they see. Andes does a bang-up job of making the viewer love and hate her in the same scene.

Lee as Harris becomes the casualty in all of this. That is not to say he is not guilty of everything because as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that trying to be the good guy of the high school is going to backfire in his face. Lee gives his character a bit of naivete and at the same time a feeling that there is a part of Martin Harris that is caught up in something he can not get out of.

Other cast include Nathaniel Ashton as Ben Hallowell, Brooklyn Sudano as Angela Prescott, Sarah Drew as Cindy Turner, and Nicole Bilderback as Denise.

Freeform is part of the ABC Family Worldwide and a subsidiary of Walt Disney Television. Freeform’s platform is geared toward a younger audience and brings about original series and feature films. Freeform can be found in over 92 million households and includes such shows as Motherland Fort Salem, The Bold Type, Good Trouble and Love in the Time of Corona. For more information of original shows and all other content please visit www.freeform.com.

Hulu is the leading premium streaming service offering live and on-demand television and movies. The platform gives viewers instant access to current shows, libraries of hit television series and film as well as Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning originals such as The Handmaid’s Tale and The Act. For more of what Hulu has to offer please visit www.hulu.com.

CRUEL SUMMER is an amazing series that had my whole family captivated from start to finish. The flash between years takes an episode or two to get acclimated but once that happens, it is a ride through years and tears.

As one of the executive producers, Jessica Biel says of CRUEL SUMMER, “This project was such an exciting and creative thing for Michelle Purple and I. To sit in a space with the younger generation and really give them this platform to really talk about some intense, hard things that these young people [especially for women and for girls] are going through is really exciting for me.”

She continues with, “It really shines a light on the complex part of being a teenager and trying to figure out who you are and the midst of a million things that are going on.” The best part of that statement is that as the viewer we follow along what all the teens are trying to figure out about their lives. The adults are there yes, but they are mainly adding to the complexity of being a teen.

I guarantee that once the season starts, it is a binger from then on to the shocking conclusions. Once the season is done it absolutely becomes a conversation about so many topics. Parental relationships, teen relationships, inappropriate relationships, lies, deceit, friendships, loyalty – the list is endless.

Start your season with a CRUEL SUMMER!

SERVANT Brings More Answers in Season Two

 

Jeri Jacquin

Returning to Apple TV+ for its second season from writer Tony Basgallop and executive produced with M. Night Shyamalan is SERVANT.

Dorothy (Lauren Ambrose) is devastated by the disappearance of her son Jericho and Leanne (Nell Free). Calling the police to report the kidnapping sends husband Sean (Toby Kebbell) running through the house to hide anything that that would suggest the infant was there. Instead, Sean and brother-in-law Julian (Rupert Grint) tell the police that Dorothy is suffering from the loss of their son and the fake baby was supposed to help.

Once alone, Sean decides he is going to do everything possible to find Jericho even if it means dealing with the cult Leanne has brought into their life and the woman known as May. Julian has other plans for the doll and decides he knows what is best for his sister and even hires Roscoe (Phillip Brannon) to help out. Dorothy begins to use her reporter skills and goes insane on the internet looking for new stories that can tell her more about the cult.

The story of what happened to Dorothy slowly makes its way to the surface, she keeps busy with her on-air reporting and announcing Leanne’s disappearance. When they believe her location is clear at the Marino house, Sean uses his cooking skills to find out for sure. Tobe (Tony Revolori) becomes a delivery driver and does not realize he is also being used to bring Leanne back. Dorothy has no intention of making life easy for Leanne and relies on tactics to get the information about Jericho.

What she does not count on is the arrival of Uncle George (Boris McGiver) who makes it clear that none of this should have ever happened. Convinced that Leanne has gone astray from their beliefs, he brings a mysterious case that is to remind her of why she should return to the fold. The Turners are not exactly sure what his plan is but are blinded with hope when Uncle George assures them that things will work out.

Dorothy is on a spree preparing for Jericho’s return and wants to have a family gathering. Bringing them all together is not exactly going to go as planned as Dorothy, Julian, and Sean deal with their own troubles that are hitting them hard. As if everything was not difficult enough, a knock comes at the door as a woman in a black veil introduces herself as Aunt Josephine (Barbara Sukowa).

Josephine makes it clear to Dorothy and Sean that Leanne has strayed and although the couple are in pain regarding Jericho, nothing more can be done. A showdown is about to happen with all involved and the shock is yet to come.

Ambrose as Dorothy has now been put to every ounce of stress dealing with something she has no control over. The only thing she seems to have control of is not having control. Ambrose give Dorothy moments of sanity where she seems to be on the right track and then she goes whack-a-doodle but in the best of ways that keep my attention because, and let us be honest, it is like a train wreck, and we have to see the outcome.

Kebbell as Sean seems to be the one that truly understands the insanity of what he and Dorothy are dealing with. Yet, there is that part of him that can not help but be caught up in it all with the help of Julian’s own brand of craziness. He wants Jericho, he wants his wife happy, and he wants his world back so jumping in with both feet – he seems to be landing in quicksand!

Free as Leanne comes from a world that is twisted and altered in the perception of religion. It is her breakaway to Dorothy and Sean’s house that has caused all the issues until the issues start knocking on their door! Free is torn between two worlds and the consequences be damned – literally.

McGiver as Uncle George creeps me out to the highest level of creepiness. That is how you know this character is bringing in more story that is just bursting to be told. Sukowa as Aunt Josephine is another piece to the puzzle and covered in a veil just like the mystery that is still waiting to be uncovered.

Now, lets talk about Grint as Julian because let’s put in an OMG right here. As Julian he is the go between in the chaos even if he brings a bit of unusualness to the way he thinks. Of course, dealing with his own demons, those demons sometimes cross the lines between what his sister wants, his own life and helping Sean. Then again, being an uncle to a doll is not always easy. Grint is stunning, entertaining and completely engrossing as Julian and this season he crosses a few more dangerous lines.

Other cast include Mason and Julius Belford as baby Jericho, Katie Hillas Kourtney, Alison Elliott as May Markhem, Todd Waring as Frank Pearce, Jerrika Hinton as Natalie Gorman, Molly Griggs as Isabelle Carrick and M. Night Shyamalan as a pizza delivery man.

Apple TV+ is a streaming service featuring Apple Originals, award-winning series, compelling dramas, groundbreaking documentaries, kids’ entertainment, comedies, and more with new Apple Originals added every month. To see more of what they have to offer please visit www.appletvplus.com.

SERVANT is twisted, mysterious, chaotic, amusing, jaw dropping, and I almost wish it was an hour long instead of the half hour. Thinking about that more I realize that the series would not be as on-the-edge if the show became an hour per episode. Each ending is spectacular and pushes the brain to want more.

This leads to the anticipated ‘ohhhhh maaaaaaaaaaaaan’ when the season is over for the next year. Let us hope that Apple TV+ can kick into high gear and keep the tension to a minimum, oh alright, I want to know more about the secrets that seem to always be eluding. Both season one and two are available now.

In the end – where is Jericho?