The Brutalist
The film will stand the test of time, both in terms of the ideas and questions it raises, as well as a beautiful example of the moving image. However, something about THE BRUTALIST arriving now lends the film potency.
All posts by Jim Ross
Flow
The unique approach of FLOW streams through the entire feature, from its animation style to character behaviour, in a way that deepens the impact of its themes of solidarity, companionship, and harmony.
On Falling
ON FALLING achieves the difficult credit of being both a deeply affecting character story and a compelling indictment of how precarious labour markets undermine our communities.
Nosferatu
This edition of NOSFERATU is often visually remarkable, but falters in communicating the paralysis borne of fear and desire and is content to menacingly nibble around the edges rather than sink its teeth in.
On Becoming a Guinea Fowl
ON BECOMING A GUINEA FOWL – Rungano Nyoni’s second feature film – is a skilfully constructed balance of tone and expectations. The film finds reason in oddities, truths in ambiguities, and joy despite trauma, all underscored by a superb performance from Susan Chardy.
Rumours
Despite a messy and unfocused narrative trajectory, the depth of absurdity Guy Maddin (and co-directors Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson) offers in RUMOURS skewers the modern geopolitical scene better than most.
The Assessment
THE ASSESSMENT has enough interesting ideas to bolster the excellent central performances and basic premise. It never quite rises to meet its loftier concerns, but intelligent writing and captivating performances result in something well above a passing grade.
Santosh
SANTOSH is a patient film, that illustrates how a dysfunctional environment can pervert the meagre empowerment it offers marginalised people.
2073
Over the past decade, there has been an inescapable feeling that the world is on fire. Not just in a literal sense, regarding climate change, but also the sense that society and the social contract are burning down around us. Opposition has become polarisation that has not just merely moved the Overton window but smashed … Continue reading 2073
Conclave
CONCLAVE is an intelligently constructed film, where embellishments to its surface-level thriller mystery allow for its transubstantiation into an altar for broader themes.