Venice, Telluride, and Toronto: A cinematic journey through the year’s top festivals
Venice: A festival of stars and surprises
The Venice Film Festival has once again proven its mettle, standing tall alongside Cannes in its ability to attract stars, ignite discussions, and drive the sales of top-tier art films. This year, while some highly anticipated titles like Todd Phillips’ musical sequel to “Joker” and Kevin Costner’s second “Horizon” installment didn’t quite hit the mark, the festival had its share of triumphs. Notably, Spanish maestro Pedro Almodóvar finally clinched a major festival’s top prize, a long-overdue recognition of his cinematic genius.
April: A powerful narrative on female identity
One standout from Venice was “April”, directed by Dea Kulumbegashvili. This film, set in Eastern Georgia, follows an obstetrician who navigates the complexities of abortion laws. Ia Sukhitashvili delivers a compelling performance, portraying a woman who uses her skills and social standing to challenge the system. The film is a profound exploration of female identities and desires under siege, blending formal rigor with intense human emotion. Watch the trailer for April.
Babygirl: A provocative exploration of desire
Another highlight was “Babygirl”, featuring Nicole Kidman as Romy, a CEO entangled in a transgressive affair with a young intern, played by Harris Dickinson. Directed by Halina Reijn, this film delves into the complexities of eroticism and control, offering a raw and entertaining narrative. Kidman’s fearless performance captures the essence of modern female erotic experience. Watch the trailer for Babygirl.
The Brutalist: An epic architectural journey
“The Brutalist”, directed by Brady Corbet, is a three-hour epic that tells the story of László Tóth, a Hungarian-born Jewish architect. Adrien Brody stars as Tóth, who dreams of designing a future-defining building. The film is a grand allegory, drawing inspiration from “The Fountainhead” and “There Will Be Blood”. It’s a must-watch for those who appreciate ambitious storytelling. Watch the trailer for The Brutalist.
Telluride: A shift in the awards season landscape
High in the Rocky Mountains, the Telluride Film Festival has seen a slight decline in its awards season influence. For years, it was the launchpad for numerous Best Picture winners. However, this year’s lineup, though still impressive, didn’t shine as brightly as previous years, especially following last year’s 50th-anniversary celebration. Despite this, Telluride continues to offer exceptional films that are worth the attention of Oscar pundits.
Conclave: A gripping ecclesiastical thriller
One of Telluride’s gems was “Conclave”, directed by Edward Berger. Ralph Fiennes stars as a conflicted Catholic cardinal tasked with overseeing the selection of a new pope. The film unfolds like a murder mystery, with unexpected twists that keep the audience on edge. Fiennes’ performance is a masterclass in subtlety and depth. Watch the trailer for Conclave.
Toronto: A resurgence of cinematic magic
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has regained its momentum this year. After navigating the challenges of the pandemic and losing its lead sponsor, TIFF managed to secure several significant premieres. The festival’s decision to relax premiere status rules was a smart move, allowing it to showcase a mix of new releases and buzzworthy titles from earlier festivals.
The Fire Inside: A different kind of sports drama
One of TIFF’s standout films was “The Fire Inside”, a gripping sports drama distributed by Amazon MGM Studios. This film offers a unique trajectory, diverging from the typical sports narrative to deliver a downbeat yet compelling story. Watch the trailer for The Fire Inside.
Familiar Touch: A humane portrayal of dementia
Sarah Friedland’s debut film, “Familiar Touch”, also made waves at Venice. This film addresses the challenges of living with dementia, presenting a straightforward character study that prioritizes the perspective of Ruth, the protagonist. It’s a humane and unsentimental portrayal that stands out in its genre. Watch the trailer for Familiar Touch.
A year of cinematic treasures
The Venice, Telluride, and Toronto film festivals have once again delivered a wealth of cinematic treasures. From powerful narratives on female identity to provocative explorations of desire and epic architectural journeys, these festivals offer something for every film enthusiast. As we look forward to the awards season, it’s clear that these festivals continue to play a crucial role in shaping the cinematic landscape.# A fresh take on cinema and TV: Exploring new narratives and perspectives
Claressa Shields: A fighter’s journey
Ryan Destiny delivers a powerful performance as Claressa Shields, a trailblazer in women’s boxing who rose from a challenging upbringing in Flint, MI, to Olympic glory. Shields’ story, captured with raw authenticity by Rachel Morrison in her directorial debut, goes beyond her 2012 Olympic gold medal. The film delves into the struggles Shields faced post-victory, highlighting the cultural resistance to women in sports and her fight for recognition and endorsements. This narrative is not just about boxing; it’s about revolutionizing the perception of women athletes. For a glimpse into this compelling story, check out the Claressa Shields trailer.
Happy holidays: A family drama with depth
Palestinian filmmaker Scandar Copti’s second feature, Happy Holidays, is a poignant family drama set in Israel. The film intricately weaves the lives of four Arab family members, revealing deep cultural and political dimensions surrounding gender and ethnicity. Through their interactions and secrets, the film exposes a larger culture of silence, shame, social pressure, and prejudice. This realistic portrayal offers a sharp, unyielding focus on their lives and futures. Dive into this narrative by watching the Happy Holidays trailer.
Hard truths: A prickly portrait
In Hard Truths, Marianne Jean-Baptiste embodies an epically unpleasant wife and mother in Mike Leigh’s micro-portrait. This film contrasts sharply with Leigh’s previous work, such as ”Happy-Go-Lucky,” by immersing the audience in the shoes of a challenging character. Leigh’s storytelling relies on empathy to illuminate extreme personalities, making this a thought-provoking watch. Explore more through the Hard Truths trailer.
Harvest: A historical narrative
Athina Rachel Tsangari’s Harvest adapts Jim Crace’s historical novel, presenting a farming community’s struggle against distrust and capitalism. This period piece, Tsangari’s first work in English, captivates with its world-building and narrative depth. The film’s non-specific setting underscores its relevance to contemporary issues, making it a compelling watch. Discover more by viewing the Harvest trailer.
Jane Austen wrecked my life: A romantic reflection
Jane Austen Wrecked My Life, directed by Laura Piani, offers a critical take on romantic literature’s impact on real-life expectations. The film follows Agathe, a French woman disillusioned by love, who embarks on a writer’s residency at Jane Austen’s former home. This bilingual film serves as both homage and critique of romantic narratives, filling a gap left by classic rom-coms. Experience this unique story through the Jane Austen Wrecked My Life trailer.
The order: A cautionary tale
The Order is a gripping true-life drama about the rise of the modern American white-supremacist movement in the 1980s. Jude Law delivers a searing performance as an FBI agent investigating the Order, a cult led by Bob Matthews (Nicholas Hoult). Directed by Justin Kurzel, the film stays true to historical events while serving as a cautionary allegory for contemporary issues. Watch the The Order trailer for more insights.
The piano lesson: A family legacy
Set in 1936, The Piano Lesson is an adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer-winning play. Directed by Malcolm Washington and starring John David Washington and Danielle Deadwyler, the film explores themes of family legacy and sacrifice. The narrative revolves around a precious heirloom and the ghostly presence that haunts the family. Delve into this haunting story by watching the The Piano Lesson trailer.
Queer: An adventurous adaptation
Luca Guadagnino’s Queer is a bold adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ early confessional novel. Daniel Craig stars as William Lee, navigating the queer underbelly of 1950s Mexico City. The film captures the trippy, romantic affair between Lee and Eugene (Drew Starkey), blending humor and vulnerability. Explore this adventurous narrative through the Queer trailer.
Riefenstahl: A complex portrait
Andres Veiel’s documentary Riefenstahl offers a nuanced portrait of Leni Riefenstahl, exploring her life, art, and the question of her guilt. The film delves into Riefenstahl’s relationship with Hitler and her monumental documentaries for him, using previously unseen material from her estate. This documentary is a valuable meditation on the complexities of Riefenstahl’s legacy. Learn more by watching the Riefenstahl trailer.
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The room next door: A poignant exploration of life and death
Festivals: Venice, Toronto
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
In a rare cinematic feat, Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door delves into the profound themes of mortality and friendship. This lyrical and moving film centers on Martha (Tilda Swinton), who is grappling with Stage 3 cervical cancer, and her old friend Ingrid (Julianne Moore). The narrative unfolds through a series of intimate conversations as Ingrid supports Martha in her decision to choose the moment of her death. Swinton’s performance is monumental, echoing the raw emotion and virtuosity reminiscent of Vanessa Redgrave. For those who appreciate deeply emotional and thought-provoking cinema, this film is a must-watch. The Room Next Door
Saturday night: A nostalgic homage to a comedy institution
Festivals: Telluride, Toronto
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night offers a rowdy, delectably profane backstage homage to the iconic show ”Saturday Night Live.” As the show approaches its 50th anniversary, Reitman turns an oral history of the very first episode into a vibrant narrative. The film kicks off at 10 p.m. and builds up to showtime, capturing the essence of the original cast’s energy. Gabriel LaBelle’s portrayal of producer Lorne Michaels stands out, but Reitman ensures each cast member is given their moment to shine. This film is a delightful treat for fans of the show and those interested in the history of American comedy. Saturday Night
Sketch: A fantastical journey through grief and imagination
Festival: Toronto
Sketch tells the story of 10-year-old Amber Wyatt, who channels her dark thoughts into a secret journal filled with monstrous drawings. However, a twist of fate brings these creatures to life, forcing Amber, her brother Jack, and their grieving father (Tony Hale) to confront their emotions. Directed by Seth Worley, this film combines imaginative visual effects with a heartfelt narrative, reminiscent of “Jumanji.” It’s a teachable and engaging film that addresses the complexities of grief and emotional expression. Sketch
Unstoppable: A tale of resilience and triumph
Festival: Toronto
Distributor: Amazon MGM Studios
Unstoppable is a sports drama that tells the inspiring story of Anthony Robles, a one-legged college wrestling champion. Jharrel Jerome’s portrayal of Robles is both gentle and intense, capturing the essence of his determination and resilience. The film is a blend of triumph and authentic disappointment, highlighting the personal and domestic challenges Robles faces. It’s a powerful narrative that will resonate with anyone who appreciates stories of overcoming adversity. Unstoppable
Vermiglio: A quiet masterpiece of rural life
Festivals: Venice, Toronto
Italian director Maura Delpero’s Vermiglio is a quietly breathtaking film set in the high Italian Alps during the end of the Second World War. The film unfolds through tactile details of rural life, focusing on the labor of community and family. Despite the earthshaking events of the war, the film remains grounded in the everyday struggles and triumphs of its characters. Vermiglio operates like a future family secret playing out in the present tense, offering a raw and ravishing portrayal of rural existence. Vermiglio
For cinema enthusiasts, these films offer a rich tapestry of narratives and performances that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Each film provides a unique lens through which to explore complex themes, from the intimate conversations of The Room Next Door to the fantastical journey of Sketch. Whether you’re drawn to the resilience showcased in Unstoppable or the quiet beauty of Vermiglio, there’s something here for every cinephile to appreciate and reflect upon.