“I Saw The TV Glow”
Writing for The Playlist, Carlos Aguliar praised Jane Schoenbrun’s art-house sleeper as a “trans masterpiece,” and who are we to disagree? The movie finds Justice Smith playing Owen and Brigette Lundy-Paine portraying Maddy, two youngsters who bond over the fictional cult TV show “The Pink Opaque” in 1990s suburbia. When Maddy disappears for over a decade, Owen falls into an almost non-existent existence, struggling to come to terms with themselves. As Aguilar notes, “Smith turns in a devastating, revelatory performance that trades in restraint. His is a character that strives to make themselves invisible, even when the weight of living a life that doesn’t feel his own, in a body that doesn’t align with who they are, becomes unbearable.” The result, Aguilar adds, is “where others could have made a less sophisticated pastiche, Schoenbrun has filtered the familiar through their nonconforming lens to beget a bona fide original.” – GE [read our review]
“Ghostlight”
The sort of movie the Sundance Film Festival is known for, Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s intimate dramedy, was a standout at the 2024 edition of the fest this past January. Set in suburban Chicago, Dan (Keith Kupferer) is a blue-collar construction worker dealing with his difficult teenage daughter Daisy, (Katherine Mallen Kupferer), and the repercussions of his son’s suicide. He finds unexpected solace after being recruited to join a community theater group led by a fearless Rita (Dolly De Leon), who sees untapped potential in him on the stage. As the pieces of “Ghostlight” unfold, it becomes increasingly clear what a smart and moving narrative O’Sullivan has put together. This play is not only a chance for Dan to come to peace with his past but for the super-talented Daisy, who gets sucked into the show, too. It’s a little indie gem that comes together almost perfectly. – GE [read our review]
“The Bikeriders”
“The Bikeriders” is a film built on vibes. There’s no grand, intricate storyline. There aren’t any huge action setpieces. This is a film that invites you to hang with a ’60s motorcycle club, and you’ll enjoy every second. Jeff Nichols has crafted a film that is basically built around a love triangle between Austin Butler, Jodie Comer, and Tom Hardy as we watch a motorcycle club go from a fun group full of camaraderie to something much darker. It’s really a story about the end of the golden age of bikers. And each one of those performers knocks their roles out of the park. Comer, especially, is wonderful as a tough Chicagoan who falls in love with a man who gives her nothing but trouble. “The Bikeriders” is a film that invites you to sit back, grab a beer, smoke a cigarette, and imagine what life would be like if you could just sit on a motorcycle and hang out with your best friends all day. – Charles Barfield [read our review]
“Love Lies Bleeding”
Two films in, and Rose Glass has cemented herself as a truly unique filmmaking voice. And while “Saint Maud” is a wonderful debut, Glass shows real maturity and risk-taking with her second film, “Love Lies Bleeding.” The dark, ‘80s-set drama tells the story of a gym worker (Kristen Stewart) who becomes transfixed by a new amateur bodybuilder (Katy O’Brian) who comes into her life. What starts as a delightful relationship soon turns incredibly dark and surreal as we go further down the rabbit hole of sex and violence. No, the film isn’t perfect, but there’s no denying the power of Glass’ filmmaking, as she has created a stylish, twisted love story. And we can’t wait to see what she has up her sleeve next. – CB [read our review]
“Hit Man”
Director Richard Linklater is not always known for his easy, breezy films (though “School Of Rock,” and “Bad New Bears” are easy additions to this category), but his romantic comedy, “Hit Man,” is deeply entertaining, simple and effortlessly charming. Much of this concerns the electric, sultry chemistry of its two leads. “Hit Man” stars man-of-the-moment Glenn Powell (“Top Gun: Maverick”) and Adria Adjona (“Andor,” “Irma Vep”) and has a clever plot where a meek university professor moonlights for the city police department, posing as a hitman to get confessions out of criminals who want loved ones “taken care of.” He’s so good at it that the job morphs into a kind of acting gig where the teacher transforms into a charming, confident man with a lot of mysterious allure. And everything changes when he finds himself falling for a woman who enlists his services. “Hit Man” is the rare rom-com that’s actually sexy, not to mention charismatic and wickedly sharp. A stone-cold keeper. – RP [read our review]