A Thousand and One (2023)
90%RT Audience Score: 86%
Awards & Nominations: NA
“A Thousand and One” is a cinematic masterpiece that delves into the complexities of motherhood, gentrification, and the human spirit. Director Rockwell’s auspicious debut is brought to life by the incredible performances of the cast, particularly Teyana Taylor, who delivers a passionate and palpable portrayal of a mother fighting to reclaim her son and her home. The film’s humanistic epic quality is a testament to Rockwell’s empathy and subtle shadings, making it feel like a filmed novel. While some critics may find fault with the premise, “A Thousand and One” is a moving and sincere story that will leave audiences in awe.
“A Thousand and One” is a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and want to hug your loved ones. Teyana Taylor’s performance is nothing short of amazing, and the story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It’s a must-see for anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world, and for anyone who loves a good underdog story. Plus, it’s set in New York City, so you know it’s going to be good. Don’t miss out on this one!
Production Company(ies)
Focus Features, Hillman Grad Productions, Makeready, Sight Unseen Pictures
Distributor
Focus Features
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Brooklyn, New York, United States; Harlem, New York, United States; New York, New York, United States
MPAA / Certificate
R
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 57m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Mar 31, 2023 Wide
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Teyana Taylor, Josiah Cross, William Catlett, Aaron Kingsley Adetola, Aven Courtney, Delissa Reynolds, directed by A.V Rockwell, written by A.V Rockwell, drama, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Bob Mondello, Alison Willmore, Ty Burr, Richard Lawson, Kyle Smith, Radheyan Simonpillai, MPAA rating R, produced by Eddie Vaisman, Julia Lebedev, Lena Waithe, Rishi Rajani, Brad Weston, parental devotion, perseverance, systemic inequity, New York City, foster care system, kidnapped child, sense of home, identity, stability, gentrification, domestic drama, socio-political context, searing, heart-wrenching, poignant, emotional, powerful, moving, gritty, realistic
Worldwide gross: $3,427,211
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: $3,400,020
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $5,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $5,000,000
Production budget ranking: 1,821
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $2,692,500
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Josiah Cross – Terry 17 Years Old
William Catlett – Lucky
Aaron Kingsley Adetola – Terry 6 Years Old
Aven Courtney – Terry 13 Years Old
Delissa Reynolds – Mrs. Jones
Director – A.V. Rockwell
Producers – Eddie Vaisman, Julia Lebedev, Lena Waithe, Rishi Rajani, Brad Weston
Writer – A.V. Rockwell
Director(s)
A.V. Rockwell
Writer(s)
A.V. Rockwell
Producer(s)
Eddie Vaisman, Julia Lebedev, Lena Waithe, Rishi Rajani, Brad Weston
Film Festivals
Sundance
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (92) | Top Critics (31) | Fresh (89) | Rotten (3)
Character portraits just don’t come sharper than “A Thousand And One.”
April 6, 2023
Bob Mondello
NPR
TOP CRITIC
A Thousand and One is rich and complex, the saga of someone battling to build a family and a stable home with no real experience of what that looks like.
April 1, 2023
Alison Willmore
New York Magazine/Vulture
TOP CRITIC
Rockwell has made a humanistic epic – really, it could be a filmed novel – and brings it to life through empathy, subtle shadings, and a central figure and performance that won’t be denied.
April 1, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/4
Ty Burr
Ty Burr’s Watch List
TOP CRITIC
A Thousand and One is an auspicious debut for Rockwell. And it’s a thrilling evolution for Taylor, who puts her My Super Sweet 16 days very far in the rearview.
March 31, 2023
Richard Lawson
Vanity Fair
TOP CRITIC
It’s a reasonably compelling premise for a movie. A Thousand and One, however, does very little with it.
March 31, 2023
Kyle Smith
Wall Street Journal
TOP CRITIC
Overcomes those touches of first-time filmmaker gimmickry with incredibly moving performances and a focus on the love it takes to help people up from difficult circumstances.
March 31, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Radheyan Simonpillai
CTV’s Your Morning
TOP CRITIC
Tells a story that is real, credible and painful to bear.
April 8, 2023 | Rating: B
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
A powerful debut that offers us a sincere and moving story about motherhood and the devastating process of gentrification. [Full Review in Spanish]
April 7, 2023 | Rating: 4/4
Rene Sanchez
Cine Sin Fronteras
Taylor is so passionate and palpable during her delivery making a speech about maternal instinct that we wholeheartedly believe every word.
April 7, 2023
Shani Harris
Battle Royale With Cheese
The gritty drama follows a single mom who is released from prison and kidnaps her son from the foster care system. Together, they try to reclaim a sense of home amid the gentrification of New York. Who knew Teyana Taylor was THIS good at dramatic acting?
April 7, 2023 | Rating: 4.5/5
Jason Fraley
WTOP (Washington, D.C.)
The film gets by on the strength of Taylor’s performance and is not over-sensationalized when it comes to reckoning with some story turns.
April 6, 2023 | Rating: 8/10
Aaron Neuwirth
We Live Entertainment
Anchored by a fiercely committed performance by Teyana Taylor, “A Thousand and One” combines a searing domestic drama and the larger socio-political context against which it occurs with skill and insight.
April 5, 2023 | Rating: B+
Frank Swietek
One Guy’s Opinion…
Plot
Inez, an unapologetic and free-spirited woman, kidnaps six-year-old Terry from the foster care system and sets out to reclaim their sense of home, identity, and stability in a rapidly changing New York City in A Thousand and One.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Rapper and actress Teyana Taylor stars as the unapologetic and free-spirited Inez in A Thousand and One.
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BlackBerry 2023
BlackBerry (2023)
93%RT Audience Score: 92%
Awards & Nominations: NA
BlackBerry is a cautionary tale of a company that once dominated the tech world, only to fall from grace due to its own hubris. The film’s whip-smart storytelling and complex characters make it an engaging watch, with standout performances from Jay Baruchel and Tyler Labine. Director Matt Johnson’s doc-style filmmaking adds a witty tone to the film, though it does stretch into an over-extended conclusion. Overall, BlackBerry is a compelling portrait of a company that flew too close to the sun, and a reminder that even the most innovative ideas can crumble without the right leadership.
“BlackBerry” is the perfect movie for anyone who loves a good underdog story. It’s a cautionary tale about what happens when you fly too close to the sun, but it’s also a celebration of the scrappy Canadian company that changed the world. The characters are complex and compelling, and the story is whip-smart and character-driven. Whether you’re a tech nerd or just someone who loves a good story, “BlackBerry” is a must-see. Plus, Jay Baruchel gives one of his best performances yet as Lazaridis. Don’t miss it!
Production Company(ies)
XYZ Films
Distributor
IFC Films
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
SHOOT LOCATION(S):
Ontario, Canada; Silicon Valley, California, United States
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 59m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:NA
Genre(s)
Comedy/Drama/History
Keyword(s)
starring Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton, Matt Johnson, Rich Sommer, Michael Ironside, Martin Donovan, directed by Matt Johnson, written by Matt Johnson, Matt Miller, comedy, drama, history, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Richard Roeper, David Fear, Katie Walsh, Liz Shannon Miller, A.A. Dowd, Richard Brody, Mark Jackson, Alison Gillmor, Wade Major, Richard Propes, Gregory Wakeman, MPAA rating R, Mike Lazaridis, Jim Balsillie, rise and fall, smartphone, Niv Fichman, Matt Miller, Fraser Ash, Kevin Krikst, Zapruder Films, Ontario Creates, Téléfilm Canada, Rhombus Media, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, IPR.VC, Dolby Digital.
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $7,500,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $7,500,000
Production budget ranking: 1,767
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $4,038,750
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Glenn Howerton – Jim Balsillie
Matt Johnson – Writer/Director
Rich Sommer – Doug Fregin
Michael Ironside – John Chen
Martin Donovan – Thorsten Heins
Niv Fichman – Producer
Matt Miller – Producer
Fraser Ash – Producer
Kevin Krikst – Producer
Director(s)
NA
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Berlin, South by Southwest, Toronto
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (135) | Top Critics (33) | Fresh (132) | Rotten (3)
This is one of those whip-smart, character- and story-driven gems that grabs you from the start and never lets go.
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 4/4
Richard Roeper
Chicago Sun-Times
TOP CRITIC
Howerton brings something to BlackBerry, the scrappy Canadian indie about a scrappy Canadian company that changed the world, that goes above and beyond his usual lovable sociopath act. It’s not range. It’s rage.
May 15, 2023
David Fear
Rolling Stone
TOP CRITIC
What emerges from the electronic noise and fussy aesthetic of “BlackBerry” is a compelling portrait of a company that flew too close to the sun.
May 15, 2023
Katie Walsh
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
The most important aspect of BlackBerry is the fact that this is not a hero’s journey for anyone involved; this is a story about what it means to be smart in some ways and dumb in others.
May 13, 2023 | Rating: B+
Liz Shannon Miller
Consequence
TOP CRITIC
Johnson applies a screwball procedural framework to a true story of tech-world boom and bust, building his movie on a clash of values and personalities.
May 13, 2023
A.A. Dowd
Chron
TOP CRITIC
“BlackBerry” plays like a prototype still waiting to be realized, a sketch that’s still undeveloped.
May 12, 2023
Richard Brody
New Yorker
TOP CRITIC
An interesting character study of the two wildly different BlackBerry CEO’s for whom the small, black, plastic phone functioned as Icarus’s wings and flew them both too close to the sun. And plastic, like wax, melts. An engaging, cautionary tale.
May 19, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Mark Jackson
Epoch Times
Enjoyably seething, dorky and wryly comic.
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Alison Gillmor
Winnipeg Free Press
The drama doesn’t justify [the style], but once you get past that, the script is really quite good.
May 18, 2023
Wade Major
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
Baruchel is brilliant here as Lazaridis in what is easily one of his best performances.
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/4.0
Richard Propes
TheIndependentCritic.com
BlackBerry is all the more riveting because of how complex its characters are. So much so that you end up both loving and hating each of the characters in equal measure.
May 17, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Gregory Wakeman
The National (UAE)
With doc-style filmmaking actor-director Matt Johnson maintains a witty tone that’s thoroughly engaging, even as the movie stretches into a somewhat over-extended conclusion.
May 17, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/5
Rich Cline
Shadows on the Wall…
Plot
the rise and fall of the BlackBerry smartphone, exploring the story of its creators Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie in this comedy-drama.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Jay Baruchel delivers a brilliant performance as Mike Lazaridis in BlackBerry.
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The Forger 2023
The Forger (2023)
78%RT Audience Score: 80%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Maggie Peren’s The Forger is a film that takes a standard crime drama and turns it on its head, creating a story with much more at stake than just getting rich. The film’s protagonist, Cioma Schönhaus, is a clever and cocky kid who becomes a hero almost by accident, and the film’s focus on his daily life and his best friend never strays from sobriety. While there are attempts to create an emotionally resonant atmosphere towards the end, the storytelling struggles to construct an engaging portrait. However, the clashes between tone and setting create a sense of detachment that proves very effective, and Hofmann’s performance as Cioma is both courageous and charming. Overall, The Forger is a clever and casual film that is frustratingly underwhelming at times, but ultimately worth the watch.
“The Forger” is a film about a guy who fakes documents during the Holocaust, but don’t worry, it’s not as depressing as it sounds! Critics seem to be split on whether or not the movie is emotionally engaging, but they all agree that the lead actor, August Diehl, is charming and courageous. The director, Maggie Peren, takes a risk by making the tone of the film more casual, which some critics found effective and others found frustrating. Overall, “The Forger” is a clever crime drama with a unique twist and a hero you can root for.
Production Company(ies)
Limp
Distributor
Kino Lorber
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 56m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:NA
Genre(s)
History/Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Louis Hofmann, Jonathan Berlin, Luna Wedler, Nina Gummich, André Jung, Marc Limpach, directed by Maggie Peren, written by Maggie Peren, Cioma Schönhaus, genre: History, Drama, Biography, box office performance: $58.3K, budget: unknown, reviewed by Noel Murray, Monica Castillo, Natalia Winkelman, Daniel M. Kimmel, Milagros Amondaray, Ezequiel Boetti, Jeffrey Edalatpour, Andy Klein, Josh Parham, Todd Jorgenson, Dan Mecca, Avi Offer, produced by Alexander Fritzemeyer, Martin Kosok, MPAA rating: unknown, Kino Lorber, Network Movie Film- und Fernsehproduktion GmbH & Co. KG (Hamburg), Arte, Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen, Amour Fou Filmproduktion, Dreifilm GbR.
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $7,500,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $7,500,000
Production budget ranking: 1,767
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $4,038,750
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Jonathan Berlin – Det Kassriel
Luna Wedler – Gerda
Nina Gummich – Frau Peters
André Jung – Herr Dietrich
Marc Limpach – Herr Kaufmann
Director – Maggie Peren
Producers – Alexander Fritzemeyer, Martin Kosok
Writers – Maggie Peren, Cioma Schönhaus, Maggie Peren
Director(s)
NA
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Berlin, Toronto
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (19) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (13) | Rotten (6)
This film is more of a finely detailed character sketch, about a cocky kid who becomes a hero almost by accident.
May 5, 2023
Noel Murray
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
Peren, who wrote and directed “The Forger,” subtly draws out these conflicted characters one by one.
March 3, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Monica Castillo
RogerEbert.com
TOP CRITIC
Peren is clever to favor mischief against a backdrop of gloom, but in doing so she draws a frustrating distance between her subject and the audience.
March 2, 2023
Natalia Winkelman
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
Perhaps that’s the real message of “The Forger.” It almost didn’t matter what you did under the genocidal regime. Surviving was as much a matter of luck and chance as it was possessing any particular skills or taking any deliberate actions.
May 8, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Daniel M. Kimmel
North Shore Movies
Peren, also responsible for the script, does not take too many risks when it comes to portraying what his protagonist carried out, and her focus on Cioma’s daily life and his best friend never strays from sobriety. [Full review in Spanish]
March 30, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Milagros Amondaray
La Nación (Argentina)
That the protagonist never worries about the disappearance of his family could perhaps be interpreted as a characteristic of his personality or a central fault of an excessively debatable script… [Full review in Spanish]
March 29, 2023 | Rating: 2.5/5
Ezequiel Boetti
Otroscines.com
Under normal circumstances, the story of Cioma Schönhaus’ brief career in forgery would be a standard crime drama. But Maggie Peren’s film, The Forger, inverts the genre, with much more at stake than someone pulling off a scheme to get rich.
March 29, 2023
Jeffrey Edalatpour
East Bay Express
A very clever film [about] a very clever guy.
March 21, 2023
Andy Klein
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
There is an attempt to fashion a more emotionally resonant atmosphere towards the end, but the storytelling struggles to construct an engaging portrait.
March 9, 2023 | Rating: 5/10
Josh Parham
Next Best Picture
The clashes between tone and setting create a sense of detachment, although Hofmann finds the right mix of courage and charm.
March 4, 2023
Todd Jorgenson
Cinemalogue
There is a casual vibe to The Forger that reflects its hero’s stubborn optimism in the face of very real danger. This informal energy feels incongruous to the content at first, lending an uncomfortableness to this true story that proves very effective.
March 2, 2023 | Rating: B-
Dan Mecca
The Film Stage
Frustratingly underwhelming, tedious, lethargic and anti-climactic.
March 1, 2023
Avi Offer
NYC Movie Guru…
Plot
During WWII, a young Jewish man named Cioma Schönhaus adopts the identity of a marine officer and becomes infamous for his masterfully forged IDs that save the lives of hundreds of Jews by allowing them to escape the country in “The Forger.”
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Rotten Tomatoes doesn’t have anything goofy or funny or odd to say about the film Signed in.
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Blueback 2023
Blueback (2023)
85%RT Audience Score:
Awards & Nominations: NA
Blueback is a visually stunning film that captures the beauty of Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef and its inhabitants. While the film’s environmental message is admirable, it falls short in its execution, coming across as overly preachy and lacking nuance. The coming-of-age story at the heart of the film is wholesome and affecting, but ultimately forgettable. Director Robert Connolly’s pacing keeps the film from dragging, but the tone never quite finds its footing, resulting in a movie that is downright silly at times. Despite its flaws, Blueback is a beautiful love letter to the ocean and a reminder of the importance of conservation.
Blueback is a coming-of-age film that takes place in Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef. The movie is a love letter to the sea creatures that call the reef home and the importance of ocean conservation. While some critics found the film to be overly preachy, others praised the stunning visuals and exceptional cast. Personally, I thought the film was a beautiful and moving story about loss and change, with a laid-back vibe that made it easy to watch. Plus, who doesn’t love a good movie about the ocean? Overall, I would definitely recommend Blueback to anyone looking for a heartfelt and visually stunning film.
Production Company(ies)
Hybrid, Nickelodeon Productions
Distributor
Amor Media
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 42m
-
Language(s):English
ALL CAST, AUSPICES, AND BELOW THE LINE
SEASON 5 (2022-2023)
SEASON 4 (2022-2023)
SEASON 3 (2021-2022)
SEASON 2 (2019-2020)
SEASON 1 (2019-2020)
DEVELOPMENT (2020-2021)
DEVELOPMENT (2019-2020)
DEVELOPMENT (2018-2019) -
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Mar 3, 2023 Limited
Genre(s)
Kids & family/Drama
Keyword(s)
Blueback, PG, Kids & Family, Drama, Adventure, Mia Wasikowska, Radha Mitchell, Eric Bana, directed by Robert Connolly, written by Robert Connolly, produced by Robert Connolly, James Grandison, Liz Kearney, Amor Media, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Dennis Harvey, David Stratton, Luke Buckmaster, Sandra Hall, Brian Tallerico, Rachel Wagner, Christopher Llewellyn Reed, Louisa Moore, Nadia Dalimonte, Sarah Ward, genre, marine biologist, coral reefs, elderly mother, stroke, seaside hometown, childhood years, ocean, environmentalism, blue groper, mother-daughter relationship, Tim Winton, novella, Ningaloo Reef, sea creatures, conservation, below-the-sea imagery, loss, change, young adult, future
Worldwide gross: $1,661,860
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,600,179
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,470
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 174,502
US/Canada gross: –
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $2,500,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $2,500,000
Production budget ranking: 1,906
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $1,346,250
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$2,246,071
ROI to date (est.): -58%
ROI ranking: 1,733
Radha Mitchell – Dora
Ilsa Fogg – Teen Abby
Ariel Donoghue – Young Abby
Liz Alexander – Older Dora
Clarence Ryan – Briggs
Robert Connolly – Director, Writer, Producer
James Grandison – Producer
Liz Kearney – Producer
Nick Meyers – Editor
Director(s)
Robert Connolly
Writer(s)
Robert Connolly, Robert Connolly
Producer(s)
Robert Connolly, James Grandison, Liz Kearney
Film Festivals
Toronto
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (20) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (16) | Rotten (4)
It all goes down easily, with editor Nick Meyers’ pace never growing slack despite a general laid-back vibe.
January 22, 2023
Dennis Harvey
Variety
TOP CRITIC
An exceptional cast brings this very beautiful and ultimately moving film vividly to life.
January 6, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
David Stratton
The Australian
TOP CRITIC
[A] wholesome and modestly affecting coming-of-age story…
December 30, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Luke Buckmaster
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
A love letter to Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef and the sea creatures that make their home there.
December 30, 2022 | Rating: 3.5/5
Sandra Hall
Sydney Morning Herald
TOP CRITIC
Against [its] gorgeous backdrop, Connolly sets a coming-of-age tale that’s downright silly, never finding a tone that does anything beyond manipulation.
September 21, 2022
Brian Tallerico
RogerEbert.com
TOP CRITIC
The water imagery and main relationships worked enough for me to recommend.
February 5, 2023 | Rating: 6/10
Rachel Wagner
rachelsreviews.net
Every frame is gorgeously captured, rendering the coastal wonders—above and below the surface—in stunning colors.
January 29, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Christopher Llewellyn Reed
Film Festival Today
A bland coming-of-age film that’s overly preachy about ocean conservation.
January 27, 2023
Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots
While admirable in its environmental urgency and generational telling of a personal story, “Blueback” fades from memory as a mostly forgettable experience.
January 26, 2023 | Rating: 6/10
Nadia Dalimonte
Next Best Picture
An unflinchingly earnest movie about valuing the natural world and stopping its decimation, as told with visual splendour that helps make its point through spectacular below-the-sea imagery, yet struggling with nuance.
January 26, 2023
Sarah Ward
Concrete Playground
While no one can question the heart of Blueback, the final film does leave some to be desired.
January 21, 2023
Carson Timar
Clapper
Connolly… has crafted a beautiful film about loss and change, and that period in a young adult’s life where they are on the precipice of their future and it doesn’t have to entirely revolve around sex or popularity.
January 10, 2023
Glenn Dunks
Glenn Dunks…
Plot
Marine biologist Abby rushes back to her seaside hometown to care for her elderly mother Dora after receiving news of her stroke, and recalls her childhood years spent living in concert with the ocean and her mother’s efforts to protect the bay in Blueback.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Mia Wasikowska stars as Abby in Blueback.
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Boston Strangler 2023
Boston Strangler (2023)
75%RT Audience Score: 76%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Boston Strangler is a film that attempts to capture the essence of old-school journalism and the struggles of women in a male-dominated industry. While the performances by Keira Knightley and Carrie Coon are commendable, the film falls short in building suspense and momentum. The reliance on a brooding soundtrack and a shot-through-a-dirty-fishtank look ultimately detracts from the strong performances and accurate rendering of mid-century gender inequality. However, the film does push the audience to question the reliability of its narration, making it a worthwhile addition to the true crime genre. Overall, Boston Strangler is a decent effort, but it fails to reach the heights of other films in the genre such as Spotlight or Zodiac.
Boston Strangler is a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, but not because of the suspense. Rather, it’s because you’ll be constantly adjusting your glasses to see through the dirty fishtank look that the filmmakers seem to love so much. However, the performances by Keira Knightley and Carrie Coon are top-notch, and it’s worth watching just to see them kick butt in a male-dominated world. Plus, it’s always fun to question who the narration is coming from, right? Overall, it’s a decent addition to the true crime genre, but don’t expect it to be the next Spotlight or Zodiac.
Production Company(ies)
20th Century Studios, Hulu, LuckyChap Entertainment, Scott Free, The Walsh Company
Distributor
Hulu
Release Type
Streaming, Streaming (Hulu)
Filming Location(s)
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
MPAA / Certificate
R
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital, Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 52m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Streaming): Mar 17, 2023
Genre(s)
Crime/Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Keira Knightley, Carrie Coon, Alessandro Nivola, Chris Cooper, David Dastmalchian, Robert John Burke, directed by Matt Ruskin, written by Matt Ruskin, crime, drama, R rating, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Randy Myers, Claudia Puig, Stephanie Zacharek, Noel Murray, Elizabeth Gregory, David Fear, Carla Renata, Aaron Neuwirth, Dennis Schwartz, Jennifer Green, Johnny Loftus, Kate Sánchez, producer Tom Ackerley, Josey McNamara, Michael J Pruss, Ridley Scott, Kevin J Walsh, MPAA rating, Loretta McLaughlin, Jean Cole, Detective Conley, Jack Maclaine, Albert DeSalvo, Eddie Holland, journalist, Boston Strangler murders, investigation, Dolby Digital, Flat (1.85:1), Hulu
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $5,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $5,000,000
Production budget ranking: 1,817
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $2,692,500
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Carrie Coon – Jean Cole
Alessandro Nivola – Detective Conley
Chris Cooper – Jack Maclaine
David Dastmalchian – Albert DeSalvo
Robert John Burke – Eddie Holland
Director – Matt Ruskin
Producers – Tom Ackerley, Josey McNamara, Michael J. Pruss, Ridley Scott, Kevin J. Walsh
Writer – Matt Ruskin
Director(s)
Matt Ruskin
Writer(s)
Matt Ruskin
Producer(s)
Tom Ackerley, Josey McNamara, Michael A. Pruss, Ridley Scott, Kevin J. Walsh
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (100) | Top Critics (26) | Fresh (64) | Rotten (36)
The matchup of Keira Knightly and Carrie Coon punches up this involving, period-rich but somewhat ordinary thriller that celebrates old-school journalism.
March 22, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Randy Myers
San Jose Mercury News
TOP CRITIC
It’s not as good as Spotlight or Zodiac, but it’s perfectly involving.
March 21, 2023
Claudia Puig
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
Knightley, in a performance as crisp as the corners of an envelope, makes McLaughlin’s perseverance—and the pressures she faced as she also tried to be a good wife and mother—deeply believable.
March 21, 2023
Stephanie Zacharek
TIME Magazine
TOP CRITIC
The film… mostly works, thanks to Ruskin’s other angle: interrogating how the meaning of this story changes over time.
March 21, 2023
Noel Murray
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
Although all the elements are there for a spine-tingling Zodiac-style mystery thriller, the film fails to build any real momentum and ends up completely running out of steam.
March 20, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Elizabeth Gregory
London Evening Standard
TOP CRITIC
The reliance on the shot-through-a-dirty-fishtank look ultimately starts undercutting what is good about the movie: the work of its leads.
March 20, 2023
David Fear
Rolling Stone
TOP CRITIC
Carrie Coon and Keira Knightly are equally yoked in strength, vulnerability and tenacity explored through two women fighting it out and standing their ground amongst a male chauvinistic world of journalism. Moves a little slow, but well worth the ride
March 22, 2023
Carla Renata
The Curvy Film Critic
While admiration comes with adapting an important story, the delivery doesn’t seem to be up to the challenge.
March 22, 2023 | Rating: 4/10
Aaron Neuwirth
We Live Entertainment
Even if getting fine performances by Keira and Carrie, and being correct on the social issues–it’s bland and lacks suspense.
March 22, 2023 | Rating: B-
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
Boston Strangler features intelligent performances and some accurate rendering of mid-century gender inequality. I
March 21, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Jennifer Green
Common Sense Media
Keira Knightley leads a strong cast in Boston Strangler, who all lend real watchability to this true crime tale even as its pendulous air and brooding soundtrack begin to get a little suffocating.
March 21, 2023
Johnny Loftus
Decider
…Boston Strangler is a good addition to the true crime genre of films if only because it pushes the audience to question who the narration is coming from.
March 21, 2023 | Rating: 6.5/10
Kate Sánchez
But Why Tho? A Geek Community…
Plot
Loretta McLaughlin becomes the first journalist to connect the Boston Strangler murders and attempts to continue her investigation alongside colleague and confidante Jean Cole.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The ending mistakenly gives the impression that there is doubt about DeSalvo being the Boston Strangler. DeSalvo was linked to a Strangler murder via DNA evidence and confessed to the others.
Matt-Ruskin.jpg
Enys Men 2023
Enys Men (2023)
56%RT Audience Score: 29%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Enys Men is a film that will leave you feeling like you’ve just woken up from a fever dream, with its haunting imagery and surreal atmosphere. While it may not be for everyone, those who are willing to delve into its psychological depths will be rewarded with a unique and entrancing experience. Filmmaker Mark Jenkin takes us on a journey through the blurred lines between past and present, life and death, and the natural and supernatural, leaving us questioning the very meaning of our existence. Enys Men is a poetic audiovisual abstraction that will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
Enys Men is like a fever dream that you can’t quite shake off, but in a good way. It’s a trippy, moody, and atmospheric film that will leave you feeling a little bit haunted. While it may not be for everyone, if you’re in the mood for something a little different and don’t mind a slow burn, then Enys Men is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to feel a little bit uneasy afterwards.
Production Company(ies)
Film4, Foreign Language, Psychological
Distributor
NEON
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Cornwall, England, United Kingdom
MPAA / Certificate
NR
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:1.33 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 31m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United Kingdom
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Mar 31, 2023 Limited
Genre(s)
Horror
Keyword(s)
horror, British coast, wildlife volunteer, madness, reality, nightmare, Mark Jenkin, Denzil Monk, written by Mark Jenkin, Mary Woodvine, John Woodvine, Edward Rowe, Callum Mitchell, Flo Crowe, Joe Gray, NEON, $103.6K, limited release, C-, 2.5/5, 3.5/4, 3/5, reviewed by Adam Graham, Michael O’Sullivan, Sheila O’Malley, Richard Whittaker, Robert Abele, Caryn James, Alton Williams, Dennis Harvey, Morgan Rojas, Jonathan DeHaan, Christian Valentin, Sara Clements, retro aesthetic, abstract visuals, psychological drama, folk horror, internal psychological drama, Wicker Man, poetic audiovisual abstraction, vintage quality, experimental film, enigmatic, unsettling
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $5,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $5,000,000
Production budget ranking: 1,821
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $2,692,500
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
John Woodvine – The Preacher
Edward Rowe – The Boatman
Callum Mitchell – Self
Flo Crowe – The Girl
Joe Gray – The Miner
Director: Mark Jenkin
Producer: Denzil Monk
Writer: Mark Jenkin
Director(s)
Mark Jenkin
Writer(s)
Mark Jenkin
Producer(s)
Denzil Monk
Film Festivals
Cannes
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (77) | Top Critics (28) | Fresh (60) | Rotten (17)
The tedious folk horror tale Enys Men is a case of plenty of folk but no horror.
April 6, 2023 | Rating: C-
Adam Graham
Detroit News
TOP CRITIC
It’s a fever dream in which the past and present are confused, along with plant and animal, the living and the dead, and, ultimately, the meaning of this troubled vision.
April 4, 2023 | Rating: 2.5/5
Michael O’Sullivan
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
I was riveted by every moment of this haunting weird film. “Enys Men” made me legitimately uneasy.
March 31, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/4
Sheila O’Malley
RogerEbert.com
TOP CRITIC
While Enys Men may play with the trappings and symbolism of folk horror, it’s ultimately more of an internal psychological drama.
March 31, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Richard Whittaker
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
It feels like a throwback to “Wicker Man”-era folk-tinged freakouts — confounding enough to not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those ready for a pot of its brew, plenty transporting and tingling.
March 31, 2023
Robert Abele
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
Elusive yet entrancing.
March 30, 2023
Caryn James
Hollywood Reporter
TOP CRITIC
If you’re willing to meet the movie where it is, then you can come away with a lot of pure craft and artistry with odd imagery that will make a lasting impression on you.
April 7, 2023
Alton Williams
Battle Royale With Cheese
A kind of poetic audiovisual abstraction…
April 4, 2023
Dennis Harvey
48 Hills
Filmmaker Mark Jenkin takes us on a visceral trip through the cerebral cortex in this psychological horror-art film hybrid.
April 4, 2023 | Rating: 3/5
Morgan Rojas
Cinemacy
A moody, kinda creepy, open for interpretation story with a picturesque, vintage quality that’s more of a vibe than anything else.
April 4, 2023 | Rating: 5.5/10
Jonathan DeHaan
Nightmare on Film Street
This low-key recalibration of ‘70s-style phantasmagoric unease makes for an undeniably unique addition to this year’s experimental film pantheon.
April 4, 2023
Christian Valentin
Spectrum Culture
Enys Men feels like a recent discovery pulled out of a dust-covered box that sat in a storage unit for five decades. Authentically ‘70s in visual style and experimental essence. An abstract structural work that’s enigmatic and unsettling.
April 4, 2023
Sara Clements
Pajiba…
Plot
A wildlife volunteer on an uninhabited island off the British coast descends into madness in Enys Men, a horror film that explores the blurred lines between reality and nightmare.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels doesn’t provide any goofy or funny comments about the film Enys Men, but it does mention that the lead actress is Mary Woodvine.
Mark-Jenkin.jpg
Cherry 2023
Cherry (2023)
92%RT Audience Score: 91%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Cherry is a film that delicately balances humor and heart, tackling the serious subject of unwanted pregnancy with a refreshing and witty approach. Sophie Galibert’s direction is masterful, capturing the emotional and physical struggles of the eponymous heroine with a keen eye for detail. Alex Trewhitt’s breakthrough performance is nothing short of radiant, bringing a depth and authenticity to the character that is both captivating and moving. While some may criticize the film for its pro-abortion stance, it is ultimately a celebration of choice and the power of women to make their own decisions. Cherry is a must-see for anyone who appreciates smart, sassy, and life-affirming cinema.
Cherry is a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and feel all the emotions in between. It’s a coming-of-age story that tackles the serious topic of unwanted pregnancy with a light touch, but never loses sight of the gravity of the situation. Alex Trewhitt’s performance is a standout, and Sophie Galibert’s direction keeps the energy high throughout the brisk 76-minute runtime. Whether you’re pro-choice or pro-life, this film will make you think and feel, and that’s what great cinema is all about. So grab some popcorn and get ready for a wild ride with Cherry!
Production Company(ies)
VOD
Distributor
Entertainment Squad
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Los Angeles, California, United States
MPAA / Certificate
NR
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 16m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Apr 21, 2023 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 21, 2023
Genre(s)
Comedy/Drama
Keyword(s)
Cherry, Alex Trewhitt, Sophie Galibert, Comedy, Drama, Entertainment Squad, Philippe Gompel, Arthur Cohen, Anne-Claire Jaulin, Shincy Lu, Monday Pictures, Manny Films, 2022, MPAA rating, reviewed by Courtney Howard, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Daniel Gorman, Robert Denerstein, Roger Moore, Casey Chong, Louisa Moore, Jennie Kermode, Avi Offer, Dennis Schwartz, Erik Childress, Michael Talbot-Haynes, box office performance, budget, pregnant, decision, coming-of-age, relationships, indie, dramedy, breakthrough performance, abortion rights, featured audience reviews, Fresh Kernels
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $5,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $5,000,000
Production budget ranking: 1,858
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $2,692,500
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Hannah Alline – Anna
Angela Nicholas – Carla
Joe Sachem – Roger
Dan Schultz – Nick
Sandy Duarte – Self
Director – Sophie Galibert
Producers – Shincy Lu, Sophie Galibert, Philippe Gompel, Arthur Cohen
Writers – Sophie Galibert, Arthur Cohen, Anne-Claire Jaulin
Production Company – Cherry Film, Monday Pictures, Manny Films
Distributor – Entertainment Squad
Director(s)
Sophie Galibert
Writer(s)
Sophie Galibert, Arthur Cohen, Anne-Claire Jaulin
Producer(s)
Shincy Lu, Sophie Galibert, Philippe Gompel, Arthur Cohen
Film Festivals
Tribeca
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (18) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (17) | Rotten (1)
Making immediate her emotional and physical struggles as she explores whether or not to keep her baby, the film wins us over with an unwavering focus on its eponymous heroine’s coming-of-age journey.
April 13, 2023
Courtney Howard
Variety
TOP CRITIC
Smart, sassy and never dumbing down the seriousness of its title character’s predicament as she faces the reality of an unwanted pregnancy, Cherry is a delight.
June 13, 2022
Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
AWFJ.org
TOP CRITIC
At a very brisk 76 minutes, Cherry is virtually a sketch, but one with so much energy and such carefully delineated, realistic relationships that it never feels slight.
April 21, 2023
Daniel Gorman
In Review Online
Yes, choice can be difficult, but Cherry fortunately has a choice to make: The movie makes you wonder what would have happened had that not been the case.
April 20, 2023
Robert Denerstein
Denerstein Unleashed
As light as it plays on the surface, “Cherry” gets at the momentous, wrenching nature of this “decision” right from the start.
April 20, 2023 | Rating: 3/4
Roger Moore
Movie Nation
Cherry is a great indie dramedy bolstered by Sophie Galibert’s engaging direction and Alex Trewhitt’s breakthrough performance.
April 19, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Casey Chong
Casey’s Movie Mania
A funny, heartfelt, and very human story that reassuringly points out that it’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to feel lost. It’s okay to get off-track. Most of all, it’s okay to be your own woman.
April 14, 2023
Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots
A wonderfully life-affirming film with a superb performance by Trewhitt.
April 14, 2023 | Rating: 4.5/5
Jennie Kermode
Eye for Film
Heartfelt, witty and captivating. Alex Trewhitt gives a radiant and moving breakthrough performance.
April 10, 2023
Avi Offer
NYC Movie Guru
Pro-abortion rights film.
April 8, 2023 | Rating: B+
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
A very winning performance by Alex Trewhitt helps smooth out a few rough edges in Sophie Galibert’s amusing and timely feature debut.
July 20, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
Erik Childress
Movie Madness Podcast
What could have been a soul-wrenching inner tug of war is reduced to sitcom twaddle.
July 6, 2022 | Rating: 3/10
Michael Talbot-Haynes
Film Threat…
Plot
Cherry, a 25-year-old woman, discovers she is pregnant and has only 24 hours to make a decision in this comedy/drama film.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
There is no goofy or funny or odd comment about the film Signed in Skip to Main Content on Fresh Kernels.
Sophie-Galibert.jpg
Beau Is Afraid 2023
Beau Is Afraid (2023)
74%RT Audience Score: 71%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Beau Is Afraid is a cinematic masterpiece that delves into the depths of human psyche and the complexities of familial relationships. Aster’s direction is audacious and indulgent, taking the audience on a three-hour journey of bad vibes and ritual humiliation that is both traumatic and hilarious. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a captivating performance, although at times he seems like a passenger in his own existence. The film’s originality and confrontational tenor should be applauded, even if its cartoonishly Freudian horror and meagre cod-psychology fall short. Overall, Beau Is Afraid is a vibrant, compassionate, and alienating drama that will leave you with the absolute fear and raise questions rarely asked out loud.
Beau Is Afraid is a wild ride that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about horror movies. With its audacious and indulgent approach, this film takes the trauma and turns it into a comedy of bad vibes and ritual humiliation. While some may find it a chore, others will appreciate its originality and confrontational tenor. Joaquin Phoenix delivers some exciting moments, but ultimately, the film is a hero’s journey that raises questions we rarely ask out loud. So buckle up and get ready for a journey into the uncanny and uncomfortable world of Beau Is Afraid.
Production Company(ies)
Psychological, Road Trip / Journey
Distributor
A24
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited), Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
SHOOT LOCATION(S):
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:2h 59m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:NA
Genre(s)
Comedy/Drama/Horror
Keyword(s)
starring Joaquin Phoenix, Nathan Lane, Amy Ryan, Parker Posey, Patti LuPone, Stephen Henderson, directed by Ari Aster, written by Ari Aster, comedy, drama, horror, R rating, A24, Square Peg, Lars Knudsen, $8.1M box office, reviewed by Clarisse Loughrey, Danny Leigh, Linda Marric, Christy Lemire, Ryan Gilbey, Adam Kempenaar, Eddie Harrison, Luis Bond, Paul Whitington, Margot Harrison, Eileen Jones, Andrew Gaudion, paranoid man, epic odyssey, mother, graphic nudity, drug use, language, sexual content, strong violent content, Dolby Digital, flat aspect ratio, 2h 59m runtime.
Worldwide gross: $10,080,683
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: $8,239,982
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): REPORTED BUDGET:
$50,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Nathan Lane – Roger
Amy Ryan – Grace
Parker Posey – Elaine
Patti LuPone – Self
Stephen Henderson – Self
Director: Ari Aster
Producers: Lars Knudsen, Ari Aster
Writer: Ari Aster
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)
Director(s)
NA
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (216) | Top Critics (58) | Fresh (149) | Rotten (67)
Aster’s film takes the so-traumatic-it’s-funny sequences of his previous work and spins them into a three-hour comedy of bad vibes and ritual humiliation. It’s as memorable, audacious, and indulgent as you’d hope from A24’s most expensive film to date.
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Clarisse Loughrey
Independent (UK)
TOP CRITIC
The movie is a chore, a grinding, faux-experimental folly from a company in the grip of a splattery midlife crisis. Would it not have been simpler just to get tattoos?
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 2/5
Danny Leigh
Financial Times
TOP CRITIC
This film is probably not what Aster’s fans were expecting after a hiatus of almost four years, but I think it’s a wonderful take on Oedipal misery and the misery of drug abuse.
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 5/5
Linda Marric
The Jewish Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
I appreciate it for its craft, and that Joaquin Phoenix has some moments here that are exciting — but he’s a passenger in his own existence, and that’s really boring.
May 17, 2023
Christy Lemire
FilmWeek (KPCC – NPR Los Angeles)
TOP CRITIC
When everything is outlandish, nothing is. Beau Is Afraid should certainly be applauded for its originality and its confrontational tenor, but not its cartoonishly Freudian horror or the script’s meagre cod-psychology.
May 16, 2023
Ryan Gilbey
New Statesman
TOP CRITIC
…is effective in putting you in this very intense nightmare/fantasy headspace where there are almost no interactions or exchanges that are imbued with compassion, or even moments of grace; everything is a full-on assault or the brief prelude to one.
May 9, 2023 | Rating: 2.5/5
Adam Kempenaar
Filmspotting
TOP CRITIC
…a vibrant, compassionate, alienating drama aimed specifically at giving you the absolute fear…
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 5/5
Eddie Harrison
film-authority.com
It confronts us with the society in which we live, our bonds with mom and dad, sexuality, guilt, defenselessness, and much more. It is a failed heroic journey that raises questions that we rarely ask out loud [Full Review in Spanish]
May 18, 2023 | Rating: 5/5
Luis Bond
Diario las Américas
The film ends in chaos, as the screenplay succumbs to its worst excesses.
May 17, 2023 | Rating: 2/5
Paul Whitington
Irish Independent
Some viewers may leave feeling as if they’ve watched three pointless hours of someone’s Freudian persecution fantasy. For others, though, the film will resonate as a powerful reminder that we are the ultimate origins of our guilt-ridden nightmares.
May 17, 2023 | Rating: 4.5/5
Margot Harrison
Seven Days (VT)
Watching Beau Is Afraid feels more like having the filmmaker himself sitting next to you, endlessly nudging you to make note of the thirty-seven tiresome production design curlicues he’s inserted into every single scene.
May 17, 2023
Eileen Jones
The Jacobin
Beau Is Afraid is another example of Aster’s ability to place you in an uncanny and occasionally uncomfortable environment, only to come out of the other side with the sense that you are the richer for it.
May 17, 2023 | Rating: 4/5
Andrew Gaudion
THN…
Plot
A paranoid man goes on a twisted and depraved journey to get back to his mother in the dark comedy/drama/horror film, Beau Is Afraid, directed by Ari Aster and starring Joaquin Phoenix.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The film features Joaquin Phoenix in the lead role.
NA.jpg
Film the Living Record of Our Memory 2023
Film, the Living Record of Our Memory (2023)
86%RT Audience Score: 75%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Film, the Living Record of Our Memory, is a documentary that captures the essence of cinema as a cultural artifact and the tireless efforts of those who work to preserve it. While some critics have noted its lack of structure and length, the film’s breathless profusion of information is a testament to the monumental task of archiving and restoring films. The documentary celebrates the global community of restorers, who are selfless, dedicated, and eminently patient in their work of bringing decimated pieces of celluloid back to life. It is a must-see for anyone who has ever been dazzled by the magic of movies, and it will increase your appreciation for the art form and the dangers it faces geometrically. In short, Film, the Living Record of Our Memory, is a powerful sermon that preaches to the choir of TCM addicts, Criterion Channel subscribers, and other film buffs.
Film, the Living Record of Our Memory is like a time machine that takes you on a journey through the history of cinema. While it may be a bit disorganized at times, the sheer amount of information and passion for film preservation is infectious. You’ll come away with a newfound appreciation for the art form and the people who work tirelessly to keep it alive. Plus, you’ll never look at a scratched-up old film reel the same way again. It’s a must-see for any movie lover, and even if you’re not a die-hard cinephile, you’ll still be entertained and educated. So grab some popcorn and settle in for a fascinating ride through the past, present, and future of cinema.
Production Company(ies)
Film/TV/Theater
Distributor
Kino Lorber
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2023
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 59m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:NA
Genre(s)
Documentary/History
Keyword(s)
documentary, history, film preservation, cultural heritage, film archivists, cinema, motion pictures, Kino Lorber, El Grifilm, Filmoption International, Inés Toharia, Paul Cadieux, Isaac Garcia Llombart, Costa-Gavras, Jonas Mekas, Patricio Guzmán, Ken Loach, Bill Morrison, Fernando Trueba, reviewed by Noel Murray, Sheri Linden, Nicolas Rapold, Sarah Boslaugh, Neely Swanson, Michael Clark, Lee Jutton, Roger Moore, Kent Turner, box office gross, budget, MPAA rating, limited release, streaming release, English language, directed by Inés Toharia, written by Inés Toharia, produced by Paul Cadieux and Isaac Garcia Llombart, starring Costa-Gavras, Jonas Mekas, Patricio Guzmán, Ken Loach, Bill Morrison, Fernando Trueba, film restoration, celluloid, film history, film buffs, film enthusiasts, film industry, film technology, film culture, film education, film preservationists, film restoration techniques, film restoration process, film restoration equipment, film restoration challenges, film restoration projects, film restoration organizations, film restoration funding, film restoration advocacy, film restoration impact, film restoration importance, film restoration future.
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $7,500,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $7,500,000
Production budget ranking: 1,767
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $4,038,750
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Jonas Mekas – Self
Patricio Guzmán – Self
Ken Loach – Self
Bill Morrison – Self
Fernando Trueba – Self
Director(s)
NA
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (9) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (9)
Though a bit overlong and lacking a strong structure, this frequently fascinating documentary nevertheless shows how cultural ephemera can bring the past to life, in ways both instructional and inspirational.
May 16, 2023
Noel Murray
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
Inspired and inspiring.
March 5, 2023
Sheri Linden
Hollywood Reporter
TOP CRITIC
For a documentary largely about archives, it should be better organized, but its breathless profusion of information underscores the scale of the task at hand.
February 27, 2023
Nicolas Rapold
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
…celebrates the cultural importance of the medium as well as the many people who work to see that the films of today and yesterday will be available to be seen well into the future.
May 11, 2023 | Rating: 7/10
Sarah Boslaugh
TheArtsStl
A must see for anyone who has ever been dazzled by the sleight of hand that is a movie. Your appreciation for the art form and the dangers it faces will increase geometrically.
May 5, 2023
Neely Swanson
Easy Reader (California)
[It] concentrates on the global community of restorers. Selfless, dedicated, and eminently patient, these professionals are charged with taking decimated, often unwatchable pieces of celluloid and bringing them back to life.
March 29, 2023 | Rating: 4.5/5
Michael Clark
Epoch Times
Film, the Living Record of Our Memory provides ample evidence as to why it is so important that we continue to remember, and to support those who make it possible for us to do so.
March 4, 2023
Lee Jutton
Film Inquiry
If you love movies and think you know the medium’s history, prepare to be overwhelmed.
February 28, 2023 | Rating: 3.5/4
Roger Moore
Movie Nation
This is a must-see for TCM addicts, Criterion Channel subscribers, and other film buffs. If it preaches to the choir, it’s still a powerful sermon.
November 27, 2021 | Rating: 3.5/4
Kent Turner
Film-Forward.com…
Plot
“Film, the Living Record of Our Memory” is a documentary that explores the importance of film preservation and the work of film archivists, curators, technicians, and filmmakers in safeguarding our audiovisual heritage.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The documentary features interviews with notable filmmakers and film preservationists, including Costa-Gavras, Jonas Mekas, Patricio Guzmán, Ken Loach, Bill Morrison, and Fernando Trueba.
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Palm Trees and Power Lines 2023
Palm Trees and Power Lines (2023)
92%RT Audience Score:
Awards & Nominations: NA
Palm Trees and Power Lines tells a difficult story with searing skill — and marks Lily McInerny as a young actor with brilliant potential.
Palm Trees and Power Lines delivers a difficult and moving story with exceptional skill, establishing Lily McInerny as a young actor with remarkable potential. The film’s raw honesty and authenticity are striking, effectively tackling challenging subject matter. McInerny’s performance is a standout, showcasing her talent and ability to deliver an emotional and nuanced portrayal. Overall, Palm Trees and Power Lines is an outstanding movie that delivers a thought-provoking and poignant experience for viewers, and is a testament to the skill of its cast and crew.
Production Company(ies)
VOD
Distributor
Momentum Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
R
Year of Release
2023
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby
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Aspect ratio:NA
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Runtime:1h 50m
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Mar 3, 2023 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 3, 2023
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
Palm Trees and Power Lines, Lily McInerny, Jonathan Tucker, Gretchen Mol, Jamie Dack, Audrey Findlay, drama, R rating, Momentum Pictures, directed by Jamie Dack, produced by Leah Chen Baker and Jamie Dack, written by Jamie Dack and Audrey Findlay, Kate Erbland, Barry Hertz, Randy Myers, Alissa Wilkinson, Tomris Laffly, Philip De Semlyen, Laura Clifford, Sherin Nicole, Amy Smith, Martin Carr, Chloe Walker, sexual assault, coercion, exploitation, consent, cautionary tale, disturbing, uncomfortable, searing skill, brilliant potential, young actor, monotony, chance encounter, red flags, true intentions, isolated, dark, edgy, exploitation, no easy answers, familiar but vital story, hard watch, emotionally involved, horrors of abuse
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Jonathan Tucker – Tom
Gretchen Mol – Sandra
Jamie Dack – Director, Screenwriter
Audrey Findlay – Screenwriter
Director(s)
Jamie Dack
Writer(s)
Jamie Dack, Audrey Findlay
Producer(s)
Leah Chen Baker, Jamie Dack
Film Festivals
Sundance
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (45) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (42) | Rotten (3)
You might know where this is going, but Dack and McInerny ensure you can’t predict how it will feel, right or wrong.
February 14, 2023 | Rating: B
Kate Erbland
indieWire
TOP CRITIC
Dack’s film refuses to offer tidy answers, pushing the story into uncomfortable places that feel genuine and boundary-challenging.
December 13, 2022
Barry Hertz
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
This horrifyingly realistic cautionary tale about a teen girl and her charismatic predator is exceptionally well made — and it will make your skin crawl.
February 3, 2022
Randy Myers
San Jose Mercury News
TOP CRITIC
What makes Palm Trees and Power Lines so disturbing is how we can see what’s happening to Lea, even as she can’t — and how plausible the movie’s disturbing conclusion really seems.
February 3, 2022
Alissa Wilkinson
Vox
TOP CRITIC
Palm Trees and Power Lines goes somewhere even darker than Andrea Arnold’s Fish Tank, with a brave query into the notion of consent and a gut-wrenching parting note that feels like a scream stuck in one’s throat.
February 2, 2022
Tomris Laffly
Harper’s Bazaar
TOP CRITIC
It’s a compelling, edgy story of exploitation with no easy answers.
January 31, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Philip De Semlyen
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
Dack’s film may be the best of its kind since Joyce Chopra’s 1985 “Smooth Talk” and in many ways is the more dramatic side of Sean Baker’s “Red Rocket.”
February 26, 2023 | Rating: B+
Laura Clifford
Reeling Reviews
It makes you want to shriek, but the primary tension in Palm Trees and Power Lines is locked into its themes, the baited hook, and its final scene…an ending as ominous as a razor blade across the carotid.
February 25, 2023
Sherin Nicole
AWFJ.org
The slow-burn pacing and respectful handling of this particularly distressing and sensitive subject matter make “Palm Trees And Power Lines” one of the best at telling a familiar but vital story.
November 30, 2022 | Rating: 7/10
Amy Smith
Next Best Picture
Writer director Jamie Dank has offered up something of depth on a genuinely challenging topic, in this her feature film debut. Carried by Jonathan Tucker and Lily McInerny in the lead roles, Palm Trees and Power Lines is a hard watch worthy of note.
October 28, 2022 | Rating: 4/5
Martin Carr
We Got This Covered
While Palm Trees and Power Lines certainly functions as a cautionary tale, it derives the intensity of its power from the uncomfortable degree to which we’re compelled to empathize with Lea as she makes a string of increasingly perilous decisions.
October 9, 2022 | Rating: 8.7/10
Chloe Walker
Paste Magazine
Palm Trees and Power Lines finds a film language to depict sexual assault and coercion in a way that keeps us emotionally involved with our heroine, without reveling in the horrors of the abuse.
May 24, 2022
Alex Heeney
Seventh Row…
Plot
Seventeen-year-old Lea’s summer is interrupted by a chance encounter with an older man named Tom, who promises an alternative to her unsatisfying adolescent life, but as things progress between them, red flags about Tom’s life begin to surface, and Lea finds herself in a situation she never could have imagined in Palm Trees and Power Lines.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels does not have any goofs listed for the film “Palm Trees and Power Lines.”
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