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Ludig and Marsais play these chuckleheads with a remarkable quantity of hapless charm. Dupieux is skilled at grounding a ridiculous story in characters who feel unnervingly real. Even Exarchopoulos' brain-injured screamer feels earthed in something genuine. And because it's mainly a puppet, the fly has its own vivid physical presence within each scene. The way it bonds with Manu and Jean-Gab is witty and surreal, especially as it sparks adventures and even some affection between them. And the movie's loose, laid-back vibe is infectious, leading to a hilarious punchline.

themes, language, violence

30.Dec.21

Along the way, the filmmakers quietly note how the church blatantly obstructed justice in each case, knowingly putting even more children at risk by simply transferring abusive priests to new churches. And while it may be overlong, the film viscerally captures the profound pain these men still experience, as well as their anger that the church is able to hide behind the statute of limitations. Some of them have been working on their cases for 30 years, with no response from the church. What's remarkable about this film is how this process helps them confront their abuse for the first time as an adult. This is an original, powerful approach to an enormous issue, and it's full of hope.

themes, language

21.Jan.22

The film is gorgeously shot, with remarkable underwater camerawork that follows the divers closely as they undertake a seemingly impossible mission, narrated with punchy interview clips from a wide range of people involved in the operation. The divers also speak of the strange joy of swimming into these tight, dark spaces, controlling their fear for hours, sustained by artificial light, air and heat, like being in outer space. And they're aware that this is many people's worst nightmare. The film's final half hour chronicles the astonishing rescue itself, which is often overpoweringly suspenseful, even if we know the outcome.

themes, language

22.Jan.22

Mikkleson is at his gruff best as the burly, matter-of-fact Markus, who struggles to connect with his emotionally devastated daughter. And he has just as much trouble communicating with these three hilariously obsessive nerds, whom he tries to whip into an assault team who can take on the brutal bad guys. There isn't a single sequence in this film that plays out as expected, as Jensen continually undermines the genre with witty touches that knowingly break through the surface. And where the story goes adds a remarkable context to over-the-top movie violence while also deploying it rather exuberantly.

themes, language, violence

31.Dec.21

Early on, the blossoming romance between Evan and Renesha is hugely endearing, superbly played by Brill and Hall to bring out underlying layers of intimacy and warmth. So it's awful to see them so strained as they navigate this situation, facing heartless obstacles as series of hospitals are unable to administer a rape kit, make them wait, then present a bill even if nothing is done. Evan is determined to get help and justice, while Renesha is understandably embarrassed by the fuss. Avoiding the usual unnerving shocks for something much more intensely moving, the film is sharply written, directed and performed to bring its important themes to light in subtle, honest ways.

themes, language, violence

27.Jan.22