On this page: CHRISSY JUDY | GOD'S CREATURES | PINBALL: THE MAN WHO SAVED THE GAME

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Most dialog sounds improvised, crackling with delicately lacerating wit. Flaherty and Fenner have terrific chemistry, revealing the beautiful bond between these men, and it's impressive that the actors also convey the issues that have kept them from falling for each other. The people who circle around them are equally well-formed, played with authentic snap to offer pointed commentary when needed. Each is so specific that they become memorable characters who keep Judy's journey from ever being predictable.

This is a rare film that explores how relationships shift over time, and that we sometimes grow away from our closest friends. Refreshingly, Flaherty never tries to push this into a romcom formula, allowing the story to develop in an organic way that will resonate with audiences. His use of the drag world is also unusual, avoiding the high-camp side of things for a more glamorous stage presence that centres on music and comedy skills. This also helps ground the film as a reminder of how important it is to find both your place in life and your tribe.

themes, language, sexuality

20.Mar.23 flare

As Aileen, Watson delivers another storming dramatic performance as a woman grappling with conflicting emotions. Aileen's camaraderie with Brian is so warm and witty that it's impossible to imagine anything pulling them apart. So when shadows creep in, it's painful to watch. Opposite her, Mescal once again finds complexity and depth in a rather bleak, understated role. Brian is happy and proactive, and yet there are things about him that seem slightly off balance. Meanwhile, Franciosi shines as Sarah, even if the character is underwritten.

Because everything takes place alongside or on a churning ocean, accompanied by a moaning string-based score, the film rumbles with underlying layers of meaning. So while it touches on the idea of a male-dominated society that protects its own, it is also an engaging and often wrenching tale about the point when a mother's unconditional love for her son meets a potentially grim reality. The filmmakers kind of hedge their bets by switching the point-of-view for an awkward but positive final shot. But it's what we've seen beforehand that will haunt us.

themes, language, violence

9.Feb.23

With his riotously bushy moustache, Faist has an engaging presence. Roger is scrawny and a bit goofy, and his charm grows as he musters confidence both in his personal and professional life. His chemistry with Reed's Ellen is refreshingly offhanded, and expands to the superb Convery's turn as Seth. There's also colourful interaction at the magazine (most notably with Batt's colourful art director), in the pinball industry and as he takes on city hall.

It's difficult to get terribly interested as the film so deeply delves into how pinball was developed, banned and re-introduced in New York. The personal journey taken by Roger, Ellen and Seth is much more compelling. And even Roger's personal tenacity is far more interesting than the rather too-specific history of the game. So while there's plenty of interesting material in here, and while the Braggs do a great job livening things up with period details and quirky characters, the film only occasionally comes to meaningful life.

themes, language

14.Mar.23