On this page: JESUS REVOLUTION | LAKELANDS | REALITY

< < I N D I E S > >

At the centre, Courtney has a spark of charm that works best in the film's looser, more comical moments. His scenes with the likeable Barlow are a bit underpowered, but have some chemistry. Roumie is fascinating as the most complicated person on-screen, a guy who looks like Jesus and seems to have a Messiah complex, plus something darker underneath. And Grammer nicely underplays his role, gently speaking the truth to those who push back against him. He plays Chuck as a friendly man who practices what he preaches.

Because of its strongly Christian perspective, the film hedges around some of its bigger issues, showing some drug-related scenes while dodging trickier things completely, including Frisbee's homosexuality. Taking on textures like this are beyond the scope of a film that so desperately wants to put a positive spin on everything. But it nicely makes the point that faith and truth are stronger than religion, and that only hope can conquer fear.

themes, violence, drugs

15.May.23

Performances are so naturalistic that nobody seems to be acting at all, even when the situations begin to turn rather melodramatic as Cian's state of mind deteriorates. Hardwicke has a terrific presence as Cian, a sharp young guy who seems unable to pause long enough to see that he's on a self-destructive path even without the brain injury. But he's so likeable that we can't help but care what happens to him. Galligan develops a riveting chemistry with him in a complex subplot that manages to avoid expectations.

Because everything is so grounded, Higgins and McGiveney are able to tap into several bigger themes without ever preaching a message. Although this means that, despite the beefy undercurrents, there never seems to be very much to the film. The hushed approach often feels almost subliminal. And because many scenes simply capture everyday situations and interactions, seemingly without a point, the viewer's full attention is likely to waver from time to time. That said, the characters have a compelling resonance that continually pulls us back in.

themes, language, violence

5.May.23

Even when Reality admits to leaking the document, her motivations are pure, an attempt to clarify rumours that were blindly swirling in the media. As the real Winner later noted, "I pledged service to the American people." Sweeney has a riveting presence as a young woman whose vulnerability makes her irresistibly sympathetic. Her face registers honesty and defiance mingled with genuine fear. Hamilton and Davis are also excellent as agents trying to keep things casual, even as they have a harsh job to do.

While the story unfolds without editorialising, sticking precisely to the recording, it's also clear where Satter's sensibilities lie, mainly in the way the final act is edited. This is a powerful exploration of a government that is determined to prevent people from knowing the truth, even when it affects them directly. So it's especially chilling to remember how the media diverted attention from the real story to Winner's whistleblowing. And because this happens almost every day, it's important to be reminded that we need to find the truth beneath the distractions.

themes, language

30.Mar.23