On this page: RADICAL | SISI & I | SLEEP

< < F O R E I G N > >

Performances have an earthy authenticity, anchored by the always charming Derbez in role that skilfully mixes light and dark shadings. His growing friendship with Haddad's Chucho is charming, but it's the way Sergio connects with his students that allows the film to grab hold so tightly. And these child actors are unusually natural on-screen, with notable turns from Trejo, Guardiola and Solis in roles that have far more nuance than expected.

Sergio's main approach is to allow the students to discover the joy of learning, which makes dull subjects practical and exciting. This is a powerful reminder that intelligence and ability have nothing to do with the economics or social status that limit a child's opportunities. There are some intensely bleak angles to this story, especially in the perhaps overlong final act. But this is a thoroughly involving film that has something urgently important to say about education systems across the world.

themes, language, violence

5.Aug.24

Huller is wonderful as the awkward Irma, who is repelled by Sisi's unapologetic irreverence but adapts and blossoms into it. She has terrific chemistry with Wolff's sparky Sisi as their connection grows, most notably in a giggling fit followed by philosophical musings after nibbling on hashish in North Africa. "You're totally nuts," Irma sighs after another antic. But Irma develops a fierce loyalty to Sisi, as do several colourful side characters who are sharply well played by the supporting cast.

While the film generously stirs fiction into a historical narrative, it bracingly brings out the underlying themes about women who bristled against the constraints of their time, either proactively like Sisi or reluctantly like Irma. Franz Joseph's selfish concern is that the world is laughing at him due to his overly independent wife, violently asserting his power over her. So after enjoying her freedom, watching her options close in around her is chilling. And like 2022's Corsage, the film gives Sisi a new conclusion.

themes, language, violence

9.Jul.24

The actors are so natural that they feel like real people. Even their more extreme reactions are easy to identify with, which adds to the suspense. Jung and Lee are also thoroughly likeable, so we root for both of them to overcome this together, as a sign on their wall encourages them to do. But it also becomes clear that the danger isn't only coming from the spirit realm. Meanwhile, each of the supporting roles feels bracingly realistic, including the psychic who arrives to give them a reading.

Where this story goes is genuinely harrowing, especially as the escalating levels of violence carry proper shock value. This is largely because this is such a nice young couple, and the peril arrives in such an insidiously believable way. There is also some strong subtext in the story, as well as a lovely portrayal of a couple determined to work together to get through an unthinkably nasty situation.

themes, violence, violence

9.Jul.24