The Doctor Is In (Too Deep)
Lynch is known for pulling back the curtain on human nature, but what if the real performance is happening offstage? The Elephant Man plays like one of his most conventional films—until you start questioning who’s really in control. Sure, John Merrick (John Hurt, in a role that turns his name into cruel irony) is the spectacle, but isn’t Dr. Treves (a young, eerily restrained Anthony Hopkins) just another ringmaster? He rescues Merrick from the…
No Safe Word
A stage is just a battleground in disguise, and in Ato Noturno, that battle is as much about power as it is about desire. Two actors push their rivalry past the breaking point—one exits in blood, the other steps deeper into a game where sex and politics intertwine. Matias, an actor aspiring for his claim to fame, finds himself locked in an escalating affair with a mayoral candidate, Rafael, whose taste for control doesn’t stop at the bedroom…
Beauty Meets Bland
There’s a lot to admire about The Room Next Door: stunning locations, a thoughtful story about the right to choose one’s farewell, and strong performances from Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore.
But then there’s Almodóvar—who seems to have perfected the art of cinematic crooning, only as he can. The dialogue feels drained to the bone, drying into lifeless stretches that rob the film of its emotional weight. What starts with beauty and promise slowly sinks into uninspired…
Swinging Through Stardom: Better Man Delivers Highs and Lows
Better Man, the 2024 biopic about Robbie Williams, is an engaging spectacle that blends heartfelt storytelling with showbiz pizzazz. The film cleverly weaves Williams’ music into the narrative, transforming key moments into almost-musical sequences that pulse with energy. These upbeat, choreographed scenes capture the essence of Williams’ charisma and his standing among showbiz legends like Sinatra. However, the sentimental overtone sometimes overshadows the storytelling, making it a tad too syrupy for…
