I don't get the point of this movie and I don't get why folks love Sean Baker and his poverty porn. Ani is so one-dimensional that I have encountered NPC shopkeepers in videogames with a stronger character arc. Possibly one of the least sympathetic protagonists I have seen in a film ever.
Inconsistent acting. Inconsistent directing. Terrible camerawork. The film uses chromatic abberation for zero reason. Felt like someone used Imovie to edit their film for the first time.
Cinematic excrement.
One of the most poorly written thrillers I have seen in a long time. The premise is interesting but the writer's lack of coherence and inability to keep track of moving pieces will infuriate you. This is more schlock than shock. Better than Alvarez's Evil Dead, but just like that film I found myself unable to empathize with anyone in the cast.
I always enjoy a well crafted Steven Spielberg movie. The cgi is impressive and the directing is spot on, unfortunately it can't carry the entire weight of a rather thin children's book. The film falls apart in the 3rd act but its charm will likely win you over regardless.
