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Reviews
The Berlin Bride (2019)
Austere and sublime
Awesome!
Surreal and bizarre in the best way possible. With a nods to both The Hands of Orlac and The Brothers Quay, this film combines uncanny vignettes with unnerving sound design and music. The film combines supernatural and dream-like elements resulting in a fascinating, austere, and sublime cinema experience. It is rare to find indie gems like The Berlin Bride. It's an incredible, original, and captivating work of cinema. Alongside the human actors, the Siamese cat also a turns in a stellar performance. The cinematography style perfectly captures a 1980s cult aesthetic. Do seek this out.
Move Me No Mountain (2023)
Desolation in Las Vegas
Heartfelt and stylish exploration of a guilt-stricken mother, Jenna. The film's juxtaposition of her prior posh realtor existence and her current state of homelessness, is quite powerful. The desolate outskirts of Las Vegas is the perfect setting for conveying our protagonist's emotional landscape.
Nice, and unconventional framing of the city make for a unique story. Effective editing and music choices further enhance the film's impact. The second act has a few slow, awkward moments, but overall the viewing experience is compelling. There is also a great exchange between Jenna and some of her former real estate clients. Recommended!
The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater (2020)
Atonement in Chicago
Here's a fun tale of redemption. Two souls Ava Moriarty and Father Radovan are trying to atone for their past. We learn Ava's career as an art scholar was derailed by a tragic event many years prior. To pay down a related mafia obligation, she reluctantly takes on fetish work. She's a dominatrix with a high IQ and low body count; the perfect combination to charm and uncover priest Radovan's dark secrets.
Overall this indie romantic comedy works well, despite pacing issues. Some scenes could have been edited for greater efficiently. Nonetheless, it's fun watching Ava and Radovan break down each other's emotional walls and fall in love.