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acceberniah
Reviews
Baby Done (2020)
Gentle comedy
When I watched this at first I think I was doing so in the wrong way. I took the female lead's experiences literally and so it just seemed that she was going through a terrible episode of psychological distress/dissociation, risking her life and the baby's while nobody thought to support her. However, reflecting on it, it probably was intended to be a slightly over-the-top comedic metaphor for the genuine fears and angst about the changes happening in your life when you have a child. Despite taking it a bit too seriously, I could relate to a lot of those fears, had a couple of laugh out loud moments and overall found it very sweet!
Nerve (2016)
So close, yet so far
This film had an interesting concept but every time it felt like it was coming towards a thrilling plot-point, it just flew past it and missed the mark by an absolute mile. That said, it's clearly for a teenage audience so it does make for a palatable version of this concept for them. Charlie Brooker would have done an excellent job at a darker and more adult version.
The Queen's Gambit (2020)
Gorgeous
This series has really stunning filming and colour palettes, great acting and a few really great one-liners. I took away a star as it was a tiny bit too 'Hollywood' at times and I would have like a little more grit, but that was rare and I really enjoyed it overall. The show somehow makes a chess match into edge-of-your-seat stuff even if you know nothing about it!
Tully (2018)
Missing something
I enjoyed the film overall- the portrayal of Marlo's experience of an isolated and lonely motherhood was desperately sad and (although I'm not a parent!) I imagine it's very relatable. It unflinchingly showed the gritty side of being a mother that is rarely seen in cinema which I found refreshing and Charlize's performance feels so raw and real.
The only thing that let this film down for me was the ending. I enjoyed the twist and was impressed to see postpartum psychosis shown on screen. But ultimately I feel like they could have made more of it, it almost felt as though this serious diagnosis was breezed over and in the end she was shown living relative normality with not even a suggestion that she would have been in therapy or on medication. Having not shied away from the harsh reality of parenthood it felt as though the film was let down by glossing over a poignant plot twist.
The Riot Club (2014)
Surprisingly enjoyed it
I didn't expect to like this as much as I did!
Overall I thought it was gripping, pretty well acted and was disturbing enough to leave me feeling uncomfortable even the following day, which I always appreciate in a film.
Many reviews have said that it felt 'irrelevant' which I think is odd- whilst it's obviously taken to an extreme in this film, I thought they portrayed very real issues of class and entitlement. Even more importantly, people with opinions and behaviours like this really do exist; this is loosely based on real actions of a very real Oxford 'elite' club which several people in UK government today were once a part of. I would argue it's absolutely relevant.
However, in fairness the film is blunt and obvious in the way it delivers. I feel it's meant to be a gripping and horrifying watch rather than a sophisticated social commentary, but I think it still has a good point to prove and I was absolutely hooked!
The Handmaid's Tale (2017)
Too slow even for me
I love a bit of slow-building tension and atmosphere, and throughout series one I found it very effective. The acting was brilliant, the dystopian world was both fascinating and deeply unsettling, and I enjoyed the slow unfolding of the characters. The creative idea behind the book/show is unquestionably excellent.
However towards the end of the first series and throughout the second, I have to say: I just became bored. I started anticipate the slow pan into Offred's face and the sudden glance to the camera- a scene that Elisabeth Moss is superb at delivering, but is totally overused throughout and really loses its effect once it becomes painfully predictable and as a result oddly irritating.
I began to feel that there was a lot of 'waiting around' for something to actually happen, and sadly by the end I just wanted it to finish. Honestly, I think I would have loved it if it if the same plot had happened in half the number of episodes.
Killing Eve (2018)
Loved it
A simmering tv show with just the right amount of tension. A brilliant female-led thriller with amazing acting all around. Can't wait for the next series.
The Favourite (2018)
A remarkable movie
It's very unlikely that I will ever again watch a film set in the 1700s, with a 21st centuary dialogue, primarily following a love triangle involving 3 women, one of whom is the queen of England. It's completely ludicrous, clever and very amusing- but definitely don't go into it expecting a historically accurate period drama. Approach it in the same way as you would a Wes Anderson film and you won't be disappointed. Loved it!!