I particularly enjoyed the last 3 minutes of the movie. The cinematography was great, Fitzgerald's acting was great, and it was a very beautiful end to the movie that was appropriate to the rest of it.
Imo, this is a stellar job of discussing a thoughtful film without giving away anything. I also was blown away by the intensity and range of Fitzgerald. So nice to discover new talent!
Your review of this movie was excellent. Without being preachy or pretentious, you cut to the heart of it. I loved this movie. It was a perfect movie. The final scene in the car. Wow. Without giving away spoilers, her performance was brilliant. The lady in the car (who we know nothing about) made the split second decision the trained cops didn't make, and our protagonist couldn't believe it. I've never seen a death scene portrayed so well. She deserves accolades for her performance.
It's one of the worst movies i've seen, it's not disturbing, scary, interesting, thought provoking, it's just boring. The dialogue is shallow, the characters have no depth. Is there another movie with the same name because i'm honestly confused. People are talking about the movie that has the girl with the red hair right? You think that was better than The Substance?
We rarely sync up in our opinions, Lens, but I'm glad we both love this one. The absolute confidence of this film reminded me so much of Tarantino - that beautifully simple touch of rolling the chapter numbers back and forth is one of many examples of Mollner's sure hand.
I really liked this movie, and at same time recognize it's really hard to review without spoiling. Yes, go in blind for sure. It's a movie that plays on your expectations with a sort of poetic intention that's layers deep in ways I can't articulate very well without spoiling. That mixed time was very effective in telling the story the way it needed to be told.
I drove out of town and saw a Sesame Street-themed planetarium show at a museum and Strange Darling at the theater all in the same day-the best combination ever.
THANK YOU for your thoughts on that movie. You are the first to mention this to be a love movie AND mentioning the nod to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (as seen in the scrolling and narrated introduction). Yes, Strange Darling is gimmicky in using Chapters and presenting us these out of order. It wouldn't have worked any other way. Mollner seemed to be very aware of that. Even with starting the film telling the audience it was shot on 35mm. "How audacious to mention this!" I thought to myself. From that second on I was hooked. When the narrated intro went by I knew I was into a wild ride. Mollner wants to play with us and he did. Even the ending scene subverted everything a seasoned movie lover would expect to happen and I applaud the film and director for it.
Nice to finally watch something this year that lived up to its hype. Intense, and surprising even when what you expect to happen does (the bear spray, etc.) Been a fan of Ribisi (the actor) for quite some time; cool to see him involved in something like this, an actual thriller w/ solid twists. Somehow manages to capture the spirit of Mamet’s Oleanna and integrate it into a serial killer story.
I’m looking forward to rewatching this. I tend to find movies that use nonlinear storytelling to obscure PLOT to drop pretty significantly on rewatch. Hopefully this one holds up. But yeah, super exhilarating. So well acted and has a great variety of set pieces and points of view. I do find something lacking at its core tho. You mentioned how empty you found DONT BLINK to be. I found that movie to be pretty substantial in its clear eyed rage and depictions while I found STRANGE DARLING to be (at least somewhat) obvious about its dog whistling about “you can’t believe ALL women.” As a genre exercise it’s wonderful. But by reaching past the “love story” to be a story about this woman felt a bit off for me. Loved the final shot. But this should have ended being a story about 2 ppl, not one person who has been routinely underestimated. We’ll see when I finally see it again. I had issues, but even still, it’s a great ride. EDIT: and you mentioned NOLAN with regards to time and nonlinear structure. I disagree with your take there. Nolan uses it to put on the level with the ppl and thematics he’s exploring. This movie uses it to trick us into believing one thing until it ends up being another. Which is far more empty in the long term IMO.
This movie did not have a twist, not for me anyway. It was obvious from the beginning that Mae Ella Ewell was what she was. It was clear who the serial killer was at the very beginning. Miss Ann is who she is, regardless of hair color. In fact, I am sure to some she looked most vulnerable with blonde hair. But to me, she looked most evil when she’s looking more innocent because that’s when she can perpetuate innocence the most. The amount of times that I thought about the Amy Cooper, Scottsboro boys, Emmitt Till etc. Regardless of who her victim is, she is a classic and common American monster. She isn’t strange at all.
Saw 2 minutes of your review and checked out the movie and thank you so much I know I can always trust you because i also LOVE this movie Also agreed with the love story part it reminded me of my favourite love movie ever (Le banc de la désolation) with the unsaid parts I didn't even have to think about it just felt it in my soul The actress gave my favourite performance I have seen in a long time Loved her I think this is a type of movie that both normal and seasoned audiences can enjoy (though some people might not love the ending) It deserves to be a hit!
Going tonight at the one showing nearby. I stupidly watched a couple reviews, as I hadn't heard of the movie and didn't plan on going, but it still should be a great ride.
I enjoyed this review a lot. I crave movies about people, individuals that are messy and interesting just like real life, even if it’s heightened in movies. Once you have that you can suggest a lot between the lines. Gotta be my fav watch in a long time.
I work with Jt at his haunts in Las Vegas as his Director of Operations (Freakling Brother's Horror Shows) and I just saw this today. I'm still a bit in shock 8 hours later. SO GOOD. The car conversation was so real, the fears and desires, along with the negotiating and rules...
I loved this movie too! Thank you for your articulate thoughts, you described it well. I give it 5, but I saw a BUNCH of 1/2 star reviews calling it misogynist on LB and i thought i was going crazy!
I took a chance and saw this movie the day it came out while knowing nothing about it. And I’m so glad I did. I loved everything about it so much that I went to see it again a few days later. I feel like this movie was directed to be a likeness of both a Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan style. And I was also glad that there weren’t any big name movie stars playing the lead roles. In a movie like this, it can be too distracting. Willa Fitzgerald played her character perfectly. I felt every single emotion while watching her performance. She should definitely win some awards. Thank you for reviewing and happy you liked it too.
It's a like a Tarantino movie if you just copied the formula without including anything that actually made those movies good. This movie was terrible, I can't even say that it's just not my kind of movie. I feel like it was objectively terrible. I don't know if people just have a crush on one of the characters or something, it's really bizarre to me that anyone could call this movie good.
@@Pax_Mayn3People like what they like. Now, if you didn’t enjoy it that’s fine but don’t knock anyone for liking something you didn’t like because it’s films out there that are terrible and I wouldn’t put this in that bracket personally
OK so I've been repeating the same comment again and again from the last year. Please watch and review Ship of Theseus. It is a very philosophical, subtle and thought provoking movie about the meaning of life. It is available free on RUclips with subtitles.
I'll still be upset with the Indian jury for not submitting this film as the official entry to the Academy Awards. They gave it the National Film Award (the highest honor in India), but didn't send it to the Oscars. Or perhaps the 50% non-English rule was a factor-I’m not sure. Maggie didn’t watch much Indian content, but believe me, we have some of the finest cinema.
I appreciate a female’s genuine analysis and perspective because I read one popular review site by a female that hated it on mainly ideological grounds. Ai Yi Yi. Lol. Some bias and ideology can’t be helped but the exclusion of everything else gets off putting.
Totally agree with you that it’s very Tarantino-esque. Best twists and turns in a film I’ve seen this year and very good use of Chekov’s guns. And I loved how once the mid movie reveal happens, it completely changed how I viewed and felt about the movie up till that point (in the best way). The choice to tell the story’s chapters out of sequence was such a good one.
When Maggie said "[he] uses those elements almost like it's a gateway drug and that is going to open up into this whole area that maybe we're not used to exploring on the surface." That is when I suspected that Maggie liked this film. A few seconds later she says "I loved this movie"
Excellent my favorite movie of the summer and it’s not even close . I knew very little about this movie hadn’t even seen a trailer , I just saw a snippet on IMDb which was basically the opening scene , saw that it had excellent critical notices and I was all in , beautifully shot and impeccably acted , intense from start to finish morally ambiguous especially towards the end great stuff ,can’t recommend it enough
Absolutely loved this movie. Been a long time since ive rated something 10/10. The way the story was told was mind blowing, going in blind had me so tense the whole movie. Soundtrack was great and loved the lynch vibes throughout!
Really strong movie. It's got a great feel to it. It has a Me Myself and Irene quality in those Hotel bedroom scenes. And for my taste, one the best movie endings of all time. This woman's performance is a revelation. I agree.
Yeah so much is implied and unexplained about the motivations of these characters yet their actions all seem truthful. This film is a true masterpiece where the whole is far more than the sum of it's parts.
Sounds interesting enough to seek out when available to me. I see Giovanni Ribisi handled the cinematography; always liked him, he was excellent in Tykwer’s “Heaven” for example.
i'm not completely sold on the plot, but i loved the lurid look of this movie. there were some incredible setpieces in it. and willa fitzgerald's performance was astounding.
Ahhh! Excited to see this on Saturday. Willa Fitzgerald is absolutely one to watch. She was terrific on the not-very-good Scream MTV series, and even better in the very good Fall of the House of Usher series. (Also, I just love Kyle Gallner in anything...)
Mommy has been in the psychiatric hospital since March 6, 2003, and there she will remain, until the end of time, with a piece of my soul. After watching your videos I have decided to give the rest of my soul to you. I’m proud to call you my new mommy ;)
Went and saw it this morning. I loved it! I felt like I was watching a lost film from the 90’s. I suggest to everyone who is interested in it go in as blind as possible.
Very nice review! I consider myself a sensitive viewer so I’m extremely hesitant of watching “Strange Darling”. However, I strangely LOVE films like “Hereditary” or “Only God Forgives” that admittedly have loads of disturbing images but somehow resonated with me artistically. And I find a lot beauty in their symbolisms. (“Only God Forgives” came to mind when you said how the characters are more like metaphors). Do you think “Strange Darling” will appeal to me in that sense? It’s a huge risk! Everyone else who sees this is free to answer (would be much appreciated). ❤
I personally felt like this film was a lot less subversive and interesting than was first led on by the interesting structure and shifting perspectives. I was expecting the plot and perspective to continually shift throughout, instead I was pretty accurately able to predict what was about to unfold from about the first 10 minutes or so (typically I'm not trying to guess where a film is going, but this one kind of invites that sort of speculation early on). It ultimately felt like a slight feminist spin on a Tarantino style grindhouse thriller, that failed to engage me in any significant way emotionally which meant the violence and chaos was lacking stakes and I really didn't have any particular investment in where the story was going. Seems I'm the odd one out on this one but it very much left me cold and even a little indifferent, despite admiring the admittedly great performances and the well calculated presentation/style.
This, it was really bad. Is that what's going on here? It's some kind of feminist thing so people are pretending it's good? I'm am really baffled that people are saying it's good. Nothing about it was good. It was well made, but the problem is that what they made is really boring and predictable. I don't get it. The Substance, now that was a wild ride.
@Pax_Mayn3 I highly doubt you could predict the plot twist earlu enough to ruin the film. I also don't understand how you could view this as a feminist film when the Substance has a much clearer message about how women are treated and viewed for their looks
@@nolanlehman6392 I'm shocked you DIDN'T predict it. First off, every movie made post 2015 that scores highly with critics, has about a 90% chance of having a feminist/female empowerment angle; so a highly critic rated movie about a female just being a helpless VICTIM of a male serial killer seemed pretty fucking unlikely lol. Then, with the way it was structured with the girl running away in then intro, then shortly after asking "are you a serial killer" within the first 15 mins, I was basically certain at that point that SHE was going to be the killer. That twist in itself wasn't the issue, it's just that I was waiting for the NEXT subversion of my expectations that never really came, it was a bit of a 1 trick pony that I was able to guess almost immediately and that definitely took away from some of the impact (it didn't "ruin" the film necessarily, as despite the harsh criticisms I had I still think it's really well made). Also, I just fundamentally don't find that gender role reversal and power dynamic shift the film pulls to be all that subversive or interesting, like so many other critics did. Like I said, it's been done to DEATH in recent years in independent & international cinema, and even mainstream stuff (with a lot less subtlety) to the point where it's an expectation. My other issue with the film was that it was so emotionally cold and distant that I never got particularly attached or cared about the fate of either of the main characters, which made the resulting carnage kind of meaningless for me; in fact this is the far bigger issue, I would have probably not cared at all that I "predicted" it's twist if I was heavily emotionally affected by how it all played out. The film just felt a little gimmicky to me and the gimmick and structure fall apart fast if you catch on to it too early.
@@b1thearchitect401 I admit it would be less liked if someone were to predict its twists very early. Though I feel that's true for a fair amount of films with big twists. I found the acting of the 2 leads good enough to keep me engaged in their fates even with minimal character development. They used a less is more approach and doled out info with very minimal exposition. There's never that scene in sk many movies with a killer where they go into bug detail on the backstory or motives. And I liked that. Certainly don't think it's flawless but overall I found it to be quite good
I agree. This movie was great. I saw the Q&A and Giovanni Robisi was the DP. Which was another element to the atorytelling. The male lead was supposed to be in my film. Nice guy. Very quiet in real life
I think it's speaking about the evolving modern male-female relationship power dynamic. If I may, the presentation of consent was a red herring for maybe a more common and honest representation of interactions of men and women today. Without the violence lol. I went in cold, and loved it, I couldn't wait for the next scene. Film of year for me.
The performances, the score, the irony and humor...this is thus far the best film of 2024. I dont know why it reminded me of Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer, one of my favorite films.
Good movie. Not great. It pulled punches a bit. For the topic and events : kinda sterile. In 1997 it would have had some nudity and grit. I felt modern sensibilities were on display. People are over praising it a bit because it's type is a rarity these days. Still enjoyable and original.
Just watched it tonight - and it's a instant cult classic. Absolutely delicious. Warning - spoilers could be inferred from what I've written next (so if you've not seen the film yet - STOP HERE!): But regarding your observations about the film - this is no love story - not by any stretch of the imagination. It bears more similarity with John McNaughton's Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer than any other film. There's nothing here to romanticise anything. It's a very cunning exploration of how gender roles can be used to subvert our expectations in a thriller. The dom sub subtext is there to play with the idea of hunter and hunted. And as the film points out quite brilliantly, there is a relationship between dominance and a lack of empathy or emotion - and what is fascinating in this context is that; if you crave to be submissive in order to feel attraction or arousal - then be very careful what you wish for, because often when our fantasies become real they can often turn out to be the opposite of what we really wanted! This film overlays meaning in such a skilful intelligent way that it lives on in the mind long after the credits have rolled. I wish Willa Fitzgerald could be nominated for her performance as it's the best thing I've seen on film this year by a huge margin. Absolutely captivating and electrifying!
SPOILERS AHEAD: This movie explores the dangers of dating for women and turns this notion on its head. I also don't normally enjoy non-linear narratives, but the fact the chapters are out of order makes the plot twist that more satisfying. Like other films about female serial killers, such as Titane and Pearl, I found The Lady's character complex but not likable (although I will admit Pearl was very charismatic). By the end, I wanted the Lady to get her comeuppance and for the Demon to get a better ending.
Hi there @deepfocuslens I watched your review for the movie first one minute in the morning and then immediately purchased a ticket for the movie and watched it 3 hours ago , it was one of the best movie of the year for me , great acting , great cinematography, great directing… Thank you for your review, if I did not watch your review i would not go this movie …
The “subverted expectations” this film uses just felt empty and transparently gimmicky. ultimately felt pretty trashy and nihilistic. Lots of flair, no substance. I’m surprised so many thought it was mind blowing or something
Enjoyed this film, but it felt a lot more like a well-executed directing exercise than a fully fledged film (story was only in the set-up, and not developed further in the action.) Stylewise, not quite grindhouse, not quite arthouse, but a precarious balance - it definitely felt like the director was full in control. Would love to see the director do a real script - think Mollner would have a made much, much better Longlegs.
![ARGENTINA vs. PERÚ [1-0] | RESUMEN | ELIMINATORIAS SUDAMERICANAS | FECHA 12](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/xtI25ENDDSY/mqdefault.jpg)
I particularly enjoyed the last 3 minutes of the movie. The cinematography was great, Fitzgerald's acting was great, and it was a very beautiful end to the movie that was appropriate to the rest of it.
She BETTER get award nominations. She was so good.
The fact Giovanni Ribisi did the cinematography in this is nuts lmao
C'mon, the film was a one-trick-pony. Once it reached the plot twist, it struggled to fill the remaining running time.
Demi Moore and WIlla Fitzgerald need to get nominated for Best Actress, but they won't because they will nominate the boring safe ones.
Didn't released in theatre, just watched it now and I love this move. Thank You Maggie.
WTF? I just spent 32 bucks on a Scott Baio jigsaw puzzle on EBay!
I got mine for free :o
the director took a big swing with the subject matter in this movie. this is extremely brave filmmaking.
Imo, this is a stellar job of discussing a thoughtful film without giving away anything. I also was blown away by the intensity and range of Fitzgerald. So nice to discover new talent!
Loved it, my S.O who doesn't like graphic stuff even liked it. It grabs you and doesn't let go
Your review of this movie was excellent. Without being preachy or pretentious, you cut to the heart of it. I loved this movie. It was a perfect movie. The final scene in the car. Wow. Without giving away spoilers, her performance was brilliant. The lady in the car (who we know nothing about) made the split second decision the trained cops didn't make, and our protagonist couldn't believe it. I've never seen a death scene portrayed so well. She deserves accolades for her performance.
Great film. Was totally blown away. The music and score were also important elements. I don’t think the movie would’ve been as effective without them.
True! I really liked the music choices as well. Good point! Love hurts will also be stuck in my head in a while.
best movie of the year for me
I agree. Best movie of the year so far.
Bad year for movies.
It's one of the worst movies i've seen, it's not disturbing, scary, interesting, thought provoking, it's just boring. The dialogue is shallow, the characters have no depth. Is there another movie with the same name because i'm honestly confused. People are talking about the movie that has the girl with the red hair right? You think that was better than The Substance?
@Pax_Mayn3 yes I did. I loved Substance but it was quite repetitive
Amazing review. Agree saw it yesterday and was blown away great acting and intense throughout. Loved it! Again love your reviews.
Agree wholeheartedly! My 2 favorite filmgoing experiences this year so far are Strange Darling and Furiosa. So enjoyed your breakdown and perspective!
We rarely sync up in our opinions, Lens, but I'm glad we both love this one. The absolute confidence of this film reminded me so much of Tarantino - that beautifully simple touch of rolling the chapter numbers back and forth is one of many examples of Mollner's sure hand.
I really liked this movie, and at same time recognize it's really hard to review without spoiling. Yes, go in blind for sure. It's a movie that plays on your expectations with a sort of poetic intention that's layers deep in ways I can't articulate very well without spoiling. That mixed time was very effective in telling the story the way it needed to be told.
Watched it on your recommendation, and I’m glad I did. It was great
Red Letter Media got me into Kyle Gallner flicks so I’m stoked to see this
It's always gratifying when someone whom I hold in high esteem shares my opinion about a film!
I'll definitely check it out! Its always good to see you enjoy a film! Stay badass, much love! 😊❤
just saw this, absolutely blown away by it. Willa Fitzgerald was so good in this.
Im so happy you liked it - I also adored it. Can we talk about Willa Fitzgerald's perfromance?????? 😵
I drove out of town and saw a Sesame Street-themed planetarium show at a museum and Strange Darling at the theater all in the same day-the best combination ever.
This is such an unbelievably thoughtful review; it helped me understand exactly why I enjoyed the movie so much so thank you
I will see this. Going cold. I will be back.
THANK YOU for your thoughts on that movie. You are the first to mention this to be a love movie AND mentioning the nod to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (as seen in the scrolling and narrated introduction). Yes, Strange Darling is gimmicky in using Chapters and presenting us these out of order. It wouldn't have worked any other way. Mollner seemed to be very aware of that. Even with starting the film telling the audience it was shot on 35mm. "How audacious to mention this!" I thought to myself. From that second on I was hooked. When the narrated intro went by I knew I was into a wild ride. Mollner wants to play with us and he did. Even the ending scene subverted everything a seasoned movie lover would expect to happen and I applaud the film and director for it.
Nice to finally watch something this year that lived up to its hype. Intense, and surprising even when what you expect to happen does (the bear spray, etc.)
Been a fan of Ribisi (the actor) for quite some time; cool to see him involved in something like this, an actual thriller w/ solid twists. Somehow manages to capture the spirit of Mamet’s Oleanna and integrate it into a serial killer story.
I’m looking forward to rewatching this. I tend to find movies that use nonlinear storytelling to obscure PLOT to drop pretty significantly on rewatch.
Hopefully this one holds up. But yeah, super exhilarating. So well acted and has a great variety of set pieces and points of view.
I do find something lacking at its core tho. You mentioned how empty you found DONT BLINK to be.
I found that movie to be pretty substantial in its clear eyed rage and depictions while I found STRANGE DARLING to be (at least somewhat) obvious about its dog whistling about “you can’t believe ALL women.”
As a genre exercise it’s wonderful. But by reaching past the “love story” to be a story about this woman felt a bit off for me.
Loved the final shot. But this should have ended being a story about 2 ppl, not one person who has been routinely underestimated.
We’ll see when I finally see it again. I had issues, but even still, it’s a great ride.
EDIT: and you mentioned NOLAN with regards to time and nonlinear structure. I disagree with your take there.
Nolan uses it to put on the level with the ppl and thematics he’s exploring. This movie uses it to trick us into believing one thing until it ends up being another.
Which is far more empty in the long term IMO.
This movie did not have a twist, not for me anyway.
It was obvious from the beginning that Mae Ella Ewell was what she was. It was clear who the serial killer was at the very beginning.
Miss Ann is who she is, regardless of hair color. In fact, I am sure to some she looked most vulnerable with blonde hair.
But to me, she looked most evil when she’s looking more innocent because that’s when she can perpetuate innocence the most.
The amount of times that I thought about the Amy Cooper, Scottsboro boys, Emmitt Till etc.
Regardless of who her victim is, she is a classic and common American monster.
She isn’t strange at all.
I saw an early screening. I absolutely loved it! In my top three of the year so far!
Saw 2 minutes of your review and checked out the movie and thank you so much I know I can always trust you because i also LOVE this movie
Also agreed with the love story part it reminded me of my favourite love movie ever (Le banc de la désolation) with the unsaid parts I didn't even have to think about it just felt it in my soul The actress gave my favourite performance I have seen in a long time Loved her
I think this is a type of movie that both normal and seasoned audiences can enjoy (though some people might not love the ending) It deserves to be a hit!
The absolute best review of this DIAMOND of a movie on the internet. Yes, better than RedletterMedia’s. And Chris Stuckmann sucks.
Going tonight at the one showing nearby. I stupidly watched a couple reviews, as I hadn't heard of the movie and didn't plan on going, but it still should be a great ride.
This...is..the...one!!!! Willa for an OSCAR!!!
No chance she'd be nominated in a film like this way to edgy, she's well deserving though, insanely good
I saw it yesterday evening. Ngl, was waiting to hear what you thought about it. 😅
I enjoyed this review a lot. I crave movies about people, individuals that are messy and interesting just like real life, even if it’s heightened in movies. Once you have that you can suggest a lot between the lines. Gotta be my fav watch in a long time.
I work with Jt at his haunts in Las Vegas as his Director of Operations (Freakling Brother's Horror Shows) and I just saw this today. I'm still a bit in shock 8 hours later. SO GOOD. The car conversation was so real, the fears and desires, along with the negotiating and rules...
im a vegas local too and we all know those haunted houses. This guy is a true fan and talented. He has a future in film making
I rarely seen you this excited over a movie, now I got to check this one out 👍🏿
I was waiting for this review because I knew you would love this film. It was incredible.
Need to check this one out! RLM also gave it a good review
I loved this movie too! Thank you for your articulate thoughts, you described it well. I give it 5, but I saw a BUNCH of 1/2 star reviews calling it misogynist on LB and i thought i was going crazy!
I took a chance and saw this movie the day it came out while knowing nothing about it. And I’m so glad I did. I loved everything about it so much that I went to see it again a few days later. I feel like this movie was directed to be a likeness of both a Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan style. And I was also glad that there weren’t any big name movie stars playing the lead roles. In a movie like this, it can be too distracting. Willa Fitzgerald played her character perfectly. I felt every single emotion while watching her performance. She should definitely win some awards. Thank you for reviewing and happy you liked it too.
It's a like a Tarantino movie if you just copied the formula without including anything that actually made those movies good. This movie was terrible, I can't even say that it's just not my kind of movie. I feel like it was objectively terrible. I don't know if people just have a crush on one of the characters or something, it's really bizarre to me that anyone could call this movie good.
@@Pax_Mayn3People like what they like. Now, if you didn’t enjoy it that’s fine but don’t knock anyone for liking something you didn’t like because it’s films out there that are terrible and I wouldn’t put this in that bracket personally
OK so I've been repeating the same comment again and again from the last year.
Please watch and review Ship of Theseus. It is a very philosophical, subtle and thought provoking movie about the meaning of life. It is available free on RUclips with subtitles.
I'll still be upset with the Indian jury for not submitting this film as the official entry to the Academy Awards. They gave it the National Film Award (the highest honor in India), but didn't send it to the Oscars. Or perhaps the 50% non-English rule was a factor-I’m not sure.
Maggie didn’t watch much Indian content, but believe me, we have some of the finest cinema.
I appreciate a female’s genuine analysis and perspective because I read one popular review site by a female that hated it on mainly ideological grounds. Ai Yi Yi. Lol. Some bias and ideology can’t be helped but the exclusion of everything else gets off putting.
Such a relief when you said you loved this movie. Hehe. It is a perfect movie. A rare gem.
Oh man for a split second I thought Maggie was reviewing the underrated masterpiece STRANGE DAYS from Katherine Bigelow
Totally agree with you that it’s very Tarantino-esque. Best twists and turns in a film I’ve seen this year and very good use of Chekov’s guns. And I loved how once the mid movie reveal happens, it completely changed how I viewed and felt about the movie up till that point (in the best way). The choice to tell the story’s chapters out of sequence was such a good one.
This one shot straight into my top 5 of the year. Really stoked to see how i react to it after a second view
When Maggie said "[he] uses those elements almost like it's a gateway drug and that is going to open up into this whole area that maybe we're not used to exploring on the surface." That is when I suspected that Maggie liked this film. A few seconds later she says "I loved this movie"
Excellent my favorite movie of the summer and it’s not even close . I knew very little about this movie hadn’t even seen a trailer , I just saw a snippet on IMDb which was basically the opening scene , saw that it had excellent critical notices and I was all in , beautifully shot and impeccably acted , intense from start to finish morally ambiguous especially towards the end great stuff ,can’t recommend it enough
Only 10pm showing at my theatre. Definitely going this weekend
I didn't think anything was gonna top Zone of Interest for my #1 but here we are, this movie was FANTASTIC & my new #1 of 2024
One of the best film I have seen in the longest of times. What many will call an absolute masterpiece!
I absolutely loved this movie. I’m so glad you reviewed this.
Absolutely loved this movie. Been a long time since ive rated something 10/10. The way the story was told was mind blowing, going in blind had me so tense the whole movie. Soundtrack was great and loved the lynch vibes throughout!
Really strong movie. It's got a great feel to it. It has a Me Myself and Irene quality in those Hotel bedroom scenes. And for my taste, one the best movie endings of all time. This woman's performance is a revelation. I agree.
Yeah so much is implied and unexplained about the motivations of these characters yet their actions all seem truthful. This film is a true masterpiece where the whole is far more than the sum of it's parts.
Sounds interesting enough to seek out when available to me. I see Giovanni Ribisi handled the cinematography; always liked him, he was excellent in Tykwer’s “Heaven” for example.
Great review and I could not agree more. Already saw it twice and will be seeing it again. As you said it’s a movie.
I loved the movie but very happy to see DFL liked it so much as well. Willa was absolutely phenomenal.
i'm not completely sold on the plot, but i loved the lurid look of this movie. there were some incredible setpieces in it. and willa fitzgerald's performance was astounding.
Ahhh! Excited to see this on Saturday. Willa Fitzgerald is absolutely one to watch. She was terrific on the not-very-good Scream MTV series, and even better in the very good Fall of the House of Usher series. (Also, I just love Kyle Gallner in anything...)
Mommy has been in the psychiatric hospital since March 6, 2003, and there she will remain, until the end of time, with a piece of my soul. After watching your videos I have decided to give the rest of my soul to you. I’m proud to call you my new mommy ;)
Went and saw it this morning. I loved it! I felt like I was watching a lost film from the 90’s. I suggest to everyone who is interested in it go in as blind as possible.
nice and its on less than 2 hours! sounds like a winner.
Very nice review! I consider myself a sensitive viewer so I’m extremely hesitant of watching “Strange Darling”. However, I strangely LOVE films like “Hereditary” or “Only God Forgives” that admittedly have loads of disturbing images but somehow resonated with me artistically. And I find a lot beauty in their symbolisms. (“Only God Forgives” came to mind when you said how the characters are more like metaphors). Do you think “Strange Darling” will appeal to me in that sense? It’s a huge risk! Everyone else who sees this is free to answer (would be much appreciated). ❤
I personally felt like this film was a lot less subversive and interesting than was first led on by the interesting structure and shifting perspectives. I was expecting the plot and perspective to continually shift throughout, instead I was pretty accurately able to predict what was about to unfold from about the first 10 minutes or so (typically I'm not trying to guess where a film is going, but this one kind of invites that sort of speculation early on). It ultimately felt like a slight feminist spin on a Tarantino style grindhouse thriller, that failed to engage me in any significant way emotionally which meant the violence and chaos was lacking stakes and I really didn't have any particular investment in where the story was going. Seems I'm the odd one out on this one but it very much left me cold and even a little indifferent, despite admiring the admittedly great performances and the well calculated presentation/style.
This, it was really bad. Is that what's going on here? It's some kind of feminist thing so people are pretending it's good? I'm am really baffled that people are saying it's good. Nothing about it was good. It was well made, but the problem is that what they made is really boring and predictable. I don't get it. The Substance, now that was a wild ride.
@@Pax_Mayn3 I agree, The Substance was far more engaging and unpredictable.
@Pax_Mayn3 I highly doubt you could predict the plot twist earlu enough to ruin the film. I also don't understand how you could view this as a feminist film when the Substance has a much clearer message about how women are treated and viewed for their looks
@@nolanlehman6392 I'm shocked you DIDN'T predict it. First off, every movie made post 2015 that scores highly with critics, has about a 90% chance of having a feminist/female empowerment angle; so a highly critic rated movie about a female just being a helpless VICTIM of a male serial killer seemed pretty fucking unlikely lol. Then, with the way it was structured with the girl running away in then intro, then shortly after asking "are you a serial killer" within the first 15 mins, I was basically certain at that point that SHE was going to be the killer. That twist in itself wasn't the issue, it's just that I was waiting for the NEXT subversion of my expectations that never really came, it was a bit of a 1 trick pony that I was able to guess almost immediately and that definitely took away from some of the impact (it didn't "ruin" the film necessarily, as despite the harsh criticisms I had I still think it's really well made). Also, I just fundamentally don't find that gender role reversal and power dynamic shift the film pulls to be all that subversive or interesting, like so many other critics did. Like I said, it's been done to DEATH in recent years in independent & international cinema, and even mainstream stuff (with a lot less subtlety) to the point where it's an expectation. My other issue with the film was that it was so emotionally cold and distant that I never got particularly attached or cared about the fate of either of the main characters, which made the resulting carnage kind of meaningless for me; in fact this is the far bigger issue, I would have probably not cared at all that I "predicted" it's twist if I was heavily emotionally affected by how it all played out. The film just felt a little gimmicky to me and the gimmick and structure fall apart fast if you catch on to it too early.
@@b1thearchitect401 I admit it would be less liked if someone were to predict its twists very early. Though I feel that's true for a fair amount of films with big twists. I found the acting of the 2 leads good enough to keep me engaged in their fates even with minimal character development. They used a less is more approach and doled out info with very minimal exposition. There's never that scene in sk many movies with a killer where they go into bug detail on the backstory or motives. And I liked that. Certainly don't think it's flawless but overall I found it to be quite good
I agree. This movie was great. I saw the Q&A and Giovanni Robisi was the DP. Which was another element to the atorytelling. The male lead was supposed to be in my film. Nice guy. Very quiet in real life
Giovanni Ribisi is a cinematographer as well? I never knew that.
@@mabusestestament It's his first feature.
@@FritzTheCat_1030
But apparently he’s also a cinematographer, at least for this movie, that’s pretty nice to hear🍻
I think it's speaking about the evolving modern male-female relationship power dynamic. If I may, the presentation of consent was a red herring for maybe a more common and honest representation of interactions of men and women today. Without the violence lol. I went in cold, and loved it, I couldn't wait for the next scene. Film of year for me.
One of my favourite films of the year so far, what a gem!
The performances, the score, the irony and humor...this is thus far the best film of 2024. I dont know why it reminded me of Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer, one of my favorite films.
Great review ❤
Loved this movie so much! It kind of reminded me of Memento if it was a Horror movie. Definitely best to go in blind!
I loved this film too and was fully immersed from start to finish.
Fantastic movie. Fantastic outfit there as well well ❤. I was blown away by this film. The Substance is next on my list.
excellent review, I couldn't agree more
i hated the non linear aspect of it but it’s just a pet peeve - it’s kind of necessary to avoid spoiling itself though
I loved this movie! When it ended I was just like, “yes!”
It’s one of my favorites of the last few years!
Good movie. Not great. It pulled punches a bit. For the topic and events : kinda sterile. In 1997 it would have had some nudity and grit. I felt modern sensibilities were on display.
People are over praising it a bit because it's type is a rarity these days.
Still enjoyable and original.
Movie is A MA ZING ! ! !
I've watched in 24h in theater The Substance, Speak No Evil and Strange Darling.
9 ouf o 10, 7 out of 10 and 12 out of 10.
I am extremely excited for this movie. Seen no trailers for it
Watched it last night, good movie with a crazy twist.
Its so Shakespeare esque the way the tables keep turning
Love the movie. Thanks! BTW what is your name? I have watched you for years and do not recall you telling us your name.
The Lady Reviewer
I can't not see Kyle Gallner as a dysfunctional, heart of gold, fantasy suburban rich kid chasing his dream of punk rock authenticity.
Pistachio - an artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period.
Stopped the video at 1:15. Will go watch the movie, then come back
yeah, me too 😅
Yes! That's exactly what I did when RLM put out their video on this movie the other day.
Well worth it.
If anyone is interested in watching the movie, I would suggest going in as blind as possible. Then come back of course :)
Maggie did you see Sanctuary or Crum Catcher? Both could be part of a boxed set with this film.
Just watched it tonight - and it's a instant cult classic. Absolutely delicious.
Warning - spoilers could be inferred from what I've written next (so if you've not seen the film yet - STOP HERE!):
But regarding your observations about the film - this is no love story - not by any stretch of the imagination. It bears more similarity with John McNaughton's Henry Portrait of a Serial Killer than any other film. There's nothing here to romanticise anything. It's a very cunning exploration of how gender roles can be used to subvert our expectations in a thriller. The dom sub subtext is there to play with the idea of hunter and hunted. And as the film points out quite brilliantly, there is a relationship between dominance and a lack of empathy or emotion - and what is fascinating in this context is that; if you crave to be submissive in order to feel attraction or arousal - then be very careful what you wish for, because often when our fantasies become real they can often turn out to be the opposite of what we really wanted! This film overlays meaning in such a skilful intelligent way that it lives on in the mind long after the credits have rolled. I wish Willa Fitzgerald could be nominated for her performance as it's the best thing I've seen on film this year by a huge margin. Absolutely captivating and electrifying!
SPOILERS AHEAD: This movie explores the dangers of dating for women and turns this notion on its head. I also don't normally enjoy non-linear narratives, but the fact the chapters are out of order makes the plot twist that more satisfying. Like other films about female serial killers, such as Titane and Pearl, I found The Lady's character complex but not likable (although I will admit Pearl was very charismatic). By the end, I wanted the Lady to get her comeuppance and for the Demon to get a better ending.
I kind of felt the same, but on a second watch I actually had much more empathy for her.
This movie is great! I totally agree
We've had this, Trap and Longlegs when it comes to serial killer characters 😍🔪
Hi there @deepfocuslens I watched your review for the movie first one minute in the morning and then immediately purchased a ticket for the movie and watched it 3 hours ago , it was one of the best movie of the year for me , great acting , great cinematography, great directing… Thank you for your review, if I did not watch your review i would not go this movie …
It will be released on 6th September in India; I will watch it for sure.
Not Released in my state. Movie distribution is annoying in India.
Agreed. Phenomenal performance. Like... what.
This film is incredible.
The “subverted expectations” this film uses just felt empty and transparently gimmicky. ultimately felt pretty trashy and nihilistic. Lots of flair, no substance. I’m surprised so many thought it was mind blowing or something
Enjoyed this film, but it felt a lot more like a well-executed directing exercise than a fully fledged film (story was only in the set-up, and not developed further in the action.) Stylewise, not quite grindhouse, not quite arthouse, but a precarious balance - it definitely felt like the director was full in control. Would love to see the director do a real script - think Mollner would have a made much, much better Longlegs.
The movie was A+ really enjoyed it
This movie is the anti-"Blink Twice," and that's a compliment