Have to disagree with this one. The movie worked best when Hugh was at full intellectual throttle but you still weren't quite sure were he was going with it. The idea of ridiculing his take-down of religion wouldn't have worked at all (though there was a missed opportunity in the script to make clear that The Landlord's Game was in fact conceived as a learning tool about economic exploitation before it became Monopoly). He actually had the best arguments and his character, and the film as a whole, was at its most engaging when concentrating on that side of his personality. A shame they didn't quite stick the landing. Great performance from Hugh, though, and I thought the better parts of film made this worth watching.
I disagree with your take as I was waiting for a debate…once the girls decided to challenge him I was excited to hear some great writing from both sides of the religion debate that could have taken place but I was let down by the route they went with it. However, i did enjoy the movie as a whole I only wished there was more of a back and forth as he did have holes in his rhetoric.
I think Paddington 2 did wonders for Hugh Grant’s career. That’s where the resurgence happened and then he landed some good and memorable roles in The Gentleman, Wonka and Dungeons and Dragons where he seems to be really enjoying himself. We love a good comeback story.
I just wanted to comment that I discovered your page about a month and a half ago and its been such a blast digging through your back catalogue. I'm now a regular viewer and you're now in my top 3 favorite movie reviewers to watch on RUclips. I appreciate your perspective and articulation when it comes to reviewing movies. You're simply great!
@@michaeltylerable I just watched Dan Murrel’s review of this film and he doesn’t have quite the sophistication and articulation of DeepFocusLens. I wasn’t impressed.
I loved the movie, the female characters were very interesting to me, especially Sister Paxton, her compassion and her intelligence that she underrates.
Yeah, this movie had so much gong for it (premise, aesthetics, atmosphere, sound design, excellent performances across the board) and could have been, should have been SO much better than it was. Ultimately, it comes down to poor plotting and writing. The characterizations were great up front, but at the halfway point Sister Paxton basically became an entirely different character (a character showing growth and having a satisfying arc are one thing, but the leap she took was just jarring and unrealistic), and the revelation of the method (such as it is) behind Mr. Reed's madness was soooo disappointing that it sort of drained all the goodness from the promise with which the story started. Having said all that, I'd give the film a solid 8.5 out of 10, and will definitely be giving the film a rewatch at some point, now free from the lofty expectations which that fantastic teaser trailer set me up with going in(!)
Oh thank you. I kept feeling there was a point beyond 'oh he's a creep, just a creep with an over-inflated sense of his own intellect' and there wasn't. He's charming, manipulative, sure, but after all there's nothing more. And when the (surviving, intentionally less interesting up to this point) Mormon girl suddenly sees the light, it felt hollow. It felt like a cheap leap to justify a lot of misogynistic nonsense. I agree that there is a better vehicle waiting for Hugh Grant, and more likely since this pretty average film seems to have made a bunch of money for the studio. I got swept up in the art direction and the sound work to the point where I almost believed there was dramatic tension, but felt kind of sick when I reflected back afterwards. If you enjoy watching charming British actors playing creepy/nasty I recommend Patrick Stewart in Green Room as a masterclass in subversion. That one lost money but is so much more intriguing.
Please, please review A Different Man 😩 We MUST know your thoughts on it! It recognize its brilliance while also finding it very frustrating. I would love to know what you think.
You are dead on with every point. I was waiting for a moment to transcend and it never happened. Their films seem so keen on tweaks of narrative convention with similar concepts, but they spell it out so quickly. There’s no nuance or resonant quality that makes it memorable or proper visual storytelling to aide the screenplay. It’s fairly black and white, it’s such a basic level for theology and leaves much to be desired.
@@sandorx4 not unknown, just not well known, I feel. When I went to the 35mm screening, and the person presenting the film asked how many people have not seen this film, pretty much the entire auditorium raised their hand. And this is a theater filled with cinephiles, mind you. Are you British? I’m sure it’s a lot more popular there
The premise was great. Unfortunately, the movie just didn't deliver. I was thinking of walking out, but I needed to see the ending, which wasted more of my time.
Hitchcock was the master of that technique insofar as presenting characters who are not what they appear to be on the surface. Evil is internalized rather than being overt.
@@iwuzabear8241 Just think that is because Hitchcock was a master of his craft. He understood the human psyche in terms of recognizing the potential evil that lurks within. He also knew how to manipulate the fears and emotions of the audience. He did this through building up suspense in a story via plot development and through technical effects such as varying camera angles, closeups and wide shots. The original 'Psycho' is a masterclass in using those techniques.
Well, I thought the movie was brilliant. Genius! My favorite of the year, so far! Very interesting opening with Sister Barnes & Paxton. Most Mormon girls are sheltered, but it seemed like Sister Paxton has bit of a secret side haha! She had plenty funny genuine moments🌟🤗😂
So glad someone out there is on the same page as me. A lot of my friends RAVE about this movie and as a mid-to-late-30 year old, this fell apart so fast. Loved the setup, loved the cast, the mood, the tension, but as soon as the politeness started to get strained, it began to unravel quickly for me. I don’t regret watching it, but I’m not thrilled that I watched it, either. 2.5/5
All of the A24 is shallow like this. Cool trailers, nicely shot aesthetics and good actors. Like McDonald's you eat it and hours later you're hungry again.
I LOVE YOUR TAKE. You had the same experience I did!!! I still liked it though, quite a lot because it confronted me on my own beliefs despite how elementary the themes were. It feels like one of those shot in the dark movies.
How is it we’re supposed to believe that in the time the girls were at the door while the guy comes looking for them that a woman was able to pop up thru a loud metal door in the ground that was covered by dirt and a table and they didn’t hear it??? as well as remove a body and sit down without being heard??? plus when she discovers the door the dirt was completely untouched. the series of other rooms Paxton passes thru as well were just for aesthetic??? the occult/satanic rooms before they get to the locked up missionaries. Aaaaaand the immediate switch in personality she goes thru once her friend dies was so quick and unbelievable. The dialogue got so cheesy from that part of the film to the end
I just watched it a few minutes ago and wondered some of the exact same things you asked. All of a sudden sister paxton brings up a Great Prayer Experiment and a defiant demeanor about her. Satanic hallways for nothing. Hugh grant bringing something up about a Simulation Realm coaxing her to end herself while wanting to show her that Control wass the true relgion later in the end?
Your review heartens me. Although creepy, good performances and fun to look at, the philosophical exploration is pretty ham fisted and obvious. Eventual went full Blum house It was about 75% less clever than it thought it was. That said it was enjoyable enough in its execution to overcome its problems in the actual story
Right there with you - There was stuff I liked but the thesis was so muddled and the reveal was just disappointing. I’m literally thinking “Why is he doing this?” I wanted more of the girls. I loved the peek we get before they get to his house.
About halfway through the movie I turned a switch in my brain and swapped the religion polemic to a polemic about government/political ideology as religion. I don't know of the writer intended there to be an undercurrent of modern politics, but the dogma runs deep in both...especially in the last decade. I think the movie works better looking at it through that lens.
I agree with your take about Hugh Grant's presence, I felt like other reviewers simplified him as "Toxic Masculinity" but I don't think it was necessarily about "Masculinity". Given Hugh Grant's softer persona; I could easily imagine a women executing his role. Maybe Judi Dench for example
Maggie, thanks another great review. After watching film content on sites like the Ringer, it's so refreshing to get the opinion of someone who not only loves film and film theory but handles it with intelligence and nuance. I recommend your channel to anyone I know who needs a trustworthy film critic.
Great review, totally agree. I was on board at the start with the two Mormon girls and this peculiar Hugh Grant but it soon descends into this screenwriting circle jerk where the filmmakers are trying to show everyone how clever they are on the most Wikipedia level possible There are several scenes when the movie goes full “ackshually” and explains away any potential plot holes for the nerds in the audience The ugly dark basement too. Light a candelabra or something jeez!
I'm intrigued by Heretic as it marks something of a departure for Hugh Grant, although I won't be rushing out to see it. I'll wait until it becomes available to stream.
Very good review of a good but not great film. I too am a fan of Hugh Grant but, as he ages, he needs to find a script that suits where he is now. I think the two young actresses acquitted themselves very well and have a bright future ahead of them.
I'm going to recommend to any. One curious enough an album by a band called Universe Zero and their album called Heretic. It is probably the most terrifying musical experience I've ever heard. Especially since it's entirely instrumental.
I understand your complaints with the movie. It’s imperfect for sure, but I think character study elements (about the two missionaries), the things that were unsaid but so defining and finally the shift of the main character left enough meat on the bone for me to enjoy. If it were the same film, without the A24 banner, I bet people would be talking about this movie as being a diamond in the rough. I think in the end, its downfalls are a result of too good of an elevator pitch and all that it promised.
I liked it, it was nuanced and honest: A discussion about what religion has been used for in the past and why its still prominent in modern day society. I thought all three characters did a great job although the film did seem a little rushed at the end. I think it would have been better if they had extended some parts a little longer.
If I was one of the characters in that movie, when Mr. Reed reveals that the world's religions are just iterations and they're actually used to control people, I would have said, "Dude, you went through all of this just to tell me that? Haven't you seen Zeitgeist, bro?"
Where I think this movie succeeds is the intellectual banter and dialogue, cerebral religious themes, and the performances. But as far as horror is concerned… at one point I thought to myself… are we just watching A24’s version of Barbarian and Martyrs?
I heard the movie described by one of the dudes from fishjelly film reviews here on youtube as “a family friendlier remake of martyrs directed by m night shyamalan” and weirdly i kind of see that lolll. *slight spoilers follow* But i think its safe to say any movie going forward with weirdness going on in a basement is doomed to barbarian comparisons.
Dear deepfocuslens, I wanted to suggest some ideas for movies for you to review: Police Story, Lonesome [Paul Fejos], Battleship Potemkin, Irma La Douce, Zagreb animations of the 1950s and '60s, Seven Samurai, Zazie Dans Le Metro, Citizen Kane, A New Leaf, Ishtar, Arsenic and Old Lace, It Happened One Night, The Thief and The Cobbler [Recobbled cut], The Roaring Twenties, High Sierra, Ilya Muromets, Sampo, The Tale of Tsar Sultan, Heroic Times [Deaf Crocodile], One, Two Three, Safety Last!, The Freshman, The Kid Brother, Seven Chances, Sherlock Jr., Jerry Lewis' The Nutty Professor, The Bellboy, Ocean's Eleven [Sinatra and Clooney versions], Tokyo Olypiad, The Philadelphia Story and High Society, Road To Moracco, Swing Time, Easter Parade, The Ten Commandments [1920s and '50s versions], The Last Laugh [or De Letze de Mann], Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans, On The Waterfront, A Face in The Crowd, the films of Charley Bowers, Beauty and the Beast ['40s and '90s versions] M, Z, Breathless, The Seventh Seal, Rashomon, Double Indemnity, The Thrill of It All! [Doris Day], Black Narcissus, Sullivan's Travels, The Lady Eve, Bringing Up Baby, Who Done It! [Abbott and Costello], Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, To Be or Not to Be, 12 Angry Men, The Bank Dick [which means detective], Playtime, Monsieur Hulot's Holiday and Abel Gance's Napoleon. Good luck.
Good review, the actors were all good but it does kinda fall a little short. It reminded me a bit of 10 Cloverfield Lane given the small cast, small location and the trapped tension but 10CL was a better movie.
I just watched a review of this by an ex mormom who really liked it. I think her review and why she liked it so much is why i want to watch this film. But, im also an atheist and already know most of these talking points, having also studied philosophy. Ill still see it. My boyfriend grew up in a religious cult, so id like to see what he thinks.
I just finished watching it and I must say that it's a pretty cool one, especially if we think about the oceans of crap that we get from cinema nowadays. Deconstruction of religion and religions, beliefs and disbeliefs, plagiarisms by comparison and enough tense environment to give you the chills here and there. Go watch it, it's very entertaining.
This is my favorite movie of the year. I appreciate the difference in opinion but I honestly thought it was frightening and not generic in any way. To each their own.
I only saw half of it as I was almost arrested after complaining about the guy next to me having his cell phone out throughout the entire film. AMC handled this very badly and all parties were escorted out. So I only saw up to them going into the basement
@@ownedbymykitty270 I asked nicely and then told them that I would get security. Which I did and the wife followed me to the lobby and started yelling at me. That’s when I started yelling
You’re not dumb. It was interesting. Though I can appreciate a different perspective I take issue with her calling it generic. There’s nothing generic about this film. It presents a compelling and thoughtful premise.
My favorite movie nerd :) thank you! I agree with you, as I watched this yesterday I kept saying "anyone with half a brain thought about these things once in his life" so the movie didn't feel fresh, it was just well made as expected from a studio like A24
Finally a realistic and smart review of this movie lol. I’m into theology and originally had no interest in seeing this movie, but after hearing the reviews and praise I went yesterday. Really felt letdown, no groundbreaking ideas or things that really made me think, all things I already knew. Lazy and weird ending that ruined what the first act or so did well. Yea 7.5/10 mid horror movie with decent acting
I came across your chanel fairly recenlty and I have to say that you've become my go to movie reviewer-critic! Thank you for your genuine and insighful take on cinema. Last but not least, the fact you're the very opposite of a pompous pseudointelectual is like a breath of fresh air into my lungs. Stay true to yourself and take care :)
I thought the film was great & thought provoking, the anxiety and suspense was uncomfortable and the futility and hopelessness of their situation the actors were all brilliant I thoroughly enjoyed it, I'm surprised at your review. It was a very good movie.
Thought that one actress looked familiar, she was in The Wolf of Snow Hollow. I liked this for awhile, before it descended into oddness. The reason behind all his interrogation was cornball, there was little need of a roomful of whatever those women were to exert control over, not when he had two frightened subjects in an inescapable situation of his own making. I was engaged, I even laughed at times, but too often I was easily predicting what would happen next, and even what they’d say. Worth seeing once possibly, but rewatching won’t add anything.
Her critique of this movie kinda sums up my entire problem with the whole "elevated" horror sub-genre. However "cerebral" or aesthetically attractive it might be, it's very rarely compelling or, more importantly, scary. Hereditary had a couple of shocking scenes. Other than that, it was a huge slog with a ridiculous "payoff." And yes, characters that just serve as mouthpieces for the screenwriters is another huge problem with this genre.
@@Charliehund100 I feel like the industry is trying to redefine a thriller. This movie is a thriller through and through. If you go into this expecting to be scared like a horror, you're going to absolutely hate it.
@@osaji922I haven’t seen this movie but just speaking generally, there’s a good deal of overlap between thrillers and horror. The two are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
Hearing Grant subtly diss Tarantino in an interview then see this movie lamely try and recreate a Tarantino-esque scene to music boiled my blood. Fortunately the movie got better after that.
I don't even care anymore. I was looking fw to thinking about this film. Oh, looks like deepfocuslens has a hot take that takes me aback! Okay, I'll scroll down through the comments while listening. "YOURE PRETTY" "YOU TALK TOO MUCH" FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK this world.
You say that Hugh grant is straightjacketed by his reluctance to shrink into the dark hinterland of his romantic persona. But you clearly have not seen the tv stuff from the UK of recent years that has brilliantly showcased a dark interior sensibility to his acting that you say he is incapable of tapping into. If you managed to check out said material I'm sure that you would be pleasantly surprised.
TLDR; not academically well rounded enough to implant interesting monologue in one’s mind, not within the Overton Window enough for everyone to easily grasp. Which is weird, I don’t know how you couldn’t find at last one audience to contend with. No sense of direction- 2/5 Hugh grant certainly sold to me he was embedded in what he was talking about, but they two girls were so weak they could not fill the role as a foil. Scenes dragged on for too long, the entire thing about condoms was completely irrelevant and obnoxious, the statue fake jump scare was cheap and I figured it out 30 seconds before you were meant to realise at the last moment, and for a two hour movie to tackle only two philosophical ‘rooms’ in what’s supposedly a labyrinth i was not impressed.
Confident my editor would have taken a hacksaw to this story. Movie was very slow. I wondered if they would ever leave the front room. Hugh Grant was great, actresses great. Story dull. 5/10 score maximum.
Hugh Grant is too charming for this role. I felt like I was being lectured by Christopher Hitchens the whole movie lol. Great actor but miscast imo. Not scary at all, but the first 30-45 minutes are very interesting. The rest blows.
I think most religious people are going to be put on the defensive when watching this and therefore, be more critical than the movie deserves, but similarly, most atheists will probably like this more than it deserves. And this is ironic because the movie does not favor religion or atheism, it presents the discussion and the questions, but does not try to give us the answers, which I thought was very well done. I also loved the performances by all 3 actors. While I mostly enjoyed the movie as a whole, I felt that the first half was flawless and mesmerizing, the dialogue was some of the best I've seen in any movie this year - SO well done. However, the second half seems to devolve into generic slasher-horror territory which was disappointing.
This film has nothing to do with religious beliefs or the denial of them. It’s a movie, a suspense-drama. A cat-mouse game that uses spoon-fed beliefs as a stick vs. the usual “innocent waif vs. weird psycho who torments for fun.” And in some ways it succeeded, but when it delved into phony supernatural phenomena to explain his control narrative, it lost the plot. And the Birdhead guy is no more loony than the Bible talking about unicorns, giants, dashing babies’ heads against rocks, etc. Her argument was facile.
@@GizmoBeach "This film has nothing to do with religious beliefs or the denial of them." That's a very interesting perception, but unfortunately, many viewers will likely disagree.
I’m not sure he’s that smart to be honest. He’s a man that confirmed himself in his isolation. There no real testing of his ideas which is why it’s so basic and surface. The twist is I think the film is saying he’s wrong but it requires a supernatural stuff.
I like the movie a little more than you, but you make solid points, especially about the scripting of those young women. They did come off like mouthpieces for the screenplay.
I must admit, I agree with you. After all the hype surrounding the movie, I found myself rather let down. Honestly, I was half-expecting Hugh Grant to either lead them into some bizarre new religion or completely drive them insane-either option would have made for a more intriguing watch
It didn’t help as far as believability that he’d somehow cornered two Mensa candidate missionaries who were able to not only recall all that they saw and heard w/ clarity, they had Sherlock Poirot-like abilities. Most teens today couldn’t solve their way out of an open paper sack.
Agree. Agree. Agree. Grant's performance was wooden. The script was filled with scary house tropes. I was disappointed. A much more original scary house film was Barbarian.
Can't agree more. The theological discussion has nothing to do with the rest of the movie. There's no connection between the dialogue and the horror. Cut and paste religious ideas and a failing horror ending. Disappointing.
Have to disagree with this one. The movie worked best when Hugh was at full intellectual throttle but you still weren't quite sure were he was going with it. The idea of ridiculing his take-down of religion wouldn't have worked at all (though there was a missed opportunity in the script to make clear that The Landlord's Game was in fact conceived as a learning tool about economic exploitation before it became Monopoly). He actually had the best arguments and his character, and the film as a whole, was at its most engaging when concentrating on that side of his personality. A shame they didn't quite stick the landing. Great performance from Hugh, though, and I thought the better parts of film made this worth watching.
I disagree with your take as I was waiting for a debate…once the girls decided to challenge him I was excited to hear some great writing from both sides of the religion debate that could have taken place but I was let down by the route they went with it. However, i did enjoy the movie as a whole I only wished there was more of a back and forth as he did have holes in his rhetoric.
I just watched it, I liked it a lot.
I think Paddington 2 did wonders for Hugh Grant’s career. That’s where the resurgence happened and then he landed some good and memorable roles in The Gentleman, Wonka and Dungeons and Dragons where he seems to be really enjoying himself. We love a good comeback story.
His cameo in Glass Onion was quite a fun suprise as well
@@LeiaGlaciai don't even remember him in that!
I also thought Cloud Atlas was a bit of a turning point for him when he generally played the antagonist[s] in that film.
@@imonymous He's Benoit Blanc's husband! You only see him when Janelle Monae knocks on their door in the flashback in the second half.
He is absolutely wonderful directed by Stephen Frears in A Very English Scandal.
I just wanted to comment that I discovered your page about a month and a half ago and its been such a blast digging through your back catalogue. I'm now a regular viewer and you're now in my top 3 favorite movie reviewers to watch on RUclips. I appreciate your perspective and articulation when it comes to reviewing movies. You're simply great!
Who is the other 2 if you don’t mind me asking?
Couldnt agree more
@@47arav Red Letter Media (Half in the Bag) and Dan Murrell
@47arav Jeremy Jahns and Dan Murrell (it used to be Chris Stuckman, but he doesn't do that many reviews anymore, only the movies he likes)
@@michaeltylerable I just watched Dan Murrel’s review of this film and he doesn’t have quite the sophistication and articulation of DeepFocusLens. I wasn’t impressed.
I loved the movie, the female characters were very interesting to me, especially Sister Paxton, her compassion and her intelligence that she underrates.
I like when the spelled out the Dantes Inferno metaphor literally with a diagram of it on the wall.
Once her hand got on her head it never left. Which is impressive with all the takes.
Yeah, this movie had so much gong for it (premise, aesthetics, atmosphere, sound design, excellent performances across the board) and could have been, should have been SO much better than it was. Ultimately, it comes down to poor plotting and writing. The characterizations were great up front, but at the halfway point Sister Paxton basically became an entirely different character (a character showing growth and having a satisfying arc are one thing, but the leap she took was just jarring and unrealistic), and the revelation of the method (such as it is) behind Mr. Reed's madness was soooo disappointing that it sort of drained all the goodness from the promise with which the story started.
Having said all that, I'd give the film a solid 8.5 out of 10, and will definitely be giving the film a rewatch at some point, now free from the lofty expectations which that fantastic teaser trailer set me up with going in(!)
Oh thank you. I kept feeling there was a point beyond 'oh he's a creep, just a creep with an over-inflated sense of his own intellect' and there wasn't. He's charming, manipulative, sure, but after all there's nothing more. And when the (surviving, intentionally less interesting up to this point) Mormon girl suddenly sees the light, it felt hollow. It felt like a cheap leap to justify a lot of misogynistic nonsense. I agree that there is a better vehicle waiting for Hugh Grant, and more likely since this pretty average film seems to have made a bunch of money for the studio. I got swept up in the art direction and the sound work to the point where I almost believed there was dramatic tension, but felt kind of sick when I reflected back afterwards. If you enjoy watching charming British actors playing creepy/nasty I recommend Patrick Stewart in Green Room as a masterclass in subversion. That one lost money but is so much more intriguing.
If you grew up in a cult, you’d probably have appreciated the movie more.
Brilliant review as usual. Watched this movie a few days back and could never articulate it the way you did.
Please, please review A Different Man 😩
We MUST know your thoughts on it! It recognize its brilliance while also finding it very frustrating. I would love to know what you think.
I enjoy this channel. Alls you need is a Movie style set... DVDs, VHS tapes, posters.
You know. A little screening room.
I had similar thoughts. Great video. *I'm learning that I have to figure out a way to make my reviews more cohesive like this lol
You are dead on with every point. I was waiting for a moment to transcend and it never happened. Their films seem so keen on tweaks of narrative convention with similar concepts, but they spell it out so quickly. There’s no nuance or resonant quality that makes it memorable or proper visual storytelling to aide the screenplay. It’s fairly black and white, it’s such a basic level for theology and leaves much to be desired.
I recently saw a 35mm print of The Lair of the White Worm with young Hugh Grant and recommend it highly. Very much a hidden gem
It's Ken Russell. Quite well-known.
@@sandorx4 ehh not really
@@jonathannoble9465 It's an unknown Ken Russell film? 😁
@@sandorx4 not unknown, just not well known, I feel. When I went to the 35mm screening, and the person presenting the film asked how many people have not seen this film, pretty much the entire auditorium raised their hand. And this is a theater filled with cinephiles, mind you. Are you British? I’m sure it’s a lot more popular there
It's not well known outside of the UK. Ken Russell is no where near as popular as Ridley Scott, or Christopher Nolan.
The premise was great. Unfortunately, the movie just didn't deliver. I was thinking of walking out, but I needed to see the ending, which wasted more of my time.
How come you feel that way?
Sounds like Martyrs light
Are you religious?
Hitchcock was the master of that technique insofar as presenting characters who are not what they appear to be on the surface. Evil is internalized rather than being overt.
I would love to pick your brain more on this. Why do you think Hitchcock made that work where it doesn’t work at all in this movie?
@@iwuzabear8241 Just think that is because Hitchcock was a master of his craft. He understood the human psyche in terms of recognizing the potential evil that lurks within. He also knew how to manipulate the fears and emotions of the audience. He did this through building up suspense in a story via plot development and through technical effects such as varying camera angles, closeups and wide shots. The original 'Psycho' is a masterclass in using those techniques.
Well, I thought the movie was brilliant. Genius! My favorite of the year, so far! Very interesting opening with Sister Barnes & Paxton. Most Mormon girls are sheltered, but it seemed like Sister Paxton has bit of a secret side haha! She had plenty funny genuine moments🌟🤗😂
I loved the first half. Then it fell apart. Great bob dylan cover by sophie thatcher at the end!
So glad someone out there is on the same page as me. A lot of my friends RAVE about this movie and as a mid-to-late-30 year old, this fell apart so fast. Loved the setup, loved the cast, the mood, the tension, but as soon as the politeness started to get strained, it began to unravel quickly for me. I don’t regret watching it, but I’m not thrilled that I watched it, either. 2.5/5
All of the A24 is shallow like this. Cool trailers, nicely shot aesthetics and good actors. Like McDonald's you eat it and hours later you're hungry again.
I LOVE YOUR TAKE. You had the same experience I did!!! I still liked it though, quite a lot because it confronted me on my own beliefs despite how elementary the themes were. It feels like one of those shot in the dark movies.
Paid $5.00 last night, and thought it was worth it. Grant and his costars were fantastic, even if the storyline didn't completely work.
How is it we’re supposed to believe that in the time the girls were at the door while the guy comes looking for them that a woman was able to pop up thru a loud metal door in the ground that was covered by dirt and a table and they didn’t hear it??? as well as remove a body and sit down without being heard??? plus when she discovers the door the dirt was completely untouched. the series of other rooms Paxton passes thru as well were just for aesthetic??? the occult/satanic rooms before they get to the locked up missionaries. Aaaaaand the immediate switch in personality she goes thru once her friend dies was so quick and unbelievable. The dialogue got so cheesy from that part of the film to the end
I just watched it a few minutes ago and wondered some of the exact same things you asked. All of a sudden sister paxton brings up a Great Prayer Experiment and a defiant demeanor about her. Satanic hallways for nothing. Hugh grant bringing something up about a Simulation Realm coaxing her to end herself while wanting to show her that Control wass the true relgion later in the end?
Your review heartens me. Although creepy, good performances and fun to look at, the philosophical exploration is pretty ham fisted and obvious. Eventual went full Blum house It was about 75% less clever than it thought it was. That said it was enjoyable enough in its execution to overcome its problems in the actual story
Right there with you - There was stuff I liked but the thesis was so muddled and the reveal was just disappointing. I’m literally thinking “Why is he doing this?” I wanted more of the girls. I loved the peek we get before they get to his house.
This film worked much better for me than you. Felt like a film adaptation of a really good stage play.
About halfway through the movie I turned a switch in my brain and swapped the religion polemic to a polemic about government/political ideology as religion. I don't know of the writer intended there to be an undercurrent of modern politics, but the dogma runs deep in both...especially in the last decade. I think the movie works better looking at it through that lens.
So true
I agree with your take about Hugh Grant's presence, I felt like other reviewers simplified him as "Toxic Masculinity" but I don't think it was necessarily about "Masculinity". Given Hugh Grant's softer persona; I could easily imagine a women executing his role. Maybe Judi Dench for example
I was hoping the big reveal the ultimate truth was gonna be "patriarchy is the one true religion bitches" just so I could have laughed even harder.
This was one of those movies where the evil villain actually has a good point.
Maggie, thanks another great review. After watching film content on sites like the Ringer, it's so refreshing to get the opinion of someone who not only loves film and film theory but handles it with intelligence and nuance. I recommend your channel to anyone I know who needs a trustworthy film critic.
The Ringer is so full of themselves. They could only wish they could review as well as Maggie.
Great review, totally agree. I was on board at the start with the two Mormon girls and this peculiar Hugh Grant but it soon descends into this screenwriting circle jerk where the filmmakers are trying to show everyone how clever they are on the most Wikipedia level possible
There are several scenes when the movie goes full “ackshually” and explains away any potential plot holes for the nerds in the audience
The ugly dark basement too. Light a candelabra or something jeez!
Hope you review Red Rooms one day, love to know your thoughts
I'm intrigued by Heretic as it marks something of a departure for Hugh Grant, although I won't be rushing out to see it. I'll wait until it becomes available to stream.
Thank you for this review DeepFocusLens, now it is time for a Saint Maud review. ;)
I never liked Grant in his younger days, I think he's grew into himself since the 90s
Very good review of a good but not great film. I too am a fan of Hugh Grant but, as he ages, he needs to find a script that suits where he is now. I think the two young actresses acquitted themselves very well and have a bright future ahead of them.
Any movie that has Hugh Grant playing against type....im sold. I love his acting
Thanks for the review Maggie. Please review "Hundreds of Beavers". Believe me, it is very good. :)
I doubt it's her kind of movie.
Interesting how people can see the same movie but have two completely different view/opinions.. Goes without saying Film/Acting is Subjective.
I'm going to recommend to any. One curious enough an album by a band called Universe Zero and their album called Heretic. It is probably the most terrifying musical experience I've ever heard. Especially since it's entirely instrumental.
Univers Zero - Heresie ... amazing album. definitely an influence on Godspeed You! Black Emperor.
I understand your complaints with the movie. It’s imperfect for sure, but I think character study elements (about the two missionaries), the things that were unsaid but so defining and finally the shift of the main character left enough meat on the bone for me to enjoy.
If it were the same film, without the A24 banner, I bet people would be talking about this movie as being a diamond in the rough.
I think in the end, its downfalls are a result of too good of an elevator pitch and all that it promised.
I liked it, it was nuanced and honest: A discussion about what religion has been used for in the past and why its still prominent in modern day society.
I thought all three characters did a great job although the film did seem a little rushed at the end. I think it would have been better if they had extended some parts a little longer.
You are hands down one of my favorite reviewers on You Tube!
Keep your hands where we can see them Kim. What are you doing down there?
If I was one of the characters in that movie, when Mr. Reed reveals that the world's religions are just iterations and they're actually used to control people, I would have said, "Dude, you went through all of this just to tell me that? Haven't you seen Zeitgeist, bro?"
Where I think this movie succeeds is the intellectual banter and dialogue, cerebral religious themes, and the performances. But as far as horror is concerned… at one point I thought to myself… are we just watching A24’s version of Barbarian and Martyrs?
I heard the movie described by one of the dudes from fishjelly film reviews here on youtube as “a family friendlier remake of martyrs directed by m night shyamalan” and weirdly i kind of see that lolll.
*slight spoilers follow*
But i think its safe to say any movie going forward with weirdness going on in a basement is doomed to barbarian comparisons.
Hugh Grant was carrying this whole movie in his back
Dear deepfocuslens, I wanted to suggest some ideas for movies for you to review:
Police Story,
Lonesome [Paul Fejos],
Battleship Potemkin,
Irma La Douce,
Zagreb animations of the 1950s and '60s,
Seven Samurai,
Zazie Dans Le Metro,
Citizen Kane,
A New Leaf,
Ishtar,
Arsenic and Old Lace,
It Happened One Night,
The Thief and The Cobbler [Recobbled cut],
The Roaring Twenties,
High Sierra,
Ilya Muromets,
Sampo,
The Tale of Tsar Sultan,
Heroic Times [Deaf Crocodile],
One, Two Three,
Safety Last!,
The Freshman,
The Kid Brother,
Seven Chances,
Sherlock Jr.,
Jerry Lewis' The Nutty Professor,
The Bellboy,
Ocean's Eleven [Sinatra and Clooney versions],
Tokyo Olypiad,
The Philadelphia Story and High Society,
Road To Moracco,
Swing Time,
Easter Parade,
The Ten Commandments [1920s and '50s versions],
The Last Laugh [or De Letze de Mann],
Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans,
On The Waterfront,
A Face in The Crowd,
the films of Charley Bowers,
Beauty and the Beast ['40s and '90s versions]
M,
Z,
Breathless,
The Seventh Seal,
Rashomon,
Double Indemnity,
The Thrill of It All! [Doris Day],
Black Narcissus,
Sullivan's Travels,
The Lady Eve,
Bringing Up Baby,
Who Done It! [Abbott and Costello],
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein,
To Be or Not to Be,
12 Angry Men,
The Bank Dick [which means detective],
Playtime,
Monsieur Hulot's Holiday and
Abel Gance's Napoleon.
Good luck.
Good review, the actors were all good but it does kinda fall a little short. It reminded me a bit of 10 Cloverfield Lane given the small cast, small location and the trapped tension but 10CL was a better movie.
Grant seems to only choose roles in which he can have a lot of fun in.
I just watched a review of this by an ex mormom who really liked it. I think her review and why she liked it so much is why i want to watch this film. But, im also an atheist and already know most of these talking points, having also studied philosophy. Ill still see it. My boyfriend grew up in a religious cult, so id like to see what he thinks.
Had a blast with this
I just finished watching it and I must say that it's a pretty cool one, especially if we think about the oceans of crap that we get from cinema nowadays. Deconstruction of religion and religions, beliefs and disbeliefs, plagiarisms by comparison and enough tense environment to give you the chills here and there. Go watch it, it's very entertaining.
This is my favorite movie of the year. I appreciate the difference in opinion but I honestly thought it was frightening and not generic in any way. To each their own.
I only saw half of it as I was almost arrested after complaining about the guy next to me having his cell phone out throughout the entire film. AMC handled this very badly and all parties were escorted out. So I only saw up to them going into the basement
Yeah, that’s kinda why movie theaters are on the decline…
Did you ask them nicely to put their phone away or did you start by yelling at them?
@@ownedbymykitty270 I asked nicely and then told them that I would get security. Which I did and the wife followed me to the lobby and started yelling at me. That’s when I started yelling
@@DestinyHorizons Omg! Where do you live?! Lol. Sorry that happened.
@ Atlanta
I guess i must be dumb because I found alot of the religion talk in this very interesting
You’re not dumb. It was interesting. Though I can appreciate a different perspective I take issue with her calling it generic. There’s nothing generic about this film. It presents a compelling and thoughtful premise.
My favorite movie nerd :) thank you! I agree with you, as I watched this yesterday I kept saying "anyone with half a brain thought about these things once in his life" so the movie didn't feel fresh, it was just well made as expected from a studio like A24
Finally a realistic and smart review of this movie lol. I’m into theology and originally had no interest in seeing this movie, but after hearing the reviews and praise I went yesterday. Really felt letdown, no groundbreaking ideas or things that really made me think, all things I already knew. Lazy and weird ending that ruined what the first act or so did well. Yea 7.5/10 mid horror movie with decent acting
I would love to see a video where HUGH GRANT watches this video, looks around, and say's "yep, she's got it!"
I saw this yesterday and Im really not sure how to feel about it. Very interesting to say the least. I was entertained so I guess I liked it
A new category: better than movie trailers.
You’re brilliant. I enjoyed your critique. I spoiled the movie for myself by watching other videos. Thank you. Catch your next review.
I came across your chanel fairly recenlty and I have to say that you've become my go to movie reviewer-critic! Thank you for your genuine and insighful take on cinema. Last but not least, the fact you're the very opposite of a pompous pseudointelectual is like a breath of fresh air into my lungs. Stay true to yourself and take care :)
I thought the film was great & thought provoking, the anxiety and suspense was uncomfortable and the futility and hopelessness of their situation the actors were all brilliant I thoroughly enjoyed it, I'm surprised at your review. It was a very good movie.
have you watched the movie lowlifes (2024)? i'd appreciate it if you could review it.
i don't know if he's afraid to go to darker places, if you watch The Undoing, he went really dark in that role in the end
Thought that one actress looked familiar, she was in The Wolf of Snow Hollow.
I liked this for awhile, before it descended into oddness. The reason behind all his interrogation was cornball, there was little need of a roomful of whatever those women were to exert control over, not when he had two frightened subjects in an inescapable situation of his own making.
I was engaged, I even laughed at times, but too often I was easily predicting what would happen next, and even what they’d say. Worth seeing once possibly, but rewatching won’t add anything.
Thanks for your honest reviews as always.
I haven’t seen him in this but did you see Hugh in The Undoing?
Great insight!
Please do a film review for Carlito's Way.
Her critique of this movie kinda sums up my entire problem with the whole "elevated" horror sub-genre. However "cerebral" or aesthetically attractive it might be, it's very rarely compelling or, more importantly, scary. Hereditary had a couple of shocking scenes. Other than that, it was a huge slog with a ridiculous "payoff." And yes, characters that just serve as mouthpieces for the screenwriters is another huge problem with this genre.
What's elevated horror? I thought this was a thriller.
@@osaji922She describes it in the beginning of the video as an “A24 arthouse horror” film.
@@Charliehund100 I feel like the industry is trying to redefine a thriller. This movie is a thriller through and through. If you go into this expecting to be scared like a horror, you're going to absolutely hate it.
@@osaji922I haven’t seen this movie but just speaking generally, there’s a good deal of overlap between thrillers and horror. The two are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
Imagine calling Hereditary a slog 💀
I liked Hugh Grant in this movie, at least I know what to do when I bring a religious baddie home after a date.
Hearing Grant subtly diss Tarantino in an interview then see this movie lamely try and recreate a Tarantino-esque scene to music boiled my blood. Fortunately the movie got better after that.
I don't even care anymore. I was looking fw to thinking about this film. Oh, looks like deepfocuslens has a hot take that takes me aback! Okay, I'll scroll down through the comments while listening.
"YOURE PRETTY"
"YOU TALK TOO MUCH"
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK this world.
You say that Hugh grant is straightjacketed by his reluctance to shrink into the dark hinterland of his romantic persona. But you clearly have not seen the tv stuff from the UK of recent years that has brilliantly showcased a dark interior sensibility to his acting that you say he is incapable of tapping into. If you managed to check out said material I'm sure that you would be pleasantly surprised.
TLDR; not academically well rounded enough to implant interesting monologue in one’s mind, not within the Overton Window enough for everyone to easily grasp. Which is weird, I don’t know how you couldn’t find at last one audience to contend with. No sense of direction- 2/5
Hugh grant certainly sold to me he was embedded in what he was talking about, but they two girls were so weak they could not fill the role as a foil. Scenes dragged on for too long, the entire thing about condoms was completely irrelevant and obnoxious, the statue fake jump scare was cheap and I figured it out 30 seconds before you were meant to realise at the last moment, and for a two hour movie to tackle only two philosophical ‘rooms’ in what’s supposedly a labyrinth i was not impressed.
Please review La Chimera!
Confident my editor would have taken a hacksaw to this story. Movie was very slow. I wondered if they would ever leave the front room. Hugh Grant was great, actresses great. Story dull. 5/10 score maximum.
I always agree entirely with your reviews, lol.
Hugh Grant was amazing in The Undoing
Hugh Grant is too charming for this role. I felt like I was being lectured by Christopher Hitchens the whole movie lol. Great actor but miscast imo. Not scary at all, but the first 30-45 minutes are very interesting. The rest blows.
I think most religious people are going to be put on the defensive when watching this and therefore, be more critical than the movie deserves, but similarly, most atheists will probably like this more than it deserves. And this is ironic because the movie does not favor religion or atheism, it presents the discussion and the questions, but does not try to give us the answers, which I thought was very well done. I also loved the performances by all 3 actors.
While I mostly enjoyed the movie as a whole, I felt that the first half was flawless and mesmerizing, the dialogue was some of the best I've seen in any movie this year - SO well done. However, the second half seems to devolve into generic slasher-horror territory which was disappointing.
I'm not so sure. The atheist was the bad guy after all.
@@MrAwombat Good point!
This film has nothing to do with religious beliefs or the denial of them. It’s a movie, a suspense-drama. A cat-mouse game that uses spoon-fed beliefs as a stick vs. the usual “innocent waif vs. weird psycho who torments for fun.”
And in some ways it succeeded, but when it delved into phony supernatural phenomena to explain his control narrative, it lost the plot.
And the Birdhead guy is no more loony than the Bible talking about unicorns, giants, dashing babies’ heads against rocks, etc. Her argument was facile.
@@GizmoBeach "This film has nothing to do with religious beliefs or the denial of them."
That's a very interesting perception, but unfortunately, many viewers will likely disagree.
Hugh Grant has already gone massively against type in recent films, such as The Gentleman by Guy Ritchie. Good film
I’m not sure he’s that smart to be honest. He’s a man that confirmed himself in his isolation. There no real testing of his ideas which is why it’s so basic and surface.
The twist is I think the film is saying he’s wrong but it requires a supernatural stuff.
Never cut your hair. You're gorgeous.
I like the movie a little more than you, but you make solid points, especially about the scripting of those young women. They did come off like mouthpieces for the screenplay.
Wow i usually agree with you but def not here, shit was fantastic
really enjoyed the first act and intruged by the second but that third act was so weak.
I must admit, I agree with you. After all the hype surrounding the movie, I found myself rather let down. Honestly, I was half-expecting Hugh Grant to either lead them into some bizarre new religion or completely drive them insane-either option would have made for a more intriguing watch
It didn’t help as far as believability that he’d somehow cornered two Mensa candidate missionaries who were able to not only recall all that they saw and heard w/ clarity, they had Sherlock Poirot-like abilities. Most teens today couldn’t solve their way out of an open paper sack.
Such a mid movie. A huge disappointment
I didn't think it was arthouse horror at all. I thought it was Hollywood-ized and cheesy.
I think it was making fun of the Hugh Grant character.
I was enjoying most of it but the ending was so corny and cliche, it made this a one time watch for me.
Agree. Agree. Agree. Grant's performance was wooden. The script was filled with scary house tropes. I was disappointed. A much more original scary house film was Barbarian.
Hughs best performance
I loved heretic. It was just bizarre and creepy and Hugh was great.
Can't agree more. The theological discussion has nothing to do with the rest of the movie. There's no connection between the dialogue and the horror. Cut and paste religious ideas and a failing horror ending. Disappointing.
I dont like your review because I wanna like this movie. Quit watching at 426. But i did subscribe to you.
Boy, movie titles sure are getting shorter now a days. 😊
You have religious bias affect the review
Gotta disagree. Some valid points but they don’t make it as bad and lazy as you make it sound. The ending is weak. But the journey was worth it