Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
After status-obsessed Rory (Jude Law) forces his wife, Allison (Carrie Coon), and their children to move from New York to 1980s Surrey, England, the family begins to fall apart.
Writer-Director Sean Durkin has finally followed-up on his Feature debut Martha Marcy May Marlene with this stunning study of the lengths one may go to get and/or appear wealthy in a capitalist society. His steady pace, impeccable dialogue and setting create an eerie atmosphere that easily unsettles and hovers over each scene. His entire cast is outstanding. Law ferociously throws himself into Rory’s incredible need to be in the upper-class and his slow descent into turmoil. Then there’s Coon’s controlled and subtle Allison that quickly turns into a ticking time-bomb. The Nest is a study on how some are willing to risk everything and anything to get what they want, even after they forget why they want it. And although this takes place in the 1980s, it’s a film is relevant to our society today.
The Nest screens at Sundance on Sun, Jan. 26th at 6:30 PM at Eccles, Mon, Jan. 27th at 8 AM at The MARC, Thus, Jan. 30th at 9 AM at Eccles, Fri, Jan. 31st at 9:30 PM at The Ray, and Sun, Feb. 2nd at 3 PM at Tower Theatre
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
For many years, Kurt (Joe Keery) has been unsuccessful at becoming a social media influencer, but he’s hoping his new killer plan that will change everything.
Spree is one adrenaline-fuelled ride from beginning to end that has a wholly committed performance from Keery. Writer-Director Eugene Kotlyarenko has invented an original Horror-Comedy that’s a social critique on the lengths one may go to get noticed on Social Media. Kotlyarenko’s inventive use of dash cams, cell phone video, and Social Media apps gives this Film an authentic feel that would be lost if shot with a standard film camera. Then there is Keery who is 100% committed to bringing this comic, often lovable yet frightening character to the screen. Keery’s natural likability is expertly put to use in Spree because it makes the audience root for Kurt even in his darkest moments.
Spree screens at Sundance on Fri, Jan. 24th at 8:30 PM at The MARC, Sat, Jan. 25th at 11:30 PM at Prospector Square, Sun, Jan. 26th at 12 PM at Broadway Centre Cinema 6, Wed, Jan. 29th at 8:30 PM at Egyptian, and Thur, Jan. 30th at 4:15 PM at Redstone Cinema 2.
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
In the midst of struggling with the fact she’s single and a struggling artist at the age of 40, playwright Rahda finds a new passion: Rapping.
Writer-Director and star Rahda Blank graces us with this hilarious and thoughtful film about the pressure society puts on women when they get to a certain age. It’s beautifully shot in black and white and the Script is loaded with quick wit on racism and ageism. As soon as the credits roll one knows they have watched something truly special and that Radha Blank is a force to be reckoned with.
The 40-Year-Old Version screens at Sundance on Sat, Jan. 25th at 3 PM at Library Centre, Sun, Jan. 26th at 6 PM at Salt Lake City Library, Mon, Jan. 27th at 8:15 AM at Prospector Square, Tues, Jan. 28th at 9 PM at Sundance Resort, Fri, Jan. 31st at 12:15 PM at Eccles, and Sat, Feb. 1st at 11:30 AM at The MARC.
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
When stoic teenager Autumn (Sidney Flanigan) unexpectedly gets pregnant she and her cousin, Skylar (Talia Ryder), bravely travel to New York City from their rural Pennsylvania hometown to get an abortion.
Writer-Director Eliza Hittman has made a quiet film that’s subtext is just as important as the written dialogue. The Film is predominantly made of all-consuming close-up shots that masterfully parallels the invasive process of finding a clinic, the questionnaire process and the procedure. First-time actor Flanigan is a force on screen. With minimal dialogue, her expressive face portrays the inner emotions that come along with this important decision. Her undeniable talent is shown in one of the hardest to watch scenes where she is being interviewed at the clinic before the procedure. Never Rarely Sometimes Always might be a tough-watch for some, but it’s a highly important film everyone should see.
Never Rarely Sometimes Always screens at Sundance on Fri, Jan. 24th at 6:30 PM at The Ray, Sat, Jan. 25th at 12 PM at Sundance Resort, Sun, Jan. 26th at 9 AM at Library Centre, Mon, Jan. 27th at 3:45 PM at Broadway Centre Cinema 3, Wed, Jan. 29th at 3:30 PM at Eccles, and Thur, Jan. 30th at 12:30 PM at Redstone Cinema 1.
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
Minari tells the story of an immigrant Korean family in the 1980s who move from the city life in California to build a farm in rural Arkansas.
Writer-Director Lee Isaac Chung has perfectly brought a heartwarming and authentic story of the American Dream to life. The Script examines hopes and desires and the good and bad consequences that come with chasing those dreams. The entire Cast express their character’s visceral emotions through nuanced performances, including the very young Alan Kim who plays seven-year-old David. Overall, Minari is a universal story about a family trying to make their dream a reality and the joy and pain that come along with living.
Minari screens at Sundance on Sun, jan. 26th at 6 PM at Library Centre, Tues, Jan. 28th at 3:30 PM at Eccles, Thurs, Jan. 30th at 2:30 PM at The MARC, Fri, Jan. 31st at 6 PM at Rose Wagner Centre, and Sat, Feb, 1st at 8:15 AM at Egyptian.
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
The Film follows a refugee couple whose new home in London doesn’t turn out to be the safe new home they dreamed of, but their worst nightmare.
Writer-Director Remi Weekes has made his first Feature a Horror genre study on the fears and ghosts that haunt refugees. Most Horror films today wait to horrify their audiences, but His House terrifies us from beginning to end. With the use of music, special effects, lighting, editing and of course the incredible lead actors the suspense and scares are palpable.
His House screens at Sundance on Mon, Jan. 27th at 11:59 PM at Library Centre, Tues, Jan. 28th at 9:15 PM at Salt Lake City Library, Wed, Jan. 29th at 5:45 PM at The Ray, Thurs, Jan. 30th at 2:30 PM at Prospector Square, and Sat, Feb. 1st at 7 PM at Holiday Village Cinema 4.
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
The Film follows an epic 1950s romance between Television Producer, Sylvie (Tessa Thompson) and Saxophone Player, Robert (Nnamdi Asomugha) whose bond is as strong as their love of Jazz.
There have been many 50s-era Romances before, but none have had those starring an African-American Cast. Sylvie’s Love does have a conventional story but done through a different perspective which gives it a fresh feel. The chemistry between Thompson and Asomugha is tangible and makes us root for their love. The Film’s Set-Design and Cinematography are beautiful which elevate the enchanting love story that unfolds before our eyes.
Sylvie’s Love screens at Sundance on Mon, Jan. 27th at 12:15 PM at Eccles, Tues, Jan. 28th at 9:15 PM at Redstone Cinema 7, Thurs, Jan. 30th at 8:30 PM at The MARC, Fri, jan. 31st at 3 PM at Library Centre, and Sat, Feb. 1st at 3:15 PM at Grand.
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
David and his wife Nikki have decided to take a break from each other to figure out what they want out of life and their relationship. However, there is one problem : David doesn’t want a break.
Writer-Director Robert Machoian has made a slow-burn Drama about a marriage and family falling apart. Machoian never shies away from the hate, regret and pain one feels when they feel their loved one slipping away. That’s what makes this Film an honest portrayal of one of our worst fears: losing the ones we love. Overall, The Killing of Two Lovers is an impressive study into love and masculinity and has nuanced performances most particularly from its lead Clayne Crawford.
The Killing Of Two Lovers screens at Sundance on Mon, Jan. 27th at 12:30 PM at The Ray, Tues, Jan. 28th at 6 PM at Temple, Thurs, Jan. 30th at 3:30 PM at Redstone Cinema 1, Fri, Jan. 31st at 8:30 AM at Prospector Square, and Sat, Feb. 1st at 12:30 PM at Rose Wagner Centre.
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
ZOLA brings the unique Tweet-Storm story A’ziah King posted on October 27, 2015 about how her and her friend Stefani had a falling-out.
Writer-Director Janicza Bravo visually brings the Twitter Story to screen in a creative and captivating way. The true life story is filled with crazy, unexpected twists and eccentric real-life characters. Bravo has an impeccable attention to detail and keeps the provocative aspects of the story without ever being grotesque. Although the story is predominately told through A’ziah King’s point-of-view, Bravo does her best to question the perspectives of both her and Stefani.
The story is hilarious and Bravo makes sure the audience laughs, however, there are heavy themes and questions she presents. It’s clear that things can all be fun and games until they aren’t. And Bravo balances these hysterical moments with the hard-hitting serious reality of the things these two girls were experiencing. Her entire Cast consisting of Taylour Paige, Riley Keough, Nicholas Braun and Colman Domingo cleverly and masterfully teeter between her Comedy and Drama. Yet, it’s the brilliant, energetic performances from Paige and Keough that keep the audiences wanting more.
Zola screens at Sundance on Fri, Jan. 24th at 12:15 PM at Eccles, Sat, Jan. 25th at 12:15 PM at Grand, Sat, Jan. 25th at 11:45 PM at Egyptian, Mon, Jan. 27th at 3 PM at Sundance Resort, Tues, Jan. 28th at 9:30 PM at The Ray, Wed, Jan. 29th at 11:45 AM at The Ray, and Fri, Jan. 31st at 8:30 AM at The MARC.
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
This exceptional Film from first-time Feature Writer-Director Edson Oda follows reclusive Will (Winston Duke) who interviews prospective candidates, who are personifications of human souls, to be born as human beings.
Nine Days is one of the most moving films to come along in years. Oda has written an excellent intelligent Script filled with lessons and reminders about how wonderfully painful life is. Its ultimate message is to hold on when things get tough because it’s the small things that make life worthwhile. His direction is nothing short of superb. With only one setting he is able to make the nearly two-hour running time fly by. The entire cast is outstanding but Duke is a showstopper. This is one of those films that will happily haunt you for a long time decades after viewing.
Nine Days screens at Sundance on Mon, Jan. 27th at 6:30 PM at Eccles Theatre, Tues, Jan. 28th at 9 AM at The Ray, Wed, Jan. 29th at 3 PM at Sundance Resort, Thurs, Jan. 30th at 8:30 PM at Prospector Square, Fri, Jan. 31st at 6 PM at Grand Theatre, and Sat, Feb. 1st at 12 PM at Library Centre.
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