By Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

EO is a donkey who is part of a circus in Poland. His owner Kasandra (Sandra Drzymalska) and himself have a strong bond. She protects him even if he is being used by the circus for profit. However, when the circus gets shut down, EO is placed in a new home out of reach from Kasandra. After she pays him a visit one night, he breaks the farm gate in search of her. Instead, he meets good and bad people, experiences joy and pain, and endures the wheel of fortune randomly turning his luck into disaster.

This is a moving Film with a powerful message. We watch as EO is being mistreated by everyone he interacts with on his journey. As we watch the world through his eyes, we see how the world is a torturous place for him. Even at the start, Kasandra does what she can to protect her beloved EO but he still suffers from the Circus owners.

However, the level of cruelty to animals escalates and deescalates throughout. There is one particular moment when EO is beaten by a group that was previously celebrating him. Even though the abuse is off-screen, Writer-Director Jerzy Skolimowski makes sure that each painful hit is felt. This makes for a painful viewing experience, but a necessary one. Even in moments when EO isn’t being used, he is hurt in other ways. Near the end, EO ends up on an estate with a Countess (played perfectly by Isabel Huppert) and a young priest (Lorenzo Zurzolo). Although they don’t intentionally hurt him, they neglect him. He doesn’t have any other animal companions and they don’t respond to his cries.

The situations that EO finds himself in reflect the cruelty of humans to animals. Each situation plays out as a mini-chapter in EO’s journey. They almost feel like their own individual Short Films. Yet, Skolimowski ties them together into a hero’s journey for his Donkey protagonist. EO even gets a shot to fight back and aide fellow animals being abused.

Additionally, it’s one of the most visually stunning films of the year. The Cinematography by Michael Dymek thrusts us right into EO’s view of the world. We see it for all its natural beauty and brutality.

EO screens at Cannes ’22:

Thu, May 19 at 10 PM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Fri, May 20 at 11:30 AM at LICORNE

Fri, May 20 at 12 PM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Fri, May 20 at 7 PM at SALLE BAZIN

Sat, May 21 at 11:30 AM at CINEUM IMAX

Sun. May 22 at 6:30 PM at CINEUM IMAX

Thu, May 26 at 11:15 AM at ARCADES 1

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Writer-Director James Gray’s latest is a semi-autobiographical story of a boy coming-of-age in New York during the ’80s. It follows Paul Graff (Banks Repeta) a sixth-grader in the early stages of rebellion who aspires to be an Artist. He befriends Johnny (Jaylin Webb), a black student who is constantly and unfairly being targeted by their teacher. When the two find themselves in trouble, Paul’s parents (Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong) refuse to let him see Johnny and subsequently move him to Private School. But will that be enough to separate their friendship?

Considering this is Gray’s most personal story, it doesn’t become self-important. Instead, he uses his childhood to touch on themes of racism and classism set against the rise of the Reagan era. Gray highlights inequity and Racism in institutions by showing how the public school Paul and Johnny attend mistreat Johnny. When Paul is the one doing something wrong, their teacher blames Johnny. Webb gives a powerful performance as a child who sadly understands that the world is stacked against him.

The Racism and Classism are further highlighted when Paul is sent to Private School. The family who funds the school is the Trump family, they even have Maryanne Trump (a delightful cameo from Jessica Chastain) come in to speak to them at an assembly. The students at the school use racial slurs and no one bats an eye. It’s a world that displaces Paul sending him on his coming-of-age journey. He needs to decide the type of person he wants to be: one who looks away or helps make a change. This is truly a star-making role for Repeta. He carries the weight of the Film on his small shoulders with ease.

Gray doesn’t back away from the darker sides in the depiction of his family. Paul’s family doesn’t believe they are part of the problem. However, they are because they don’t actively help and they believe the picture society has painted of minority groups. The only one who wants equality is his Grandpa Aaron (Anthony Hopkins). His closest relationship is with his Grandpa and the strong bond between Hopkins and Repeta makes for tender, teary-eyed moments.

Furthermore, Gray shows the darker side of his childhood. Moments where he gave his mother, Esther (Hathaway), a very hard time. Hathaway is brilliant as a mother who only wants the best for her child and will do anything to stand up for him. His most turbulent relationship is with his father Irving (Strong). One scene has a short-fused Irving beating Paul with a belt. However, there are tender moments where we see Irving change. It’s a difficult role that Strong truly excels in.

Paul is at the time in his life when friends become family. Maybe even more so for him because of his turbulent home life. Gray also doesn’t pull punches with the depiction of himself. Johnny is Paul’s best friend, however, when he goes to a new school he pushes Johnny away because of the other students. When Johnny asks him for a place to stay, he is reluctant because of how his family has spoken about him. Gray shows the faults in his actions, he owns up to them. And in return, we get to see how this young boy learned that he should and could do better.

Armageddon Time is a story about a boy whose family wants him to conform to the American Dream, but all he wants to do is rebel against that and forge his own path. Additionally, it’s a reminder how Racism is learned and institutionalized. However, it only takes one person to break that cycle.

Armageddon Time screens at Cannes ’22:
Thu, May 19 at 7 PM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Fri, May 20 at 9 AM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Fri, May 20 at 7:30 PM at SALLE AGNÈS VARDA

Sat, May 21 at 1:30 PM at CINEUM IMAX

Sun, May 22 at 9:30 AM at CINEUM AURORE

Thu, May 26 at 1 PM at ARCADES 1

Some snaps from the ARMAGEDDON TIME Press Conference with Strong, Hathaway, Gray and Repeta:

(Photo credit: Amanda Gilmore/Mr. Will Wong)

SLAYYYTER is crushing it and the 25-year-old Singer-Songwriter from St. Louis, is selling-out theatres across North America for her CLUB PARADISE Tour, in support of her 2021 Disc, TROUBLED PARADISE.

She made a stop at The Axis Club in Toronto, known formerly as The Mod Club delivering an energetic hour-long set including hits “Clouds”, “Daddy AF”, “Hello Kitty”, “Stupid Boy”, and more. She omitted one of her best known bits, “Mine“.

If you get the vibe that Slayyyter is daring and edgy, you’re definitely spot-on, though her Music possesses a fun playfulness to it. Her hooks are infectious and she aims to get you sloppy on the dancefloor.

So amazing getting to meet Slayyyter before her Show and you know it was meant to be because.my shirt is colour-coordinated with her mutli-colour locks. She is so incredibly sweet!

If you aren’t too familiar with Slayyyter yet, check out some of her infectious tracks here:

Supporting tonight was Loveleo (Leo Reilly) whom you might know for his viral hit “Boyfren“. Reilly, who happens to be the son of acclaimed Actor John C. Reilly, also delivers a playful energy in dancey repertoire.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

After filming just outside of Toronto last Summer, MY FAKE BOYFRIEND finally is ready to surface! Starring Sarah Hyland, Dylan Sprouse and Keiynan Lonsdale, this Rom-Com has something to say!

Synopsis

Andrew (Keiynan Lonsdale) has a major problem: He can’t stay away from the toxic boyfriend who just dumped him. His meddling friends (Dylan Sprouse and Sarah Hyland) decide to help him by creating “Cristiano,” a perfect fake boyfriend on social media. Problem solved, right? Wrong! As Cristiano goes viral and becomes a worldwide sensation, Andrew meets his real-life dream guy, Rafi, a charming restaurant owner. Now, Andrew must find a way to put an end to the fake fling, evade his jealous ex, and win Rafi’s heart in this fun and hilarious comedy about the crazy things we do for love.

MY FAKE BOYFRIEND streams June 17, 2022 on Prime Video.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video)

Rafe Spall and Esther Smith are back with a third season of acclaimed Apple TV+ Series TRYING. Some details on the upcoming season including release date.

Synopsis:

After a dramatic end to season two, the eight-episode third season picks up with Nikki (BAFTA nominee Esther Smith) and Jason (SAG Award-nominee Rafe Spall) waking up as new parents to two children they are still getting to know. Now they just have to keep hold of them, which proves to be trickier than they initially thought. Thrown straight into the parental deep-end, Nikki and Jason’s relationships with each other and with their nearest and dearest are tested as they desperately try to navigate the ups and downs of parenting — while hanging onto their kids, and their sanity.

In addition to Smith and Spall, the season three cast includes Eden Togwell (as ‘Princess’), Mickey McAnulty (as ‘Tyler’), Oliver Chris (as ‘Freddy’), Sian Brooke (as ‘Karen’), Darren Boyd (as ‘Scott’) and Robyn Cara (as ‘Jen’).

Season Three of TRYING arrives Friday, July 22, 2022 only on Apple TV+ with new episodes every Friday through September 9, 2022.

We’ve waited far too long for this! The moment finally is here for the new Trailer for Season Three of THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY!

Season Three of THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY arrives June 22, 2022 on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

By Amanda Gilmore

The atmospheric God’s Creatures questions the lengths a mother will go to protect her son. 

Aileen (Emily Watson) is delighted when her beloved son, Brian (Paul Mescal), surprises her with his return to their Irish fishing village, back from Australia. But when Aileen’s young 20-something Co-worker Sarah (Aisling Franciosi) accuses Brian of sexual assault, Aileen‘s world crumbles. She lies to protect her son because she doesn’t think he would be capable of something so heinous. However, when Brian begins acting differently than the boy she once knew she must confront the truth.

Co-Directors Saela Davis and Anna Rose Holmer have created an eerie atmosphere in this Irish village. Right from the start, we see the danger that comes with living near the rugged Irish coast. The unforgiving waves and forceful winds feel like warning signs. They mix these stunning shots with impeccable sound design, thrusting the audience into their whistling town. 

A lot of the First Act is spent creating this atmosphere. Due to this, there are some slow moments but once we get into the heart of the story everything kicks into high gear. It’s clear something is off with Brian. One night after coming home from the pub, he has a creepy conversation with his ill grandfather. This moment works due to the textured, often chilling performance from Mescal.

The heart of the story asks an uncomfortable question: How far will a mother go to protect her child and at what cost? Watson is outstanding as Aileen. Her nuanced performance allows the audience to feel every emotion towards her. When she’s siding with her son we are angry. However, Screenwriter Shane Crowley infuses his Script with scenes that force Aileen to face the facts. 

These moments touch on the depressing reality of what people actually say about sexual assault survivors. However, set in this tiny village each vile remark and action towards Sarah is magnified. Franciosi gives a strong performance as a woman who transforms completely in the aftermath of this trauma.

God’s Creatures screens at Cannes ’22 as part of the Director’s Fortnight:

Thu, May 19 at 8:30 AM at THÉÂTRE CROISETTE

Thu, May 18 at 8:45 PM at THÉÂTRE CROISETTE

Fri, May 20 at 2 PM at LICORNE

Fri, May 20 at 7 PM at ALEXANDRE III

Fri, May 20 at 10:45 at ARCADES 1

Fri, May 27 at 11 AM at THÉÂTRE CROISETTE

We’re still on a high from Rina Sawayama‘s amazing show in Toronto a couple weeks ago. She’s already ready to roll with this next phase ahead as she gets ready to embark on yet another Tour starting this Fall in the U.K., in support of her upcoming Album HOLD THE GIRL. This catchy bop recalls Prince in his Pop Music prime in the ’80s, maybe a dash of Shania Twain, and of course her nod to Lady Gaga is unmistakable. Her melodic sense and the tone of her voice. Fun!!

Our favourite line? “Fuck what they did to Britney/To Lady Di and Whitney“. YES.

We think we’re gonna live this new era ahead. Her last Disc SAWAYAMA from a couple years back felt a little more spiteful and she seems to have gotten all that out of her system and is ready to just have fun!

Check-out THIS HELL:

(Photo/video credit: Dirty Hit)

We’ve been waiting for this! From the mind of Billy Eichner comes Rom-Com BROS, coming this September!

Synopsis:

This fall, Universal Pictures proudly presents the first romantic comedy from a major studio about two gay men maybe, possibly, probably, stumbling towards love. Maybe. They’re both very busy. 

From the ferocious comic mind of Billy Eichner (Billy on the Street, 2019’s The Lion King, Difficult People, Impeachment: American Crime Story) and the hitmaking brilliance of filmmakers Nicholas Stoller (the Neighbors films, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and Judd Apatow (The King of Staten Island, Trainwreck, The Big Sick), comes Bros, a smart, swoony and heartfelt comedy about finding sex, love and romance amidst the madness. 

Starring Billy Eichner, the first openly gay man to co-write and star in his own major studio film, Bros is directed by Nicholas Stoller from his screenplay with Eichner. The film is produced by Judd Apatow, Stoller and Joshua Church (co-producer Trainwreck, Step Brothers). The film is executive produced by Eichner. 

Universal Pictures Canada release BROS September 30, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Festivities at the 2022 CANNES FILM FESTIVAL are taking flight, literally! TOP GUN: MAVERICK has brought Tom Cruise to the Festival and fighter jets leaving a trail in the colours of the French flag in the skies, got everyone pumped!

Cruise even got honoured with a surprise Palme d’Or for his contributions to Cinema, in addition to a ten-minute reel celebrating his carrer being shown. The Hollywood Megastar spoke at the Tribute held in his honour at Debussy Theatre, and our Amanda Gilmore was there.

Some key statements from Cruise at the In-Conversation.

On why Cruise wanted to get into acting.
Cruise: “I would save my money and go to the Movies. And, suddenly I am 18 years old … and suddenly I’m making Taps. I’m on a Movie Set for the first time. I’m 18 years old. It was my second audition and I got the role. I never went to a film school.”.

On Film Sets Being His Film School
Cruise: “I went to every department and studied every department. That has been my education throughout.”.

On Viewing a Film In Cinema
Cruise: “Cinema is my love. My passion. I sit in the audience with everyone…I come in early…I watch the commercials and trailers.”.

On Working with Cast And Crew Members
Cruise: “The best thing you can do is study every aspect of the art form. All of these elements and thing that we are striving for…I wanna hear your story what do you think this Movie is…I have to tell them this isn’t my Movie this is our Movie.”.

On Watching a Tribute Reel which Cannes Put Together of His Filmography
Cruise: “I have a thing where I remember every take. I remember everything. It’s wild seeing this reel by the way. It’s like your life in 10 minutes! It’s very trippy.”.

On Following Your Dreams
Cruise: “I was interested in adventure in life. It’s possible even if others said it’s impossible. I held onto my dream and thought maybe it is possible.”.

“It is better to create. Even if you fail. I always try to walk away with what I learned. It’s always better to go for it. Then to not do it. Ask the question and don’t be afraid.”.

Some highlights from the event:

Also, some sightings from the Premiere of Michel Hazanavicius‘ Zombie Comedy-Horror FINAL CUT.

Keep checking daily for updates throughout the Festival. Amanda‘s Review of FINAL CUT is here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Amanda Gilmore)