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
Universal Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to take Readers in select cities to see the gripping star-studded Thriller, EVEREST! Screenings take place in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary and Edmonton on Wednesday, September 16, 2015.
Synopsis:
Inspired by the incredible events surrounding an attempt to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain, Everest documents the awe-inspiring journey of two different expeditions challenged beyond their limits by one of the fiercest snowstorms ever encountered by mankind. Their mettle tested by the harshest elements found on the planet, the climbers will face nearly impossible obstacles as a lifelong obsession becomes a breathtaking struggle for survival.
The epic adventure stars Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Robin Wright, Michael Kelly, Sam Worthington, Keira Knightley, Emily Watson and Jake Gyllenhaal.
Artwork:
See the Trailer:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. In the comments, indicate your City and tell me about your worst ever snowstorm. You may click “share” from there for an extra chance or Tweet the below:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/everest @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to see #EVERESTMovie. In theatres 9/18!
G’luck, Willionaire$!
Universal Pictures Canada release EVEREST on Friday, September 18, 2015 and everywhere in IMAX Friday, September 25, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
BELLE is inspired by the True Story of Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), the illegitimate mixed-race Daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral. Raised by her aristocratic Great-Uncle Lord Mansfield (Tom Wilkinson) and his Wife (Emily Watson), Belle’s lineage affords her certain privileges, yet the color of her skin prevents her from fully participating in the traditions of her social standing. Left to wonder if she will ever find love, Belle falls for an idealistic young vicar’s son bent on change who, with her help, shapes Lord Mansfield’s role as Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England.
To enter, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. You are encouraged to share this Post on Social Media. You can Re-Tweet the below to increase your chances:
Good luck, Wongsters!
Fox Searchlight release BELLE on Friday, May 9, 2014 in Toronto, Friday, May 16, 2014 in Vancouver and Friday, May 23, 2014 in Calgary.
(Photo/video credit: Fox Searchlight)
At long last the TIFF ’13 Guest List has been announced and among the Marquee names we can expect to see in Toronto in two weeks are phenomenal! Although speak of Brad Pitt and George Clooney making appearances here didn’t amount to much more than rumour, this year the Female Contingent shines brightest with several of Hollywood’s A-List set to present their latest Oscar Vehicles here.
Among the Celebrities expected this year are:
Emilia Clarke, Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Tom Felton, Chris Hemsworth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Scarlett Johansson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew McConaughey, Daniel Radcliffe, Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Sarah Gadon, Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, James Franco, Marion Cotillard, Mike Myers, Emma Thompson, Kristen Wiig, Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan, Amy Poehler, Keanu Reeves, Kate Winslet, Adam Driver, Jesse Eisenberg, Mia Wasikowska, Owen Wilson, Ralph Fiennes, Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Gyllenhaal, JudeLaw, Jessica Chastain, Jai Courtney, Mila Kunis, Pierce Brosnan, Sandra Bullock, Jason Bateman, Zac Efron, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Colin Firth, Idris Elba, Ed Harris, Michael C. Hall, Annette Benning, James McAvoy, Liam Neeson, Steven Soderbergh, Ben Foster, Anton Yelchin, Maria Bello, Jennifer Garner, Nicolas Cage, Daniel Brühl, Tom Hiddleston, Jack Huston, Hugh Jackman, Jessica Lange, Melissa Leo, Adam Levine, Catherine O’Hara, Kurt Russell, Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Berenger, Tom Wilkinson, Julia Louis Dreyfuss, Clive Owen, Zach Galifianakis, Emily Watson, John Hawkes, Alan Rickman, Toni Collette, Josh Brolin, Alice Cooper, Tiger Chen, Rebecca Hall, Will Forte, Kevin Zegers, Taylor Kitsch, Juliette Binoche, Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Thandie Newton, Terrence Howard, James Hetfield, Thomas Haden Church, Tim Robbins, Glenn Close, Dakota Fanning, Philip Glass and several more!
Keep checking back here as the Toronto International Film Festival makes additions as we get closer to Thursday, September 5, 2013 when TIFF ’13 kicks-off! The Festival runs till Sunday, September 15, 2013.
The official Schedule has been announced and you can now start planning your Festival right here. Download the Official Schedule right here!
Single Tickets go on sale on Sunday, September 1, 2013 on TIFF‘s Website here.
Things are about to get real exciting around here! Happy TIFF, indeed!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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