This is one of those rare projects where the limited budget is used precisely and monumentally. Vulcanizadora is centered around frustration, rage, and loss which leaves a lot to be curious about. The topics of mental health and altered thinking tumble harshly resulting in a case of irreparable consequences. Written and directed by Joel Potrykus. he is also one of the lead characters in the film. His approach to directing involves lots of juggling. The shifting attitudes make for an engrossing presentation which highlights the talent of this emerging director.
The film focuses on two friends. They are Derek (played byPotrykus) and Marty (played by Joshua Burge). They have ahorrid past and are going on an escape through the forest inMichigan. They try to make a plan to end their suffering. The plot of this film is disturbing and not for everyone. It brings up a lot of questions. Why are the behaviors of Derek and Marty so bipolar? Why do they think about doing treacherous things to themselves? Is there truly no other way for them to find a way to overcome their mistakes? Their fascination with explosions and disturbing ideations makes the film hard to handle, but its realism is spellbinding. This is an experimental feature that will send a message that focuses on mental health and life-altering choices. It is one of the most surreal projects I have seen. It is unique because of the director’s way of presenting reality even in harsh moments. Vulcanizadora may not be for everyone, but it is exhilarating due to its writing and realism. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.
This is an international film in which love is hard to find and morals are put to the test. Set in Mumbai, the many emotions caused by various choices spiral. All We Imagine as Light is centered on finding the moments in life that count. Written and directed by Payal Kapadia, the writing and continuity display a sense of realism that is unforgettable. The emotional and cultural backgrounds in All We Imagine as Light are cohesive and prompt audiences to ponder the ultimate question, “What does the heart want?”
The film features a nurse named Prabha (played by Kani Kusruti). Her life is interrupted when a gift shows up from her estranged husband. She has a roommate, Anu (played by Divya Prabha) who is in love with her boyfriend. These two roommates are experiencing different types of feelings. There is deep meaning to this film although it is a quiet, soft-spoken one. It is a journey where audiences are curious about what Prabha or Anu are thinking. There is a purposeful dynamic focused on finding connections or love.
It is a beautifully written and directed portrait of Mumbai that is enhanced through the cinematography. Much of the lighting is in tune with Prabha’s and Anu’s feelings. There are moments ofsadness, confusion, and acceptance. There are also moments where hardship seems to cause great struggles in their lives. Overall, it is a poetic portrait of finding meaning in life and what one’s heart desires. Four out of four stars.
This is one of those rare experiences where honesty finds its brilliance. The film is vocal, vulgar, and has no filter, yet is executed monumentally well. Hard Truths is a dark comedy that is perfect for The Chicago International Film Festival. The characterizations are superb. Written and directed by Mike Leigh, the writing that is part tragedy part comedy are a recipe for many laughs as well as moments which transition to seriousness.
The film focuses on Pansy (played by Marianne Jeanne-Baptiste), who is trying to navigate her own life and struggles. The setting is the United Kingdom. Pansy is vocal and tells the truth without holding back as she keeps fighting to make a point. The story is a portrait of a strong-willed African American woman in an English setting. She is trying to help her depressed son Moses (played by Tuwaine Barrett) while at the same time dealing with other conflicts in her family. The twist to this dark comedy is that the problem is Pansy.
The film is about navigating reality and facing consequences, but also about how society reacts when not everyone is on the same page. The cultural dynamics explore many different rituals and difficult scenarios. It is a joyful rollercoaster that feels bipolar, but the writing is successful at turning the negative into an attention-grabbing work of art. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.
Movies with Tarek 