A daring political thriller that does all it can to fly below the radar. From director Jafar Panahi, It Was Just an Accident has intriguing components involving Middle East politics. This film contains family dynamics which makes its audience wonder about the consequences moving forward. The storyline pushes the envelope but also places family values up front.
In this film, a man named Vahid (Vahid Mobasseri) seeks revenge on a man named Eghbal (Ebrahim Azizi) because he believes Eghbal tormented him in prison ages ago. During his time as a prisoner, Vahid was always blindfolded, but he claims he can tell by the voice and the noises made by Eghbal’s artificial leg. Therefore, Vahid kidnaps Eghbal. However, Vahid’s family doubts his morals considering the political war and many accusations that could be either true or false.
I found this feature set in Iran to be one of the most realistic films in the Chicago International Film Festival. Given Panahi’s skillful approach to creating complicated moral dynamics, he lays a foundation for an effective political and ethical cinematic experience. Three out of four stars for It Was Just an Accident.
This film is melancholy, filled with plenty of potions to amplify the sadness. Rose Byrne delivers a spellbinding performance in this anxiety-filled story. If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You is written and directed by Mary Bronstein who has an eye for creating tolerance in the face of a conflicting pattern. There are a bucket of problems only getting worse while an individual struggles to keep standing and thriving. The concept of resilience runs deepin If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You.
Rose Byrne plays Linda, a mother dealing with her daughters’severe illness. Her husband is not very present in her life, andher home has fallen apart. This puts her and her daughter in a situation where they must live in a motel. Linda finds herself trying to tango with all the moving roadblocks. This includes dealing with a relationship with her therapist, played by Conan O’Brien. Overall, her choices and decisions keep falling down a slippery slope resulting in negative impacts. Given all that is on her plate, her head is speeding with anxiety.
The whole film feels like a ride that just won’t stop. It is a lot to handle, especially in moments when Byrne’s character goes to the motel lobby to buy wine late at night. There are also scenes in which she argues with others, including staff at her daughter’s schools or at resource centers. What is unique in these situations is that they capture the daily human annoyances in life. Bronstein’s direction shows humans can only take so much when many different crises come rushing down like a waterfall.
The film is brilliant. While not Oscar-worthy, it is quiteexperimental. Byrne’s performance is audacious and fearless. I love how the title speaks to the anger in the film. If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You made me want to kick seats in the theatre around me. (Not literally of course!) The anxiety stuck with me throughout my screening during moments when the daughter is having issues and again during the therapist scenario. The director created a vivid portrait which piqued my curiosity. It made me wonder, “When does life give us a break?” If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You inspires viewers to have a stronger mindset…even in times when it seems there are too many mental challenges to face.
There is a point in the film in which questionable choices occur, and Linda thinks about doing drugs to cope with her anxiety. However, that also has consequences. The main conflict in this matter is who will be impacted by this behavior. Clearly, it won’t just impact Linda, but also her daughter’s illness and safety. Despite the troubling aspects explored in If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You, the story makes viewers think and leaves them with an important message. Specifically, if you’re going through hell,you’ve got to just keep going. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You.
Black Phone2 intensifies the suspense and horror. Directed by Scott Derrickson, the film meets the high expectations set by its predecessor. The first installment was only the beginning. This time, the phone calls target both Finn and Gwen. Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw reprise their roles as brother and sister. Ethan Hawke returns as The Grabber. The new storyline adds more detail. I felt more scared than in the first film.
With the film moving forward, Finn’s nightmares carry a lot of weight into this sequel. Especially with the tones of a belittling attitude, and also the much horror he has experienced, he carries on with him. The visions of The Grabber have not left, but this time, Gwen is having her own nightmares. This brings them to realize that a place called Alpine Lake may have answers to the terrors of their dreams.
What electrifies Black Phone 2 is its spiraling momentum, pulling viewers deeper into a maze of recurring nightmares and lurking mysteries. The eerie phone booth at Alpine Lake becomes the epicenter of their fears. When it rings, reality and nightmare blur, unleashing supernatural horrors that thrive at the camp. Here, Finn and Gwen piece together the cryptic patterns from their visions, each nightmare a vital clue in their search for the truth.
The writing delves into the depths of evil lying in wait, layering the sequel with fresh, unexpected scares. The film is a labyrinth of campfire terrors and shadowy histories, each piece fitting into a larger, sinister puzzle. The Black Phone 2 masterfully maintains its surreal continuity, always hinting at new horrors to come. The Grabber’s chilling voice and twisted motives remain unforgettable, and Hawke’s wicked grin steals every scene.
Overall, The Black Phone 2 is vivid. One that still has a promising continuation. I adored all the extra evidence to maintain momentum. I will also say that I felt it had a heartfelt side with the brother and sister dynamic battling horror . Especially with one that is bound to continue. Three out of four stars for Black Phone 2.
Movies with Tarek 