The teenage era of creating a self-image leads to cinematic misdirection in Toxic. This is a dark and detrimental drama that fueled the 60th Chicago International Film Festival. Teens and beauty which combine in a recipe of courage and self-destruction. Written and directed by Saule Bliuvaite, there is a lot of turmoil among the adolescents in Toxic. The subject ofpopularity provides a constructive setup, and the country ofLithuania provides an interesting setting. The rural areas lead toboredom. Therefore, the teens aspire to feel a sense of connection to reality, as well as a sense of purpose. Toxic is a title with layers to its context. The poor choices the kids make cause a deranged ride where pleasure and popularity are no easy game.
The film focuses on Marija (played by Vesta Matulyte) who lives with her grandmother in an industrial area. She makes a new friend named Kristina (played by Leva Rupeikaite) who is stubborn, rebellious, and does what she can to feel cool. Marija learns from Kristina how to be a rebel. They both have dreams of becoming fashion models, so they enroll in a modeling school. Their behaviors are intertwined—drugs, sex, partying, and so much more. Their focus on being “cool” causes them to hit some harsh plateaus which portray teenage angst and disconnect. Bliuvaite’s direction results in an international sensation created through showcasing a mixture of risky behaviors and associated thrills. This film is a portrait of howyouthful generations still have much to learn. Four out of four stars for Toxic.
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.
Movies with Tarek 