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Film reviews

Eternity Review

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There is a unique approach to life after death in Eternity. In this film, permanence exists in all forms and the world after one life is lost finds a place of purpose. The idea of happiness forever is where the debacle in this film’s narrative becomes exhilarating. The title carries meaning as the story explores themes of empathy, acceptance and reconciliation. It is just a matter of how people choose to move on. Written and directed by David Freyne, who co-wrote the film with writer and producer Patrick Cunnane. Together they bring the world a one-of-a-kind portrait of individuals who are looking for life in the universe after their passing. 

The main characters are Larry, Joan, and Luke. Larry is played by Miles Teller, Joan is played by Elizabeth Olsen, and Luke is played by Callum Turner. The setting is an afterlife setup where humans that have passed are given seven days to figure out where to spend their “eternity.” Joan is in the middle between Larry and Luke, because she was in love with Luke at one point and then Larry afterwards. One died before she fell in love with the other. Now that they are all in the place of life after death, all three are faced with tough decisions.

The film is vibrant with creativity. David Freyne creates a world that looks like a heavenly setting with resources and transportation. There are timetables with arrivals of new souls and lounge areas. A portrait is created of the happiness experienced after humans pass away. Eternity elicits empathy that is spellbinding. Considering the typical world where scenarios cannot be reversed, finding love in a new universe is mesmerizing.

As the film moves forward, there are scenes involving places in which Joan, Larry and Luke revisit the moments of their lives. This leads to some sadness when looking back causes meaningful revelations. Eternity paints a portrait of how to have a loving heart with those we feel connected to. Even when there are various resentments, there are still moments to forever cherish. The story has a carefully woven narrative that demonstrates the power of courage.

There is a realization in the storyline regarding the value of moderation. To provide context, the world of the afterlife has a setting where people can walk through and revisit past frames of their life. It is set up like an exhibit. The usher in the ticket booth reminds them that it may not be healthy to frequently revisit the exhibit because it may be triggering. Despite the sad setup, there minder to revisit the past in moderation holds value in Eternity. It combines with messages of well-being and healthy communication between all parties involved. Once people are there forever, they are not going back.

Eternity is compelling. The film’s writing has a form of clarity which prompts sympathy and understanding. I experienced deepappreciation while watching this wonderful and inspiring movie. The message is powerful …love is cherished forever. Four out of four stars for Eternity.

Film reviews

Sentimental Value Review

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This film is an achievement of humanistic approaches with an artistic natural vibe to the writing. Sentimental Value is a title that speaks for itself. Directed by Joachim Trier, he takes the life of a family and the arts to a new level where disconnect and reality present mental and emotional challenges. It is stunning, audacious, and breathtaking. So many human emotions are on full display and interesting layers of art are out of this world in Sentimental Value.

The life of directors has many ups and downs in this story about a family who is curious about finding out where the focus lies. The main characters are sisters, Nora Borg and Agnes Borg Pettersen (Renate Reinsve and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleas). Their father is Gustav Borg (Alexander Stellan Skarsgard), an accomplished director. All three of these individuals find themselves at the heart and mercy of disconnect as well as a tumultuous relationship caused by their success in the cinematic and theatrical world. There is so much pressure on the sisters from their father, Gustav. Nora finds herself encountering hurdles and struggling to adapt. Gustav comes around a lot more frequently in their lives. At the same time, however, Nora and Agnes work on achieving happiness while they share their lingering disconnect. In the meantime, their father is on the search to make art come to life in his new project.

The film goes from scenes showcasing success to theatre stages and the movies. Suffering from their past comes into play, and at the same time there is love that is present. The feelings stirred by the story can be hard to feel. Trier fuels emotional component hard in Sentimental Value. At times, it gets to the point of making audiences ponder why some people push themselves to the limit.

The new star that Gustav is working with is a young actress named Rachel Kemp (Elle Fanning). She is working on building a following. Gustav’s daughters find themselves a bit jealous of her and she ends up right in the middle of all the chaos and family drama. The complex elements of becoming successful are manipulated by the father. Sentimental Value portrays howfavoritism can have serious consequences. The film reveals some astonishing truths and is a unique arthouse film that I found worthy. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

Film reviews

Frankenstein Review

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The mind of Guillermo del Toro finds creative connections in a powerhouse effort which includes wonders of cinematic imagination unlike any other. From the worlds of Pan’s Labyrinth, The Orphanage, and Pinocchio, he creates new meaning with Frankenstein, one where an emergence of lights evolves, but the political aspects regarding humanistic value fall in the middle.

To provide context, this is not your common Halloween-type Frankenstein film. This one has a storyline with emphasis which gives the monster meaning. There is a strong sense of purpose in del Toro’s direction. The madness in this breathtaking storyline takes viewers on a journey of suspense and amazement filled with mind-boggling grandeur. The creator and monster both have their own story. Frankenstein should be seen on a big screen over the Netflix platform, because the big-screen experience will amplify del Toro’s immersive surreal portrait.

The plot focuses on Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac). He is a scientist with a clever mind but also cruel with a massive ego. He has a history of inventions as well as trials of deceit. There are many political feuds with Victor. The setting is the 19thcentury, and the film focuses on Victor’s creation of a monster. With the help of his assistant Harlander (Christoph Waltz), some moving parts begin to go awry. The scientific aspects of the film have a backstory starting with Victor trying to run from what he has created. He ends up with sailors and begins to tell them why he is running from his creation—the film proceeds in acts from that point forward.

One captivating part of the film is the fact that it uses cinematics to lay out the events which provide context of how terror evolved. It also loops in Victor as the victim. Guillermo del Toro is accomplished at introducing enemies as the source of material for major emphasis in his projects. He is not afraid to bring out the worst of his characters and shine the light of terror with aftermath upon them. This situation comes into play for Victor in Frankenstein after creating The Creature (that is the character’s name, played by Jacob Elordi). He slowly develops humanistic attributes, but with Victor treating him like a slave, his monstrous avenues begin to expand rapidly. The Creature begins to feel love for a girl named Elizabeth (Mia Goth). With Victor, however, the life of The Creature is a living nightmare. Victor’s prison-like lifestyle fuels The Creature’s desire for ravenous vengeance.

Frankenstein is quite an enjoyable thrill ride. The story is very well-written and extremely well directed. All The Creature wants is to feel loved. His creator, Victor, wants to feel accomplished for his creation. Where do they both find happiness? Given the difference between being a real live human being and a man’s creation, del Toro creates a unique vision of life filled with many wonders in his version of Frankenstein. Suspense, love, lust, and ego all combine into cinematics which result in incredible genius. Four out of four stars for Frankenstein.