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Film reviews

Nyad Review

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Nyad is the true story of Diana Nyad, who at sixty years old decided to swim from Cuba to Florida, a distance of about 110 miles. The film is inspiring, passionate, and a powerhouse of motivation that will have audiences wanting more.

Swimming is an important life skill, but few people have the persistence and braveness to fulfill a dream like Diana Nyad. This film shows that dreams really can come true. Directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Nyad is first and foremost a film of inspiration and courage. Featuring the incomparable Annette Bening (as Diane Nyad), Jodie Foster (as Bonnie Stoll), and Rhys Ifans (as John Bartlett), the film just shines. All three actors were excellent, but Bening’s performance in particular really stood out.

Although it was Diana Nyad who was actually in the water, teamwork is the emphasis in Nyad. At one point Diana’s friend Bonnie questions her commitment to her goal and the timing of the swim. The weather when she chose to make the swim was unpredictable and the currents were strong, making the conditions dangerous. But despite these issues, Diana shows that she is in fact fully invested in completing this task. Bonnie becomes her coach and sticks by her side to help Diana complete her dream.

There is a lot of trial and error associated with Diana’s mission, and their assistant John goes out of his way to help navigate the conditions. Diana is always learning something new in her quest to complete the task, but with something as difficult and dangerous as Diana is attempting, there are always delays and other barriers. She also had a lot of people trying to talk her out of trying to make the journey. But that only motivates Diana to work harder to condition her body for the dangers ahead, and to just keep moving forward.

In addition to all the other issues, Diana’s age is of course also a problem. But each time Diane hits a plateau she finds a new way to overcome the problem. The conditions are always harsh, but she keeps jumping back into the rough water. The route from Cuba to Florida is not going anywhere, and neither is Diana, Bonnie, or John. They are the dream team helping Diane to become a legend in the water. And for Diane, despite her age, this dream is not too late.

Nyad is a reminder to us all to never give up. And it shows that having the courage to make mistakes, and then correcting those mistakes, benefits us in the long run. One of the lines in the film is, “It looks like a solitary sport, but it takes a team.” Those words highlight the focus of this film. Diane followed her dreams, and Bonnie and John were her essential partners in crime. Nyad is a one-of-a-kind achievement with a positive attitude. Four out of four stars for Nyad.

Film reviews, Music Box Theatre coverage

Cat Person Review

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A film with Nicholas Braun (who played Cousin Greg in HBO’s Succession) is one in which I expected his shy side and quirky elements to be featured in spontaneous adventures. In Cat Person, his character, Robert, is like Cousin Greg with a few twists. Cat Person is a film where there is desperation for a relationship, and it has the right characters to do so. However, the film does not begin with Braun. Instead, it starts off with Emilia Jones (who plays Margot), an introvert who believes in love at first sight.

The film introduces its audience to Margo, a sophomore in college who works at a cinema as a part-time floor attendant and spends a lot of time working in her science lab. She has the normal life of a college student, but that all changes when Robert (Braun) comes into her cinema. He asks for an odd combo of popcorn and red vines every time he visits the concession stand. He is fascinated by movies and loves to watch the classics on the big screen. He feels a true connection to Margot, and Margot feels the same about him. They begin to date and click over their mutual love for movies. Margot is often infuriated by her mother Kelly (played by Hope Davis) and her stepfather Ernie (played by Christopher Shyer), but she feels that Robert is the one person in her life that brings her happiness. After continuous loving text messages and a few dates, the love vibe feels right for Margot. That is until she realizes much of what Robert says about himself is not true. Once she begins to question him, Robert’s behavior becomes stalker-like and highly bizarre.

The film explores the life of Margot as she tries to avoid her problems as well as those who try to convince her that Robert may not be who he says he is. Margot’s roommate, Taylor (played by Geraldine Viswanathan), tries to warn Margot that Robert could have dangerous qualities. However, Robert’s shyness causes her to ignore the warnings which lead to matters getting more stressful. An added stressor is Margot’s science professor, Dr. Enid Zabala (played by Isabella Rossellini). Enid oversees the lab that Margot spends her time in, and an incident with Robert in the lab puts Margot in an odd place.

With Margot desperate for companionship, she begins to make herself seem more sexualized for Robert. This is obviously a big red flag as it opens her up to more vulnerability. Of course, it causes an even closer connection with Robert and further denial of his dishonesty up until he violates her boundaries. Cat Person will cause viewers to ask themselves if Margot is doing what is right for herself.

The movie involves a bizarre trail of deceit and the exploration of an individual’s truth upon close examination. Cat Person is more of a dark comedy in parts than a true psychological thriller because even the dangerous moments are presented in a matter that seems jokingly strange.

The film features the chemistry of young love with a desire to not give up. It involves an experience that is twisted and a relationship that is questionable. The title has meaning, but it is not as sweet as it appears. Cat Person is about building a trail around those who open themselves up to others, and the negative outcomes that can result. Its presentation lacks seriousness, but it is still fun to watch. Two out of four stars for Cat Person.

59th Chicago International Film Festival, Capsule Reviews, Film reviews

Silver Dollar Road Review

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This documentary is realistic because it is based on a true story and remains faithful to real-life events. The film’s subject involves cultural and racial issues regarding property and land ownership. Silver Doller Road is a documentary filled with meaning. It is a film that makes you think about property rights and the implications of ownership as well as inheritance. I found the film to be especially moving due to the narrative track and story. The message concerns truth and the role of morals. The story also focuses on the importance of family and tradition, and how those critical factors are often interfered with.

The film is the true story of the Reels’ family. They have fought for years for their land in North Carolina which has been taken away from them due to land developers. The interviews with members of the family are interesting and revealing. The film follows the journey of how the different laws and various real estate developers have had a significant impact on the family. Over the years, the Reels family has had their rituals and traditions messed up which has led to a feeling of disconnect. Silver Doller Road is a film about how lies can lead to frustration, but also about a family who will not stop fighting for their land.

I like how the film ties in historic moments and the issue of racism into the mix. It explores the concept of equality and the struggles which involve both race and class. The story also proves that the Reels’ family has a voice that they’re willing to use to fight for their land. There is a vivid landscape of emotions for a documentary. It is visually brilliant and wonderful. There is light in the tunnels of the darkness in Silver Doller Road. The film is one where its audience can expect to shed tears. This movie can bring out some strong emotions that were sometimes hard to handle. This is a film which is ultimately about a family that wants their lives to have meaning, and they are challenged to achieve that due to the struggles they face with their land.

There is not a happy motive in Silver Doller Road, but there is a strong inspirational message of courage which shines through when the family refuses to give up. Their historical tie to the land goes way back for them. The director Raoul Peck is crystal clear in his effort to bring in the emotional factors involved in the process. There is no easy way to define Silver Doller Road.

Can the Reels’ family save their land? Can the purpose of family and connection survive these tough circumstances? Why is there such hatred around race? It is a poetic ride of difficult questions, and the answers are an amazing revelation. It is a realistic depiction of life waiting to be fulfilled in a faithful context. Overall, a unique documentary with real class. Three out of four stars for Silver Doller Road.