Tag Archives: Focus Features

Film reviews

Last Breath Review

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When it comes to a film at the depths of below the water, it is a world where many revolving doors come into play. Different environments, oxygen only by tanks, and communication—Last Breath is based on those elements to the extreme. It is a true story that captures the essence of how serious a situation can get. Last Breath is not technically amazing but is a portrait of capturing what is impacted and prioritized to ensure safety and survival. Director Alex Parkinson prioritizes detrimental water conditions to claustrophobic heights to lead-on with mind-boggling suspense.

The film focuses on three diving colleagues/friends. They are Duncan Allock (played by Woody Harrelson), Dave Yuasa (played by Simu Liu), and Chris Lemons (played by Finn Cole). They are all bound to embark on a journey that is hundreds of feet into the ocean. The setting is around the Scotland, Uk region. Once they are submerged in the water, the moving part for peril comes through. It is not an easy journey.

The cause of the conflict is the conditions and storms. This is what makes the film one of the obstacles to hazardous safety. That opens the door for teamwork. The thoughts (which came to my mind) was sacrificing and times for quick-thinking—that is because one of the divers is stuck below with limited oxygen. From above the surface his diving friends must keep navigating the tracks to help him remain alive. It is many feet away from safety, and it is many feet away to bringing someone back.

The dive is the treacherous part of the film; however, it continues to fulfill its tracks (of being suspenseful) with just moments of the journey being rocky from above and below the surface. There are written words to keep the audience in tune with safety. I felt that direction gave an emphasis on how to help the audience think about the peril in front of them. The words, “Time without oxygen” is the scarcest part of Last Breath. That is because the more time lost, the less likely saving a life decreases. The waters and natural causes are the heat of the film’s core adventure for survival.

It is one of those films where teamwork and the buddy system go hand in hand. It is looped in from the top of the film (on dry land) and below the waters. Even though the pattern of the film is predictable, it captures the characterizations in a profound and appealing matter. It displays that it is what is counted on in Last Breath. As one who is not so well-versed with diving, the film makes me scared to even consider trying a diving expedition. I do not even intend to do diving classes. This is not a representation or an encouragement to not do this activity (FYI), just how I felt after the dive excursion and mission of the film. It is one where the eyes are the limit. What the main characters cannot see, the audience cannot see either—there are lurking corners of darkness that do not go unnoticed in The Last Breath. Two-and-a-half out of four stars.

Film reviews

Nosferatu Review

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One of the most frightening and compelling films directed by Robert Eggers which has more terror than what audiences might expect. Nosferatu is a dazzling sensation where horror meets its maker. During the Christmas holiday season, Nosferatu is a folk-tale portrait that will be remembered for ages. With Gothic moments of grandeur found in an environment with purpose—Nosferatu weaves its elements of darkness vividly. There are frequent moments which go awry which lead to one harsh awakening in Nosferatu.

The film takes place in the late 1800s and was filmed around Romania, the Czech Republic, and Canada. Many of the castle scenes are from the region surrounding Romania and the scenery and cinematography are the perfect environment for scares. The film is centered around a young woman who has the elements of a vampire soaked inside of her. The victim is Ellen Hutter (played by Lily-Rose Depp), and her husband is Thomas Hutter (played by Nicholas Hoult). The cause of the disease is perilous and monstrous. Their friends, Friedrich Harding (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Anna Harding (played by Emma Corrin) try to be of help, but it is not of much use. The horrid and detrimental factors only worsen which calls for a doctor who is an expert to find ways to tackle the disease. His name is Dr. Wilhelm Sievers (played by Willem Dafoe). The vampire effects may continue to strengthen, but how long will it take to fight them off before they become deadly?

The direction combining a story of both fantasy and horror delivers in Nosferatu. The tones of evil and respect centered around a plague remove typical boundaries leaving not just Ellen at risk. While political factors play a role, there is layer of frustration where the volume of suspense increases. Eggers develops a characterization of loyalty that may have deadly consequences.

Nosferatu continues to be inspired by its tragedies that help define its greatness. The exploration of the impact of a disease in a time of limited resources, but plenty of politics and connections. Depp, Hoult, and Dafoe turn in dynamic performances. Their characters being deal with life or death which creates tensions to tango with. Time is of the essence in Nosferatu.

As the scary moments multiply, Nosferatu may be one of the most perilous and historic films of the year.  The cinematography contains layers of lighting, eerie colors, and the many technological factors which blend well together for a memorable effect. Nosferatu is treacherous in nature. It is not a pleasant experience, but it is engrossing. It is a brutal and chilling ride causing fear to run through the audience’s bones.

In comparison, the older version (from 1922) came to my mindbecause it was also viewed as very creepy back then. Eggers takes the creepiness factor up a notch. He brings in all the important evidence to consider in Nosferatu. He utilizes his skills and class to make Nosferatu enthralling. The alternating layers of terror in Nosferatu thrive. The terrors of Christmas among the scenery of Romanian castles is the ultimate holiday ride of a vampire waiting to rise. The monster hiding is one cinematic champion. Four out of four stars for Nosferatu.

Film reviews

Conclave Review

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The term “conclave” refers to an assembly or gathering, especially one with specific power or influence. In Edward Berger’s film Conclave, the dynamics of political theories combined with religion and faith collide poetically. It is a powerful examination of the moving parts in the quest to find a new pope, with an ensemble cast that includes Ralph Fiennes (as Lawrence), Stanley Tucci (as Bellini), John Lithgow (as Tremblay), and Isabelle Rossellini (as Sister Agnes). The interactions of the cast are relentless and invigorating. Conclavecreates a curiosity about where the lines are drawn when selecting one who can lead the Catholic Church. The foundation of consideration reaches a point where established hierarchy and degree of faith challenge this important process.

The plot of the film begins with a deceased pope. The death is quiet and assumed to be unexpected. Over a hundred cardinals from around the world gather for a vote on the new pope. Lawrence is leading the “conclave” process. He keeps Bellini and Tremblay close. Despite their loyalty, they do not always see eye-to-eye. The Vatican halls are where new evidence will evolve, lies will be unfolded, and seniority and beliefs will interfere. Tremblay is subtle, yet frequently questioned by Lawrence. Lawrence privately believes that choices and secrets are in tune with the close relationship Tremblay had with the deceased Pope.

The rumors which are circulating take a major toll on the voting process. Conclave is a fascinating study of the cardinals’ minds as they present their own unique approaches to faith. For Lawrence, however, going by the book and following protocols speaks more to him than the faiths of the other cardinals. Fiennes’ performance as he develops a harsh reputation is where Conclave delivers a massive achievement in terms of characterizations. How far does one go to achieve the ruling of a new pope? What is the logic behind choosing who deserves to hold this position known to the entire world?

Conclave is an audacious thrill ride of the pressure, solidarity, and background of the political theories surrounding the votes throughout the process. The person who truly questions the choice of Lawrence is Sister Agnes and her extreme frustration shows in Rossellini glowing eyes. The real boxing match in this story is in the capable hands of Fiennes, Tucci, and Lithgow. They deliver powerhouse performances which showcase how faith in humanity and deep loyalty discover their shining presence. The movie is captivating in the way it explores the subjects of faith and worship and the role they play for the votes to count. The political issues related to hierarchy of authority, years of practice, and personal backgrounds are also intriguing.  With hundreds of cardinals, there are a lot of analytics to consider during the conclave. It is a riveting and unforgettable portrait of the critical choices involved when the Vatican must select a new pope who will shine a light of authentic power. This is one of the most monumental and visually outstanding films of 2024. Four out of four stars for Conclave.