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Film reviews

Babes Review

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The subject of pregnancy is not for everyone and is awkward for many. Pamela Adlon handles this “awkwardness” superbly in Babes. Adlon’s style of directing has no filter which brings out the best in satirical humor.  Babes is a one-of-a-kind comedyin which what should be commonsense does not always seem normal. This movie tackles a variety of difficult subject matter with heart.

The film takes place in New York City. The focus is on two best friends, Eden (played by Ilana Glazer) and Dawn (played by Michelle Buteau). Eden becomes pregnant after a one-night stand. She also suffers with some mental struggles. Eden expects Dawn to always be there for her given her unexpected condition.  Eden’s pregnancy is the overwhelming factor prompting her to keep her friendship with Dawn so close. However, Dawn is busy living her life with her own family and does not always have time for Eden. Still when they are together, they are like high-school besties. 

The art of friendship is portrayed honestly due to Adlon’s direction. There is a sense of disconnect that adults do not want to feel but impacts the relationship between Eden and Dawn. Pregnancy causes challenges which limit the joy in Eden’s life. The story provides a vivid portrait of Eden’s emotional condition and a clear understanding of why she may desire some form of escape. 

Glazer (who plays Eden) is also one of the co-writers of the film. Her character’s personality drives the frequent humor in Babes. Her persistent attitude and quirky coolness keep the awesome jams in Babes rolling. Eden is dealing not only with a major personal struggle, but also with trying to keep a friend in this tumultuous environment. Her vantage point is written and seen thoroughly throughout the film.

Despite some of the film’s peculiar moments, it is poetic. There are some gags that are repulsive and disastrous, but they do add some value in buffering some drastic scenarios. Between a pregnancy and a friendship, Babes paints a clear picture of the acceptance required in a true friendship. Does Eden want this baby? Does Dawn want to tolerate Eden’s nonsense? Are Eden and Dawn mentally prepared to deal with the changes evolving in their separate lives?  Babes explores some hard-hitting aspects of friendship that are very relatable.  

The complicated picture in this story is one where the paint does not dry quickly. The dynamics between Dawn and Eden get messy before they get pretty. There are rapidly flying colors of clever madness where frustration creates an unsettling atmosphere in this story of a fierce friendship. Adlon knows how to push the envelope when it comes to tough subjects. Her unique vision and directorial talent are on full display in this unique comedy.

What is more important? Is it friendship? Is it pregnancy? Is it the concept of adulting? All these dilemmas are questioned as the complexity of life plays out in this film. It is a bizarre comedy with class that is heartfelt and authentic. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Babes.

Film reviews

Chicago Critics Film Festival 2024: Cuckoo Review

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Cuckoo provides a change of scenery along with a nightmare that made my head spin. The film is written and directed by Tilman Singer, a German filmmaker who takes his audience on a journey in Germany. This is a diverse thriller that is experimental when it comes to fear and how awry a situation can go. With Hunter Schafer as the lead, her performance is as vocal as her character from HBO’s Euphoria. In Cuckoo, she plays a teenager with attitude who wants answers so she can put puzzle pieces together. This may be her most memorable project yet.

Schafer’s character, Gretchen, moves from the United States to Europe to live with her father, Luis (played by Marton Csokas). Luis lives in a resort in the German Alps with his new family. Luis’s boss, Mr. Konig (played by Dan Stevens), is odd and makes observations about Gretchen’s half-sister Alma (played by Mila Lieu), who is mute. The dynamics are obscure in Gretchen’s new home life are. In this new element, her mind is consumed with sound effects and shocking visions, and there are more concerns that are life-threatening. Gretchen is known to be rebellious; no one listens to her. 

Cuckoo is a mind-boggling ride that generates terror. The film’s writing has effective shock value. The movie is about a rebellious teen fighting for her life in a bizarre setting with no straight answers. Cuckoo is spellbinding and creatively classy. Three out of four stars.

Film reviews

La Chimera Review

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The film opens with faded lighting and as it progresses is captured like an artistic archive.  La Chimera glows with glimpses into a world of aspirational wonders. The Italian director Alice Rohrwacher’s film is both an empathetic and vibrant experience. Its set in Italy in the 1980s with beautiful landscapes serving as part of the film’s foundation. La Chimera takes a wholistic approach with its narrative involving an extensive search for artifacts through uncharted territory.

The film focuses on Arthur, played by Josh O’Connor, a tomb raider, referred to as the Tombarol. Arthur’s job is digging and searching for archeological artifacts that are in tombs in various places in Italy. His old friend Flora, played by Isabella Rosellini,is elderly and suffers with some health issues. Flora’s assistant is Italia, played by Carol Duarte, who is learning to sing and but is tone deaf. Arthur has a friend Pirro played by Vincenzo Nemolato who is his partner-in-crime in their search for artifacts that they’re hoping will be profitable. Arthus, however, is frustrated that his earnings aren’t what he anticipates given his time and devotion to his job. He reports his finding to Spartaco, played by Alba Rohwacher, who handles the public relations, and determines the value of what Arthur and his team find.

The film’s direction is poetic in portraying Arthur’s point of view. He takes his artifacts seriously and has skills and knowledge to figure out where to search. Arthur is also suffering from a loss, and the artifacts keep him occupied. Unfortunately, Arthur is under-appreciated, and many see his research as a gimmick or a waste of time. His friends Flora, Italia, and Pirro help inspire him to continue his search.

La Chimera is a journey where interesting dynamics lead to something more life changing. The forests and landscapes fuel the invigoration in La Chimera. Arthur is trying to find artifacts, Italia is dealing with being a servant, and Flora is struggling with health issues. Whatever is found in the depths of Arthur’s research could change the lives of those around him. Hatred flows through the community of the people that despise Arthur’s work. Arthur is not a bad person, but he is viewed by some as a con artist. Arthur’s persistence in La Chimera makes the movie lively for its audience.

The writing and lighting combine to send a message—the bigger the artifacts, the greater the chances of a promising livelihood. There are many pleasing discoveries in the story and the revelations go deep in La Chimera. There is a hidden irony in the revelation that the hard work will not benefit everyone. While there is a notion in the film that the tasks at hand are detrimental, in the end persistence leads to finding somethingmore rewarding. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for La Chimera.