Girl Taken is a psychologically complex thriller that explores the aftermath of teen abduction, focusing on the emotional and familial impact, with Alfie Allen delivering a compelling performance as the abductor. The series emphasizes the quieter, more harrowing aspects of survival and recovery, offering a deeper look into the consequences of violence and coercive control.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by Rolling Stone
'Anemone' marks the return of Daniel Day-Lewis in a compelling, silent, and symbolic role that explores themes of trauma, legacy, and solitude, set against a backdrop of stark realism and surreal imagery, directed by Ronan Day-Lewis in his debut.
"Mothers' Instinct," a 1960s-set suburban psychodrama starring Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain, presents a compelling yet conflicted narrative that struggles to find its tonal footing. Directed by Benoît Delhomme, the film's visual quality doesn't quite bind into atmosphere, and its humor feels erratic. The story revolves around the unraveling friendship of two homemakers after a tragic event, leading to a compelling battle for the soul of the script. While the performances are determined, the film lacks the grandeur of great melodrama or the savoir-faire of great noir, leaving viewers intrigued but waiting for it to find its stride.
In the thriller "Magpie," Daisy Ridley plays Annette, a troubled mother struggling with isolation and resentment towards her husband, Ben. As the plot unfolds, Ben becomes involved with a glamorous movie star, leading to a climactic twist that challenges the audience's perceptions of the characters. While the film's style may feel overstated and underwritten, Ridley's performance and the film's primitive charge make it compelling, ultimately delivering a crowd-pleasing resonance.
Madeline Brewer, known for her roles in The Handmaid’s Tale and Orange is the New Black, is set to star in the fifth and final season of Netflix's psychological drama You. She will play Bronte, a playwright who forms a connection with Joe Goldberg, portrayed by Penn Badgley. The series, based on Caroline Kepnes' novel, explores the lengths one would go for love. Brewer's previous work includes acclaimed performances in various TV shows and films, and she is represented by CAA, Entertainment 360, and Schreck Rose Dapello, et al.
Despite Jenna Ortega's star power, "Miller's Girl" is a dated and creepy '90s throwback that fails to overcome its flaws, portraying a high-school student's intense relationship with her teacher in a questionable manner. The film's portrayal of predatory behavior and power dynamics feels uncomfortable, and even Ortega's performance can't salvage the movie's literary pretensions and questionable decisions.
Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal discuss their characters' marriage in the upcoming psychological drama FOE, which was acquired by Amazon Studios for over $30 million. The film follows the story of Junior and Hen, a married couple living in seclusion, whose lives are disrupted when an unexpected visitor presents them with a life-altering proposition. As they navigate the challenges to their relationship and personal identities, the characters are forced to confront the monotony of their existence and make difficult decisions. FOE is set to be released on Prime Video on January 5, 2024.
Margot Robbie made her return to the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of Saltburn, but was unable to speak due to losing her voice. The Australian actress, who produced the film, communicated with hand gestures and wore a dark brown gown. Her representatives confirmed her voice loss, and she posed alongside her husband, Tom Ackerley. The film, written and directed by Emerald Fennell, stars Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi. Despite her illness, Robbie appeared healthy and tan from a summer holiday in Greece. The premiere marked the end of a 118-day strike in Hollywood, allowing actors to promote their work again.
If you enjoyed the intense survival game concept of "Squid Game," here are seven shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From the post-apocalyptic world of "Snowpiercer" to the deadly underground casino in "Insomnia," these series explore themes of socio-economic inequality and the lengths people will go to for survival. Other recommendations include "Alice in Borderland," "Gyakkyou Burai Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor," "3%," "Gantz," and the psychological drama "Liar Game."
Jonathan Glazer's new film, The Zone of Interest, is a psychological drama set in Auschwitz that purposefully doesn't show the graphic terrors of the death camp. Instead, the film follows the daily life of commandant Rudolf Höss and his family through calm, quotidian wide shots, while the constant churn of the death camp is heard behind the walls. Glazer's formalist approach, cross-breeding narrative cinema and conceptual art, is unsettling and effective, making The Zone of Interest a psychologically searing film that borders on the unwatchable.