What’s Happening, ROR?

from ROR Magazine: Lifestyles of the Global Educationist - Spring/Summer 2023

What’s Happening, ROR?

-- Matt Donato, IGN

The titular Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) is the tortured aide to his master, Nicolas Cage’s Dracula. For centuries, Dracula has forced Renfield to do his bidding, but now the lackey seeks to discover a life outside this monstrous shadow. Set in the early 20th century, the film follows Renfield's journey to end his codependency and break free from Dracula's control. Renfield finds a self-help group for codependency and forms an unlikely alliance with Rebecca Quincy, a second-generation police officer (Awkwafina) who is on the hunt for a high-level criminal, Teddy Lobo.

Renfield and Quincy work together to bring down the Lobo crime family, while attempting to evade Dracula's wrath. Dracula soon learns of Renfield's betrayal and sets out to destroy him and his allies. As Renfield and Quincy face off against both the Lobo crime family and Dracula, they discover that Dracula has empowered several gang members with supernatural abilities, making their fight for justice even more challenging

The biggest strength of the film remains the scene-chewing devilishness with which the masterful Cage throws himself into this role. His hypnotizing lothario ways aiming for kills and blood, the insane and abusive relationship he has with his aide that he is not ready to give up at any cost, and his villainous ways

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are a stronghold on the viewers whenever he appears on screen in this supporting role.

Nicholas Hoult also entertains riding the line between an action figure slaying bad guys here and there and the helpless, depressed, laconic aide trying to get ahead in life and branch out with something new. Other supporting characters provide much entertainment in their roles with production design, costumes, and make-up, etc full adding to the entertainment value of the movie.

What ultimately brings down the movie is the Rebecca-related subplots involving the crime family. The movie begins with a promise to show a psychiatrist’s eye view of the Dracula figure with Renfield serving as our way into the lives and mindsets of these fantastical characters. If the movie had kept its focus on Renfield’s honest attempts at ending his Dracula connection, either by developing a conscience or through his love for Rebecca, the film could have been a unique analysis piece dissecting an abusive relationship and the struggles of the guilty and dependent aide in finding redemption and freedom.

Despite the shortcomings, the movie remains a boon for all lovers of the horror-comedy-action genre and fanboys of Nicholas Cage’s spectacular and rousing list of madmen portrayals.

Ari Aster, known for his classic horror films “Hereditary” and “Midsommar,” takes audiences on an extensive odyssey of hipster non-horror with his latest film, “Beau Is Afraid.” Clocking in at over three hours, the film centers on Beau (Joaquin Phoenix), a middle-aged man suffering from depression and living in squalor. The film's surrealism and urban dystopia, which may be a product of Beau's medicated state, combines its striking visuals with derivative influences from the works of Charlie Kaufman, Darren Aronofsky, and Richard Kelly.

Beau is afraid of his mother. Throughout the film, he is forced to confront her as well as his own past. This journey is riddled with bizarre events and encounters with various characters, such as a well-meaning couple grieving the loss of their soldier son and a traveling woodland theatre troupe. The film's most engaging moments are the flashback scenes featuring a younger Beau and his mother, played by Armen Nahapetian and Zoe Lister-Jones, where the drama truly comes to life. The movie explores themes of deception, control, and the struggle for identity in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.

The surreal nature of the story leaves the audience questioning the true nature of the events that unfold. Overall, it offers a wealth of material for educators and admissions professionals to explore. Beau navigates a series of challenges and personal growth experiences. His journey threads through numerous character development moments, ethical dilemmas, and social and emotional issues people face in real life. The story also highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in dealing with the emotional struggles of others.

This movie depicts the potential harm that can result from a breach of trust, as evidenced by Beau’s therapist sharing confidential information with his overbearing mother, Mona. The film encourages professionals to engage in discussions surrounding ethical boundaries, confidentiality, and the importance of maintaining trust in their relationships with students.

Through the interactions between Beau and the various characters he encounters, the film explores the complexities of relationships in educational settings and the potential for growth and change. The portrayal of parents, guardians, and the local community in the film spotlights parental and community involvement in personal trauma and tragedy. As Beau navigates various challenges, the film emphasizes the importance of developing resilience, empathy, and communication skills, and exploring one’s creativity through engaging life experiences (such as the theater troupe depicted).

In fact, Beau’s exploration of alternate life paths becomes his biggest resource and it doesn’t matter at the end what details from which path were real or imagined, surreal or live-through. Additionally, “Beau is Afraid” serves as a springboard for discussions surrounding ethical considerations, as it addresses breaches of trust and confidentiality.

ascade Academy began with a dream of treating adolescent girls suﬀering with severe anxiety. Adolescent girls are three times more likely to experience anxiety than boys. This need presented an opportunity to serve students and families across the country. As with most dreams, there were many obstacles to overcome to keep hope alive. It took three years to make the dream a reality.

Cascade Academy was founded by John & Carol Probst, Caleb Cottle and Brad Gerrard in January 2020. With dynamic leadership forging the way, each partner has worked hard on their mission to help students and families to embrace life with courage and joy.

Having worked many years in the behavioral health industry, Caleb saw a need to serve adolescent girls with severe anxiety and began his search for the perfect location and the ideal team. Uninterested in a facility with an “institutional” feel, he began a search for something that felt like “home.” Through a series of fortunate events, he was led to John and Carol Probst, respected entrepreneurs and community members in Midway, Utah. They were interested nine bedrooms, ten bathrooms, two kitchens and plenty of office space, it was the “home” he had been searching for. Rather than sell their beautiful home, John and Carol oﬀered it as part of a partnership agreement and Cascade Academy was born. Situated in the scenic Wasatch Back just outside of Park City, Cascade Academy is the perfect environment to promote healing for students and their families.

With the location established, Brad Gerrard, a well-respected and seasoned expert in the behavioral health field, was recruited and completed the ownership team, filling the role as Executive Director. Shortly thereafter Bekah Schuler joined the team as Clinical Director and quickly became specialized and knowledgeable in the treatment of adolescent anxiety. With over thirty years of experience in education, Jacki Burnham fills the demanding role as Academic Director, creating personalized education plans for each student. As the Admissions Director, LeaKae Roberts walks parents through the difficult process of placing their daughter in treatment. Porter Roe acting as Program Director makes certain that the needs of students and their families are met throughout the duration of treatment.