Critique MAY 2018 : ISSUE 84
Film First Reformed Dir: Paul Schrader A solitary, middle-aged parish pastor finds himself plunged into his own tormented past – and equally despairing future – until he finds redemption At Best: “A fascinating meditation on inner turmoil in which doing the right thing can lead down many wrong directions.” indieWire At WoRst: “It won’t break any box-office records. But it’s beautiful, thoughtful and full of grace.” AustinAmerican Statesman
Kings AIR
Dir: Deniz Gamze Ergüven A story set against the civil unrest of 1992 Los Angeles, where a protective foster mother allies herself with a loose cannon neighbour At Best: “For its honourable intentions to address sensitive issues, it’s unconvincing tonal patchwork.” Hollywood Reporter At WoRst: “Has a long career ahead of it as an lesson in how not to exploit events for acclaim.” Cinema Scope
Mountain Dir: Jennifer Peedom From Tibet to Australia, Alaska to Norway, armed with drones, Go-Pros and helicopters, to follow a symphony of mountaineers
At WoRst: “In spite of the sometimes lofty turns of phrase, it is most awe-inspiring in its quieter moments.” National Post
Tully Dir: Jason Reitman Reluctantly ‘gifted’ a nanny by her brother, a new mother forms a unique bond with the thoughtful and surprising young caregiver At Best: “Perfectly blends comedy and drama, creating a powerful, tender meditation on societal stigmas.” Film Inquiry At WoRst: “Has its heart in the right place, but you wish it had an imagination executed to match its empathy.” Variety 20
Images: A24; The Orchard; Greenwich Entertainment; Focus Features
At Best: “A visual and musical spectacle that showcases the majesty of nature and our helplessness to it.” Globe and Mail