Happy Friday Newsletter
October 4th 2024
Arts & Entertainment
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The Dukesbay Theater Presents: An Inspector Calls
The time is Spring 1912. The place is Brumley, England. The Birling family has just sat down to dinner to celebrate the engagement of their daughter to a rising young man in the community. A mysterious police inspector knocks at the door and immediately begins to question the wealthy family and their dinner guest following the suicide of a young working class woman. Is the woman’s death connected to this family, and if so, how? Dukesbay Productions presents a tale of investigation and mystery into the lives of five people who may have forged a tragic chain of circumstances.
An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley and directed by Jennifer York
October 25 - November 10, 2024
The Dukesbay Theater
508 Sixth Ave. #10
Tacoma, WA 98402
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm
Tickets are $15, which includes coffee, tea and an assortment of cookies.
For tickets: https://DukesbayAnInspectorCalls.bpt.me
The Dukesbay Theater is located on the third floor in the historic Merlino Art Center building. All patrons must be able to ascend a long staircase leading to the theater. There is no elevator in the building.
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Celebrate the Relaunch of Shinka: An Immersive Japanese Automobile Exhibit
LeMay – America’s Car Museum is approaching the halfway point of their premier exhibit on display – Shinka: An Immersive Japanese Automobile Exhibit, which is scheduled to be on display until mid-March of 2025.
ACM is celebrating the halfway point with an exclusive one night event this upcoming Friday, October 4 from 4pm-9pm to unveil 20 new vehicles in the exhibit which is located on the Museum’s top floor. These new cars will provide a refresh of the exhibit for those who have been to the Museum to see the exhibit before, and for those who haven’t seen it yet, this is a great time to check it out for the first time.
The event will include a DJ, food and beverage including a bar, and the opportunity to explore the exhibit in its new form.
Tickets are available via the link in the attached press release, or visit https://www.americascarmuseum.org/ -
Makers on the Tide: The Willits Brothers and their Handcrafted Canoes
The Washington State History Museum is proud to share a part of Puget Sound history in a new exhibition titled Makers on the Tide: The Willits Brothers and their Handcrafted Canoes. It showcases the life, legacy, and craftsmanship of brothers Earl and Floyd Willits, who meticulously crafted over 900 canoes between 1908 and the mid-1960s. The highly regarded wooden canoes are considered to be some of the finest ever made. The exhibition will be on view from October 5, 2024, to February 16, 2025.
After moving from the Midwest as teenagers, the brothers constructed their first canoe while they were in high school. They devoted their lives to perfecting a 17-foot cedar strip canoe model known as the "Artondale." In 1921, they purchased land for a workshop on Day Island in Tacoma, and in 1926, they founded the Willits Brothers Canoe Company.
The exhibition will showcase three rare Willits Brothers canoes and historic photographs from the Tacoma Public Library's Northwest Room collection. A new Willits Brothers documentary by Tacoma filmmaker Mick Flaaen and historian Michael Sullivan will debut as part of the exhibition and be screened exclusively in the gallery throughout its run.
The public is invited to take part in a special premiere screening of the Makers on the Tide documentary on Saturday, October 5, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Washington State History Museum. This event is free with registration. For more information visit washingtonhistory.org. -
48th Annual Apple Squeeze Festival
This free festival will be from 10 am and 4 pm on Sunday, October 6th, 2024, in downtown Steilacoom.
Throughout the event live music will be featured by Kristi and Steve Nebel, residents of Tacoma. They are an Americana/ Bluegrass group with Country, Folk, and pop oriented acoustic music. Alternating and playing with them all day will be Dave Harmonson, Seattle singer and musician known for similar genres, on acoustic and electric guitar, pedal and non-pedal steel dobro. This event is sponsored by the Steilacoom Historical Museum Association. For more information call the museum at 253-584-4133 or go to: https://www.steilacoomhistorical.org/48th-annual-apple-squeeze
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Festival Herencia Latina October 12th
Join us for Festival Herencia Latina, a vibrant celebration of South Sound Latine culture hosted by Tacoma Arts Live and Latinx Unidos! Enjoy five hours of free music, dance, visual arts, traditional food, and hands-on activities for all ages. Explore our mercadito, featuring local Latinx artists and vendors with handmade crafts, jewelry, and more.
Don't miss the commemorative artwork by Tacoma's own Maribel Galvan, honoring Raíces Indígenas. Plus, enjoy interactive art activities from local organizations, making this an unforgettable day for the whole community!At the Tacoma Armory 1001 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma 12pm - 5pm
For more info go to https://buff.ly/3YkquAV
Neighborhood News
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A Tiny Home Village is Coming to Spanaway
The Tacoma Rescue Mission is set to break ground on a new tiny home community in Spanaway, aimed at providing much-needed housing for the region's homeless population. The initiative, dubbed “Good Neighbor Village,” will consist of 285 tiny homes, with common buildings and a farm, designed to offer safe, supportive living spaces for individuals.
Duke Paulsen, the executive director of the Tacoma Rescue Mission hopes to make a deep impact on the homelessness in Pierce County, because the people that live in this new community where they are living, working and thriving together.
Services will also be offered on site such as mental health and substance abuse disorder and there will be staff in the community. This housing is meant to be permanent and supportive housing for the "chronically homeless."
The Rescue Mission has seen a trend of older people coming into the shelter, and for elders, it can be even harder to re-establish something of a life. This community aims to focus on that aging community where it is harder to get back on their feet.
While there is opposition to neighbors of the intended village, Tacoma Rescue Mission was given the greenlight to break ground as early as October and hopefully starting work before the end of the year.
For more information: https://www.trm.org/gnv/
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New Businesses Coming to Hilltop
Housing Hilltop South, the 94 unit affordable housing building will also have 3 commercial spaces below and two of those space occupants have been announced.
Space A will hold Reyna Filipina Kitchen Tacoma, owned and operated by Jan Parker.
Space B will be occupied by a children's retail store called Lavonne's Room, owned and operated by Hilltop local, Bridget Demerson.
The third space is still getting other commercial improvements.
Both of the announced businesses are minority women owned business enterprises (MWBE's) which was focused on when the Tacoma Housing Authority was filling the spaces. Both businesses were chosen because of their business visions to support the community, the owner's connection to Hilltop as well as their strong business plans.
The whole Housing Hilltop project consists of two buildings, the other, Housing Hilltop North, will also have 137 affordable housing units that are expected to begin leasing in December.
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The Great Washington Shake Out is Coming
Just a reminder that coming up on October 17th, at 10:17am local time, you can join millions of people practicing earthquake safety. Plan to practice your "Drop. Cover. Hold On." drills as well as your tsunami route if that applies to you.
The sirens will go off with the actual wailing sound instead of the typical chimes that happen during the monthly tests. No need to call 9-1-1, this is just a test.
There are many great resources at shakeout.org/washington for you to register your participation, know what should be in your emergency preparedness kits, and what you should do if your mobility is less than ideal.
What ever you do, Shake Out, Don't Freak Out!
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A Letter to the Rainbow Center Community
Dear Rainbow Center Community,
At Rainbow Center, we are committed to growth, improvement, and serving our community. Considering this commitment, we want to inform you of some significant changes in our organization's leadership.
At a Special Board Meeting on Monday, September 23rd, the Board of Directors voted to reestablish our entire board. This decision came after careful consideration and following the recommendation of a facilitated community panel. We believe this step is necessary to ensure that our leadership accurately reflects the diversity of our community and is fully prepared to guide Rainbow Center into the future. We also received the resignation of our Board President, Jayla Watje, on Sunday, September 29th. We sincerely thank Jayla for her service, dedication, and commitment to Rainbow Center during her six-year tenure.
Moving forward with these changes in mind, our plan is as follows:
1. A new Community Advisory Panel will be formed to recruit the first three members of the new board.
2. The newly appointed board members will then continue the recruitment process, with a commitment to ensure the new board reflects the diversity of our community.
3. All current board members will continue to serve until the new board is established.
This transition will take time and cannot happen overnight. However, we are committed to open and transparent communication throughout this process. Any questions or concerns can be sent to board@rainbowcntr.org. We will respond to inquiries directly and will provide regular community-wide updates as we progress.
Thank you for your patience and continued support. Your involvement is crucial as we work together to ensure a vibrant future for Rainbow Center. We are excited about the possibilities this change brings and look forward to serving our community even better in the years to come.
With Appreciation,
Rainbow Center Board of Directors
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Pt. Defiance Happenings
ZOOLIGHTS Tickets are Now On Sale
The beloved Zoolights event at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is back and brighter than ever! The dedicated Zoolights crew is busy preparing for Pierce County’s largest and most enchanting holiday celebration, and timed online tickets are now available.
From November 29 to January 5, this annual holiday spectacular will light up the zoo with over one million dazzling lights—a record-setting display! For 37 years, Zoolights has brought joy to the South Sound community, and this year promises to continue that cherished tradition.
“We look forward to celebrating Zoolights with our community every year, continuing this wonderful tradition for families and friends,” said the zoo’s Director, Alan Varsik.
Guests will be captivated as they stroll through the zoo, encountering their favorite animal superstars like Willow the muskox and the twin polar bear sisters, Astra and Laerke, all aglow in vibrant lights.
This year’s experience will feature many beloved displays returning for encore performances, including the majestic Mount Rainier, the spirited Seahawks Tree glowing in blue and green, and the stunning Tacoma Narrows Bridges. Don’t miss the iconic Flame Tree, celebrating its 36th year with over 35,000 lights. Capture the perfect holiday photo at our breathtaking tunnel of lights—the ideal backdrop for memorable selfies or group shots! And keep your eyes peeled for Sasquatch—can you find him?
Nearly every display is crafted in-house by the zoo’s talented carpenters, electricians, and maintenance staff, ensuring a unique and magical experience.
New Attractions for 2024:
Join us for a new and exciting Safari in lights exhibit, showcasing illuminated tigers, elephants, giraffes, lions, and more! Plus, a special tribute to our sister zoo, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, featuring Northwest native animals like bears, moose, and wolves, all beautifully lit.
Bonus Festivities:
In addition to the stunning light displays, enjoy these festive activities: Vintage Carousel Rides: Hop on magical creatures like reindeer and polar bears. Private Goat Grooming Experience: Treat your family to a behind-the-scenes experience with our holiday-clad goats! Just $30 per person for members and $50 per person for non-members (includes admission to Zoolights). All participants, including children aged 0-2, must have a ticket to enter the goat yard. Café Delights: Warm up with festive treats like holiday kettle corn, fried apple fries topped with whipped cream, and our indulgent hot cocoa float.For more information visit https://www.pdza.org/event/zoolights/
Come Bird Watching
Bring your favorite mug and enjoy free coffee as we discuss birds found at Titlow Park followed by a bird walk through the park. Sunday, Oct 6 at 9 am. Program is free but registration is required. Sign up online at https://bit.ly/birds-titlow
Meet at the picnic shelter behind Titlow Lodge.
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West End Neighborhood Council Meeting 10/9
Please join our next West End Neighborhood Council Meeting (and bring a friend or neighbor along).
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
7 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30.)
Fire Station 16 (7217 6th Avenue)
Please enter the building via the side door at the top of the ramp closest to the newly renovated Narrows Park & Ride Lot.
This month’s “hot topic” meeting returns to the theme of crime and public safety. After our police liaisons deliver their monthly report, Acting Police Chief Paul Junger will discuss police policies. Interim Fire Chief Sionna Stallings-Ala’ilima will give us an update on the HOPE program as well as explain the details of the proposed fire department levy lid.
We need volunteers with IT expertise to help us update the content of our website and Facebook page.
We need volunteers with an interest in community engagement to serve on a newly formed event planning committee.
To answer either or both calls for help, please contact wenc@we-tacoma.org.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.
Agenda- Call to order, roll call, introductions, and announcements - Approval of September 2024 minutes - Treasurer’s report - Liaison report from Tacoma Police Department - Presentation by Acting Chief of Police on police policy - Presentation by Fire Chief on public safety - Presentation on proposed fire department levy - Presentation - Old business - New business - Door prize - Adjournment
Need recommendations for how to spend your weekend?
Our online community calendar has you covered!
Opportunities
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Weekly Volcano is Making a FALL CATALOG!
Are you trying to reach consumers in Tacoma and Pierce County? We spend a lot of time trying to design projects to help you compete against the unfair advantage of corporations like Amazon, Walmart, etc. Here are some upcoming projects you could participate in:
Holiday Shopping Catalog in the November issue of Weekly Volcano
Last year we dedicated a full page to gift ideas from local businesses. This year we would like to expand that into a catalog inside the newspaper. Each business will send us a photo of a product on a white background, a short description, price, and a link to buy it online. This will allow our readers to go to their website and see all the products and services they have for sale online and hopefully encourage a lot more local shopping this holiday season. The cost to you is just $100. We think that is a deal you can't afford to refuse!November and December ART BUS Tours
Every Third Thursday we do something no-one else does: we bring shoppers directly to local businesses. We always have a different celebrity tour guide, we always film the tour and share it online and we always give away gift bags full of promotional items from any local business that wants to participate. The cost ranges from FREE to $300 depending on which options you choose. Reach out if you would like to have your business featured.Print and digital advertising
Self promotion is the worst. Everyone hates it. Let us promote your business. We have lots of methods and very talented people. Reach out for a customized marketing package with Weekly Volcano! We would love to be on your team.To participate, send email to Advertising@Weekly-Volcano.com
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South Sound Entrepreneurship Week is Coming Up
Are you looking for more tools to manage your creative business? South Sound Entrepreneurship Week is coming up: a dynamic lineup of meetups, thought-provoking lectures, and engaging panel discussions, all offered for free!
Learn more: https://www.southsoundentrepreneurshipweek.com
Register for free workshops + events: https://lu.ma/southsoundentrepreneurshipweek
5 days, 5 Locations!
Monday (10/21) at the Tacoma Armory,
Tuesday (10/22) at Spaceworks,
Wednesday (10/23) at Goodwill Millgard,
Thursday (10/24) at WorkSource Pierce,
Friday (10/25) at Evergreen College Tacoma.
Eli Blodgett (he/they) ACE Program Coordinator Tacoma Arts Live (TacomaArtsLive.org)
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TEENS: Design Just Futures!
In Designing Just Futures, Tacoma teens will have the opportunity to explore issues they care about in their community and co-design solutions using technology as a tool. Throughout the school year, there will be guests from local and national organizations to facilitate conversations relevant to the issues they’re exploring as well as technical workshops. At the end of the program, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their final projects to the community. This program is run by Fab-5 with support from the Lifelong Kindergarten Research group at the MIT Media Lab, funded by Tacoma Creates, and hosted by Tacoma Public Library. Sign up here: https://tacoma.bibliocommons.com/events/66be8853e59b232800866d2e
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Be an Artist In Residence at Great Basin National Park
Apply now: Great Basin National Park Artist in Residence 2025. Great Basin National Park will select 3-4 residences from this call. Each residence will occur in 2025. Artists will be surrounded by the natural beauty of the Park from the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak to the depths of Lehman Caves.
Deadline to apply: October 15, 2024
Great Basin National Park, Nevada
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Paint the Mural Behind Safeway!
Come and paint the mural behind Safeway!! Artist Cameron Decker and Friends will be out with paint and supplies. Bring the whole family, grab a paintbrush, and meet your neighbors while helping to beautify the neighborhood!!!
Safeway at 707 S 56th St, Tacoma
Noon - 2pm
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Metro Parks is Looking for a Parks & Recreation Director
Metro Parks Now seeking Parks & Recreation Director! We are hiring for this exciting director-level position and accepting applications now through October 31. Be a trailblazer and celebrate the journey, while leading staff to explore pathways to exceptional parks, programs, and partnerships.Learn more and apply today!
Film & TV Reviews
Struggling with his dual identity, failed comedian Arthur Fleck meets the love of his life, Harley Quinn, while incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital.
When it was announced that 2019’s Joker was getting a sequel, myself, and many others voiced our displeasure for the film getting an unnecessary sequel. Then when it was announced that it would be a jukebox musical, our ears perked yet still cautious. Then finally the first trailer was released and we all believe that Joker: Folie a Deux might have lightning in the bottle again. Sadly, Folie a Deux does not have lighting in the bottle again as the Joker sadly faceplants in this unnecessary sequel.
On one hand, I respect Joker: Folie a Deux for trying to do something different. It doesn’t go for a conventional sequel. Screenwriters Todd Phillips and Scott Silver really tried something different with this procedural jukebox drama/musical. However, they should have abandoned the musical aspects when they realize they could not write a musical to save their life. When the first musical number broke out, you can feel the audience cringing due to the sheer incompetent musical filmmaking. Every single musical number is woefully flat, uninspired, and worst of all, terrible. Not even the powerful vocals of Lady Gaga could save them. I respect the idea of Arthur, aka, Joker (Joaquin Phoenix), using music as both a comfort and a trigger as he falls back into madness. But they should have hired someone who knew what they were doing with musicals. And what is even more frustrating, if it weren’t for those musical numbers, I believe lighting would have struck twice with Todd Phillips Joker.
What is frustrating about Joker: Folie a Deux is that you can see what director T odd Phillips was going for in this sequel. Buried within the musical we continue with the tragedy of Arthur Fleck. We witness a mentally ill man sadly deemed competent for trial, put into a circus as everyone tears him apart to fit him into their narrative. The media sets him up as a mad terrorist, the DA believes he is a homicidal maniac, his attorney believes he is mentally ill, while his supporters believe he is a martyr standing up to the system. These outside forces begin Arthur's tragic descent into madness, and it is only accelerated when he meets Harley “Lee” Quinzel (Lady Gaga), a Joker fangirl who leads to his destruction as she brings the Joker out from hiding. I believe this basic concept paired with themes such as redeeming the mad and the mad on trial, is fascinating. And with a little bit of polishing, Todd Phillips would have had lightning in a bottle again. Sadly, this tragedy is buried by a terrible musical.
Joaquin Phoenix continues his maddening path as the iconic Joker. Despite the material being weaker and his musical performance is not the best, he still gives incredibly strong performances as Arthur/Joker. He finds the perfect balance again between sanity and madness. He will most likely not get another Oscar nomination for his performance, but his performance is easily one of the best of the year. Sadly, I found Lady Gaga as the iconic Harley Quinn to be a mixed bag. Her vocal performance was surprisingly weak, not because of her vocals, but because her performance felt like it belonged to a different film. She sounded like herself, but a bit more deranged as usual. However, when she was not singing, I found her performance to be quite strong. She matched Phoenix freak, and when they were allowed to be freaky I was having fun. While the remaining ensemble, Brendan Gleeson gives a strong performance despite limited screen time, while Harry Lawtey has a promising career ahead as Harvey Dent.
However, despite the strong performances, I feel bad for this ensemble as they deserve a better
film.
Overall, I am left disappointed with Joker: Folie a Deux. I respect the fact that they took a gamble with the film by making it a musical, rather than a conventional sequel. But really should have hired someone who knew what they were doing because I wish this was a conventional sequel given the film that was presented. It has the foundations to make for a great film, but squanders it in execution. With Joker, he had the final laugh, in Folie a Deux, the audience is laughing at him.
My Rating: C
Film Review: Joker: Folie a Deux
By: Elizabeth Malloy
Film Review: The Substance
By: Elizabeth Malloy
Needless to say, if The Substance actually existed, it would be as popular as Ozempic.
In the day and age where there is a battle between natural beauty/aging, and maximalist plastic surgery to look youthful, a film like The Substance is needed to smash unrealistic beauty standards with a wrecking ball. And to say that it smashes it with a wrecking ball is a bit of an understatement as The Substance is one of the craziest films of the year.
We follow Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) in her early years as she receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Over the years, her star begins to fade, crack, and break as she slowly fades from A-List Oscar winning actress, to a faded celebrity that hosts televised aerobic classes. Then on her 50th birthday she is fired for being too “old” by her creepy manager, Harvey (Dennis Quaid). In her anger and depression, she turns to an experimental drug, The Substance, which has the ability to make a younger version of herself. This drug births Sue (Margaret Qualley), from Elisabeth’s back, and the pair begin their 7 day balance as they go back and forth between the two bodies. When she is Sue, it is bliss, when she is Elisabeth, it is a self destructive hell. Soon their lives become unbalanced leading to the birth of a self destructive monster.
The Substance is by no means subtle with its commentary. The commentary is filled with rage and anger as it smashes into your chest as it takes down toxic beauty standards that are pushed upon women in Hollywood. From rampant ageism to being treated as a sexual object rather than human being, The Substances covers it all.
And if that commentary wasn’t uncomfortable enough, the visual language that director Coralie Fargeat and cinematography Benjamin Kracun might leave you nauseated. The film's cinematography utilizes a fisheye lens for uncomfortable close ups and spanning wide shots, leaving you slightly unsettled. Whether it is a close up of Harvey, shoving down shrimp like there is no tomorrow, or the claustrophobic conditions of Elisabeth’s apartment, you are visually left uncomfortable.
This is further heightened by the sound design, where you hear every little thing ranging from the tearing of human flesh to the pounding of a human heart. Then once the extreme body horror begins, you will not be prepared for the twisted gorefest that will commence before your eyes. It is twisted, disgusting, and will make you queasy as Fargeat explores our toxic relationship with our bodies.
Demi Moore gives the performance of her career as Elisabeth Sparkle. She masterfully articulates the self-hatred and self-destructive behavior that ultimately leads to her downfall. You sense both the anger and depression her character encapsulates as she comes to the reality that she is older. I would love to see her get an Oscar nomination for this performance, but will most likely receive none due to this being a genre film.
Margaret Qualley equally gives the best performance of her career so far as Sue. She is seductive as Sue as she manipulates her way to the top. Yet within her hot looks, you still see the fear of being thrown away hidden within her character. Lastly, Dennis Quaid perfectly portrays a creepy manager. He is as charismatic as he is disgusting, and honestly has the best wardrobe of the film.
Overall, Coralie Fargeat has crafted a modern body horror masterpiece. The Substance is not interested in subtlety, it is interested in provoking and attacking the audience as it challenges misogynistic beauty standards. It is camp, it is funny, it is depressing, and it is dark. It is a shame that the Academy will overlook The Substance. Genre films have been overlooked for too long, and hopefully, like Elisabeth, the new year will bring a new Academy.
My Rating: A+
Reactions from the Toronto International Film Festival
Conclave
Conclave is a meticulously constructed political drama/thriller set in the Vatican. Similar to Succession and Game of Thrones, it is filled with scheming, backstabbing, and ideologies clashing in the name of self gain and God. The ensemble is outstanding with Ralph Fiennes leading this ensemble with a commanding tour de force. The atmosphere is claustrophobic, and this is amplified with a pounding score, immaculate sound design, and beautiful cinematography. Overall, Conclave is a wildly entertaining thriller set in the controversial world of the Vatican that will take the Oscars by storm.
On Swift Horses
With so much talent in front of and behind the camera, I was shocked to find how tedious and boring On Swift Horses was. Instead of crafting a compelling narrative about the struggles of being a closeted member of the LGBT+ community during the 1950s, it was instead focused on how hot the ensemble was. Don’t get me wrong, the ensemble was great to look at, but their performances were woefully flat. On paper, there is a good story within On Swift Horses, but it is too boring to recognize it.
Babygirl
Erotic thrillers are making a comeback, and they have never been sexier. Babygirl is a sexy and thought-provoking erotic thriller that dives into a complicated affair between a powerful, girl-boss CEO and her male intern. Right from the beginning the power-dynamics between the two are blurry and morally gray as Babygirl explores kinks, humiliation, and empowerment in the corporate world. Its moral ambiguity is both its greatest strength and weakness as it does feel like it falls short of saying something impactful, other than being honest about your kinks with your partner. However, the performances from Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, and Antonio Banderas more than make up for the lack of clarity in this seductive thriller.
Bring Them Down
There is a reason why there is a saying “ don’t ever touch a shepherd's flock” and Bring Them Down perfectly encapsulates why. In this Shakespearean tragedy, we witness one tragic action, one after another, after another, that leads to nothing but emotional misery and destruction. Christopher Abbott is a man of few words here, but he physically commands the screen with his presence. He is both tender, yet violent when pushed to his limits. While Barry Keoghan continues playing emotionally complex characters that will get under your skin. Director Christopher Andrews makes one helluva debut in Bring Them Down.
Saturday Night
I am certain we would have guessed that Saturday Night Live, SNL, played out like a typical group project. Absolute chaos for 95% of the time, and then minutes prior to the presentation, you knock it out of the park. Saturday Night follows the 90 minutes, in real time, leading up to the premier to the first episode of Saturday Night Live as the cast and crew scramble to get the episode ready before the executives pull the plug. Director Jason Reitman was not kidding when he stated that this was a thriller comedy, where time was the villain. The ensemble is charismatic and charming as they fill in the shoes of some of the all time comedy greats. Filled with enough easter eggs to make any SNL fanboy happy and filled with enough chaos to keep the general audience entertained, Saturday Night is a fun time.
The Piano Lesson
Adapted from the critically acclaimed play by August Wilson, The Piano Lesson is the most cinematic of the Wilson adaptations, yet the most uneven. Its uneven tone and the battling between narratives, does make it a bit uneven. Yet, The Piano Lesson is an incredibly strong directorial debut from Malcom Washington. Every scene is meticulously craft making for a compelling family drama rooted in legacy. Even though it is very obvious that this film is adapted from a play, it was still masterfully crafted. The performances across the board were powerful and commanding, with Danielle Deadwyler being the standout amongst this incredible stacked ensemble. Overall, The Piano Lesson is a film to not sleep on this Oscar season.
Eden
Eden is a change of tone for Ron Howard as I went into this as blind as possible. It is his bleakest and wildest film to date, as we follow this insane true story of a group of settlers trying to survive on a desolate island in the Galapagos. It’s brutal, humorous, philosophical, and intense, as it delves into the complexity of human nature. It is truly an exploration of the survival of the fittest, but not by physical strength, but by mental and intellectual stamina. The entire ensemble gives fantastic performances by Ana de Armas steals the show as the manipulative and seductive baroness, easily giving her best performance of her career so far. Even though Eden is a little messy at points, it is a fascinating and wildly entertaining film.
The Room Next Door
Despite winning the Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival, Pedro Almodovar’s The Room Next Door feels undercooked. On paper, I think it has an interesting story that dives into the morality of euthanasia. Especially how it affects oneself and your family and friends. However, this exploration barely scratches the surface. For a film about ending one's suffering and pain, those essential elements are missing from the film's narrative. Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton try their hardest to elevate this exploration beyond the surface, but their talent can only take them so far. Sadly, it feels like Pedro won The Golden Lion, because he is Pedro Almodovar.
By: Elizabeth Malloy
Screenshots
We scrolled so you don’t have to: