An existential comedy about tourism (and difficult software).
As a huge fan of Sean Baker’s Tangerine, The Florida Project, and Red Rocket, I’ve wanted to watch Anora since before it even was released. But life got in the way, my watchlist grew, and honestly, the fact that it was marketed as a romantic comedy put me off. Even with all the critical praise and the five Academy Awards it won last year, I just kept postponing it indefinitely.
Strangers in a crowd, exchanging glances, looking away, continually managing to run into each other then part ways, end up at the same diner, find they've rented the exact same vehicles, and are then made to travel together to learn once more whether they can both find genuine adoration and companionship again. This really does, in so many words, sum up the foundational gist of of this new feature film from writer Seth Reiss ("The Menu") and director Kogonada ("The Acolyte", "After Yang"). Yet, it's all only the set-up for the REAL wonder of everything that happens before, during, and in the aftermath of a magical, meaningful journey.
Not only does the system prevent upward mobility, but it makes it incredibly easy to slide from comfortably middle class to unhoused.
Hanna Bergholm's 'Hatching' shows us that the modern version of the cardboard world trope is social media.
The Conjuring: The Last Rites delivers a thrilling mix of scares and heart. From the axe-wielding ghost to the Warrens’ emotional farewell, Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga shine. Fans get a chilling, atmospheric conclusion that’s worth watching in theaters.
A best friend that will stick with you to the end, on a group trip from hell, is someone to die for.
