Like all of the Turkmen director Khalmamed Kakabayev's films, this one is about children and their first discoveries of the world of emotions and nature. Seven-year-old Almaz lives in an orphanage. He is very independent and rarely asks for help from his teachers. Like all orphans, Almaz dreams of his parents suddenly appearing in his life. One day, when he meets a woman in a cemetery who is mourning her son, Almaz befriends her and helps her cope with her grief.
Is God Is tells a harrowing tale of retribution, sisterhood, and gender based violence. Far too eerie and clever to be an ordinary slasher, but too gory and merciless to be an ordinary thriller, Is God Is will appeal to the highbrow horror lover with generational trauma anywhere.
Halle's belting, crystal clear notes, and warm tone infused something into this blockbuster that I thoroughly enjoy.
Despite its glaring flaws, First Girl I Loved is not entirely undeserving of a watch. For people who can handle the more difficult aspects of the story and graphic scenes, it is worth looking into. It’s not a film worthy of rewatch, but it may still resonate somewhat with those who need a story like this. It is a genuine, if flimsy attempt at a coming-of-age tale. Were the film to be directed by someone with experiences more similar to Anne, it would likely be more powerful--as it is, it feels like a man’s perspective of what it means to come to terms with your identity as a lesbian.
Lucifer is a show with both comedy and drama, but most importantly, has charm. Well aware it’s following a silly premise, the show does so in a way that’s entertaining. Sure, sometimes it can be cheesy, but fun cheese.
