Valvert is a psychiatric hospital in Marseille, founded in the mid-seventies in a spirit of freedom and openness. The film observes daily life there, painting a portrait of the place through interviews with employees and scenes from the patients’ lives. In an atmosphere resolutely opposed to the standard institutional system, the liberty at Valvert reveals various facets of ordinary madness.
Shadow & Bone excels in natural story representation with powerful centering of culture. Jessie Mei Li stars as Alina Starkov, the feisty cartographer with kindness, innocence, and integrity, who comes to be revealed as the legendary summoner of light.
At first glance, one wouldn't think John Carpenter's cult classic would be a thematic double-billing - or that Free Guy would be worthy of being mentioned in the same sentence as They Live - but the two films of vastly different genres have more similarities upon further examination.
The relationship between the characters is what makes this film stand out, and it’s just all-around fun.
The re-living of this historic trial through this film is relevant to current politics and disturbingly enjoyable to watch due to the excellent performances from the ensemble cast. If you like a juicy courtroom drama, this film will definitely scratch that itch in a really chilling manner.
