Not Much More than Magic in 'Maestro'
In 'Maestro,' we're left with an impression but not with an understanding of the main character.

Set in a large apartment in Hungary during the death throes of communism, obedient Andor lives with his eccentric mother, Rebeka, a once-celebrated stage actress-turned-recluse. After years of coexisting in a love-hate relationship marked by routine and possible incest, Andor brings home Eszter, a beautiful girl his own age. Her advances awaken Andor's repressed desires, the depths of which prove shocking. Opera director Robert Alfoldi renders this bizarre story in a melodramatic style, and veteran Hungarian stage star Dorottya Udvaros rises to the occasion. If you can imagine the intersecting area on a Venn diagram that includes Taxidermia and Sunset Blvd., that's where Where Were You, My Son? was born. The original title, Nyugalom, which translates to Tranquility, is ironic to say the least. ...over the-top...memorable...thunderous...sex and violins (Variety).
In 'Maestro,' we're left with an impression but not with an understanding of the main character.
A complex, realistic, and loving mother-daughter relationship is at the heart of this story about Black pageants and the fight for a better future.
Ripley is a great character because she serves two distinct, but rewarding, purposes in the original film and the sequel.
The iconic title character stars in her own horror and gothic TV series.
If your upbringing was anything like mine, where the TV acted as an additional parent- there are so many new stories and perspectives to explore.