Guava Island

Guava Island could be anywhere.

It’s where Deni and Kofi grew up and fell in love. Where Kofi wants to leave, for something better. Where Deni wants to stay—for the same reason. You see, the island is beautiful, but its people are too poor and overworked to enjoy it.

Deni has a plan to win the people back some freedom, if for a moment. But the island’s main employer is not a fan. Something’s gotta give.

This is a quick watch, peppered with musical performances. Some of these add to the movie’s heartfelt and quirky vibe, while others seem out of place. In any case, the story is a beautiful one, and the acting is good enough to get the point across.

Peterloo

There is power in Peterloo.

The working families of Northern England are more tired and poor than ever. And yet, employers and the government would rather punish than help. It’s not fair.

So, a movement begins. At home, at the pub, and in the fields, the people talk about change. For better or worse, these talks culminate in a massive rally called Peterloo.

This movie can drag for the same reason it can be powerful: It is authentic. There is no montage set to music, just scenes of real life. A long day’s work. A kiss goodnight. A simple discussion that doesn’t seem important—until the ideas mentioned spread like wildfire throughout the community.

Lady J

There’s something about Lady J.

The Marquis is an infamous womanizer. Madame knows this, and isn’t falling for his charms. He does seem to be a gentleman, though. And patient and thoughtful…

Madame gets dumped, of course. And when she does, the gears start turning in a revenge machine as impressive as it is heartbreaking.

Warning: This is a French period piece with flowery dialogue about love and life; it can be hard to keep up with the subtitles, let alone the substance. But, the fancy reminds us that we’re in the past—which highlights how extraordinary Madame’s plan really is.

Careful use of color and superb acting by Madame oil the engine.

Climax

It is difficult to describe the point of Climax.

A dance team has finally nailed its act. Before taking the show on the road, it’s time to party! The crew relaxes, dances, gossips. It’s a good time—until somebody spikes the punch. Whatever was used, it does not mix well with the crowd.

Watching these pros dance is a good time. Music and camerawork help you experience their flow. But at several points, the director interrupts: with advertisements, credits, or philosophical messages; it’s unclear. Put that choppiness together with the horrific descent of the characters into lunacy, and the movie can feel unapproachable. Maybe that’s the point?

Shirkers

Shirkers should go down in movie history. You needn’t be a movie buff to enjoy it.

Sandi was a mean teen. But she was curious and creative, and could bond with others about how to see the world. So when writing a feature-length movie, she knew she would have the crew to make it a reality.

That movie couldn’t have been made without the help of local teacher and movie nerd, George. And strangely enough, it couldn’t be made with him, either. So begins the drama of this story.

Shirkers is different, and it’s great. It’s a world-class mystery and gorgeous time capsule, by and about master storytellers.

Everybody Knows

Everybody Knows. Everybody is a suspect.

Laura is in town for her sister’s wedding. As the celebration begins, one thing is clear: This will be one of life’s carefree, blissful moments. Then, butterflies turn to nausea. Laura’s daughter Irene goes missing.

We watch Laura, her family, and close friends hopelessly try their best to play detective. A web of relationships and motivations slowly comes to light. Perhaps, too slowly.

This story will grip you. It explores not why the bad guys do what they do, but what happens to the rest of us once they do it.

Stan & Ollie

Without a doubt, Stan and Ollie will make you smile.

Stanley Laurel and Oliver Hardy reached the height of fame in the 1930s. And for years afterward, this comedy duo continued creating and delighting—even as audiences dwindled. This movie follows the two on a tour meant to rekindle their popularity. We get to watch their (still) funny acts, as well as their creative method and off-stage relationship.

This may be the perfect family movie. It is light-hearted and pretty, even as it explores drama within the duo. The acting and chemistry between the leading men and their ladies is superb.

Velvet Buzzsaw

Art meets horror in Velvet Buzzsaw.

Josephina is fed up with the shallowness of the art world. Then she stumbles upon a collection of masterworks, guaranteed to make her rich. She’s ready to play the game once again, and her perfectly pretentious colleagues all vie for a piece of the action.

The problem? This art was created by a man haunted, who didn’t want his pain shared with the world. If his creations are exhibited against his wishes, the price to pay will be high indeed.

This is a good concept for a horror movie, and it provides some fun, symbolic death scenes. Although character development is lacking, you’ll get the picture.

Cold War

Cold War is a love story for the ages.

Viktor fosters Poland’s next generation of talent, and Zula is leading lady material. The two quickly fall for each other, and a fiery romance burns as bright as Zula’s star. When the government turns their school into a propaganda machine, more than music is compromised.

Set aside the extraordinary context. This relationship is beautiful precisely because it is everyday: It is passion and excitement, reality checks and disappointment. This realism, together with traditional music and pregnant imagery, leaves deep impressions again and again.

Vice

Though it’s a bit shifty, Vice has its virtues.

Perhaps best known as the former Vice President of the United States, Dick Cheney has held senior positions in both government and business. This movie shows us how Cheney jockeyed for power, and more importantly, how he wielded it.

Vice hooks you in the beginning and never lets go—not because it’s great, but because it uses funky humor and editing to make sure you’re paying attention. The gimmicks aren’t necessary though. The man’s life is striking (and disturbing) enough to keep you watching.

IO

The moon IO might be something special. The movie IO is not.

Life on Earth is over; the climate won’t allow it. So, humans have left to colonize IO. Sam remains, studying and experimenting, convinced that life will find a way. It’s a lonely existence. After several surprises, she must decide whether her research is worth her life.

This movie starts slow and never picks up. It tries to walk a balance beam between existential depression and human connection, but it falls smack onto one side of the floor.

Beautiful Boy

Beautiful Boy is an upper and a downer.

David worries. It’s become clear that his son Nic suffers from addiction. We see, over the course of years and from each of their perspectives, what this affliction does: to thoughts, actions, willpower, family, and friends.

This is heavy stuff. And convincing acting can make it hard to watch. But take a lesson from this movie: Nothing worth doing comes easy.

Destroyer

Destroyer is a murder mystery, and then some.

Detective Erin Bell has issues. She’s fixated and angry, and it’s not healthy. But she doesn’t seem to care: There’s another case to solve.

Be patient with this movie. Its alternating timeline adds minutes, but it also adds to the anticipation—and a brilliant payoff.

Isle of Dogs

To keep the city safe, the Mayor has banished all dogs. Some citizens are skeptical of the Mayor’s motivations. Young Atari simply cares about losing his loyal hound, Spots. With some help, Atari races against time to find boy’s best friend.

Though the characters are downbeat, this is a heartfelt adventure. The puppet-work, framing, and detail are gorgeous.

Mary Queen of Scots

This movie is based on a true story.

Mary is many things: determined, young, beautiful, smart—the list goes on. And good thing it does; Mary has inherited the Scottish throne amidst strong opposition to her Catholic faith. Many people look to her Protestant cousin, Queen Elizabeth of England, to make a change. But it’s not that easy.

Though some violent scenes add nothing to it, this movie shines at showing just how formidable Mary is. The same can be said of the actress who plays her.

If Beale Street Could Talk

If Beale Street Could Talk, you would do well to listen.

Fonny and Tish are in love. It is true, and it is deep. Unfortunately, some people will not allow a black family to be happy and productive.

This is a story about (many, different) people trying their best in a rigged system. The love—in this story, and for this story—blazes through each frame, each line, each note.

Roma

Cleo has left her village to be a live-in housekeeper for a wealthy family. Though it is tight quarters in the home, some people manage to stay distant. Maybe it’s because they don’t care. Maybe, it’s because they don’t know how to show it.

This movie is about life, with all of its sepia-toned nostalgia. And the movie moves at the speed of life: sometimes slow and uneventful, other times too fast and too soon.

The Favourite

The Favourite is a feast fit for a queen.

Abigail has fallen far from her position as a Lady in 17th Century England. Desperate, she seeks a job from her cousin Lady Marlborough—Queen Anne’s best friend and counselor. Outside the palace, England seeks to end its war with France. Inside, a war begins for the Queen’s affection.

This movie is gorgeous in every way. From beginning to end, it is thoughtful, stimulating, and bitingly funny.

Downsizing

Downsizing is a dramedy about being small. Its ideas are big.

Paul Safranek is humble to a fault, and so, he has regrets. Shrinking himself could be a fresh start though: His money would go farther, and his carbon footprint would disappear. The change might finally allow Paul to feel that his life has been worthwhile. That’s assuming it all goes as planned…

This movie has a manic vibe: It jumps from light-hearted to existential, from funny to depressing, without notice. This can be jarring. And, the movie is a bit long. Aside from all that, though, is a pretty story.

At Eternity's Gate

To artist Vincent Van Gogh, life was bursting with beauty. If only people had taken the time to notice…

We take in Van Gogh nice and slowly, as he takes in the world. Then things change. He’s got to move, to paint fast, now. Maybe he’s going crazy. Or maybe, he has a profound reason for it all.

This movie was shot with an artist’s eye. The image can be beautiful and unsettling all at once.