travinorbit-72734 Reviews

You Won't Be Alone (2022)

I'm every woman (and man, et al)

[8/10 · 24 August 2023]

It's horror in the same way Under the Skin (2013) was horror. It's slow, deliberate, a little unsettling, and quite confusing, and thematically there's quite a lot of overlap. People who say "it's not horror" as if it were a bad thing were in the wrong place from the beginning.

You Wont Be Alone slithers between layers of conscious thought while beguiling you with its unaffected and brutal beauty. My primary complaint might be that Noomi Rapace is in too briefly. The way she melds into the "character" who came before her is seamless, her understated wonder is infectious; I would have liked to stay with her a little longer. But Alice Englert is a strong screen presence to end the film with. And I can't remember her delivering one line of dialogue...

A lot of people will hate this and I understand why. I guess you won't know til you try it.

The Innocents (2021)

Scando Suburban Horror - that's its own genre, right?

[9/10 · 6 May 2023]

There's even something about the movie poster for this film that captivated me the first time I saw it. I think that image is perfect in summing up the surreal, mundane, claustrophobic horror of The Innocents. That atmospheric tension settles over you from the very beginning, with that first pinch between siblings on the backseat of the car. That ominous premonition that the kids aren't alright. I find kids in general pretty creepy, so this movie hit hard.

The way the dread builds in subtle, effectively believable and diarsturbing increments is absolutely perfect. The psychology of it messes with you, that Lord-of-the-flies unruliness, where the security of adults and rational thinking don't exist.

Fantastic cast, great script and cinematography. I loved Thelma for much the same reasons, but I think I may have enjoyed The Innocents a little more.

The Pope's Exorcist (2023)

Makes more sense if you've seen Overlord

[8/10 · 5 May 2023]

I wasn't too sure about the Pope's Exorcist and where it was headed for the first half hour. It all felt very "been here, done that." But then it became apparent that this movie wasn't taking itself too seriously, and I just settled in for the ride.

For the most part we HAVE been here and done that, but it doesn't make the move any less enjoyable. It doesn't make the movie particularly scary either, and there are a few cringy information dumps in the dialogue toward the start, but overall it was good fun. I dont necessarily think a horror movie has to be that scary if the entertainment value, acting, and atmosphere is enough to sweep you up in the story. Think Pearl, the prequel to X; not particularly scary, but still entertaining.

And if you haven't seen Overlord, give it a go.

Knock at the Cabin (2023)

Gripping

[8/10 · 28 March 2023]

I've realized I have to keep adjusting my expectations when it comes to M Night Shyamalan's films. One will be great, then there will be a bad one, then maybe a decent one, and then a really bad one. Old was sub par and laughable at best, and I may or may not have seen Glass; I dont really remember. And yet, like Split, Knock at the Cabin had me riveted to the screen within the first 5 minutes.

I think if you're sitting down to a Shyamalan film, you have to deal with the fact that there will be something preposterous about it. But if done well, which I think it has been in this case (but by no means perfect), that preposterousness can translate to some pretty wild entertainment. Great acting, and great premise. I was definitely entertained.

Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities: The Outside (2022) Season 1, Episode 4

Funny and deranged

[8/10 · 11 November 2022]

This is the overlap in the Venn diagram of psychological horror, body horror, and horror comedy.

I lovd it, but it's definitely not going to appeal to everyone. It's pretty left of centre as far as horror goes, but if you just gently lower yourself into it like a bathtub full of Alo Glo moisturizer, you must just like it.

It's cleverer than it might seem at first, with the same kind of razor sharp social commentary that natural born killers had, with the same front gate left open, just barely hanging on its hinges. The last shot is ridiculous, silly, demented, hilarious, stupid, crazy, perfect.

The Good Fight (2017–2022)

So sad to think this show is ending

[10/10 · 6 November 2022]

There aren't many other shows quite like it. However, there seem to be plenty of viewers complaining about TV shows being "too political". EVERYTHING IS POLITICAL. If you don't understand that, I envy you and your blissful ignorance.

The Good Fight doesn't shy away from politics, but leans into it. And it's all the better for it - constantly raises thought-provoking questions without force-feeding any answers. It slides an idea across the table toward you and leaves it there for you pick it up turn it over in your hands. And it has never dipped or lost its way, it has only been the highest quality entertainment through every season.

I'll miss it. But no doubt I'll rewatch the whole thing from start to finish soon when its done, and enjoy it all over again. Can't rate this one high enough.

Hatching (2022)

A Pubescent Black Swan

[8/10 · 16 September 2022]

Just switch out ballet for gymnastics. You've still got a neurotic mother trying to live through her daughter. The battle between the id and the super-ego. But Hatching, perhaps, is a little bolder in some of its creative choices, crossing from Aronofsky to Cronenberg.

An enthralling, well-told - more creepy than frightening - allegorical horror-folk tale about how bad parenting can bring out the worst in us.

It's pretty up front about what it's doing, so I'm baffled by people writing poor reviews who don't seem to understand what's happening.

It's visually beautiful and intermittently grotesque in the most genious and darkly humorous of ways that really push the metaphor to its limits. It takes some risks in how it tells this story, but the risks pay off.

I haven't watched The Lamb yet, but I'm imagining it will be something like this.

Bosch (2014–2021)

Dull, dumb and charmless

[3/10 · 15 August 2022]

I struggled through the first 3/4 of season 1 before I had to concede it was hot garbage.

There is a small amount of intrigue, but it's drowned out by unnatural dialogue, wooden acting, and whatever the very opposite of charisma is. There were many moments when I was sure it had to be a parody of a crime show. It's so bad. It's really, really bad.

The Old Man: VII (2022) Season 1, Episode 7

Goes nowhere and takes its time getting there

[5/10 · 15 August 2022]

You would have no idea this was the finale of the season. There wasn't enough build up or tension to really give you a sense this could even qualify as anticlimactic. It's just one long flatline.

As someone else pointed out, the acting is great. Even so, I'm not entertained by a 20-minute car conversation.

Saint Maud (2019)

Alienation

[9/10 · 28 June 2021]

Yes, it's slow going. People numbed by their expectations of what the genre should look like won't 'see what all the fuss is about', but the dread builds in subtle and sophisticated ways.

It's a bleak and beautifully crafted cerebral horror, a character study that slips into the shadowy recesses of your brain and delicately wraps it in barbed wire with patient fingers.

If that doesn't sound appealing, you're probably better off watching one of The Conjurings.

Mandy (I) (2018)

It seems pointless to make parallels, but I think I got it

[6/10 · 10 June 2020]

What John Wick might look like if it was directed by Darren Aronofsky and Robert Rodriguez.

I say 'might' because I hated John Wick and couldn't finish it, so I don't really know. But this held me oddly captivated. I don't think it's a movie you can explain to someone who hasn't seen it. I'm not sure if I understand the point of this movie. But it's like being lowered into the deep end of a polluted swimming pool, the surface swimming with all the lovely swirling colours of an oil slick. Or something like that. Arthouse revenge. Who knew?

Michelle Wolf: Joke Show (2019 TV Special)

Wisdom and LOLs

[10/10 · 5 May 2020]

I was going to rate this down to a 9 because I thought it could have gone at least 20 minutes longer, but that seemed pretty counterintuitive.

Michelle Wolf, you shrill genius you. I love a comedian who makes me laugh out loud but also articulates unspoken truth in a way that gives me pause. The Joke Show is hilarious, but also emotionally and intellectually mature. As she points out in the very beginning of her routine, people are quick to anger in modern society and I'm sure plenty of people will be clutching their pearls and up in arms over some of her jokes, but this just brought me huge amounts of joy. This is one I will watch again.

Kidding: Episode 3101 (2020) Season 2, Episode 5

Swing and a miss

[3/10 · 16 April 2020]

There aren't many shows I love as much as Kidding. Season 2 has been phenomenal, on an even keel with the first. Until this episode. It could have achieved the same results in 5 minutes of this cartoonish pithy shtick, it didn't need a full episode. Hoping it returns to the norm in the next one. As another reviewer said, I want to watch a show about a guy who hosts a kids' tv show, not watch a kids' tv show.

America's Next Top Model: The Boss is Back (2018) Season 24, Episode 1

Headache-inducing

[2/10 · 1 February 2020]

I used to love this show. Only coming back to this cycle for this first time after 5+ years of drifting away. My, things have changed.

Who is editing and pumping the music into this? There is no reprieve! It thumps the entire way through the episode, you can barely hear what's happening. Terrible editing. I'm worn out after 10 minutes. Just ease off with the beats so we can actually enjoy the show.

Still love Tyra. Don't care for the other judges so much, though. I'll give them time.

Spinning Out (2020)

Shoddy, shoddy writing

[2/10 · 27 January 2020]

Another reviewer already wrote what I was thinking: all telling, no showing. The dialogue is consistently clunky and unnatural. The two dimensional characters always say what they're thinking, so the audience doesn't have anything to do.

I'm fairly confident the acting would be decent for the most part, were the actors given the opportunity. But this is basic, cliche and un-engaging. I don't know enough about mental illness to comment, but I'm also pretty sure it's offensive. It's a shame, the trailer looked promising.

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars: A Jury of Their Queers (2018) Season 3, Episode 8

What a stupid idea.

[3/10 · 11 January 2020]

If it wasn't for the amazing live performance of Kitty Girl, I would rate this 1. Like Ben Delà Creme, I'm not here for the drama.

I hope Shangela knows that we ALL know that she was the rightful winner. I totally understand why Ben Delà Creme left. Tonally, this season was off from the beginning.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Initiative (1999) Season 4, Episode 7

Best fight season of the whole series

[8/10 · 5 January 2020]

Harmony is one of many brilliant secondary characters I'm always delighted to see, and Mercedes McNab plays her to perfection. The slow mo fight scene with Xander is laugh out loud funny.

The whole underground mercenary creatures in glass cages thing seems like quite the precursor to The Cabin in the Woods; classic Joss Whedon. Actually, this episode has heaps of classic Joss Whedon moments. Such as 'I hope I'm not interrupting something depressing', and when Spike can't pull his act together to attack Willow, and she counsels him through it.

A fun episode. One of the better of a rather dumpy season.

Marianne (2019)

Everything done right.

[9/10 · 25 December 2019]

Genuinely creepy, beautifully shot, surprisingly affective, unexpectedly funny.

It took me five days to watch this. I would have finished it sooner, but it was a busy week. I made the time.

The actor who plays the title character looks like she's really having a hoot. Never too hammed up or over the top, but hitting all the right notes of delirium and disturbed evil possession. Sooo good! I've been recommending it to everyone I think could handle it.

Undone (2019–2022)

Emotive, funny and intelligent viewing

[10/10 · 25 December 2019]

I haven't felt this way about a show since The OA. And Fleabag. It's under my skin. The kind of show that lingers, which is pretty impressive for episodes that run around 20ish minutes each.

It's exceptionally well-written, acted and executed. I don't particularly love animation, least of all this kind where it feels like you're watching live action and a cartoon superimposed, but it suits the content. It's also well-paced. Nothing feels wasted or drawn out.

And it's cerebral yet easy to watch. Not an easy balance to achieve.

The Politician (2019–2020)

Everything Ryan Murphy touches turns to Glee

[6/10 · 29 November 2019]

I don't mean that in a good way. The Politician starts out smart, dark and addictive, then rapidly descended into a s**t tornado, minus the gold.

His tendency to rely on histrionics and maudlin song performances and ghostly apparitions in attempts to manipulate his audience into feeling all the feels pushes you past saturation point (he did the same to Pose, which also started out amazing before morphing into Glee) and ironically, it loses all its potency.

There is some lazy writing by way of information dumps and less than subtle exposition (especially in the last episode), but the cast are generally great. And visually it's great. And it really does start out great. Shame about the last half of the season.

Evil: 2 Fathers (2019) Season 1, Episode 8

The world is weird

[9/10 · 29 November 2019]

It looks like I must be one of very few calling this episode one of the best so far. It goes a little off the rails, but it's all the better for it. Not a lot of story arch progression, but the sigil intrigue is growing and it's a fun little trip down a demented side alley. The scene in the cornfield is... well, see for yourself. I would call it brilliant.

Big Little Lies: The End of the World (2019) Season 2, Episode 3

Ho Hum

[6/10 · 9 July 2019]

I loved the first season of Big Little Lies, but I wasn't excited to hear there would be a second. Why, exactly?

And it's become the very thing I feared it would: a beautifully cinematic and well-acted soap opera. I'm bored. Something has to happen to nudge this out of the Days of Our Lives domain. Right now, it's stagnating.

High Seas: Cambio de rumbo (2019) Season 1, Episode 4

Requires you to be a forgiving viewer

[6/10 · 13 June 2019]

I'm enjoying the ride so far, but there are times when you really have to wonder... did someone proofread the script? At the beginning of this episode a character is tied up by her captors. Who immediately untie her. I understand what they were trying to do with this scene, but moments like this - and there are a few of them - are nonsensical and make it seem amateurish.

Still, it's beautiful. Sumptuous is a word that comes to mind. The ocean liner at sea vibe is fun and kinda mysterious, but it somehow feels like we're between mysteries at this point. Somethings seem to have been solved already, and I fear it's not leading anywhere significant. But like most other reviewers, I'm hooked enough to continue.

Fleabag: Episode #2.3 (2019) Season 2, Episode 3

'Where did you just go?'

[10/10 · 23 March 2019]

Without including any spoilers, Phoebe ends episode 3 by doing something with the fourth wall I've never seen before. I love this kind of groundbreaking blurring of reality. This is exciting storytelling! What is this leading to?

I was trepidatious/nervously optimistic going into season 2. I couldn't fathom that it might be as good as the first season, but I was as enamoured as I had ever been within the first 10 seconds of the first episode. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is my hero.

Serenity (I) (2019)

A near hit is still a miss

[6/10 · 22 March 2019]

It's The Truman Show vs Shutter Island vs Identity x Source Code. These are all great films (I love a good subjective reality tale), but this isn't as good as any of them. Due to the full hand being revealed a little too early.

It starts out well enough, but there's no chance for the audience to be beguiled. We see where it's all headed too soon, so we just have to wait it out, until the film catches up with our expectations. Then we're slapped across the face with it repeatedly. In its own way, that's the only truly original part of the film; that it shows its hand so early, but insists on playing regardless. Yet it doesn't make for a satisfying experience.

And then ending with a surprisingly saccharin scene takes out any of the sting that might have given it some real oomph. Another wasted opportunity.

I only started paying attention to Anne Hathaway after Colossal-an incredible film-and she's as good in this as anything else, I suppose. But her character is not-quite-likeable, and hearing her call her hideous second husband 'daddy' is nauseating. And I don't think it could have hurt for us to have had some deeper connection and empathy for the real subject of the film. There's no emotional payoff at the end, so we're kind of left wondering...so what? Sigh. Maybe next time. It was a nice try.