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stacyrowold
Reviews
Rare Objects (2023)
Not a bad film, but NOT the book
I watched this while also.reading the book. Acting was good, performances were authentic, but I was so disappointed with the modernization of the story. Part of the charm and appeal of the novel was the post-WW2 setting, The nuances between the class differences & immigrants was somewhat present, but no where close to that found on the page.
All of that said, this is a story that does make us all stop and listen. Cummings shines as the antique store owner, I also appreciated that the trigger-worthy moments were not dwelt on, but shared only enough to set context. Overall, a thoughtful movie that would have been better served set in the appropriate decade.
Alice, Darling (2022)
HIGHLY UNDERRATED!
I'm not quite sure why this film was rated so low. For starters, it manages to paint a picture of emotional and physical abuse without a single slap or overtly violent scenes. The tension and subtlety that Anna plays her role is a masterpiece. She truly embodies a tortured, controlled young woman with very little hope.
As for the supporting cast, her two best friends were portrayed wonderfully. I didn't see this as an "intervention" piece. Instead, her closest friends set out to relive the fun of their youth (as witnessed in the cabin pics). Without spoiling anything, they offer support in exactly the right doses without sacrificing how they really feel.
The boyfriend was also played, again, with a subtle menace that was palpable. He is the worst kind of predator - dressed as a gentleman and able to convince her that she is the "problem".
As for the pieces of the plot that seemed vague? I saw each as a metaphor. Through that lens, everything came together quite nicely.
Overall, this isn't a thriller. It's a smart film that broaches a difficult topic. Well done to all.