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Reviews
Strangers (2017)
Lorenz Suter is the Swiss David Lynch
This is an outstanding and engaging movie which pushes the envelope of Swiss Cinema. Filmed intermittently over the course of 2 years, without a script and with no predetermined plot--Lorenz Suter quite literally made it up as he went along, and the result is compelling cinema.
The solid performances of the cast, the ominously stark cinematography and intriguing locations are complemented by Suter's clever use of multiple alternating languages, spoken as well as (and therefore) subtitled. Stangers is a groundbreaking singular achievement, not only in Swiss Cinema but cinema in general.
Gloves Off (2017)
Defines the Dramedy Genre with the Perfect Mix of Comedy and Drama
Gloves Off is a very funny, extremely well cast and superbly acted drama, which has viewers on an emotional rollercoaster as it alternates seamlessly from touching hearts to hearty laughter. To say that the cast does a superb job speaks to the vision of casting director Shakyra Dowling who found relatively unknown comedic prodigies such as Kab Silva, Gary Cargill and Greg Orvis and combined them with familiar favourites such as Alan Ford, Ricky Tomlinson and Paul Barber Denise Van Outen and Adam Fogerty to create a fantastic ensemble. Cinematographer Kyle Heslop's eye captures the otherwise minute details to paint a canvas with a broad range of themes and interconnecting backstories. But Auteur Steven Nesbit wins the grand prize as he outdoes himself--and specifically his tragically underrated feature North V. South. And one can only hope there will be sequels, prequels and/or TV series adaptations.
Just Within Reach (2017)
Solid Film Noir With Interpersonal Heart
Just Within Reach is visually stunning and superbly cast and acted. And because "Context is everything" it classifies as a remarkable cinema achievement; filmed on a limited budget in 10 days at a single location, prep'd extraordinarily quickly, as well as being the first feature effort of Anna Bamberger who also produced, and who reveals herself as a prodigy auteur. I'd have liked to have some narration to fill in the blank spots, but even without narration the story is compelling and relevant and haunting.