Get ready for a diverse cinematic experience this Film Friday! Our selection spans various genres, from science fiction and action comedy to thrilling adventure and drama with a touch of comedy.
Clock
Clock, a psychological horror film on Hulu, delves into the daunting pressures faced by Ella Patel, a woman in her thirties, to repair her biological clock. Seeking assistance from Dr. Elizabeth Simmons in a research study, Ella’s fears intensify, leading her down a dark path. As the plot unfolds, Ella’s grip on reality slips, driving her to madness. The movie cleverly explores the psychological implications of societal expectations surrounding motherhood, blurring the line between what is real and imagined. With a gripping narrative, Clock offers a hyper-realistic portrayal of a woman’s struggle to conform, incorporating elements of thriller and horror while examining the profound emotional conflict at its core. Although it may feel stretched at times, the film’s unforgettable sequences of body horror and the exceptional performances by Dianna Agron and Melora Hardin make it a worthwhile watch for fans of psychological horror.
The Pope’s Exorcist
From the director of the Nazi zombie flick Overlord comes The Pope’s Exorcist, a film that takes inspiration from the life of renowned exorcist Gabriele Amorth. Starring Russell Crowe as Amorth, the movie delves into a conspiracy concealed by the Vatican for centuries. As a seemingly ordinary exorcism unravels shocking secrets. While opinions on The Pope’s Exorcist vary among critics, there is unanimous agreement on one aspect: Russell Crowe’s performance. Whether praised for his intense dedication or criticized for overacting, Crowe’s portrayal promises to captivate audiences, compensating for any shortcomings in the film’s scares. As history has shown, horror movies can be thoroughly enjoyable beyond their fright factor, and The Pope’s Exorcist seems poised to follow suit.
Simulant
Simulant, an indie sci-fi film released amidst the prevailing growth of Artificial Intelligence. Attempts to capture the essence of renowned works like Ex Machina, Blade Runner, and the TV drama Humans. However, the film’s reliance on recycled ideas and lack of originality leaves viewers with a sense of artificiality and déjà vu. Set in a future where AI coexists with humans, Simulant follows Agent Kessler’s pursuit of a sentient Simulate named Esme. While unraveling the mysterious circumstances surrounding the married couple Faye and Evan.
Despite the slow-paced storytelling and predictable twists, the organic collision of these storylines is a redeeming factor. Yet, the film suffers from clichés, plot holes, and inconsistencies, notably the reliance on EMPs as a convenient plot device. Although Simulant touches on important themes such as free will and human rights, the characters lack depth. Blurring the distinction between humans and synths. While it may be worth a one-time watch for its intriguing concepts and decent acting, Simulant falls short of being a truly remarkable film.
Reality
Reality is a highly anticipated HBO film based on the true story of Reality Leigh Winner. An American NSA translator who leaked an intelligence report to the media. Directed by Tina Satter and co-written by James Pauls Dallas and Satter, the film explores the bravery of individuals who risk everything for the truth. Sydney Sweeney, Marchant Davis, and Josh Hamilton star in the movie. Which chronicles Winner’s interrogation by FBI agents and the sacrifices whistleblowers make to uncover the truth. With an intense plot and a talented cast, Reality promises to shed light on the high-stakes game of politics. The film’s essentials, including plot, cast, trailer, and release date, are eagerly awaited by audiences.
A Small Light
Miep Gies, a directionless young woman working as a secretary for Opekta, a pectin manufacturer, never imagined her path would lead to heroism. Employed by Otto Frank, who had fled Germany with his family to escape Hitler. Gies provided refuge to the Franks in a hidden annex above the Opekta offices for over two years during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam. When the Nazis discovered and deported the occupants, Gies saved Anne Frank’s diary. “A Small Light” recounts her story—a poignant and inspiring tale of an ordinary woman’s courageous stand against fascism, devoid of excessive sentimentality.
Saas, Bahu aur Flamingo
In the show “Saas, Bahu aur Flamingo,” the traditional labels of “saas” (mother-in-law) and “bahu” (daughter-in-law) are misleading. This is not a typical soap opera featuring kitchen politics. But a gripping tale of feisty women running a complex drug cartel in rural India. Led by Rani, who runs an innocent-looking women’s cooperative, these women are ruthless and cunning. Director Homi Adajania hooks the audience with a chilling opening scene and maintains tension throughout the action-packed screenplay. The characters are well-developed, and the talented cast, including Dimple Kapadia, Angira Dhar, and Isha Talwar, delivers powerful performances. The show’s setting, costumes, and makeup are impeccable, and the original score by Sachin-Jigar enhances the brutal narrative. “Saas, Bahu aur Flamingo” is an unapologetically brutal show that challenges patriarchy and showcases the strength of women.
Scoop- Season 1
Scoop, a gripping six-part series directed by Hansal Mehta, delves into the world of investigative journalism and crime reporting. Delivering gritty and intriguing storytelling. The story revolves around Jagruti Pathak (Karishma Tanna), an ambitious crime reporter aiming to see her stories on the front page. As Jagruti rises in prominence, doubts arise about her abilities, and she becomes a suspect in the murder of her senior counterpart, Jaideb Sen (Prosenjit Chatterjee). The series follows Jagruti’s life in prison as she fights to prove her innocence.
With its realistic portrayal and attention to detail, Scoop requires focused attention from viewers. The show highlights the competitive nature of journalism and also addresses biases against successful women. Karishma Tanna delivers a powerful performance, supported by the talented cast, including Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub and Harman Baweja. While the series takes some time to gain momentum and could have explored the courtroom sequences further. It remains a compelling watch for those interested in intense drama and the workings of journalism.
