Completely convincing in its setting and set-up, "The Promised Land" is a masterclass in economical filmmaking. Denmark is once again the envy of the European film scene, with another production that is every bit as polished as anything Hollywood could've released. The pioneering story is familiar but captivating nonetheless and Mads Mikkelsen is predicably compelling as a silent and obsessed settler trying to thrive in unforgiving environs. More surprising is that he's matched blow for blow by Simon Bennebjerg, who…
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Happy Single 2023
I was mildly concussed and looking for a simple diversion. This was simple, alright...
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Sweet Dreams 2023
"Sweet Dreams" feels like it was made for the stage: from the overly enunciated dialogue to the archetypes in the script and the primary-coloured set design. As a film, there's still plenty to intrigue the viewer, like its interestingly grey-shaded morality and sumptuous cinematography. However, the characters' underdeveloped motivation, accentuated by random bursts of laughter or inexplicable irascibility, did get on my nerves. The tension built in the first half also dissipates as the story progresses to what's obviously intended to be a crescendo, but left me largely deflated.
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The Creator 2023
It's hard to oversell how good "The Creator" looks, or - to be more precise - how un-artificial it feels. Really, watching this one wonders who decreed that all sci-fi films shall be set in drab, foggy, rainy cityscapes. Why not rice paddies, mountain peaks or lush valleys? Does the future not reach those places? This fundamental shift in sci-fi's visual norms massively contributes to director Edwards' world-building.
What a shame then that he can't sustain that vision with a…