Greetings again from the darkness. SUNDOWN (2021) was an underrated film from writer-director Michael Franco who, this time out, attempts to tackle a few more complex issues involving immigration, class, and cultural differences. The result is a mixed bag that, without the presence of Oscar winner Jessica Chastain, likely would have fit right in to the old ‘Showtime After Dark’ series.
Jennifer (Ms. Chastain) is a wealthy socialite who helps run the McCarthy Family Foundation that is focused on art and causes for those less fortunate. She works with her brother Jake (Rupert Friend, “Homeland”) and their patriarchal father (Marshall Bell). At the ballet school they founded in Mexico City, Jennifer met and began a torrid affair with the lead dancer, Fernando (professional dancer Isaac Hernandez). The affair has since turned into an ongoing relationship. Jennifer seems to believe she’s in love and Fernando dreams of escaping poverty and living a life of luxury in the states with Jennifer. She has absurd wealth – private jets, a Bentley, houses all over, and non-stop galas and events requiring high fashion.
We recognize this as a relationship built on lust. It’s a matter of loins, not heart. The cross-cultural bond is favored by neither culture. Jennifer’s family sees the benefit in providing support to the underprivileged, but not in bringing them into the house, so to speak. Fernando’s parents are equally at odds with this relationship. Racism is evident, as is class differential – exposing the two-faces of the foundation’s founding family. The story highlights that most everyone has a dark side, and keeping up appearances becomes ‘normal’. Franco’s movie progresses slowly, making this relationship all the more uncomfortable to watch. It’s a shame that we never buy the coupling of Jennifer and Fernando as anything more than physical, but it is quite a shock to hear Chastain utter the line, “suck your balls” multiple times.
In theaters beginning February 27, 2026
Posted by David Ferguson
Greetings again from the darkness. We don’t always know what ignites a particular passion in someone; however, Joe Jennings has the card so many husbands mistakenly play … only his is accurate and beyond debate. Jennings can blame his wife, Sissy, for this decades long passion for ‘camera flying’. Although it was his father who sparked the interest in photography, it was Sissy who first convinced Joe to skydive. The rest is X-Games and cinematography history. Maura Strauch (SUNSHINE SUPERMAN, 2014) and Bryce Leavitt (directorial debut) have found their profile of Joe Jennings to be well-received on the film festival circuit.
Greetings again from the darkness. “Glory, Glory, Hallelujah.” As Elvis sings “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”, the combination of the lyrics and his voice send chills. We listen as Elvis states he’s never had the chance to tell us his story in his own words. Director Baz Luhrmann discovered hours of previously unheard audio and unseen video recordings while researching his 2022 film, ELVIS. He has masterfully edited this into a fascinating portrait of the King of Rock ‘n Roll, with an emphasis on his multi-year run at the Las Vegas International Hotel.
Greetings again from the darkness. That electric smile with the front tooth gap always seemed to accompany the amazing keyboard work of the great Billy Preston. This superb documentary from Paris Barclay proves the musicianship was otherworldly, but also that the Billy Preston smile often hid the pain, hardship, and history of the man.
Greetings again from the darkness. I had to have that ball. The red, white, and blue basketball looked so cool whether you were shooting a jumper or spinning it on your finger. And it looked even better when “Dr J” was soaring in for a finger-roll or slamming one home. To this young kid, the ABA was ultra cool, and now this four-episode documentary series from director Kenan Kamwana Holley and producers George Karl, Julius Erving, and Common (among others) provides a rush of nostalgia for those my age, and a sports history lesson for younger folks.
Greetings again from the darkness. We don’t see a lot of films from Iraq, but if this one from writer-director Hasan Hadi is any indication, the industry there is in fine form with storytelling. While not preachy or heavily politicized, the movie does offer some insight into authoritarianism in the 1990’s under dictator Saddam Hussein. Some would argue that the situation from thirty years ago acts as a modern-day cautionary tale.
Greetings again from the darkness. Director Gore Verbinski has a diverse oeuvre of films dating back almost thirty years. His work includes the first three “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies, the horror film THE RING (2002), the animated Oscar-winning RANGO (2011), THE LONE RANGER (2013), and the eerie A CURE FOR WELLNESS (2016). This is his first film in almost a decade. It’s written by Matthew Robinson (LOVE AND MONSTERS, 2020), and it’s bonkers.
Analyzed too closely, our fascination with serial killers could (and should) be considered disturbing. Novels, stage plays, movies, and TV series have long focused on the criminals who both frighten society and manage to long elude law enforcement. This is not referring to the demented appeal of scumbag shoot-the-CEO-in-the-back murderers with bushy eyebrows, but rather those whose intellect and psychological profiles allow them to stay one step ahead of those seeking justice – at least for a while. Included on the list would be such recognizable names as Jack the Ripper, Ed Gein, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, Aileen Wuornos, and the Zodiac Killer. Capitalizing on the public’s fascination led Thomas Harris to write “Red Dragon” in 1981, his first novel featuring Hannibal Lecter. Three more Lecter novels followed, and it’s Mr. Harris’ many Lecter works, and the projects influenced by them, that drove this detailed and expertly researched book from author Brian Raftery.
Greetings again from the darkness. William Shakespeare has inspired so many writers and stories over the years that he often goes unacknowledged rather than credited. Such is the case with this latest from writer/director/animator Mamoru Hosoda with character names such as Amulet, Claudius, and Gertrude. Of course, since this is Japanese anime, the story’s path varies and features unusual and colorful characters.
Greetings again from the darkness. Well, it’s not exactly a ‘good cop/bad cop’ scenario, since only one of them is a cop – and he’s suspended and out of his territory. It’s also not a traditional ‘Buddy comedy’ since these aren’t buddies, but rather estranged, grudge-holding half-brothers. Still, the premise is admirable, and the casting choice of pairing Dave Bautista with Jason Mamoa is marketing brilliance. Jonathan Tropper (creator and writer of “Banshee”) wrote the screenplay and Angel Manuel Soto (BLUE BEETLE, 2023) directed.