Greetings again from the darkness. For most of us, the worst thing that happens at a dinner party is the pork loin is a bit dry or the wine selection is a bit lacking. Among the worst occurrences are the friction and hurt feelings caused by a joke-gone-wrong, or God forbid, someone brings up politics. It’s just such a dinner party that kicks off this film from writer-director Matt Winn and his co-writer and frequent collaborator, James Handel.
Husband and wife Richard (Rufus Sewell) and Beth (Olivia Williams) arrive at the lovely London home of Sarah (the always fabulous Shirley Henderson) and Tom (Alan Tudyk). Hitching a ride is uninvited mutual ‘friend’ Jessica (Indira Varma), whose recent book has just hit the bestseller list. Jessica is one who sometimes over-imbibes and is a notorious flirt, rarely taking much precaution in either activity.
Two things happen that drastically impact the evening’s proceedings … and neither has to do with the Clafoutis dish Tom prepared (and takes enormous pride in). The friends are stunned when they learn Sarah and Tom must sell the house quickly or face financial ruin – something unthinkable to those who have lived this life. Secondly, and infinitely more shocking, is the realization that Jessica has committed suicide in the garden. On top of those biggies, secrets are later revealed that feel like a gut punch after the crisis.
With the home sale pending, Tom and Sarah believe a dead body will turn off the buyer, resulting in the bankruptcy they so fear. Their plan is to convince long-time friends Richard and Beth to go along with a scheme that will prevent further disaster. Arguing, debating, and ‘what about’ discussions, some quite animated, take center stage with the group. The drama is elevated by a nosy neighbor (Anne Reid) and an unexpected visit from the potential buyer (a terrific Sylvester Groth who played Goebbels in INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS, 2009).
Winn cleverly uses chapter subtitles, each beginning with “The Trouble with …”, to reinforce the live theater feel of the story. Some of the chapters work better than others, but it’s the veteran and talented cast that diligently pull off the dark humor at a time no one should be laughing. Shirley Henderson especially shines as she spews her lines with that unique and distinctive voice of hers.
The soft jazz score, credited to director Matt Winn and Matt Cooper, provides a nice touch, and mostly we just look at these folks and wonder how far they will go to keep themselves out of trouble. If not for the comedic touches, it would be quite disturbing … well, even with the comedy, it’s quite disturbing. However, a new twist on the dinner table setting is welcome, and despite everything, the film maintains a level of entertainment.
Opens in theaters on April 25, 2025
Posted by David Ferguson 
Greetings again from the darkness. We don’t typically look to South Korea for animated children’s stories recounting the history of Christianity, yet this first film from Angel Studio delivers just that … well specifically, the story of Jesus for Easter. Seong-ho Jang has made a name as a Visual Effects expert, and with this directorial debut, he tells the Jesus story in a way that should keep most kids engaged. The screenplay was written by director Jang, Rob Edwards, Jamie Thomason, and Hoseok Sung.
Greetings again from the darkness. For fans of crime syndicate TV series like “The Sopranos”, “Peaky Blinders”, and “Sons of Anarchy”, your new obsession has arrived. Originally developed as a spinoff of the excellent “Ray Donovan” (but the path changed), this new project from creator Ronan Bennett (“Top Boy”) is both something new and something familiar. Bennett and Jez Butterworth (BLACK MASS, EDGE OF TOMORROW) are co-writers on the series, and if the first two episodes are an indication, expect this series to be explosive fun.
Greetings again from the darkness. Penguins are darn cute. A penguin that follows you around and chooses to live with you is almost too cute for words. But in this story inspired by true events, that’s exactly what happens. Directed by Peter Cattaneo (THE FULL MONTY, 1998), the film was adapted by screenwriter Jeff Pope (PHILOMENA, 2014) from Tom Michell’s 2015 book.
Greetings again from the darkness. Firefighters, Police Officers, and Armed Forces soldiers and veterans are the ones we usually (and rightfully) describe as heroes; yet heroism can also be found in the actions of everyday people. Director Ami Canaan Mann and screenwriter Julia Fisher Farbman introduce us to one such hero in this biopic on Dr. Audrey Evans.
Greetings again from the darkness. Bob Trevino is the kind of father we all wish we had. He’s the kind of father that would raise kids who would grow into good citizens, resulting in an improved society. Only that Bob Trevino is not Lily Trevino’s dad. Her dad is a raging narcissist, or more accurately, a self-centered jerk. This feature film debut from writer-director Tracie Laymon is ‘inspired’ by her true-life story, albeit with enough elements changed to avoid a lawsuit from her dad. That part doesn’t make for such a warm-fuzzy story, but the film she delivers wraps us in a coat of kindness and niceness and feel-goodness (not really a word, but it fits).
Greetings again from the darkness. Authors and filmmakers have long used forecasting the future as the basis for stories. Some have been lighthearted and humorous (“The Jetsons”, BACK TO THE FUTURE) and others are more bleak and dystopian (BLADE RUNNER, THE ROAD). The first feature film from director Fleur Fortune (well known for music videos) has some common DNA with the excellent CHILDREN OF MEN (2006) from director Alfonso Cuaron. Written by Neil Garfath Cox, Dave Thomas, and John Donnelly, this story shows us a future where having a kid is a privilege that must be bestowed by the government, rather than free choice.
Greetings again from the darkness. St. Patrick’s Day 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the single largest unsolved property theft in the world. On that day, thieves made off with hundreds of millions of dollars of artwork from Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (including works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Degas, and Manet). The reward offer of $10 million still stands. Writer-director Eric Aronson presents his feature film debut, inspired by the crime … though he admits, “this is not what happened.”
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Greetings again from the darkness. Are you ready for 90 minutes of cool people wearing cool clothes and doing cool things while acting cool in the face of danger? If so, this one is for you. Oscar winner Steven Soderbergh (TRAFFIC, 2000; OCEAN’S ELEVEN, 2001; OCEAN’S TWELVE, 2004) dons multiple hats here as director-producer-editor-cinematographer (some under familiar pseudonyms). The screenplay comes from well-known writer David Koepp (JURASSIC PARK, 1993; MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, 1996). The pedigree of these two is exemplified by the cast assembled.
