QUEEN OF THE RING (2025)

March 7, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Even among sports fans and women’s activists, Mildred Burke is not a household name. Writer-director Ash Avildsen and co-writer Alston Ramsay set out to correct this by adapting Ms. Burke’s own writing and the 2010 book “The Queen of the Ring: Sex, Muscles, Diamonds and the Making of an American Legend” by Jeff Leen. Avildsen is the son of Oscar winning director John Avildsen (ROCKY, 1976; THE KARATE KID, 1982)

Mildred Burke was a three-time World Champion in Women’s Wrestling, and the first million dollar female athlete. Her career spanned the 1930’s into the 1950’s, and the film opens in the ring during the brutal 1954 Women’s World Championship match. Rather than finish that match, filmmaker Avildsen holds that until the finale and instead flashes back to Burke’s early obsession with her desire to wrestle. Emily Bett Rickards (“Arrow”) stars as Mildred, and she possesses the physicality and charm to pull off what we’d expect from a pioneer in women’s sports. She displays toughness, determination, and talent in the ring – plus the savvy needed for marketing herself and the sport.

There are some issues with the movie. At times it’s difficult to follow the timeline and it is uncomfortably choppy in its storytelling approach. However, the dynamics of this woman and her true story are such that we focus on the good stuff and appreciate her accomplishments. Additionally, there are some strong supporting performances. Josh Lucas plays wrestler Billy Wolfe, who recognizes Mildred’s potential and becomes her promoter, her loving husband, her cheating husband, and her business partner. Walton Goggins plays legendary promoter Jack Pfefer, Tyler Posey plays Wolfe’s son and Mildred love interest G Bill, Francesca Eastwood (yes, Clint’s daughter) plays wrestler Mae Young, Adam Demos plays Mildred’s friend and popular wrestler Gorgeous George, and Gavin Casalengo portrays Mildred’s son.

We learn her story dates back to a time when many laws prohibited women from wrestling, and Mildred’s early opportunities took place at traveling carnivals. Her motivation led to her pledge to her toddler son that they would not live an ordinary life … and wrestling got her out of the apron at her mom’s café. There is an obligatory training montage, and there is even a moment when Mildred’s impact is compared to Jackie Robinson breaking the race barrier in baseball. The terrific soundtrack (not quite to the level of AMERICAN GRAFFITTI) helps offset some of the cheesy posing and strutting, even though these were keys in Mildred gaining popularity. Filmmaker Avildsen ends the film with photos and bio profiles on each of the characters as the closing credits begin. It’s a fitting end and tribute for those who drove the early days of Women’s wrestling.

The film opens in theaters on March 7, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2025 – short films

February 28, 2025

SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2025 – Short Films

Below are recaps of some of the short films I watched at this year’s Slamdance Film Festival.

FISHMONGER (25:30)

No rules apply to film festival shorts and writer-director Neil Ferron and co-writer Alexandra Dennis-Renner succeed in pushing the envelope with their surreal spin on Catholic mythology. Accurately billed as a supernatural dark comedy, the film plops us right into the middle of a crisis taking place on a remote Irish island. Christie O’Mallaghan’s mother is in the throes of a self-inflicted disease that finds her near death, and with sores that spew puss on him whenever he gets near.

Local beliefs are that if a mother passes, leaving an unmarried son, her soul is to burn for eternity. Christie loves his mother (having been dependent upon her in the cringiest of ways), and now, to save her soul, faces the choice between suicide and marrying the only unwed woman on the island, Penny O’Brien (played by Penny O’Brien). Since the two have never spoken, the latter seems unlikely. Father Heaney (Mark Bramhall) offers a possible solution. Christie, a hapless fisherman, is to paddle out to the cove, offer up specific gifts to the sea creature, and request his wish be granted to marry Penny.

The sequences here include a duet right out of a stage musical; tentacle sex with Sinead the sea creature, the likes of which caused me to look away; and a developing love story yielding yet more cringing (from me). Dominic Burgess plays Christie, Donnla Hughes is Sinead, and Mari Weiss is the suffering mother. It’s a bonkers premise that will surely draw comparisons to Robert Eggers’ excellent THE LIGHTHOUSE (2019). And though we admire Christie’s apparent willingness to do whatever is necessary to save his mom, the ending is sure to stun.

ONE REHEARSES, THE OTHER DOESN’T  (15:00)

As part of the “Experimental” category, this short from writer-director Jessica Hankey was co-written by playwright Victor Kaufold and the film’s subject, Marjorie Annapav. Ms. Annapav plays herself in the film as she engages with Gerrie (Ann Randolph), a performance teacher, so that Marjorie’s life can become a stage presentation.

Admittedly (and purposefully), this one is a bit tricky for viewers to follow. It’s more like a slideshow of the process, with the insight coming from the verbal exchanges between the women, at least more so than in the physical performances. There is a sequence regarding a once heavily-used Rolodex that provides some context, yet mostly this requires focused attention from viewers to grasp the specifics of Marjorie’s life, including her marriage to surrealist and pop artist, William Copley.

GURGLING  (13:06)

A conversation with a girlfriend leads to confession that a previous boyfriend broke up with her since she “lacked imagination”, a break-up that led to the friend taking advantage of the situation. Writer-director Christine Margaret Wu seems to really understand the young housewife who spends her days caring for her elderly in-laws while her husband works.

That same husband is constantly ‘too tired’ to show her any affection, so when she notices a voyeur spying on her while she showers, something ignites within her. She so longs to be desired and appreciated as her husband builds a “safe and stable life”. The film is from Taiwan and expertly captures the woman’s pent-up emotions.

THE SPHINX  16:22

Well, surely this one has a premise you’ve never seen before, even though I won’t spoil it for you. Writer-director Jesse Padveen takes us on a first date. The couple is awkwardly conversing in a restaurant booth. As the young man spins the tale of how he became a locksmith, the woman struggles to maintain some level of interest – or at least tries to appear that she’s listening.

Suddenly something jarring occurs sending the man off to ‘fix’ the issue. He’s embarrassed but she’s now surprisingly intrigued. The two head off to her friend’s party where he’s encouraged to perform his special party trick. This leads to humiliation for the man, and we follow him first to his mom’s place, and ultimately to his dad’s … where one of our questions is answered and we also learn of his dad’s specific (and understandable) fetish. This one is for those anxious to see a creative short.

TWO OF HEARTS 5:56

Although it’s slotted in the “Narrative Shorts” category, this quirky little film from writer-director Mashie Alam includes very little of anything we would traditionally label as narrative, at least conventionally speaking. With an opening credit that gives off soap opera vibes, we are soon engulfed in an oddball (limited) verbal competition between brother and sister.

“It’s always been the two of us” leads into each of siblings battling the other with the same comeback, “It should be you.” It’s not until the end when we are clued in to what they are debating, but it’s clear they are building up to a big decision … one they must come to agreement on. Equally surprising is how this sharp looking film concludes with Nilsson’s “Everybody’s Talking”. Given how things are these days, it’s a relief to see any debate end with benevolence.

DEATH DRIVE  5:55

The woman shoves a handgun into the glove compartment of a classic Ford Mustang. Is she headed out to kill? To be killed? To see where the night takes her?  We are never really sure of much other than she loves to give that car the gas. A dashboard camera and the squealing tires keep us a bit disoriented, but then so do the images of the mostly elderly folks illuminated by the car’s headlights.

The only clue we have is the idling black sedan that may or may not be death, and may or may not be after the woman this evening. Writer-director Eli-Bella Wood also plays the woman who is driving, and the artsy slow-motion effects and the nighttime setting combine with the lack of dialogue to make this a film that revs in your mind … even after the man on the horse tips his Stetson.

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Posted by David Ferguson

CORONER TO THE STARS (2025, doc)

February 28, 2025

Slamdance Film Festival 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Most Americans can’t name their county’s Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner. However, when one person held the position in Los Angeles County from 1967 through 1982, it’s understandable that he spent an inordinate amount of time in press conferences and TV interviews. Dr. Thomas Noguchi has been described as a “Renaissance Man” – a doctor, chef, and artist, as well as a pursuer of fame. Co-directors Ben Hethcoat and Keito Ideno present the story of Dr. Noguchi, “Coroner to the Stars”.

Should you question the label, know that, prior to his promotion, Dr. Noguchi personally handled the autopsy of Marilyn Monroe. Once he was leading the department, his high-profile cases included Robert Kennedy, Sharon Tate, Janis Joplin, William Holden, Natalie Wood, and John Belushi. Now that’s some star power. What really stands out here is Dr. Noguchi’s personality. Obviously a knowledgeable and talented doctor, he never shied away from the spotlight and pledged to “tell it like it is.” That may seem like a simple thing for a Medical Examiner, yet he was constantly reminded of the political pressures and battles. Instead of bowing to these pressures, he vowed “No more Dallas” … referring to the Feds taking over the autopsy of President Kennedy in 1963, opening the way for numerous conspiracy theories.

Fellow Japanese-American George Takei offers some insight through interviews, as do Noguchi’s attorney and a news reporter who covered Los Angeles during that era. The film includes quite a few nuggets, including Noguchi’s findings that there was a second shooter (friendly fire) in RFK’s assassination, and William Holden did not die from a heart attack. It’s interesting to note that Noguchi was the inspiration for the TV show, “Quincy, M.E.”, where Jack Klugman played a Medical Examiner. Many scenes were shot at Noguchi’s facility, where we also glimpse the massive crypt filled with a staggering number of corpses.

Dr. Noguchi’s career provides a wealth of topics, issues, and events, and the filmmakers do a nice job of presenting this in a manner that’s interesting and easy to follow. With courtroom hearings and politics involved, the reality seems very complex, yet we end with an understanding of the ups and downs of Dr. Noguchi’s career. He’s now 98 years old and his wife has passed, but this is a man who was the leader for Forensic Pathology, and whose work often helped make sense of challenging situations.

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Posted by David Ferguson

40 WATTS FROM NOWHERE (2025, doc)

February 28, 2025

Slamdance Film Festival 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Music lovers know very well how radio changed in the 1990’s. Consolidations, mergers, and mandated playlists became the norm. Traveling from city to city and town to town made this abundantly clear. Where once independent stations were keyed in to local culture, corporate radio commanded the airwaves. The exceptions were ‘pirate radio stations’ and Sue Carpenter not only founded one of the best (KBLT), she put together this documentary on how she did it.

By definition, pirate radio is breaking the rules set by the FCC … taking over an open frequency in a market while being unlicensed. Of course, this only works at low power levels, and the film does a nice job of explaining the technical aspects, stopping short of the dizzying specifications required to broadcast. It’s those FCC rules that forced Ms. Carpenter to use Paige Jarrett as her business name – no need to make it easy for someone to track you down. She provides a brief history of her move from San Francisco to the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles, including input from Stephen Dunifer of Free Radio Berkeley. We see archival clips of Mr. Dunifer, as well as a more recent interview.

Most famously, the history of pirate radio must include a tip of the cap to Radio Caroline, the UK pirate radio station that broadcast from ships (plural) as early as 1964. Richard Curtis (loosely) based his 2009 film, THE BOAT THAT ROCKED, on Radio Caroline. Still, it makes sense for Sue Carpenter to focus on her accomplishments with KBLT, as she broadcast from a closet in her small house. It’s fascinating to hear her recall the assistance she received in bringing on DJ’s for the station … musicians and music lovers who thrived on the independent nature and freedom to play the tunes and bands and artists they appreciated. Many of the original DJ’s appear for interviews here and there are enough home movies for us to get the feel for the times.

KBLT broadcast from 1995 through 1998, and not only was it a much needed outlet for the thriving underground and alt-rock music scene, it also carried with it a bit of civil disobedience for those involved. It’s described as going ‘viral in the 1990’s’ (prior to social media). A live, on air, in-studio acoustic performance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers was a highlight, and KBLT has been described as a real life version of PUMP UP THE VOLUME (1990). While those involved muse about what a great time it was, the impact on music remains undeniable.

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Posted by David Ferguson

PORTAL TO HELL (2025)

February 28, 2025

Slamdance Film Festival 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Every year this festival serves up at least a few feature film debuts that not only entertain, but also instill optimism for future projects. Writer-director Woody Bess has delivered an amusing debut that fits snugly in the rare genre of comedy-horror. As an added bonus, the acting is pretty darn good as well.

Dunn (Trey Holland) works as a bill collector for a medical provider. Working from home, he keeps the office well organized with a wall of post-it notes, while spending most of the day on the phone offering payment ‘options’ to folks who continually find new ways to verbally abuse him and his collection efforts. Needing breaks from the calls, Dunn spends what seems to be an inordinate amount of time at the nearby laundromat. While there, he notices one of the machines appears to be a flaming portal to hell. He notifies Ed (Romina D’Ugo), the manager, who is more concerned about losing her job than the oddity and danger of the situation. This is all handled with deadpan nonchalance, adding a dose of humor to a fiery situation.

The shenanigans that unfold include Dunn’s neighbor (Keith David), who has terminal cancer and offers up the wisdom of “watch your own ____” … well, I leave that last word to your imagination; Rip, an amorous drug dealer with a business card and a motorcycle; and a gregarious demon named Chip (Richard Kind), who enjoys beer and phone conversations and cuts a win-win deal with Dunn. There is even a jab at Hot Chelle Rae and their 2011 (somewhat irritating hit) song “Tonight Tonight”. Band member Ryan Follese even proves he can take a joke. The film offers some thoughts on good people versus bad people, but mostly the message is: give yourself a second chance to do what’s right. If not, you may be getting thumbs up from Chip the demon.

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Posted by David Ferguson

SUPERBOYS OF MALEGAON (2025, India)

February 28, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. These are the kind of movies that it’s a pleasure to champion. Writer-director Reema Kagti and co-writer Varun Grover have produced a feel-good underdog story based on what a few folks actually accomplished in Malegaon, a small, poverty-stricken town in India. This inspirational true story opens in 1997 and is told in the Hindi language with subtitles.

Adarsh Gourav (THE WHITE TIGER, 2021) stars as Nasir, a videographer and photographer who uses his love of cinema to show Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton movies in the backroom of his brother’s shop. The size of his audience jumps when Nasir figures out how to use iconic scenes of those classic for comedy mash-ups to get people really laughing and enjoying themselves. As you might guess, video pirating was as frowned upon in 1997 as it is now, so after being forcefully shut down, Nasir had the bright idea to create his own parodies using local talent (aka friends).

The locals have a grand time working together, and those early auditions are a hoot. Their first production is a big hit! During this time, we see Nasir as a focused, dedicated filmmaker who leans heavily on Farogh (Vineet Kumar Singh) and Shafique (Shashank Arora), as well as some other friends. Farogh envisions himself as a serious writer … “The writer is the boss!” … and doesn’t buy into these silly parodies. Shafique is Nasir’s best friend, and he quietly dreams of becoming an actor while carrying out all of the tasks to make Nasir’s job a bit easier. Shafique is later part of a tender love story with the group’s lead actress (Manjiri Pupula). It’s also during this time that Nasir loses his girlfriend to a marriage arranged by her parents.

The story skips ahead to 2004, finding a backlash against Nasir from his friends who feel taken advantage of. He also experiences his first flop and himself becomes part of an arranged marriage (bride played by Muskkaan Jaferi), although he still carries a torch for his first love. The backlash appears to have exposed Nasir’s selfishness and clueless focus on film rather than people. Interestingly, there is an underlying theme of originality – what is it, and is it important in movies or not? It’s a question the industry still struggles with today.

Jumping to 2010, Shafique’s situation is the driving force behind friends reuniting and the most creative and personal movie project yet for Nasir. Much of the story revolves around chasing one’s dreams, the importance of friendship, and the urge to create art, specifically movies that entertain. The inspirational final act reminds us that everyone deserves to be a star at least once, and the value of friendship is priceless. There is a 2008 documentary titled SUPERMEN OF MALEGAON that focuses on the early days of filmmaking for these underdogs, and would be a nice complement to this film from Reema Kagti, whose end credits recap the real people portrayed in the story.

Opening in select theaters on February 28, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

VERMIGLIO (2024, Italy)

February 21, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. It’s 1944 in the mountainous northern Italy commune of Vermiglio. WWII has been raging for years, and even the families in this remote village have felt the effects. Writer-director Maura Delpero has delivered a beautiful and touching film that follows the four seasons. There is little wonder this was Italy’s Oscar submission for Best International Film. Although it missed on a nomination, it’s still one of the best films from 2024.

Much of this story focuses on the local schoolmaster’s large family. And by large family, I mean the mother delivers her tenth child during the story. It’s a close-knit community – the kind where everyone knows everyone else’s business. Secrets are difficult to keep, yet they play a vital role in the proceedings. First of all, Pietro is a Sicilian who has gone AWOL during the war. He’s hiding out in the barn, yet all the locals are aware. Then we have second oldest daughter Ada, whose developing desires take her “behind the wardrobe”, necessitating her cutting deals with God for self-inflicted punishments, becoming more severe with each episode. And lastly, we have the film’s biggest secret – a whopper that shocks the family.

This is a beautiful film shot in a beautiful part of a beautiful country. The seasonal changes provide built-in colors and textures delivering a contrast to the mostly serene characters. Lucia, the eldest daughter, is attracted to Pietro. A stolen kiss and a hand-drawn heart lead to much drama, and ultimately, tragedy. A couple of the other kids have significant roles, but Lucia’s journey is the main focus. There is a quietly stunning moment when Pietro asks Lucia’s father for her hand in marriage.

The slow and steady and sometimes disturbingly quiet pace of the story will likely not appeal to some viewers, but the subtlety displayed is enchanting and mesmerizing. There are moments of heartbreak, and we realize that this family and these local people are tough … they’ve learned how to survive and continue on, despite challenges. The concern about one being “ruined” makes for interesting conversation, and offers quite an example of how times have changed. This is a terrific drama that hopefully many will give a chance.

Opens in theaters on February 21, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

PANDA PLAN (2025, China)

February 17, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Jackie Chan starring as … Jackie Chan! He’s an international action-comedy star appearing in this international action-comedy as himself. In fact, one of the running gags has various people questioning if it’s really “him” and whether or not he can actually fight like he does in his movies. The film is from writer-director Luan Zhang and co-writers Wei Xu and Meng Yida.

An amped-up and expansive action sequence opens the movie. It’s also where we learn Jackie is playing Jackie. He’s a bit frustrated at the roles he’s being offered (the man is now 70 years old) and quickly jumps at the opportunity to adopt a rare baby panda. Not only does he find the cub irresistibly cute, but so does the entire universe … including a Middle Eastern dude willing to pay $100 million to a group of mercenaries to steal (bear-nap?) and deliver the panda. Jackie arrives at the island zoo at just about the same time as the bad guys’ pirate ship. What follows is rampant chaos as Jackie and the panda’s nanny, Su Xizozhu (Chi Se) try to protect the (CGI) cub.

For most of the movie the panda is referred to as ‘Big Babe’, but is blessed with an actual name later in the game. The film is purposefully cartoonish and leans heavily into Jackie Chan’s natural charm and presence. It likely would have played better as a pure family film about a cute panda, and aimed squarely at kids, but unfortunately, the action sequences pack enough violence to keep the youngsters away. There are some entertaining sequences … including a rare escape utilizing a forklift as a getaway vehicle. The finale lifts the story from the dark cloud that hung over most of the film, and Jackie Chan fans will be thrilled to know that a sequel is already in the works for next year.

On digital and Blu-ray on February 18, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE GORGE (2025)

February 14, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Most every Valentine’s Day, we get at least one romantic-comedy designed for a sweet and harmless date night. Well, this one ain’t it. Instead, if you thrive on romance loaded with danger and action sequences and mysterious monsters and decades old experimental weapons … we have just the movie for you. Director Scott Derrickson (THE BLACK PHONE, 2021; THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE, 2005) and screenwriter Zach Dean (THE TOMORROW WAR, 2021) deliver the rare sci-fi/action/monster/romance thriller, and were wise enough to cast two charming, well-liked young actors for the leads.

The film opens with Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy) executing a long-distance kill shot assassination, while Levi (Miles Teller) springs out of bed in a cold sweat due to PTSD. He’s soon beckoned to Camp Pendleton by a power broker played by Sigourney Weaver. As an elite sniper who has done work for the military, Levi has been ‘retired’ for four years, and with no relationship strings attached, he’s perfect for the year-long secret mission – he must jump from an airplane in an unknown location and hike 30 km to report. He’s met there by his predecessor (Sope Dirisu) who fills him in on the basics of the mission: guard the ‘door to hell’ … the giant gorge below filled with unknown danger … while hanging out all alone in the west tower.

Guess who is in the east tower. Right! It’s Drasa, straight from visiting her cancer-stricken dad in their homeland of Lithuania. These two sharp-shooting mercenaries are perched in their opposing towers assigned with defending the gorge from unknown threats. It’s a mission I would have turned down, but it makes for a terrific movie set-up, especially since they have been instructed to avoid contact with the person in the opposite tower. But what kind of movie would that be?

A reference is made to T.S. Eliot’s poem, “The Hollow Men”, and Levi spends a good deal of each day reading and writing poetry. In the other tower, Drasa is a bit more antsy. She dances to music and doesn’t hesitate long in making contact with Levi. The two exchange cross-gorge notes, in a similar manner to LOVE ACTUALLY (2003), only with long-distance binoculars and more humor. Of course, the solitude gets to both and not surprisingly, they figure out a way to connect – as most young, beautiful, world-class snipers would. They even play chess and drums, in obvious callbacks to each actor’s most successful roles.

Their connection is fun to watch, and of course, as seasoned movie watchers, we know the unknown threat from within the gorge will soon enough interrupt the love story. Things get pretty nuts when the grisly creatures from below mix with our two lovebirds and heroes. The explanation is a bit much, but the action sequences are fine – quite the contrast to the first half of the story. We noted some similar touches to films like John Carpenter’s THE THING (1982), Ridley Scott’s ALIEN (1979), and Alex Garland’s ANNIHILATION (2018), although I don’t recall those films including a dose of romance for Valentine’s Day … and certainly this is the first featuring “O Come All Ye Faithful” performed by Twisted Sister, along with a creepy score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, and cinematography from Dan Laustsen (THE SHAPE OF WATER, 2017). It’s an unusual film, and just know that Drasa and Levi will always have Eze (France).

Opens in theaters on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

I LOVE YOU FOREVER (2025)

February 14, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. So, may we interest you in a Valentine’s Day movie about an abusive relationship doomed to failure? What if I told you that it’s meant to be funny, but it’s actually quite depressing and dark? Cazzie David (Larry David’s daughter) and Elisa Kalani are co-writers and co-directors on this film rumored to be ‘inspired’ by Ms. David’s relationship with a certain former SNL comedian (the one known for dating a steady stream of beautiful women).

MacKenzie (Sofia Black-D’Elia, “Your Honor”, “The Night Of”) is a law student, and when the film opens, she’s in bed with Jake (Raymond Cham Jr, THE IDEA OF YOU, 2024). We quickly realize this is a booty call … although it doesn’t appear that MacKenzie recognizes it as such. Or perhaps, more accurately, she hopes for more from Jake. This is merely the first painful example – and there are many more to come – of MacKenzie displaying very little self-confidence or self-worth, despite being lovely, intelligent, and quite capable of participating in flirty and witty banter.

Rounding out the trio of good friends are Ally (the film’s writer/director Cazzie David) and Lucas (Jon Rudnitsky, HOME AGAIN, 2017). When together, these buds have a strong bond and whip-smart dialogue. The movie is at its best during these times. Things shift quickly when MacKenzie meets Finn (Ray Nicholson, Jack’s son) at Ally’s birthday bash. Finn seems like the perfect guy for her. He’s a news reporter who can match her flirtatious ways, and delivers the most romantic first date one could imagine. The early stages go smoothly, and the weeks click by as they grow closer.

Of course, things (and men) are never as perfect as they seem. Finn begins to throw these manipulative tantrums that, frankly, are quite frightening. MacKenzie recognizes the behavior as unacceptable, yet is so intent on keeping ‘Mr. Right’, that she continues to work through his wicked (and bipolar) ways. Ally and Lucas try to be supportive for her, but Finn demands so much attention, that friendships and law school become after thoughts. It’s infuriating to watch, and it’s likely that I’m simply too old to understand why anyone would put up with Finn. Sure, partners are never as perfect as they initially seem, but hopefully few turn out to be as psychotic as Finn. The filmmakers have delivered a masterclass on what not to subject yourself to in a relationship … it’s just questionable whether this is the right message to deliver on Valentine’s Day. On second thought, maybe that’s the perfect time.

Opening in theaters on February 14, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

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