STEVE SCHAPIRO: BEING EVERYWHERE (2025, doc)

November 14, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Historians record events for future generations. We tend to think of history as what we read on the page in books, yet it’s the photographers who often bring those words to life – delivering visuals that hit home and make the past so memorable. Few photographers have done it better or for a longer period of time or across a more diverse cross-section than photojournalist Steve Schapiro.

Maura Smith, Schapiro’s wife of 40 years (until his death in 2022 at age 87) has crafted a loving documentary and tribute to him, while also conveying what an incredibly interesting life he led. She put her charming husband on camera and let him tell the stories associated with his photographs. This is a man entrenched in movie stills, movie posters, celebrity and VIP portraits, and the Civil Rights Movement … including the March on Washington and the Selma to Montgomery march. His photographs were published in all the major magazines (often on the cover) of the times, and his movie work included such films as MIDNIGHT COWBOY, THE GODFATHER, CHINATOWN, and TAXI DRIVER (to name a few). Schapiro even sits on the white sofa that was used for sessions during RISKY BUSINESS and FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF.

Many of the faces from his work are easily recognizable: James Baldwin, Andy Warhol, David Bowie, Barbara Streisand, Muhammad Ali – plus musicians such as Frank Zappa, The Velvet Underground, Ike and Tina Turner, Ray Charles, and Frank Sinatra. It’s fascinating to listen as Schapiro recounts some of his freelance assignments, and his time with Bobby Kennedy is especially detailed and interesting … in fact his memories about the Civil Rights Movement are what elevate his work. His after-the-tragedy recollections of going through the Lorraine Hotel after Martin Luther King’s assassination are gut-wrenching. Schapiro states that the perfect photograph is a blend of emotion, design, and information … much like his life.

Opens in NYC on November 14, 2025 and then rolls out nationwide

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE SIEGE OF APE CANYON (2025, doc)

November 12, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. According to one of those interviewed, this isn’t just a Bigfoot story … it’s THE Bigfoot story! The film is directed by Eli Watson (not his first Bigfoot project) and produced by Seth Breedlove, the founder of Small Town Monsters – a production company with projects in the vein of the old “In Search of …” series.

It was 1924, in the shadows of Mount Saint Helens in Washington state, when a group of gold prospectors led by a man named Fred Beck claimed to be attacked by a bunch of large, hairy, ape-like creatures. The men were under siege in a cabin near the mine as they fired their guns at the rock-throwing creatures … creatures henceforth referred to as Mountain Devils. This encounter, or stories of this encounter, created one of the most infamous Bigfoot stories of all time. Director Watson includes a black & white reenactment of this ‘siege in Ape Canyon.

We meet Marc Myrsell, an avid researcher who, 50 years after the attack, began looking into the story to determine if any evidence might exist to shift the legend into local history. The search initially focused on proving the existence of the cabin, and then of the gold mine. Mr. Myrsell admits, ‘no good research project is ever done”, and after 100 years have passed, he remains diligent in his quest to discover any shreds of evidence.

Some relatives of the mining team from 1924 are located, and discussions and revelations occur. Of course, for anyone seeking proof of Bigfoot, Sasquatch, or Mountain Devils, the search continues. At a minimum, we meet some interesting and dedicated folks and see some breathtaking views.

Available on VOD (including Prime Video) beginning November 11, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

Book Review- REFLECTIONS: ON CINEMATOGRAPHY

November 9, 2025

By Sir Roger Deakins

For most moviegoers, what makes or breaks a particular film is a combination of the story and the characters. Not much (if any) thought goes into how the film was made, what techniques or technology was utilized, or how many folks were involved in the process. That’s OK, and in fact, it’s the goal of most filmmakers – produce a film that entertains or enlightens, while keeping the magic behind the curtain. Of course, that ‘magic’ is actually hard work by a large crew after a significant amount of planning and preparation. For those who do care about such things (cinephiles, aspiring filmmakers), this latest book from Sir Roger Deakins is one to read and one to absorb.

Deakins is a two-time Oscar winner and 16-time nominee. Any list of the greatest cinematographers would include his name. An early interest in photography led to a start with documentaries, and then to this legendary career in feature films. He has worked with some of cinema’s most distinguished directors and on some of the best films since the 1980’s. The directors include the Coen Brothers, Martin Scorsese, Sam Raimi, and Denis Villeneuve. The films include BLADE RUNNER 2049 (2017), SKYFALL (2012), TRUE GRIT (2010), NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN (2007), A BEAUTIFUL MIND (2001), THE BIG LEBOWSKI (1998), FARGO (1996), THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (1994), and SID AND NANCY (1986). Of course, these lists are partial … the full lists would include more than a dozen directors and more than 70 films.

One of the remarkable things about Deakins’ latest book (he also published “Byways”, a book of his photographs in 2021) is that nearly every film he’s worked on gets at least a mention, although the breadth and detail of the write-ups vary significantly. It’s so rare and such a privilege to have one of the film industry’s giants take us on a mostly chronological journey through his career. Though not billed as a memoir, the book does include bits and pieces of his childhood in Torquay, England and personal life … especially the collaborations with his wife, James, herself a well-respected script supervisor. However, most of this deals with his approach to lighting and shooting and his collaboration with directors and crew.

Nearly 400 pages and 32 chapters are filled with Deakins recollections, as well as photographs/stills from the films, and sketches detailing individual shots from those films. We have all seen storyboards that directors use to plan a project, but for me, these are first diagrams I’ve ever seen on camera and lighting placements for specific scenes and settings. Deakins takes us through the scouting and preparation, and doesn’t shy away from discussing the directors who are most open to suggestions and recommendations. It’s difficult to imagine any filmmaker not encouraging input from a man with such a pedigree, yet it’s a reminder that egos are certainly prevalent in Hollywood.

Deakins has traveled the world with his work, and he is especially forthcoming on his time in Africa. Still, it’s his work on Hollywood films that has made him famous, and he credits his early work in documentaries for influencing his style. Some of the more detailed chapters are devoted to NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, SKYFALL, and BLADE RUNNER, three very different films where the lighting seemed especially challenging. Surprisingly, every chapter offers interesting and valuable insight into the making of films, and specifically the shooting of individual scenes.

Cinematography is a blend of art, science, creativity, and experience. Deakins shies away from the term “craft”, but what he accomplishes is pretty much the definition of a craft … and he’s an expert. As we would expect, this renowned cinematographer who excels at visual storytelling has included a hefty number of visuals to go along with his descriptions and journal-type entries. The book acts as an education, a memoir, and a tribute to the man who has contributed so much to our moviegoing pleasure over the past 40-plus years.

REFLECTIONS: ON CINEMATOGRAPHY releases on November 11, 2025 and is available in bookstores and Amazon

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CHRISTY (2025)

November 7, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. For those who think of Sydney Sweeney as just an attractive model for blue jeans or eye-candy on the red carpet, this is a movie that will change your mind. She plays tough. OK, not as tough as boxing champ and domestic violence survivor Christy Martin, whom she portrays here … but tough, nonetheless.

In a perfect world, writer-director David Michod (ANIMAL KINGDOM, 2010) and co-wrtiers Mirrah Foulkes (also Michod’s spouse) and Katherine Fugate would tell the uplifting story of the first great female boxer of the 1990’s and the first female boxer to make the cover of “Sports Illustrated” and fight on Mike Tyson’s undercard. While they do tell that part of the story, there is also the much darker aspect of Christy’s life. It’s actually a story of survival – and honestly, since I was not a boxing fan at the time, it’s the 2010 headlines of her surviving a vicious attack by her husband that come to mind when I hear her name. Michod and his cast handle both aspects very well.

It’s 1989 in rural West Virginia. Christy gets her first taste of boxing and takes to it immediately. However, her mother (Merritt Weaver, “Godless”) and meek father (Ethan Embry, “Sneaky Pete”) are humiliated by the rumors that Christy is hanging out with Rosie (Jess Garbor “Shameless”), a lesbian. When they threaten to send her to a priest for curing, Christy seizes the chance to pursue boxing. Trainer Jim Martin (Ben Foster) initially wants nothing to do with her, but he quickly realizes she could be his ticket to the big time.

The story follows Christy’s rise in boxing, while at the same time showing us the dark side of a relationship. Jim is an expert manipulator and controller, and Foster’s searing blue eyes deliver his patented icy and intimidating stare (in spite of that awful haircut) on more than one occasion. Shadowboxing in legendary promoter Don King’s (Chad Coleman, “The Wire”) office gives Christy the opportunity she needs in 1995. He labels her “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” and her pink outfits become a trademark.

Christy’s story has many parallels with the tragic Dorothy Stratten story. Her time as a Playboy model and violent fallout with her scumbag husband became the basis for Bob Fosse’s film STAR 80 (1983). In this film, when Michod finally shows the despicable act of Jim Martin on Christy, it’s stunning and memorable. We can’t help but think how unfortunate and tragic it was for Christy to battle both her husband and mother. Towards the end, we see the actual Christy Salters (she took back her maiden name) as a security guard who fist bumps the fighter on the way to the ring. It’s a nice touch. And kudos to Sydney Sweeney for taking on such a challenging role (physically and emotionally).

In theaters beginning November 7, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

DIE MY LOVE (2025)

November 6, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. For the sake of her friends, family, and self, I do hope Lynne Ramsay’s movies do not reflect her real-life persona. Don’t get me wrong … she’s an extraordinary filmmaker, but to put it mildly, her films are not what we would label ‘uplifting’. Proof of these two descriptions can be found in WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN (2011) and YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE (2017), and now again in her latest. The 2017 English translated novel by Ariana Harwicz has been adapted by Ms. Ramsay, Enda Walsh (HUNGER, 2008) and Alice Birch (THE WONDER, 2022). It’s an absorbing film featuring what is likely the year’s best and most haunting performance.

When we first meet Grace (Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence) and Jackson (Robert Pattinson), they are a wild and free couple who dance to the Pinky & Perky (not Alvin and the Chipmunks) version of “Let’s Twist Again.” Jackson has inherited a rundown house in rural Montana from his recently deceased uncle, and they fix up the place enough to move in. Sex and laughter fill their days right up until the baby is born. Postpartum depression has been conveyed in other movies, yet I don’t believe it’s ever been as visceral as what we witness here. Grace clearly loves her baby, while everything else about her own existence seems to anger and disappoint her … the house, the dog, and especially Jackson.

Grace sinks to a level we don’t often witness. It’s so painful and uncomfortable to watch, and Jennifer Lawrence is fearless in her portrayal of Grace’s downward spiral. Robert Pattinson plays Jackson as a normal guy who loves his wife, while having no clue how to handle the situation. Therein lies the power of this story. We could know Grace and Jackson, and we could be the folks at the party trying so hard to say the right things … those things that turn out to be the worst things to say. We could also be that spouse willing to give the other enough space to find themselves.

Thanks to superb cinematographer Seamus McGarvey, the film has a gritty 1970’s look and feel to it, and excellent (though limited) supporting work is provided by (Oscar winner) Sissy Spacek, rarely seen Nick Nolte, and the always interesting LaKeith Stanfield. The soundtrack is unusual and fascinating, including songs by such diverse artists as Elvis, Toni Basil, Cocteau Twins, Peggy Lipton, Nick Lowe, and Cream. As a bonus, the film features the best ever use of John Prine and Iris Dement singing “In Spite of Ourselves”, a perfect fit. Mental health issues and depression are serious topics, and have rarely (if ever) been more accurately portrayed than what we see in this latest from filmmaker Lynne Ramsay. Despite the brilliant filmmaking and memorable performance, it’s not an easy movie to recommend. It’s only for those who can appreciate the magic within the dark clouds.

Opening in theaters on November 7, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

NUREMBERG (2025)

November 6, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Skipping the many films based on and around WWII and the Holocaust is understandable. Even the uplifting stories of heroism and survival are unsettling and tough to watch. However, so many lives lost in the name of a power-hungry madman means these stories must continue to be told – as a reminder to folks how dangerous and tragic it can be to blindly follow an authoritarian. Writer-director James Vanderbilt’s (TRUTH, 2015) second time directing is based on the writing of Jack El-Hai in “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist”.

Vanderbilt opens the film by stating it’s “based on the accounts of those who lived through it and those who didn’t”. It’s May 7, 1945. Hitler and many other Nazi officers are dead from suicide. The last day of the war finds Reichsmarschall Hermann Goring (Oscar winner Russell Crowe) surrendering to Allied troops. We are immediately struck by Crowe’s ability to create an air of superiority around Goring, even as he surrenders. Goring is imprisoned at Nuremberg, and what happens next is a reminder of how crucial humanity and justice are, even in times of war and in the face of atrocious activities by others.

While many want Goring and any remaining Nazi officials immediately executed, Supreme Court Justice Robert H Jackson (Michael Shannon) believes a tribunal and public trial are crucial for the allied nations to send the message that justice matters, no matter how heinous the crimes (or the criminals). A U.S. Army psychiatrist, Dr. Douglas Kelley (Oscar winner Rami Malek) is charged with interviewing Goring to ensure he is capable of being tried in court. It turns out that Goring is more than capable and we are drawn in watching the verbal and psychological duel play out between Goring and Kelley. These scenes (Crowe and Malek) are mesmerizing, and Crowe delivers a towering performance – his best in years, and certainly worthy of Oscar consideration.  Sgt Howie Triest (Leo Woodall) is present as a translator, though his place carries more weight later in the story.

Prior to the trial, another excellent scene plays out at the Vatican as (now) lead prosecutor Jackson strong arms the Catholic church into supporting the trial. Unlike Stanley Kramer’s fantastic 1961 film, JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG, most of this one takes place outside of the courtroom. However, once it moves to trial, Jackson and co-counsel Sir David Maxwell-Ffyfe (Richard E Grant) find going toe-to-toe with Goring is every bit as challenging as Kelley had reported. Devastating concentration camp footage is shown to display the shock of those seeing it for the first time. The last bit of the story is about Kelley and his book centered on his sessions with Goring. Overall, the historical accounts have been scaled back for accessibility and brevity (despite the film’s 148-minute run), yet we never lose sight of the importance of the trials.

Opens in theaters on November 7, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

MATTER OF TIME (2025, doc)

November 6, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) has been labeled as “the worst disease you’ve never heard of.” After watching this documentary from Matt Finlin, it’s safe to say EB is now one of the worst diseases I have heard of. Watching anyone suffer is torturous, and when those suffering are young and simply drew a short straw in genetics, the difficulty is even greater. The excruciating disease causes the blistering of skin and is typically visually apparent to all, requiring delicate and frequent bandaging to minimize further damage.

Rock star Eddie Vedder and his wife Jill founded EB Research Partnership, and the film covers a couple of 2023 mostly acoustic concerts Eddie gave at Seatle’s Benaroya Hall to raise money and awareness of the disease. Vedder is well-known for his work (since 1990) with Pearl Jam (originally Mookie Blaylock), a band synonymous with Seattle’s grunge rock. His musical numbers here act as a framing device around the education we receive on the disease and the interviews with the families and individuals touched by EB. This also includes the doctors and researchers dedicated to finding not just a treatment, but a cure.

The families and this community are very strong and diligent despite the enormous challenges – both emotionally and physically. We spend time with 31-year-old Deanna, a remarkable lady with an incredible life attitude she describes as “quality over quantity”. Her artistic ability is as exceptional as her approach to each day. EB robbed her of her ability to walk, and it took the limbs she once used to paint. However, she has not allowed the blisters and fragility of life to stop her from painting. Deanna is but one of the courageous folks we meet here, and the film ends with an unfortunate update on her.

Eddie Vedder comes across as very humble and committed to helping in the cause. The proceeds for the concerts and the film go to the EB Research Partnership. Periodically joined on stage by a string quartet, his music is welcomed between segments with the community. We learn the significance of “Come and Say Hi” … an invitation from those who might be a little different, and Vedder ends the show with a touching and fitting version of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down”.

For more information on EB: https://www.ebresearch.org/

Prior to a theatrical release, the film will have a one week run in Seattle beginning November 7, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

PETER HUJAR’S DAY (2025)

November 6, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. “How was your day?” It’s a question we have each asked and been asked thousands of times. In 1974, writer Linda Rosenkrantz thought the answer to the question would make a fascinating book … considering her plan was to talk to her New York City artist friends. She had already written her best-selling book “Talk” (1968), and her idea with this new project was to discover how people fill up their day.

Director Ira Sachs (LITTLE MEN, 2016) opens the film with a note explaining that the recorded tapes of the conversation between Linda and famed photographer Peter Hujar on December 19, 1974, were misplaced. It wasn’t until 2019 when the typed transcript of their conversation was recovered that the idea of publication and a dramatized film version gathered strength. Ben Whishaw (WOMEN TALKING, 2022) plays Peter Hujar and Rebecca Hall (CHRISTINE, 2016) portrays Linda. These two, along with a tape recorder and Linda’s apartment, are the key characters in what, perhaps even more effectively, could have been a stage presentation. Although it’s not textbook cinema to film two characters having a long conversation, there is no denying the artistry to this film.

Still, this is a full run of two friends basically hanging out as one recounts the minutiae of his previous day. With Hujar being a well-known photographer, his name-dropping is probably more impressive than yours or mine. Susan Sontag and William Burroughs come up, and Hujar’s contract with the ‘New York Times’ to photograph Allen Ginsburg takes up much of the day’s energy. Whishaw’s take on Hujar’s oversharing can be interesting to watch – especially when he loses his train of thought and Hall’s Linda is there to rein him back in. The film surely works best as a time capsule of 1970’s artsy NYC, but tell me more about this “Topaz Caucasian”.

Opening in NYC and Los Angeles on November 7, 2025

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ALEX VS AROD (2025)

November 5, 2025

HBO Documentary 3-episode mini-series

Greetings again from the darkness. Over 3000 hits. Almost 700 Home Runs (696). 3 MVP awards. A 14 time All-Star. A World Series champion. There is no debate that Alex Rodriguez was one of the greatest baseball players of all time. It’s just that every other aspect of ARod’s life is up for animated debate, and that’s what this 3-part series from co-directors Gotham Chopra (numerous sports documentaries) and Erik LeDrew attempts to explore.

The three episodes are not clearly defined by time or segments of ARod’s life or career, yet by the end, it feels like most every aspect has been covered – although, outside of his marriage to Cynthia Scurtis, his infamous love life is skimmed over (Cameron Diaz, Torre Wilson, Anne Wojcicki, Jennifer Lopez). The focus here is on baseball and, as the title infers, the two personalities of Alex “ARod” Rodriguez. One of the first clips shown is Rodriguez being questioned about his PED (Performance Enhancement Drugs) suspension. He immediately responds by telling the interviewer he will give two answers and to use the one he thinks is best. So, from the opening pitch, we see the two sides of the man.

The first episode relays the good … the youngest player to 500 home runs … and the bad … the record 211 game suspension for PED. His former manager, Lou Pinella (now 82) delivers a brief scouting report recalling the prodigal talent of the number one overall draft pick of the Mariners in 1993. ARod made his major league debut in 1994 at the age of eighteen. We hear from his brother who says Alex was a baseball junkie at an early age and spent a great deal of time talking baseball with their dad. The childhood was unusual in that the family moved from New York to the Dominican Republic when Alex was four and then to Miami a few years later. Dad left the family when Alex was ten, and only ever saw him play four MLB games in person. Instead, it was Mom’s ‘tough love’ that helped raise Alex. In this episode, we also hear from Alex’s first wife, Cynthia, and the segment ends with ARod becoming a Free Agent in 2000 and signing a massive $252 million deal thanks to is agent, Scott Boras, and the owner of the Texas Rangers, Tom Hicks.

It’s commonplace for celebrities to have a public persona that’s a bit different than their private persona, yet in the second episode, Alex’s brother claims there are two distinct personalities present … even Alex admits that ‘ARod’ took over when the pressure of ‘$252’ got to him. Of course, that pressure jumped quickly when the Rangers traded him to the New York Yankees. Ego comes up frequently when discussing ARod, but he did agree to move from SS to 3B in order to fit in with the Yankees, allowing their captain, Derek Jeter, to remain at his position. The trade took place in 2004, which is also the year Alex’s daughter Natasha was born. The personal joy contrasted with the professional challenge of meeting Jeter’s relentless playoff mentality and the rivalry against the Red Sox. One of the film’s most fascinating segments occurs when Katie Couric recounts her meeting with ARod. She uses the term “Gatsbyesque” when describing him. This second episode also includes the relief ARod felt when the Yanks won the 2009 world series … justifying his recent $275 million contract extension. His hip surgery is mentioned, and we get the lead into the third episode – an into to the PED report.

Stressed in episode three is ARod’s lifelong love of the game. He hit home run number 600 in 2010, two years after his divorce from Cynthia. It’s in this episode where his relationship with therapist Dr David Snarch in Colorado and the BioGenesis PED scandal with Tony Bosch becomes clear. Although ARod was an aging player who had been hit with a few injuries, the rules in baseball were clear … PEDs were not allowed. It’s around this time when the nicknames began: A-Droid, A-Fraud, A-Hole, etc. After missing the entire 2014 season, he returned to the field in 2015 … this time as a full-time DH, and retired after the 2016 season.

Throughout the series, we hear insight from a number of folks, including ARod’s brother, former manager Lou Pinella, former teammates Derek Jeter and Ken Griffey Jr., his ex-wife Cynthia, Yankees announcer Michael Kay, and sportswriter Mike Francesa. And Alex Rodriguez sits for multiple interviews as well, bits and pieces of which are included. It should be noted that after all the talk regarding ARod’s love of the game, when his playing days ended, he transitioned into a key piece of an Emmy winning sports broadcasting team. There is probably less actual baseball in this series than you’d expect, as it’s more of a character study … of quite a character. As one of the sport’s greatest ever players, he remains one of its most polarizing figures .. yet he’s also one of the most knowledgeable and experienced. He’s described as a Shakespearean figure -one responsible for his own fall from grace.

The Three episodes will air on HBO and then be available for streaming on HBO Max

Episode 1: November 6, 2025 9:00pm ET

Episode 2: November 13, 2025 9:00pm ET

Episode 3: November 20, 2025 9:00pm ET

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Posted by David Ferguson

ANNIVERSARY (2025)

October 29, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Brace yourself for one of the first films to take on the societal and political changes occurring within the United States. This is an exceptionally well-made film with a stellar cast and an eye-opening cautionary message from writer-director Jan Komasa (Oscar nominated for the excellent CORPUS CHRISTI, 2019) and co-writer Lori Rosene-Gambino. It features a deep and talented cast and would make a formidable double-feature with last year’s CIVIL WAR (directed by Alex Garland).

While the acting is top notch, the brilliance of the film is in the storytelling. Rather than a blatant attack on political extremists, this is presented as a type of thriller – the story of how one family is slowly, meticulously, and deliberately torn apart through ideology and by revenge. The film opens as Paul and Ellen Taylor (Kyle Chandler and Diane Lane) are throwing a 25th wedding anniversary party at their home. Their family has joined in the celebration: daughter Cynthia (Zoey Deutch, THE OUTFIT, 2022) and her husband Rob (Daryl McCormack, GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE, 2022); rebellious daughter Anna (Madeline Brewer, “The Handmaid Tale’s”); and youngest daughter Birdie (Mckenna Grace, WHAT WE HIDE, 2025). Also attending are their son Josh (Dylan O’Brien, SATURDAY NIGHT, 2024) and his new girlfriend Liz Nettles (Phoebe Dynevor, INHERITANCE, 2025).

It’s the presence of that girlfriend that rocks Ellen, a university professor. Liz Nettles was a disruptive former student and the history between the two was not pleasant … but we watch as present day devolves into something much worse. Paul attempts to calm Ellen by telling her that “People change”. Ellen replies, “No, they don’t.” This ‘perfect family’ full of intelligent and creative folks is headed for a ride no one can prepare for. Two years later, the family reunites for a holiday meal, and Liz’s latest radical book now sits atop the best-sellers list, and she’s turned into a spokesperson for a movement.

The film and the story and the characters perfectly capture just how divisive politics have become – even, or maybe especially, between loved ones. The acting here is as good as anything we will see all year. Ms. Dynevor and Ms. Grace are certainly headed towards stardom. There are a few really powerful scenes, and the most chilling occurs when the ‘census workers’ interview Paul and Ellen. By this point, nerves and relationships are frayed, and the targeting of ‘non-changers’ is in full mode, leading societal change. A father-son conversation between Paul and Josh leads to the most important line in the film: “We are the keepers of our own souls.” The conclusion revolves around the 30th anniversary party for Paul and Ellen, ensuring all viewers understand just what has happened over five short years. This film hits hard due to the real-world synchronicity and concerns.

In theaters October 29, 2025

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Posted by David Ferguson

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