Greetings again from the darkness. The extreme political divisions that exist in the United States today are well-documented and often discussed. The first feature from writer-director Henry Nelson eschews politics and instead looks at class differences – and even deeper into the role of human connections and family bonds. As a new filmmaker, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have an incredible actor as your dad, especially one willing to dive headfirst into the lead role of your gritty and intimate drama.
Tim Blake Nelson has evolved into a must-see actor. He manages to make each role his own, whether in support (O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?, 2000) or as the lead (OLD HENRY, 2021). Here he stars as the bearded father to 16-year-old Beth Ann (an outstanding Chloe Kerwin, “The Marvelous Mrs Maisel”). When we first see them, dad is telling a creative bedtime version of Chicken Little to his daughter, complete with frequent blue language. A short while later we see the two are living in a storage unit, about as far off the grid as a father-daughter can get.
During the initial Chicken Little story, dad says, “everybody has a breaking point”. We know immediately that this is foreshadowing as well as an explanation for what has already happened. We quickly bond with father and daughter, although dad is often a bit prickly, an attribute we chalk up to PTSD. What we don’t doubt is his commitment to Beth Ann and his need to protect her from outside forces, aka society. Dad doesn’t talk much about himself or his past, but he frequently serves up lessons, often based on religion, that are meant to convince their way is the only way.
An occurrence with his partner in crime (Jared Abrahamson) becomes a way forward, but at the same time, Beth Ann is exposed to some of the students at a nearby college and becomes intrigued by Millah (a memorable Gus Birney, daughter of actor Reed Birney). As viewers we are forced to consider the effects of isolation, loneliness, parental judgement, and teenage curiosity … both before and after the film’s excellent twist that few will see coming. Not only is this a nice showcase for Tim Blake Nelson, Chloe Kerwin, and Gus Birney, it’s also a solid debut from writer-director Henry Nelson.
In theaters on March 1, 2024, on VOD March 19, and streaming April 19.
Posted by David Ferguson 
Greetings again from the darkness. It’s been 25 years since this documentary from Stanley Jacobs made the festival rounds, and now his 1999 film has gained an “anniversary” release in theaters and on 4K digital. Those of us of a certain age recall our favorite TV shows being interrupted with commercials for the latest “As Seen on TV” products. Ginsu knives and Pocket Fisherman were two of the most prominent, yet there were dozens more that gained airtime. What stood out was the excitement of those presenting the products, making that day’s miracle seem like a must-have for everyone … well except the Ronco Salad Shooter held little appeal for my younger self. But a Ginsu knife that cut through tin cans? I could find a use for that!
Greetings again from the darkness. The art of stop-motion consists of bringing hunks of clay to life and telling an interesting story. It’s excruciatingly slow work requiring meticulous attention to detail. The first feature length film from animator-turned-writer/director Robert Morgan is co-written with Robin King, and pays homage to this distinct art form. Of course, since it’s a horror film, it also makes good use of the adage … an artist being consumed by their art.
Greetings again from the darkness. Ed Schmitt has lost his faith. His wife dies, leaving him with two young daughters … the youngest of which, due to Biliary Artesia, needs a liver transplant to avoid her mother’s tragic fate. These circumstances have straddled Ed with $400,000 in medical bills, and the possibility of losing his precious daughter before a donor can be found. Directed by Jon Gunn (MY DATE WITH DREW documentary, 2004), the film is based on a true story with a screenplay by Kelly Fremong Craig (THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN 2016; ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET 2023) and actress Meg Tilly (her first screenplay).
Greetings again from the darkness. Regardless of how attractive the real estate prices seem, it’s usually best to avoid small rural towns controlled by a violent crime boss nicknamed Big Cat. Especially when she doesn’t hesitate to make an example of those who cross her, and she ‘owns’ the local Sheriff and runs drugs throughout the area. Even those who break away from her organization are likely to get dragged back in, ‘do this or else’ style, if Big Cat wants them back. It’s a self-perpetuating cesspool of control and being controlled.
Greetings again from the darkness. There is no shortage of movies depicting the challenges associated with being a parent, although there is an added element of interest when a real-life father and daughter are cast in the lead roles (remember PAPER MOON with Ryan and Tatum O’Neal?). Such is the case with this first feature film from director Emma Westenberg, co-written by Vera Bulder, Ruby Caster, and Elle Malan. Ewan McGregor and his daughter Clara McGregor co-star in a dramatic father-daughter road movie filled with awkward moments.
Greetings again from the darkness. As a kid and blossoming baseball fanatic, there were few things more exciting than ripping into a new pack of baseball cards. While some friends used clothes pins to attach them to bike wheels for a cool sound, I preferred to study the cards, especially the statistics and brief bio on the back. Often, the flat panel of bubble gum included was so stale it would snap in two, but the smell of a pack remains ingrained in my olfactory memory bank all these years later. In this documentary, Morgan Jon Fox explores the difference between traditional card hobbyists and new age collectable card investors, and introduces us to the people who have driven the changes.
Greetings again from the darkness. I do not cook and have never had an interest in learning to. Still, I do understand how some are drawn to it as an art form … creating new dishes and new flavors, while generating such pleasurable sensations across the palettes of others. It’s a passion like many professions (or hobbies), and it’s one that is best shared with others.
Greetings again from the darkness. There is something to be said for ‘fake it ‘til you make it’, but most of us find bold-faced lying is a bit more difficult to root for. There is also something to be said for keeping to the familiar path, as therein lies safety. Adhering to the familiar is exactly what actress-turned-director Carlson Young has accomplished with the script from co-writers Christine Lenig, Luke Spencer Roberts, and Justin Matthews. We know where this is headed once we hear Anna interpret a piece of art she has mounted (without permission) in the small apartment her sister and (overly boisterous) brother-in-law have allowed her to stay since she’s in debt and without income.
Greetings again from the darkness. I’ll readily admit that I’m not an expert in outer space-based Science Fiction Romantic-Comedies. If you press me for a description of writer-director Michael Lukk Litwak’s film, it would be “WHEN HARRY MET SALLY … in future space”. Of course, this low budget flick is no match for Rob Reiner’s classic 1989 Rom-Com, yet the mismatched couple and the recurring spontaneous meetups does strike some familiar chords.
Movie Reviews from the Dark 