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
Posted by David Ferguson 
Greetings again from the darkness. For those of a certain age, October 11, 1975, changed television forever. Now celebrating it’s 50th anniversary season, “Saturday Night Live” (SNL was originally just ‘Saturday Night’) has been maligned and criticized so many times over the years, yet it persists in providing commentary and comedy when so many other shows have failed. No better choice exists to present the show’s origin story than writer-director Jason Reitman w-d (JUNO, UP IN THE AIR, THANK YOU FOR SMOKING, TULLY), who along with co-writer Gil Kenan, go extreme with the ‘origin’ by tracking the 90 minutes prior to the first show’s airing.
Movie Reviews from the Dark 