Friday Flicks: ‘120 Beats Per Minute’, ‘Wonderstruck’, ‘Dealt’
We’ve had a stormy few weeks amid the ever-mounting allegations of sexual assault being levied against Harvey Weinstein – quite possibly the worst kept secret in Hollywood – and lackluster results facing the box office. But don’t fret! FD’s got you covered. Step away from the pandemonium and read on for our selection of the best films to catch this weekend.
Journey deep into a Hitchcockian psychodrama in The Killing of a Sacred Deer, a sensational thriller which sees director Yorgos Lanthimos reunite with The Lobster’s Colin Farrell; experience Todd Haynes’s Wonderstruck, the “most ambitious film ever”; and witness the fight against the early 90s AIDS epidemic in Robin Campillo’s Cannes hit 120 Beats Per Minute.
120 Beats Per Minute (The Orchard)
on limited theatrical release now
In the early 1990s, the AIDS epidemic has been claiming lives for almost a decade. The Paris-based Act Up advocacy movement is fighting against general indifference. Newcomer to the movement Nathan falls in love with Sean, the group’s most radical militant, and their passion erupts against the shadow of mortality as the activists fight for a breakthrough. Directed by Robin Campillo (Eastern Boys) and inspired by his own time during the movement, 120 Beats Per Minute was a smash hit success at this year’s Cannes, having left with the Grand Prix, the Queer Palm, and the FIPRESCI award. Stars Nahuel Perez Biscayart (They Are All Dead), Arnaud Valois (Charlie Says), and Adèle Haenel (Water Lilies).
The Killing of a Sacred Deer (A24 Films)
on limited theatrical release now
Colin Farrell (The Beguiled) stars as Dr. Steven Murphy, a renowned cardiovascular surgeon who presides over a spotless household with his ophthalmologist wife and their two exemplary children. When he isn’t too busy saving people’s lives, he’s mentoring a troubled youth he’s taken under his wing. But as the boy begins insinuating himself into the family’s life, Steven’s world is turned upside down as he is forced to make an unthinkable sacrifice. This “Hitchcockian psychodrama” reunites Farrell with The Lobster director Yorgos Lanthimos, who has crafted a “sensational thriller” that just might solidify his status in the pantheon of world-class auteurs. Nicole Kidman (How to Talk to Girls at Parties), Barry Keoghan (Dunkirk), and Alicia Silverstone (Clueless) round out the cast.
Tragedy Girls (Gunpowder & Sky)
on limited theatrical release now
Friends who slay together, stay together. This twist on the slasher genre from Tyler MacIntyre (Patchwork) follows two death-obsessed teenage girls who kidnap an unambitious local serial killer and force him to mentor them into becoming modern-day horror icons. Tapping into their social media following, the murderous duo commits a series of crimes to send their small midwestern town into a frenzy. As their notoriety grows, it seems everything is going according to plan. That is, until the local sheriff begins to close in on them. Tragedy Girls stars Brianna Hildebrand (Deadpool), Alexandra Shipp (Straight Outta Compton), Kevin Durand (Fruitvale Station), and Josh Hutcherson (Hulu’s Future Man).
Wonderstruck (Amazon Studios)
on limited theatrical release now
Directed by Todd Haynes (Carol) and based on Brian Selznick’s critically acclaimed novel of the same name, Wonderstruck follows two children in an interconnected story spanning fifty years. From entirely different eras, both Ben and Rose wish their lives were wildly different. Stumbling onto a mysterious clue, they each embark on a quest to find out what they’re missing. Half of the film will be presented as a silent feature; Wonderstruck is already being dubbed as Haynes’s “most ambitious film ever”. Stars Julianne Moore (The Big Lebowski), Oakes Fegley (Pete’s Dragon), Michelle Williams (All the Money in the World), and newcomer Millicent Simmonds.
Dealt (Sundance Selects)
on limited theatrical release now
The story of sixty-two-year-old Richard Turner, one of the world’s most renowned card magicians of all time. Turner stuns audiences around the world with his legendary sleight of hand. But what they don’t realize – and what makes his show even more amazing – is that he is completely blind. In this magical documentary, filmmaker Luke Korem (Lord Montagu) traces Richard’s journey from his troubled childhood, when he began losing his sight, through to the present day as he relentlessly pursues perfection. Dealt is a captivating closeup look at the enigmatic world of magic and a “candid, awe-inspiring portrait of a man who lives beyond his limitations”.
The Bachelors (Freestyle Digital Media)
on limited theatrical release now
We all grieve in our own unique way. After the early death of his wife, a mourning father moves with his teenage son across the country for a private school teaching job. Their lives begin to transform due to two unique women who help them embrace life and love again. If you’re a fan of dramedies in the vein of Terms of Endearment, then this “classic tale of loss, love, healing, and romance” isn’t to be missed. Written and directed by Kurt Voelker (Sweet November), The Bachelors stars JK Simmons (Whiplash), Josh Wiggins (Max), Julie Delpy (Before Sunset), Odeya Rush (We Are What We Are), and Kevin Dunn (Warrior).
Jane (Abramorama)
on limited theatrical release now
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Brett Morgen (On the Ropes) delves into the story of Jane Goodall (Jane’s Journey), whose chimpanzee research challenged the male-dominated scientific consensus of her time and revolutionized our understanding of the natural world. With exclusive access to over 100 hours of never-before-seen footage tucked away in the National Geographic archives for more than half a century, Morgen creates a stirring and intimate portrait of this extraordinary figure who defied the odds to become one of the world’s most admired conservationists. Features a beautifully orchestrated score from renowned composer Philip Glass (The Hours).
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Looking for more films to see this weekend? Catch Bad Day for the Cut and Never Here – both out now.
