The Lost Daughter (2021)

A uniquely unsettling character study, leaning hard into its leads’ imperfections, inscrutability, and feelings of fear, pain, regret, and parental ennui in past-present parallel examinations of motherhood, helped by terrific performances, good editing, an enigmatic soundtrack, and in-their-face cinematography. Could have benefited from a tighter focus (Lyle and the Greek gang felt a bit unnecessary to the thrust of the film) and a less easy and orange-y final scene. Cool titles after though.

7

JWM SPOOKATHON 2018: Monster House (2006)

Three teens discover that their neighbor’s house is really a living, breathing, scary monster. (IMDb)

Love the spooky fun premise and the classic Stand By Me-esque kids-solving-mystery trope but the execution underwhelms: cop duo aside, the humour is lacking (a lot to do with the often awkwardly stilted dialogue and animation I think) and the payoff for the haunted house intrigue is a bit of a downer that clashes with the film’s comedy-horror tone. The first two acts are still decent enough though due to the strength of its concept and a few good elements (Buscemi’s voice is on point).

6/10 (Mediocre)

CREEPY QUOTE: Bones: “Everybody knows what he did to his wife.” Zee: “Why? What? What did he do to her?” Bones: “He ate her!”

SPOOKY STILL:

 

The Kindergarten Teacher (2018)

A kindergarten teacher in New York becomes obsessed with one of her students whom she believes is a child prodigy. (IMDb)

Thanks to its stellar script and star, it masterfully builds tension and slowly amps up the creepiness from the most subtly discomforting of moments to the downright disturbing third act (Lisa’s initially puzzling choice to let Jimmy read his poems being the only blip along the way). She’s a fascinating character, wonderfully nuanced (see her kind of helping Jimmy at the end) and naturally developed (the smartly written supporting characters really help here). The sparse score was a great touch.

8/10 (Great)

 

The Dark Knight (2008)

When the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, the caped crusader must come to terms with one of the greatest psychological tests of his ability to fight injustice. (IMDb)

A truly riveting movie from beginning to end, never letting up its incredible pace: It’s jam-packed with edge-of-your-seat action (that car chase!), fascinating themes (issues of morality and the human psyche are explored) complex characters (the line between villain and hero is blurred) and captivating performances (you never want to blink when Ledger is on screen), all perfectly complimented by an exciting and epic score. It’s the quintessential superhero movie.

9/10 (Amazing)