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‘Sanctuary’ Delivers Succession Through an S&M Lens (Review)

21Jul

By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments

Features, Film, Reviews

‘Sanctuary’ Delivers Succession Through an S&M Lens (Review)

Zachary Wigon's sophomore feature 'Sanctuary' is a dialogue-driven erotic thriller that harkens back to the best work of Neil LaBute. Set almost entirely inside a hotel room, the film explores the dark and twisted dynamic between a dominatrix named Rebecca (Margaret Qualley) and her soon-to-be ex-client, Hal (Christopher Abbott). Hal is the heir to a hotel empire and on the path to becoming CEO after the death of his father. But he has his fair share of secrets and Rebecca knows them all. How can he move forward professionally when she holds all the cards? We spend one full night with Rebecca and Hal as he hires her for what he intends to be their last session. The Verdict 'Sanctuary' feels like it began as a stage play. We get two characters and a war of words fo...

Eco-Thriller ‘How To Blow Up A Pipeline’ Explodes Onto VOD (Review)

12May

By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments

Features, Film, Reviews

Eco-Thriller ‘How To Blow Up A Pipeline’ Explodes Onto VOD (Review)

The anxiety-riddled eco-thriller, 'How To Blow Up A Pipeline,' feels frighteningly authentic. Daniel Goldhaber's second feature film tells the story of a group of young people who strongly believe that their titular mission will make the world a better place. Based on a 2021 book from Swedish activist Andreas Malm, it introduces us to eight main characters who have come together for different reasons in pursuit of environmental justice. You may be familiar with the term 'social justice warrior,' but have you ever contemplated its implications in reality? This film acquaints us with characters who believe that eco-terrorism represents the sole means to alter the system, immersing us in their methodologies. Ariela Barer stars in 'How To Blow Up A Pipeline' (NEON) The Verdic...

‘Infinity Pool’ Delivers Pure Nightmare Fuel (Review)

17Feb

By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments

Features, Film, Reviews

‘Infinity Pool’ Delivers Pure Nightmare Fuel (Review)

With 'Infinity Pool,' Brandon Cronenberg proves that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. And that tree is probably covered in blood. Yes, Brandon's dad is the one and only David Cronenberg and he's made some great films over the course of his career. For my money, 'Infinity Pool' is far more interesting than his dad's most recent effort. Of course, it helps to have two of the sexiest people on the planet along for the ride - Alexander Skarsgard and Mia Goth. Mia Goth stars in Brandon Cronenberg's 'Infinity Pool' (NEON) Skarsgard plays James Foster, an author with one middling novel under his belt who just can't seem to write a follow-up. To kickstart his brain, he follows his wife Em (Cleopatra Coleman) on a trip to a luxury resort in Li Tolqa (a location made up for th...

‘Crimes of the Future’ is Frustratingly Inert (Review)

7Jun

By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments

Features, Film, Reviews

‘Crimes of the Future’ is Frustratingly Inert (Review)

Let's get one thing absolutely clear - David Cronenberg's 'Crimes of the Future' was my most anticipated film of the year. To prepare for it, I rewatched 'eXistenZ' and 'Crash.' Those turned out to be the two closest parallels in his oeuvre to this, but the concept here is better than the execution. The storyline is frustratingly inert, succeeding mostly on the strength of the incredible cast. Viggo Mortensen and Léa Seydoux star in David Cronenberg's 'Crimes of the Future' (Neon) Viggo Mortensen and Léa Seydoux star as Saul and Caprice. In a strange not-so-distant future they're performance artists. She's a former trauma surgeon and Saul has the unique ability to form new organs in his body. Not just any organs, but unknown organs that may or may not serve an evolutionary ...

Your Mileage May Vary With Audacious Palme d’Or Winner “Titane” (Review)

5Oct

By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments

Film, Reviews

Your Mileage May Vary With Audacious Palme d’Or Winner “Titane” (Review)

Just when you think you've seen it all, along comes a film like "Titane." Julia Ducournau's 2016 debut "Raw" had people passing out at the Toronto International Film Festival at its premiere screening. "Titane" is, in my estimation, even more extreme and difficult viewing while harboring an emotionally charged second act that is surprisingly sweet. Agathe Rousselle devours the screen as Alexia, a woman who survived a terrible car accident as a child and now lives with a titanium plate in her skull. The incident has left her scarred in more ways than one, but she maintains an strong affinity for automobiles. She spends her evenings grinding away as a dancer at an autoshow as men ogle the new cars and the women on display. Mostly polite, these guys often ask for autographs at ...

Nicolas Cage Returns To Form in ‘Pig’ (Review)

10Aug

By Matt ShiverdeckerNo Comments

Film, Reviews

Nicolas Cage Returns To Form in ‘Pig’ (Review)

The last few decades have been a whirlwind of ups and downs for Nicolas Cage's career. He's gone from headlining blockbuster movies to frequently taking on mostly straight to video titles. Every few years he still manages to come along with a performance that is so outstanding that it defies some of the other work he seems to be taking more for the paycheck. I'm thinking of his brilliant turn in David Gordon Green's 2013 film "Joe" or Panos Cosmatos' insane horror film "Mandy" from 2018. You can safely add "Pig" to this list. In Michael Sarnoski's directorial debut, Cage plays Robin Feld. At one time, he was at the top of the culinary world in Portland, Oregon. After a massive personal loss, the renowned chef walked away from society and became a recluse. As the film begins, Ro...