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| Courtesy of Lionsgate |
(Rated PG for thematic elements including bullying, and some mild language.)
The cast: Jacob Tremblay, Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Izabela Vidovic and Mandy Patinkin.
What it’s about: Based on the beloved young adult novel by R.J. Palacio, this inspirational drama tells the story of Auggie Pullman (Tremblay), a young boy born with a genetic disorder that manifests in severe facial abnormalities. So far, his condition has forced his parents (Roberts and Wilson) to homeschool him, but they decide that fifth grade is the right time for him to attend a local middle school. The transition isn’t exactly smooth, but it leads to an emotional, heartwarming journey.
The good: A story like this could’ve been a schmaltzy Hallmark movie, but director Stephen Chbosky (who co-wrote the screenplay with Steven Conrad and Jack Thorne) keeps the tone far more grounded in reality than you might expect from the synopsis above. Much like his underrated The Perks of Being a Wallflower, the filmmaker gets to the heart of adolescent angst without making it seem annoying or cynical.
Chbosky also wisely keeps Palacio’s narrative structure, telling the story from multiple points of view. In addition to seeing the world through Auggie’s unique perspective, we also experience what it’s like to be his frequently-overlooked big sister (Vidovic). Or how it feels when a classmate (Noah Jupe) is forced to choose between being an outcast’s friend or maintaining his popularity.
Or how Auggie’s chaotic-but-loving family dynamic is a source of envy to someone (Danielle Rose Russell) whose home life is even worse. It’s a powerful reminder of the adage, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”
Of course, a film like Wonder rises or falls on the strength of its casting. In that respect, Chbosky hit the jackpot. Tremblay (whose work in 2015’s Room should’ve earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination) is incredible as Auggie. He instills the character with a perfect combination of strength, fear, anger and happiness, while never forgetting that he’s just a regular kid in an unusual situation.
Roberts, Wilson, Patinkin and Daveed Diggs (one of the breakout stars of Hamilton) are also terrific as the essential adults in Auggie’s life. They’re truly supporting performers, popping in and out of the narrative to add depth to the main character’s story without stealing the focus. However, I think I was most impressed by Vidovic – her role isn’t showy, but the character’s emotional journey might’ve been the one that impacted me most.
The not-so-good: Clocking in at almost exactly two hours, some might argue that the film could’ve made its point in less time – especially considering the short attention spans of its target audience. However, I enjoyed hanging out with the characters so much that time flew by for me. That seemed to be the case with my seven-year-old daughter as well; she never once seemed antsy or bored.
Grade: B+
Novitiate
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| Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics |
(Rated R for language, some sexuality and nudity. Now playing in limited release.)
The cast: Margaret Qualley, Melissa Leo, Julianne Nicholson and Dianna Agron.
What it’s about: Taking place over a decade (from the mid-1950s through the mid-1960s), this intense drama focuses on young Cathleen (Qualley) and how she seeks solace in Catholicism to escape her volatile family life. Ultimately, this leads her to become a nun in a rural Tennessee convent, baffling her non-religious single mother (Nicholson) and the young women around her who don’t understand why a girl who wasn’t raised Catholic would make such a decision.
The good: Writer-director Margaret Betts’ story is an intriguing one, and it’s startling (in a positive way) to experience a film with almost no male perspective. There are only a handful of scenes where men are present, and it’s fascinating to watch the power dynamics and emotional subtext at play in those moments.
Qualley anchors the film with a strong, often silent performance. She utilizes subtle changes in mannerisms and body language to communicate Cathleen’s physical and emotional maturity as she goes from teen to woman while almost never leaving the convent.
However, the obvious standout is Leo, gunning hard for a Best Supporting Actress nomination. As the Reverend Mother, she is a force to be reckoned with, literally telling the girls to consider her the voice of God and doling out punishments that most would view as physically and psychologically abusive.
Novitiate also boasts impressive cinematography and a memorable score thanks to the work of Kat Westergaard and Christopher Stark, respectively. The film definitely isn’t for everyone, but viewers who like art to challenge them will find plenty to contemplate.
The not-so-good: The methodical pacing of Novitiate will certainly be a turn-off for some, as well the film’s depiction of religion. While it isn’t outright dismissive of Catholicism, Betts doesn’t sugar-coat the fact that she wants to ask tough questions and won’t be satisfied with pat, Sunday School-style answers.
Grade: B
The Florida Project
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| Courtesy of A24 |
(Rated R for language throughout, disturbing behavior, sexual references and some drug material. Now playing in limited release.)
The cast: Brooklynn Prince, Bria Vinaite and Willem Dafoe.
What it’s about: Set at a run-down motel just down the road from Disney World, the film follows six-year-old Moonee (Prince) and her well-intentioned but impetuous mother Halley (Vinaite) over the course of the summer. Their financial situation isn’t exactly stable, so they pay week-to-week to live at “The Magic Castle,” which is managed by the stern, but kindhearted Bobby (Dafoe). Moonee is too young to understand her dire situation, so every day is like a vacation – an illusion that’s getting tougher and tougher for Halley to maintain.
The good: Sean Baker follows up his excellent Tangerine (aka “the movie about transgender prostitutes made with an iPhone”) with an even richer, emotionally complex world. It’s one of painful irony and astute observations about the modern definition of family.
Gorgeously shot by Alexis Zabe (going the more traditional route with film), the creative team allows viewers to see through Moonee’s eyes, making a shabby motel and the surrounding area look like the world’s coolest playground. But they also depict the reality of the situation when they switch to Hallee’s view of her environment. The contrast is stark and frequently heartbreaking – especially the ending, which ripped my heart out and left me staring at the screen long after the credits. Even a week later, I still haven’t been able to shake it.
However, what makes The Florida Project a must-see (and a contender for my Top 10 next month) are the phenomenal debut performances from Prince (generating Best Actress buzz at seven-years-old) and Vinaite. They’re so raw and natural that at no point does it feel like they’re acting; they simply become these characters.
Plus, they miraculously hold their own against Dafoe, one of the best character actors in the business, while he’s delivering possibly the greatest work of his career. Viewers who are used to seeing him play villains and weirdos are going to be blown away at the good-natured humanity he instills in Bobby. Right now, he’s my choice for Best Supporting Actor.
The not-so-good: The Florida Project doesn’t shy away from its difficult subject matter or gloss over how despicable the characters can be at times, even though the behavior frequently springs from a place of desperation. As such, it’s not always an easy watch – but it’s certainly a rewarding one.
Grade: A-
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