2/11/2019 - 2019 Oscar Shorts - Live Action

My Pick: Detainment

Oscar Probable: Marguerite

Detainment (2018) - 7/10 -Sometimes a subject matter can make a film. If it is so compelling, spellbinding and envelope pushing. It is that type of engrossing tale that Detainment provides. It keeps pushing you to the edge of your seat as this true crime horror amps up and pushes forward. The acting is strong for the youth on display as well as gut churning. The editing is well executed, interlocking the testimonies, past and present. I will say that it has a big downside of playing into standard cop show techniques, having trouble differentiating itself from Law & Order or a CSI with its transitions, sound designs, and structural choices. Despite that draw back, it still worked for me.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6813264/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Madre (2017)- 7-/10 - Intense, with well-worked suspense. An expertly realized small story that can’t help but grip you. It was effective, despite the stripped down lack of embellishments. The story of a lost boy on a beach calling his mother and her inability to save him was well worthy. Unfortunately, at the end and with the credits it tried to be a bit too “cool” and added some experimental flair that didn’t work for the whole. I get their disorienting/reality shifted for the worse vibe, but they were unnecessary. Good film though.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6597824/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

Marguerite (2018) - 6+/10 - Beautiful but lighter than it could have been. It is tender, plain and subdued, like the browned leaf gently floating to the ground.  I appreciate its tightness and Canadian reserve, working for the untold story of hers. I just felt like I needed more to truly fall in love with it beyond simply acknowledging its well crafted economical story.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6803040/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Fauve (2018) - 6+/10 - Spartan but full bodied, frugally doling out details but landing with most elements. It reminded me quite a bit of the Jason graphic novel “Hey, wait!”. I loved the interplay of the 2 boys, searching for elusive meaning and depth in their lives as they mindlessly pursue a simple bit of fun. I enjoyed its design in the sound, with its unsettling “lost” soundtrack, its touching adriftness and its metaphorical “wild beast” being the fox. What really didn’t click for me is the drawn out and pulled back linger of the boy after the fateful event. It was too long and distanced me from the drama, which they tried to reignite with the tears, but could only do so much for my cold heart.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7467476/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Skin (20178)- 6/10 - Certainly compelling and evocative but its final genesis came off as cliche. I enjoyed it overall, especially feeling the acting of all involved was strong. And, granted, the extreme racism on display is poignant and all-too relevant, but the almost Twilight Zone-y culmination at the end was something I saw coming, stretched some plausibility, lacked nuance and was kind of corny. It is a good film, with some tremendous shots & construction, but I am unable to heap boundless praise on it.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7332306/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1