Film Reviews: A Diverse Cinematic Lineup
This week's cinema offerings span historical drama, musical documentary, and powerful real-life stories, providing a rich tapestry for audiences. From the fervent religious movements of the 18th century to the electrifying stages of 1970s Las Vegas, these films explore themes of faith, performance, and social issues with varying degrees of success.
The Testament Of Ann Lee: A Visually Stunning Yet Dreary Drama
The Testament Of Ann Lee (15, 137 minutes) is an earnestly intense drama co-written by Mona Fastvold and Brady Corbet, following their previous collaboration on The Brutalist. Directed by Fastvold, this film delves into the life of Ann Lee, the Lancastrian leader of the Shaker movement, set against the backdrop of the 1700s. With cinematography by William Rexer, the visual presentation is breathtaking, rivaling the paintings of Thomas Gainsborough in its picturesque depiction of the era.
Amanda Seyfried delivers a fiercely committed performance in the title role, maintaining a credible north-of-England accent throughout. The narrative tracks Ann and her followers from Manchester to a settlement on the Hudson River, exploring themes of religion, prejudice, feminism, and architecture. The film highlights the development of Shaker minimalist architecture and furniture, adding a fascinating historical layer.
However, despite Seyfried's powerful acting and the gorgeous visuals, the drama falls flat in terms of engagement. Scenes feel dreary, with only a brief liveliness towards the end when Ann faces witchcraft accusations. As Mary, the narrator played by Thomasin Mackenzie, notes, Ann yearned for purpose amidst dullness—a sentiment that may resonate with viewers seeking more dynamic storytelling.
EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert: A Thrilling Musical Revival
In contrast, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert (12A, 90 minutes) is a compelling documentary by Baz Luhrmann that serves as a companion to his 2022 biopic Elvis. Luhrmann and his team discovered 65 boxes of unseen concert footage from Elvis's early 1970s Vegas years in the Warner Brothers archives, stored in salt mines in Kansas. This footage has been restored and synched with sound, resulting in a thrilling reminder of Elvis's extraordinary performing prowess.
The film showcases Elvis's irresistible charisma and musicality, challenging the notion that his later years were merely a rhinestone-suited shadow of his former self. It includes unheard audiotapes of Elvis discussing his career and features cameos from celebrities like Cary Grant and Sammy Davis Jnr. A standout moment is a wondrous performance of Suspicious Minds, where Elvis's energy is palpable, almost religious in its fervor—a nod that Ann Lee might have appreciated.
Documentaries: Real-Life Struggles and Surreal Tales
Molly vs The Machines (15, 91 minutes) is a powerful and timely documentary directed by Marc Silver, focusing on the tragic story of Molly Russell, a 14-year-old who took her own life in 2017 due to toxic online content. The film highlights the corrosive influence of social media platforms and features Molly's father, Ian Russell, as a resolute hero campaigning against unregulated tech giants. It's a harrowing yet important watch that underscores the urgent need for accountability in the digital age.
Sirat (15, 115 minutes) offers a fictional yet gripping tale directed by Oliver Laxe. Sergi Lopez plays Luis, a father searching for his missing daughter in the Moroccan desert's illegal rave scene. What starts as a straightforward thriller evolves into a surreal narrative of dancing, drug-taking, and music, making it weirdly watchable despite its unconventional approach.
Also Showing: Scream 7 and More
Scream 7 (18, 114 minutes) attempts to revive the horror franchise by rehashing elements from earlier instalments. Directed by Kevin Williamson and starring Neve Campbell, it introduces twists like multiple killers and AI deepfakes, but fails to innovate significantly. The film's best sequences occur early on, with the rest feeling predictable and preposterous, ultimately running out of scream-worthy moments.
All films are currently in cinemas, with Molly vs The Machines also airing on Channel 4. These reviews highlight a mix of cinematic experiences, from the visually stunning but dramatically lacking to the thrilling and socially relevant.
