Partisan

Y'know, I'm all for films that require a bit of work from the audience. I love films that make me think or figure things out or see the subtext beneath the surface. What I'm not for is when films pretend that you will be able to figure things out if you try hard enough and then never give you anywhere near enough information to understand anything that's happening. I honestly have no freaking idea what I just watched. I don't know when this film took place (post apocalypse maybe?), where it took place, who the characters were, what their relation was to each other, or why they were doing anything they did. Literally none of that was clear at all. And then, it just ends. All of a sudden. With no warning or clue about what was happening or going to happen after the end. That was so annoying. I have to give it two stars because the acting was strong, as was the cinematography, but the plot? Non-existent. Bah humbug.  2/5

Partisan on Netflix

Hidden

A family of three has been hiding in and underground bunker for a great length of time, and now, circumstances force them to come out. That's all I'm going to tell you about this film, and all you need to know before you watch it. This little indie horror/thriller from the Duffer brothers who brought us "Stranger Things" has a tight plot, stellar acting, and great direction, especially given the restraints of the set. You've really got to see it to appreciate it - i highly recommend it for genre fans. 4/5

Hidden on Netflix

Come and Find Me

This twisty thriller is smartly written. It's well-paced and gives you only as much information as the lead character, played quite well by Aaron Paul, would have. Yes, that does leave a lot of plot holes, but that would be the reality in this situation. The ending was perfect and very brave. I always admire filmmakers that go with the most honest ending, even if it might not the most comfortable. I was entranced by this thriller - I recommend it. 3.5/5

Come and Find Me on Netflix

The 9th Life of Louis Drax

I'm utterly stunned by the negative reviews of this on Netflix, because I absolutely adored this. I thought it was a masterful blend of drama, thriller, fantasy, mystery, and maybe a little sci-fi as well. I haven't been impressed with Aaron Paul's work in film until now, but he was outstanding in this. I can see young Aiden Longworth having a long career ahead of him as well. The direction was stunning, and, even though I saw through the layers of mystery, I was completely captivated by this. I loved it, I really did. 4.5/5

The 9th Life of Louis Drax on Netflix

The Best Offer

A wonderfully constructed mystery - I guessed none of it & was utterly compelled throughout. Marvelous. 4/5

The Best Offer on Netflix

A Perfect Getaway

I did guess every plot twist in this but I really enjoyed it anyway - solid acting & good direction. 3.5/5

A Perfect Getaway on Netflix

Salvation Boulevard

This half black comedy & half mystery is intriguing & paced well but never really captured my interest. 3/5

Salvation Boulevard on Netflix

Eye of God

Tim Blake Nelson's fantastic indie is a slow-build of tension & drama with a powerful message. Well done. 3.5/5

Eye of God on Netflix

Rope

One of Hitchcock's classics, this film is beautifully shot & full of tension from the first minute to the last. 3.5/5

Rope on Netflix

Rebecca

This Hitchcock classic oddly wasn't the movie I was expecting but I found myself intrigued & fascinated the whole time. 4/5

Rebecca on Netflix

Dark City: Director's Cut

I forgot how much I loved this film, but I guess it's been too long - couldn't spot the changes. It is a gorgeous film, though, just gorgeous. 4/5

Dark City: Director's Cut on Netflix