Denial

I had never heard of this case of a British Holocaust denier suing an American historian, so this movie fascinated me. It's hard to believe that there are still so many who wouldn't disagree with Irving in this case. The acting from Weisz, Wilkinson, and Spall was excellent, and I'm glad the script remained grounded and not as fantastical as it could have been. A compelling story done quite well. 4/5

Denial on Netflix

Complete Unknown

This strange psych drama touches upon some really interesting questions about identity and what defines us. Shannon and Weisz are both fantastic in this - if I hadn't believed them, this story would have fallen apart. I was completely intrigued by this, and it left me thinking about a lot. And, in the end, that's just what this movie is designed to do. Well done. 3.5/5

Complete Unknown on Netflix

Youth

I did not see this film coming. From the trailer I thought this would be a light-hearted dramedy, but it was far more impactful and metaphorical than that. I have never seen a Paolo Sorrentino film before, so I certainly didn't expect the gorgeousness of the direction, and how every scene moved and felt alive. I was so moved by the music that I watched through most of the end credits to get the name of the person who composed some of the tracks, a man named David Lang. I am amazed by this film and deeply moved by it, far more so than I thought I might be. A true gem. 4.5/5

Youth on Netflix

The Lobster

This is an utterly unique movie, which, in this day and age, is no mean feat. It's hyper-stylized, but in a way I found intriguing, not off-putting. The choice of dialogue delivery confused me for a little while, until the allegorical layer of *why* everyone spoke as they did occurred to me. When I began to realize that nearly everything in this movie was layered with meaning, I became ever more intrigued. I could spend a year analyzing this and probably still miss things, but I really was totally enthralled by it. Very daring. 4/5

The Lobster on Netflix

The Bourne Legacy

Even with no memory of the Bourne universe I found this highly enjoyable despite plot holes. Fun. 3.5/5

The Bourne Legacy on Netflix

The Deep Blue Sea

How can a film so softly beautiful be so darkly tragic? Amazing acting in an amazing film - lovely. 4/5

The Deep Blue Sea on Netflix

360

I love interconnected storyline films and this was exceptionally well written. Plus no one plays creepy like Ben Foster. 4/5

360 on Netflix

The Constant Gardener

Once this sluggish & preachy thriller got going it was quite gripping - before that, not so much. 3/5

The Constant Gardener on Netflix

My Blueberry Nights

Wong Kar Wai brings his signature touch to this lush and poignant indie drama with an all-star cast. Lovely. 4/5

My Blueberry Nights on Netflix