Get your film viewers round these upcoming flick?
As part of his ScreenTime show, Stephen Steps Lowe, brings you a number of fresh looks at upcoming movie releases. Here we have a cult(ish) thriller from A24 (such a good production house) and an goofball Gangster comedy. Enjoy.
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Opus
In Opus, a young writer (Ayo Edebiri) is invited to the remote compound of a legendary pop star, Alfred Moretti (John Malkovich), who vanished decades ago. Surrounded by sycophantic cult members and eccentric journalists, she soon finds herself entangled in Moretti’s sinister plan.
Directed by Mark Anthony Green, the film blends horror and dark comedy, grappling with themes of revenge, celebrity, and religion. While the film offers effective thrills, it ultimately falls short of fully tying together its complex ideas. However, Edebiri’s performance as the ambitious, overlooked Ariel Ecton is a standout, proving she’s a star in the making.
The story unfolds as Ariel, eager to make a name for herself, is invited to the retreat alongside her editor Stan Sullivan (Murray Bartlett), paparazzo Bianca Tyson (Melissa Chambers), TV icon Clara Armstrong (Juliette Lewis), and influencer Emily Katz (Stephanie Suganami).
The compound is filled with intrigue and oddities, from a series of original songs by Malkovich’s character to the striking dynamics between the mostly white, older attendees.
The tension builds as Ariel navigates a web of deception and danger, with Opus offering a solid mix of horror and comedy, even if its thematic depth leaves some questions unanswered.
Riff Raff
Vincent, an ex-criminal, has left his past behind, seeking only a quiet, peaceful life with his wife Sandy and their son DJ.
They’re spending a relaxing winter break in a remote cabin, savoring the calm before DJ heads off to college. But their peaceful getaway is shattered when Vincent’s estranged son, Rocco, his girlfriend Marina, and Vincent’s ex-wife Ruth unexpectedly show up, bringing bad news: two dangerous gangsters, Leftie and Lonnie, are coming for them.
The tense family drama quickly escalates as Vincent is forced to confront the threat from his past while navigating the chaos within his fractured family.
In director Dito Montiel’s Riff Raff, the tension between family dynamics and criminal threats creates a darkly comedic and thrilling atmosphere. Jennifer Coolidge, donning a Peppa Pig-inspired outfit, delivers a hilarious yet unpredictable performance as Ruth, who faces off against Leftie (Bill Murray) and Lonnie (Pete Davidson), a pair of bumbling but deadly gangsters.
The film, which blends dysfunctional family comedy with classic gangster tropes, boasts an ensemble cast including Coolidge, Murray, Davidson, Ed Harris, Gabrielle Union, Lewis Pullman, and more.
With its unique mix of dark humor and unpredictable drama, Riff Raff promises to be a standout.
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