100-word Review Roundup from the University Times
The Mastermind, by Kelly Reichardt (Maia Kelly Murphy)
Through the story of a struggling family man’s (Josh O’Connor) suburban art heist, The Mastermind presents the superiority complex rooted in the dissatisfaction of unremarkable living, and the subsequent belief in the possibility of pulling off the impossible without fail. Rob Mazurek’s original score emphasises the unobtrusive action with a heightened sense of excitement, echoing the aspirations of the malcontent protagonist. Overall, the film’s slow and exact composition succeeds in granting its irrational moments comedic senselessness while also turning them into an almost pitiful disconnect between the main character and his societal correctness, ultimately leaving us with callous remorse.
Die My Love by Lynne Ramsay (Molly Morris)
Die My Love is about a young mother’s (Jennifer Lawrence) descent into extreme postpartum depression and psychosis, but the film mistakenly uses sadness and madness to convey meaning. Although the visuals (Robert Pattinson-esque Twilight blue and green filters) and performances attempt to elevate the narrative, the script leaves characters underdeveloped and a few plot-points quite ill fitting. Instead of exploring postpartum depression and darkness with serious depth, it represents a rushed and hollow experience. What could potentially have been purposeful eloquent storytelling sadly becomes stylistic misery.
Anemone by Ronan Day-Lewis (Emma Milanesi)
Anemone follows a family in crisis, dealing with the surfacing of decade-long tensions and wounds between brothers Jem (Sean Bean) and Ray (Daniel Day-Lewis). It is a story which revels in uncomfortable moments, giving space to long drawn-out silences and the more hard-to-watch aspects of reconciliation. Dialogue is scarce and meaningful, highlighting some exceptional performances capable of driving the viewer from sympathy to irritation to grief to ultimately relief. With every aspect carefully curated, Anemone purposely makes you suffer through it to then reward you with a final wonderful and worthy catharsis.
