I Saw the TV Glow

I Saw the TV Glow (2024)

A Haunting Directorial Showcase of Repressed Identity

★★★☆☆

A dark, atmospheric coming-of-age story that prioritizes tone over traditional narrative.

Directed by Jane Schoenbrun, I Saw the TV Glow is a film that arguably defies categorization. While marketed as horror, it is less of a traditional thriller and more of a meditation on the deterioration of mental health in the wake of repressed self-identity. It captures the haunting pain of conforming to societal norms with an earnest sincerity that is both admirable and disturbing.

"The work feels more like a directorial showcase for Jane Schoenbrun... more about setting a unique, haunting tone than telling a strong story or beating the viewer over the head with an obvious theme."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Jane Schoenbrun
• Starring: Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine
• Cinematography: Eric Yue
• Music: Alex G

The Vision

The movie clearly has the ambition to evoke the most disturbing works of David Lynch. While it doesn't quite capture the same bizarre, terrifying menace, the attempts at creating a unique, visceral aesthetic are noteworthy. Schoenbrun uses impressive cinematography and disturbing imagery to build a world that feels equal parts style and substance—though for those who prioritize a tight plot, the latter half of the film may feel like it gives up on narrative coherence in favor of pure absorption.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• A24 Aesthetic: The film's neon-drenched, lo-fi look was inspired by 90s television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Adventures of Pete & Pete.
• Soundtrack Depth: The film features an original soundtrack with contributions from Caroline Polachek, Snail Mail, and King Woman, curated to reflect the film's emotional landscape.
• Director’s Journey: This is Jane Schoenbrun’s follow-up to their viral indie hit We're All Going to the World's Fair, continuing their exploration of digital and media-based isolation.

✅ Pros

• Breathtaking, eerie, and highly original visual style.
• Earnest and vulnerable performances from the lead cast.
• A unique, meditative approach to identity and trauma.

❌ Cons

• Narrative pacing slows significantly after the 45-minute mark.
• Style occasionally overwhelms the emotional development of the characters.
• May be too esoteric for viewers seeking a traditional horror plot.

🏆 Final Verdict

A unique work that marks Jane Schoenbrun as a director to watch. I Saw the TV Glow is a haunting, visual-first experience that rewards those willing to simply absorb its atmosphere, even when the story fades into the background.

View original review on Letterboxd

Gladiator II

Gladiator II

A Worthwhile Spectacle of Sharks, Rhinos, and Revenge

★★★☆☆

An action-packed follow-up that prioritizes "audacious spectacle" over the dramatic heights of the original.

Two decades after his Academy Award-winning original, director Ridley Scott returns to the arena with Gladiator II. The story centers on Lucius (Paul Mescal), a "retro-fitted" lead whose connection to Maximus serves as a functional, if somewhat unbelievable, anchor for this second chapter. While the narrative doesn't quite match the satisfaction of its predecessor, the film excels as a visual feast. Scott delivers "riveting action sequences" ranging from massive war battles to innovative Colosseum fights that defy traditional historical expectations. With Denzel Washington stealing every scene and Pedro Pascal providing grounded emotional stakes, it stands as a fun, high-octane period piece.

"Gladiator II works best when the action is flowing and the analytical side of the audience brain is turned off... From fighting frenzied baboons, runaway rhinos, and even including an epic water battle in an arena complete with Great White sharks swimming around."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Ridley Scott
• Starring: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielsen
• Music: Harry Gregson-Williams
• Cinematography: John Mathieson

The Vision

Ridley Scott’s vision for this sequel is one of massive scale and unbridled creativity, finally realizing a "rhino battle" he originally wanted for the 2000 film but couldn't achieve at the time. The production balances the "fan-favorite" world of Rome with "crazy coliseum fights" that lean more toward historical myth than strict accuracy. By casting Washington as the "menacing" Macrinus and Mescal as a "solid hero," Scott creates a performance-driven action extravaganza that encourages the audience to "just accept it for what it is and enjoy the spectacle."

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Water Battles: Staging naval battles, or naumachia, in the Colosseum did actually happen in real history, though the addition of Great White sharks is purely Scott's creative flair.
• Budget Balloon: Initially budgeted at $165 million, the production costs reportedly ballooned to nearly $310 million due to strike delays and the massive scale of the sets.
• Reunion: This film marks a major reunion between director Ridley Scott and Denzel Washington, who last worked together on 2007's American Gangster.
• Malta Sets: The production featured a record-breaking rebate in the EU for filming in Malta, where a massive Colosseum set was reconstructed for the shoot.

✅ Pros

• Denzel Washington's scene-stealing, "delightful" performance.
• Riveting and unique arena action sequences.
• Exceptional technical craftsmanship and production design.

❌ Cons

• The Lucius "Maximus' son" twist feels like an "awkward stretch."
• Fails to reach the "dramatic heights" of the first film.
• Historical inaccuracies might bother "analytical" viewers.

🏆 Final Verdict

A "lot of fun" and a "worthwhile follow-up" that prioritizes breathtaking spectacle over narrative depth. Whether this is the end of the road or a new beginning, it delivers exactly what Ridley Scott does best: scale.

View original review on Letterboxd

Saturday Night

Saturday Night (2024)

A Chaotic and Insulting Gloss over Comedy History

★★½☆☆

An ambitious but hollow account that prioritizes frenzy over the brutal reality of art.

Directed by Jason Reitman, Saturday Night is a fictionalized account of the 90 minutes leading up to the first episode of the beloved TV show. While the filmmakers argue these events happened, the decision to cram them into a high-octane real-time clock feels fundamentally dishonest. It presents the birth of a cultural institution as a silly talent show, ignoring the traumatic mental illness, drug use, and relentless labor that actually fuels great comedy. Having performers run around wildly unprofessional is insulting to both the audience's intelligence and the performers themselves.

"It’s frankly heartbreaking that Jason Reitman... couldn't trust himself to make a realistic film filled with quiet moments of sincerity, instead of relying on the runaway train of comedic chaos."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Jason Reitman
• Starring: Gabriel LaBelle, Dylan O'Brien, Cory Michael Smith
• Legends Portrayed: John Belushi, Gilda Radner, George Carlin, Andy Kaufman

The Vision

The film would have the audience believe that the making of the show was as fun and innocent as middle school kids putting together a talent show. In reality, comedy is a dark, depressing profession rampant with self-destruction and competitive egos. By playing drug use for laughs, the movie fails the legacy of figures like Belushi, Newman, and Carlin who struggled severely. While the actors do admirable impersonations, the film lacks the confidence to slow down and trust scenes of quiet introspection.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• The Mozart Myth: The film suggests the performers were gifted naturals creating a comedic frenzy, ignoring the brutal work required to reach greatness.
• Historical Compression: While many events featured did happen, the film compresses years of tension and backstage drama into a single 90-minute window for dramatic effect.
• Legacy Players: The film features portrayals of legends like Billy Crystal and Milton Berle, highlighting the clash between old-school vaudeville and new-age counter-culture.

✅ Pros

• Admirable impersonations of the original Not-Ready-For-Primetime players.
• Rare moments of poignancy featuring Radner and Kaufman.
• Ambitious and witty dialogue.

❌ Cons

• Dishonest portrayal of the "fun" of professional comedy.
• Drug use played for "shits and giggles" despite real-life tragedies.
• Chaos frenzy that insults the hard work behind the craft.

🏆 Final Verdict

A giant letdown and a waste of potential. Saturday Night chooses comedic chaos over sincerity, failing to offer any dramatic insight into the actual making of a masterpiece.

View original review on Letterboxd

Music by John Williams

Music by John Williams (2024)

A Cliffnotes Look at a Sprawling Legacy

★★½☆☆

A standard, cookie-cutter sampling that barely scratches the surface of an icon.

Directed by Laurent Bouzereau, Music by John Williams provides a standard, cookie-cutter sampling of the collected works of cinema's most beloved composer. Unfortunately, the documentary doesn't quite do the man justice; his career is so sprawling and decorated that it would likely require a 10-episode mini-series to truly encompass the depth of his artistic journey. While it serves as a modest tribute, it often feels like a missed opportunity for a more extensive exploration.

"Until then, as a brief introduction and a modest tribute to the man and his famous musical works, Music by John Williams will have to do."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Laurent Bouzereau
• Featuring: John Williams, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas
• Appearing: Ron Howard, J.J. Abrams, Chris Martin
• Streaming: Disney+

The Vision

The film thrives most when it allows Williams to participate as a narrator, offering a touching look at the man seeing himself as the central focus of a project. There is genuine enjoyment in watching icons like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas gush over his contributions to their masterpieces. However, the vision remains safe and traditional, prioritizing a glossy overview over the gritty, in-depth analysis that such a technical and artistic career deserves.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Historic Partnership: The film highlights the 50-year collaboration between Williams and Spielberg, the longest director-composer partnership in film history.
• Narrative Touch: John Williams rarely participates in such personal retrospectives, making his narration and interview footage here a rare treat for fans.
• Academy Legend: Williams currently holds the record for the most Oscar nominations for any living person (54), a fact the documentary uses to anchor its look at his dominance.

✅ Pros

• Touching narration and participation from John Williams himself.
• Iconic talking heads provide sincere, well-deserved praise.
• Serves as an accessible "Greatest Hits" introduction.

❌ Cons

• Standard "cookie-cutter" documentary format lacks depth.
• Fails to encompass the true scale of his sprawling career.
• Feels more like a promotional piece than a definitive biography.

🏆 Final Verdict

A functional but surface-level tribute. While it’s fun to revisit the themes that defined our childhoods, we are still waiting for the definitive, deep-dive documentary this legend truly deserves.

View original review on Letterboxd

My Old Ass

My Old Ass

A Painfully Charming Memory of Youth

★★★★☆

A surprisingly touching and effective story about cherishing life and living in the moment.

Directed by Megan Park, My Old Ass utilizes a simple premise—an older self giving their younger self life advice—and makes it work through pure charm. Set against an idyllic mountainside backdrop, the film feels like a beautiful memory. It benefits greatly from witty dialogue and heartfelt interactions, staying focused on its emotional through-line without the need for unnecessary narrative frills or twists.

"The film is almost painfully charming. But it all works. There is a potency in presenting this simple coming-of-age story without frills or twists."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Megan Park
• Starring: Maisy Stella, Aubrey Plaza
• Runtime: 1 Hour 29 Minutes
• Studio: Amazon MGM Studios

The Vision

Director Megan Park avoids the common pitfall of over-complicating a coming-of-age story. By trusting the core message and maintaining a brisk pace, every scene builds effectively on the film's themes. It is a confident follow-up to her debut, showcasing a knack for finding depth in simple, relatable human connections.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Sundance Hit: The film was one of the most buzzed-about titles at the [2024 Sundance Film Festival](https://festival.sundance.org).
• Double Duty: Aubrey Plaza continues her streak of taking on unique, genre-bending indie roles.
• Breakout Star: This marks a major film debut for Maisy Stella, previously known for her music and television work.

✅ Pros

• Standout performance by Maisy Stella.
• Lean, effective 89-minute runtime.
• Witty dialogue and heartfelt emotional core.

❌ Cons

• The simple premise might feel "too light" for some.
• Relies heavily on the "charm" factor to carry scenes.

🏆 Final Verdict

Another triumph for Aubrey Plaza and a relatable lead turn for Maisy Stella. My Old Ass is a brisk, beautiful reminder to cherish the moment.

View original review on Letterboxd

The Substance

The Substance (2024)

A Bizarre, Bold, and Repulsive Descent into Body Horror

★★★☆☆

A riveting performance showcase trapped in a dizzying cycle of shock value.

Directed by Coralie Fargeat, The Substance is an often bizarre and disturbing cinematic experience. The film tackles heavy themes—fame, aging, sexism, and body dysmorphia—with an aggressive, uncompromising energy. However, while these themes are worthwhile, the film itself is frequently revolting and nausea-inducing by design. It stands as a technical marvel for the special effects crew, but one that may leave the viewer questioning the necessity of its excruciating 140-minute runtime.

"The film could have actually been more effective as a 45 minute Twilight Zone or Black Mirror episode. Instead of an excruciating and prolonged 2 hour and 20 minutes runtime."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Coralie Fargeat
• Starring: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley
• Supporting: Dennis Quaid
• Special Effects: Pierre-Olivier Persin

The Vision

The film functions primarily as a cinematic and performance showcase. Demi Moore delivers a riveting, career-defining performance, matched by the intensity of Margaret Qualley. Yet, the satire often feels like it has surface-level depth, relying heavily on grotesque makeup execution and morbid imagery rather than witty or clever commentary. It is a bleak, depressingly long journey that prioritizes the "shriek" over the "story."

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Cannes Sensation: Coralie Fargeat won the Best Screenplay award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival for this divisive work.
• Practical Mastery: The film relies heavily on practical effects and prosthetics to achieve its most nauseating sequences, eschewing heavy CGI for a more visceral impact.
• Sound Design: The aggressive sound editing was designed to make the biological "squelching" noises as immersive and uncomfortable as possible for the audience.

✅ Pros

• Riveting, brave performances by Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley.
• Incredible special effects and grotesque makeup execution.
• Bold, uncompromising directorial vision.

❌ Cons

• Excruciatingly long runtime that leads to narrative drag.
• Over-reliance on shock value at the expense of plot depth.
• Unlikable characters and a depressingly bleak tone.

🏆 Final Verdict

If you are seeking morbid imagery and a masterclass in special effects, The Substance delivers. But for those looking for a moving story with narrative "meat," the experience may feel more like a prolonged endurance test.

View original review on Letterboxd

Conclave

Conclave (2024)

A Riveting Intersection of the Divine and the Desperate

★★★★☆

An intriguing, unnerving ride that stands as one of the year’s most polished dramas.

Directed by Edward Berger, Conclave is a riveting drama that strips away the gold-leafed sanctity of the Vatican to reveal a human-fueled political machine. Centered on the election of a new Pope following the death of a beloved progressive leader, the film explores the greed, ambition, and dark secrets that bubble beneath the surface of a supposedly God-inspired process. It’s a political thriller dressed in liturgical robes, trading ballot boxes for smoke signals.

"The election of the Pope is theoretically supposed to be inspired by God. But the human fueled political process is in full display, with greed, ambition, bribery, dark secrets and jealousy all coming into play."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Edward Berger
• Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow
• Supporting: Isabella Rossellini, Sergio Castellitto
• Music: Volker Bertelmann

The Vision

Edward Berger masterfully accentuates the haunting traditions and ceremonial minutiae of the election. Several cinematic images and visuals stay with you long after the credits roll, supported by a propulsive film score that keeps the audience unnerved. While it stops just short of epic greatness—perhaps lacking the profound emotional heart needed for a truly shattering finale—it remains a masterclass in pacing and atmospheric suspense.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Literary Roots: The film is based on the 2016 best-selling novel by Robert Harris, known for his meticulously researched historical and political thrillers.
• Reunion: This film reunites director Edward Berger with composer Volker Bertelmann, following their Academy Award-winning collaboration on All Quiet on the Western Front.
• Costume Detail: The production team worked extensively to recreate the specific shades of "cardinal red," which differs from the "papal white" and other liturgical garments to ensure absolute period and ritual accuracy.

✅ Pros

• A powerhouse lead performance by Ralph Fiennes.
• Taut, suspenseful pacing and a haunting score.
• Incredible attention to the minutiae of Vatican tradition.

❌ Cons

• Slightly lacks the emotional "heart" to achieve epic status.
• The ending may not feel as profound as the build-up suggests.

🏆 Final Verdict

A beautifully acted, intellectually stimulating thriller. Conclave proves that the quest for power is just as fierce in the Sistine Chapel as it is in any hall of government.

View original review on Letterboxd