With so many delays and pushed release dates, it hasn’t been the typical October movie season. Here we are midway through the month and only one of the top-3 highest-grossing films of the month has been even remotely spooky (The Addams Family 2). That could change this weekend, but let’s look at what’s on deck.
The Last Duel (Theaters)
Screenplay: Nicole Holofcener, Matt Damon, & Ben Affleck | Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer, & Ben Affleck
Based on the books by Eric Jager, the latest epic from Ridley Scott is an allegory about modern rape culture that examines the story of an infamous duel involving French nobility during the 14th century. If you’ve been to the movies anytime recently, you’ve likely seen trailers for this film and you’ll know the cast is stacked. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck teamed up once again to write the screenplay with Nicole Holofcener, and the two longtime friends both star in the film as well. Adam Driver continues to strengthen his portfolio with diverse roles and I’m excited to see him and Jodie Comer as she continues her strong 2021. My dog is named after Ridley Scott, so I’m obviously a fan and I’ll put this at the top of my list for the week.
Needle in a Timestack (Theaters + VOD)
Writer(s): John Ridley (screenplay), Robert Silverberg (book) | Director: John Ridley
Starring: Leslie Odom Jr., Cynthia Erivo, Orlando Bloom, & Freid Pinto
If I didn’t do this everyweek, I wouldn’t give this movie a second thought but the trailer looks interesting. This is only director John Ridley’s third full-length feature but he’s been writing and producing for decades. This adaptation of Robert Silverberg’s book of the same name narrows the scope of time travel and changing the past. It’s a more personal story than many others in the time-travel realm, and the first impression gave off Eternal Sunshine vibes. The stories aren’t particularly similar, but it’s got those similar themes of destiny and erasing of a love story. I am excited to see Leslie Odom Jr. expand his resume and the rest of the cast is excellent too, so I’ll be very curious to see how it all plays out.
The Velvet Underground (Theaters and Apple TV+)
Writer & Director: Todd Haynes
Starring: Mary Woronov, Lou Reed (archive footage), & Jonathan Richman
Music documentaries have become like their own little sub-culture within the space and Todd Haynes latest film leans into the sort of exclusive nature of taking on the highly influential The Velvet Underground that was tied very closely to the art scene in New York during the 60s. While not commercially successful at that time, it looks like the documentary dives into their experimental style that wound up having a tremendous influence on the music of later generations. I don’t know much about the band’s history, so I’m looking forward to seeing that archival footage.
Bergman Island (Theaters)
Writer & Director: Mia Hansen-Løve
Starring: Vicky Krieps, Tim Roth, & Mia Wasikowska
I can tell I’m getting older because I am more and more drawn to films for the 40-and-older crowd. That’s not to say that this movie isn’t accessible to younger audiences, but relationship dramas like this tend to skew older. Mia Hansen-Løve wrote and directed this story about a couple who embarks on a retreat to an island that inspired renowned Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman as the pair look for their own inspiration. However, once they arrive, they discover some hidden (or suppressed) tension in their relationship as they both try to fulfill their creative needs. In that space, Hansen-Løve focuses on the tug of war between personal and professional fulfilment. I have been a fan of Tim Roth for a long time and Vick Krieps is quickly becoming one of my favorite performers as well, so I’m excited to watch them work with one another.
Son of Monarchs (Theaters)
Writer & Director: Alexis Gambis
Starring: Paulina Gaitan, William Mapother, & Tenoch Huerta
This dual-language project focuses on the story of a biologist from Mexico who returns home after studying butterflies in the US. He is faced with tackling trauma from his past while grappling with the nature of his identity. It’s an interesting take on the immigrant experience that cleverly uses the butterfly as a symbol of metamorphosis. The trailer looks visually stunning and I can see why this film had so much hype coming out of Sundance.
What Else Is New
Halloween Kills (Theaters)
Writer(s): Scott Teems, Danny McBride, & David Gordon Green | Director: David Gordon Green
Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, & Andi Matichak
I know this is the most high-profile release of the week, especially with the Halloween holiday only a couple of weeks away, and I don’t mean any disrespect, but this isn’t doing anything for me. The sequel to 2018’s Halloween reboot returns many of the prominent players such as director David Gordon Green and star Jamie Lee Curtis. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m failing to see what’s different this time around. Michael Meyers shows up, wearing his iconic mask, and kills a bunch of folks while the characters attempt to stop him once and for all. Based on who’s involved, it’s probably pretty solid enough but it’s nothing that excites me.
Hard Luck Love Song (Theaters)
Writer(s): Justin Corsbie & Craig Ugoretz | Director: Justin Corsbie
Starring: Michael Dorman, Sophia Bush, & Dermot Mulroney
It’s not often you come across a movie that’s adapted from a song but that’s the case here as Justin Corbie co-wrote and directed this based on Todd Snider’s “Just Like Old Times”. It looks kind of like Scott Cooper’s Crazy Heart, which I really enjoyed, only set much earlier in the character’s life. Given the right direction and some strong performances, this could be worth a watch.
Luzzu (Theaters)
Writer & Director: Alex Camilleri
Starring: Frida Cauchi, Jesmark Scicluna, & Michela Farrugia
This film comes to us from the small island nation of Malta and has received positive acclaim so far. The story focuses on a poor fisherman who enters the black market in order to provide more for his wife and child. There’s authenticity you can sense from the trailer and Jesmark Scicluna, who’s not a professional actor, did take home the Sundance Grand Jury Prize for his performance. While it speaks to the specific lives of these people in Malta, the story about wanting a better life is universal. It’s going to be hard to find but could be something special.
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