Monster (2023)

The most recent film from acclaimed director Hirokazu Koreeda is one of his best directorial efforts in years. The film won the Best Screenplay award in the 2023 Cannes Competition, and Yuji Sakamoto’s script delivers. Monster is a film of human angst without tacky or detached cynicism. The film is an engrossing ensemble piece that lingers on the spatial limitations between every character, and delivers on the continual revolution of plot. Koreeda is often lauded for his ability to communicate strong humane stories, often through tragic means, so Monster in many ways fits quite well into his oeuvre. What separates this work is how it goes beyond the systems of family and branches off into the psychological warzone of projecting onto strangers. A major success of Monster, without revealing the storytelling devices of the film, is how much the film deeply understands the inherent pressure of our assumptions to suggest our own truths onto others. These desires to be proven right manifest in the bonds between everyone. 

The film is anchored by great performances by young actors Soya Kurokawa and Hinata Hiiragi, and established talent Sakura Ando. The actors are physically and facially rigorous; they are the key to the film’s success beyond the screenplay. There are a plethora of intersecting dramas that seemingly complicate every character, but simultaneously render their sympathies as focal necessities. It's a shame the film did not get a wider theatrical release in 2023 considering the name of Koreeda as director. Now that the film is on greater viewing platforms I can recommend the film with accessible referral. 

Where to Watch: iTunes, VUDU, Blu-Ray (Well Go USA)

Walk Up (2022)

Hong Sangsoo’s 27th feature film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2022, and like most hong films, was acquired by Cinema Guild and rolled out a quiet release over the following year. Walk Up will excite Hong fans who were immersed in the unconventional story structures of some of his previous films and hopefully spark interest in new fans. The film is yet another black and white entry into the director’s filmography, though it is noticeably clearer than the soft quality of Introduction and the piercing whites of The Novelist’s Film (which premiered on the festival circuit the same year.) Regulars such as Kwon Haehyo and Song Sunmi alongside recent favorites Lee Hyeyoung and Kim Miso return.

 It’s easy for a director as consistent and busy as Hong to numb certain audiences with his recurring musings, but as a fan who is drawn to these cyclical story points I found Walk Up certainly a substantial addition to the middle-aged crisis cannon of Hong films. Without spoiling the narrative devices, I can confirm that the self-referential nature of artists seeking purpose and comfortability is a large theme of the film. There are estranged relationships between old friends and family, musings on the prevalence of drinking while aging, and confrontations on why an artist creates. Kwon Haehyo is always excellent, and he’s as great as ever in this deeply contemplative outing from Hong Sangsoo.

Where to Watch: Kanopy, Blu-Ray (Cinema Guild)

Problemista (2024)

I wanted to give this full review, but now is still a great time to recommend this fantastic film. Julio Torres is all hands on deck as the director, writer and lead of this funny and sophisticated story. Torres plays Alejandro- an immigrant from El Salvador who is scraping around New York City looking for a sponsor for his work visa; the film is inspired by moments of Torres’ own experience as an aspiring artist. Problemista is a joyous encapsulation of his niches, and an excellent examination of the labrous loopholes of getting through American bureaucratic systems. This film smartly confronts the financial issues burdened on working class immigrants whilst navigating the overtly white art spaces which move with ease alongside them. The duo of Torres and Tilda Swinton is endlessly watchable as they bicker and ponder on their own relationship as colleagues and their inherent differences as people. Films with a seemingly light tone such as this are often deemed as soft or minor, but I would argue Problemista is anything but those descriptors. The direction is quite bold and wholly original, and wears its singular sense of humor on its sleeve. The film is topped off with supporting appearances from RZA, Greta Lee, and narration by Isbella Rossellini who all deliver on charm. 

Where to Watch: iTunes, VUDU