Have You Seen the Movie the World is Walking Out Of?
Fire up those streaming logins, your latest recs are in! In this month’s movie news, we look at the horror satire everyone’s freaking out over, discover an amazing case of life imitating art, and share an exciting award that we’re thrilled to support.
good.film
5 months ago
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Your Streaming Picks of the Month
Found anything great to watch lately? If the answer’s “yeah, nah…”, these quick reviews from the good.film community might be the inspo you’re looking for…
@alisonmclennan: “I wouldn't say it's as edgy as White Lotus, it's a bit more Netflix than that, but it's absolutely decent and worth a watch. I didn't pick the murderer either, so it kept me guessing, which is always fun.”
@bebesinarms: “Gary Oldman makes this show. Someone needs to give him an award and a shampoo bottle for the sacrifice he’s making for his art. Great show, easy watch, very British, highly recommend.”
@louisaparkinson: “Season 12 is a feminist manifesto capturing women’s inner rage and the oppression they endure. Casting Kardashian to embody Hollywood's dark side adds a clever twist.”
Our Streaming Picks of the Month
Still pondering your next binge? Bite into these tasty morsels. What are you in the mood for?
Something touching…
Whether or not you’re a fan of Will Ferrell, this intimate and heartfelt doco will surprise you. It’s a road trip with a difference when Ferrell’s good friend of 3 decades, comedy writer Harper Steele, comes out as a trans woman – so they decide to drive across America together to process, discuss and bond. Funny? Moving? Thought provoking? Check off all three.
Something gripping…
In 1971, the Mexico City police force pull an unthinkable publicity stunt – allowing women to join their ranks for the first time. Then the murders start to pile up… Inspired by true events, this 10-ep Apple TV+ series is pulling perfect scores from critics thanks to its cast, atmosphere and utter bingeworthiness. Serial killer fans, this one’s for you.
Something vital…
Filmed over an entire year in LA schools, this hot off the press series takes an unfiltered dive into the phones (and minds) of the first generation of kids raised with social media as a constant in their lives. And what comes up – from fame to porn to crushing peer pressure – rings alarm bells even louder than your notifications. Parents, get this on your watchlist!
Is The Substance Too Much?
It got rave reactions at Cannes. Indiewire called it “absolutely f***ing insane.” And now it’s in theatres worldwide, stunned audiences are reeling in shock (and walking out en masse).
So why are the vomit bags being grabbed – and how intense is The Substance, really? If you’re not across it, the satire-horror hybrid – written and directed by Frenchwoman Coralie Fargeat – is about an ageing Hollywood starlet who tries a new, black market youth serum to look younger… with extreme results.
The film’s won international awards and praise, so it’s not short of pedigree. Critics have hailed Demi Moore’s performance as the best of her entire career. And the entire aesthetic of the film is unique and arresting. What audiences maybe aren’t expecting from this story are the gruesome mutations, graphic surgical images and geysers of bodily fluids that cap the film. So is all that squishy gore really necessary?
The answer depends on how squeamish you are. Fargeat undoubtedly unveils some disturbing real truths with her fantasy story, from the poisonous effects of the male gaze to the mental hurdles of body dysmorphia and sudden fame. She wants the world’s attention on these topics – as we wrote in our guide to the film, “Fargeat is furious, and if you’re in the wrong frame of mind, her second feature could be viewed as deliberately titillating and wildly OTT.”
For some, all that vitriol results in a bloodbath on screen that’s simply too much. For others, they’re applauding a story that doesn’t hold back. As one audience member posted on social media after their screening, “The Substance is gloriously demented… people walked out of our screening and as far as I’m concerned, we don’t have enough movies where that might happen.”
Have you seen The Substance? Which camp do you belong to? If you’re not quite sure, you can read more thoughts from us on this divisive new “instant cult classic” at the link below.
READ OUR GOOD.FILM GUIDE TO THE SUBSTANCE
Adelaide, a Change is Coming!
If there’s one thing you know for sure about us here at good.film, it’s that we think great stories change the world. That’s why we’re SO stoked to announce that this year, we’re the name sponsors of the CHANGE AWARD at the 2024 Adelaide Film Festival!
Established in 2020, the Change Award is bestowed on a film for its “positive or environmental impact and expressing new directions for humanity”. And the five films nominated this year definitely meet the brief, unpacking global issues like the scourge of fast fashion, the value of animal rehabilitation, the crisis of microplastics, and a true David & Goliath story of workers' rights. We’re just glad we’re sponsoring the Change Award and not having to pick a winner!
If you’re a proud Adelaidean (or planning a cheeky visit) you’re in for a treat. We’ll see you at the fest – and for a sneaky peek at how we’ll be introducing ourselves, you can check out the vid below.
