Reviews

I'll keep this brief. This film is best enjoyed sans spoilers. Stellar cast-not one weak performance in this film. Superbly done.

My two-star rating is...generous. Guy Pearce is a usually a terrific character actor, but this was just so bad it was almost funny. I feel terrible saying this about someone's work, but even the camerawork and lighting was distractingly bad. I had to stop watching and look up the director to try to puzzle out how in the world Mr. Pearce ended up in a film like this. The casting is ridiculous. I've seen some wonderful films with amateur actors, and new or new-ish directors, sadly this ain't one of 'em. I'm very sorry. I usually don't leave such negative reviews, it was just such a shock to see Guy Pierce in something this badly done.

What a dark, dank and deliciously daring film. It's really a full-on sensory experience. First and foremost, it's an amazing looking film. Absolutely beautifully shot. The sound design is superb and maintains a constant sense tension and dread. The dialogue is archaic, lyrical, sometimes tricky to grasp, but never, ever dull. The acting is impeccable. This is a weird one, but I really loved it. The Lighthouse features Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, full-on bonkers (no hyperbole here), going toe to toe and both giving career best performances. You will be left contemplating the symbolism and the ending, but you won't forget this one. It looks great on the big screen, see it in theaters with someone who can handle strange, or go alone, but go.

Didn't expect to enjoy this film as much as I did. Much of that is directly attributable to the phenomenal acting of the ensemble cast. Not one off note with the acting. This was a weird, little subversive movie that I enjoyed much more than I expected. It's worth watching for the stellar performances and the music alone.

High Life is raw, visceral, gripping and indelible. My advice is to immediately discard any and all chrome-slicked sci-fi expectations you may have, and strap in tight. Prepare for a crazy ride into deep outer space with a motley crew of death-row/lifer convicts as they endure personal struggles with autonomy, fortitude, redemption, morality, primal needs and humanity in the face of growing despair hopelessness and solitude. This is not a film for the easily triggered, nor for those who can't abide elliptical storytelling-you will not be spoon-fed. It almost certainly will have you pondering the ending and wtf you just watched. Watch it, mull it over and then watch it again. It's even better the second time. Pattinson and Binoche are both excellent. Loved it!