#TIFF2018 Diaries: Day Seven
At this point, you don’t really care that I’ve been ill all week but I did have to rearrange my schedule yet again to give myself more time to rest. (I missed out on Mahershala!) but the movies I did see were fantastic and I’m hoping to write about both of them in more depth pretty soon.
WIDOWS: Honestly, the first thing that comes to mind here is that Daniel Kaluuya is a STAR. I can admit to not quite being sold after his turn in Get Out here Kaluuya is menacing in the extreme. I will be very surprised if his performance isn’t one of the most buzzed about come awards seasons. The film itself drags at times, but is bolstered by it’s stellar cast and great performances. Viola Davis clearly has a specific type of woman she prefers to play now, and she relishes every second of it. Colin Farrell doesn’t stretch his skills too far here but is effective in his role, even if the tics and mannerisms are familiar. Every actor is used to their best with a surprising showing by Broadway star Cynthia Erivo. Anyone who can come at Viola Davis and hold her own deserves some recognition. I can’t wait for this to go into wide release.
ASSASSINATION NATION: This film will be polarizing but I have to admit that I positively loved it. A cross between The Craft, Heathers, Mean Girls and Carrie, Assassination Nation deals with the fallout when an entire town’s personal data is leaked and their most intimate secrets are revealed. The movie is anything but subtle, but makes salient points about the way we treat women and their bodies as commodities to be bought, sold and traded, then punish them for trying to make themselves better products. It deals with the invisible labour of womanhood, especially from the teen perspective and the difficulty of existing in a world where image is everything. The climax of the film tackles the violent consequences when young women step out of line. I’m reluctant to say anything that might count as a spoiler because I recommend this film so strongly and I think it’s best experienced relatively blind. If it’s opening in your city, run don’t walk to the soonest screening!
*Header photo courtesy TIFF