drama Archives - Cinematic Insights

I’M NOT HERE: An Empty Existential Drama

I’m Not Here is a generational drama looking to address ambitious questions related to the nature of time, the cyclical tragedy of repeating our parents’ mistakes, as well as how the past can shape our future. With a runtime clocking in at just under an hour and a half, that is a tall order to fill. The story is ultimately about the vacuous void that can be formed when one is shut off from their love ones yet ironically offers an empty message in what it posits to the audience by the time it ends.

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THE AFTERMATH: A Sizzling Drama Lacking Originality

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The Aftermath directed by James Kent, is a tale focused on an estranged couple with the backdrop of post-World War II Germany serving as a metaphor for their troubled marriage. When Rachael (Keira Knightley) is instructed to live with a German widower (Alexander Skarsgård) and his daughter at the behest of her husband (Jason Clarke), their marriage is put to the test, as Rachael is tempted by the unexpected bond she forms with this German man. While this tale of lust and betrayal is clever in the way the state of the couple’s marriage closely mirrors the political climate that surrounds them, it is ultimately hindered by a lack of ingenuity as the moral of the story has long been exhausted by practically every story set during any historical war.

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2ND CLASS: The Role of Education in Fostering Tolerance

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2ND CLASS, directed by Jimmy Olsson, is a Swedish short film centered on Charlotte (Hannah Davidson), a newly hired elementary school teacher who is quickly made the victim of a hate crime after inadvertently crossing paths with a Nazi. After enduring her horrific encounter, Charlotte gets the surprise of her life the next day when she learns that a quiet, young boy in her class named Anton (Milo Adermark) happens to be the son of the Nazi who attacked her the night prior.

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Interview With Melissa B. Miller Costanzo, Writer And Director Of ALL THESE SMALL MOMENTS: On Making A Contemporary Film With Nostalgic Roots

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Writer and director Melissa B. Miller Costanzo’s feature debut, All These Small Moments, is a tender coming-of-age drama that explores the imprecise nature of transitioning into an adult and the surprising relationships that can shape us along the way. Starring Molly Ringwald in a role unlike any she has previously tackled and up and coming actor Brendan Meyer, this tale of a young man coping with the growing pains of adolescence through his obsession with an older woman is as equally humorous as it is cuttingly authentic.

Costanzo, being no stranger to the film industry having worked in the art department and as a producer on a number of prestige dramas, including If Beale Street Could Talk and The Fighter, demonstrated a strong visual eye as All These Small Moments is notable in its visual flair throughout. I was lucky enough to have the chance to speak with Costanzo about her new film, what inspired her, casting the iconic Molly Ringwald, and why it was important to limit the role of social media.

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ALL THESE SMALL MOMENTS: A Tender Coming-Of-Age Dramedy

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Over the past few years there has been an abundance of riches as it concerns coming-of-age teen dramas. Unlike recent genre entries such as Love, Simon with its aims of inclusion and Eighth Grade with its commentary on the influence of social media’s role on teens, All These Small Moments goes back to basics, foregoing a contemporary hook completely. The film, however, possesses an uncommon honesty in its exploration of timeless themes related to growing up as we examine a young man and his unconventional infatuation with a woman in her 30’s.

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THE ASPERN PAPERS: Devoid Of Suspense Or Intrigue

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The Aspern Papers is a mystery period drama based upon the classic story published in the 1800s from the influential literary figure, Henry James. The original story has long been considered one of James’most acclaimed tales for its ability to generate mounting suspense while also creating complicated, well-developed characters. With a tale this celebrated and a cast including legendary actress Vanessa Redgrave, The Aspern Papers would appear to be a safe bet, however, none of the same praises can be applied to this dull adaptation from Julien Landais.

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MARVEL’S RUNAWAYS Season 2: As Bingeable As Ever

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It would be an understatement to say that there are currently a lot of superhero themed shows available to viewers. From the CW, Netflix, ABC, and the recent DC Universe streaming service it is a crowded and competitive landscape. Hulu entered the ring in 2017 with Runaways, a teen drama best described as The OC meets the The Avengers based upon the successful Marvel comic book of the same name.

With its eclectically diverse cast of teammates and perfect blend of family drama with superhero stakes, Runaways managed to standout from its peers. Season two continues to capitalize on what makes the show so unique, making it a worthy successor that is as bingeable as ever.

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