Review: Catherine Called Birdy

Year: 2022 Runtime: 108 minutes Director: Lena Dunham Writers: Lena Dunham, Karen Cushman (based on the book by) Starring: Bella Ramsey, Billie Piper, Andrew Scott, Joe Alwyn, Lesley Sharp, Sophie Okonedo, Paul Kaye, Dean-Charles Chapman, Archie Renaux, Isis Hainsworth, David Bradley By Sarah Manvel Writer-director Lena Dunham’s speciality is depicting how people learn about themselves through their sexual choices. In the seven seasons of her … Continue reading Review: Catherine Called Birdy

SXSW Review: Rare Beasts

“I give really bad blowjobs” laments Mandy (writer/director/star Billie Piper) on a first date as “Rare Beasts” opens. Mandy, a clearly agitated yet quirky woman prone to over-analyzing herself sits across her work colleague, Pete (Leo Bill). He postulates that he is religious that “modern women have more testosterone coursing through their veins than blood”.

Mandy’s response? She ends the date by sprinting across the street and regurgitating the dinner they had just had onto the sidewalk. This is the best indicticator of the tone to follow: a blend of cringe-inducing, self-deprecating, visual humor confidently presented through a woman’s unfiltered vision. This is a wonderfully stylish and brave film that offers a new and unique perspective on the role of the modern woman in today’s society. Continue reading SXSW Review: Rare Beasts