By Joan Amenn Rarely, if ever, has a single year contained more film releases that focused on women’s issues and concerns. From epic adventures to ensemble dramas to historical biopics, 2022 offered many opportunities for women’s voices to be heard. Personally, there were some that resonated deeply and still leave me thinking about them even now. Before we delve into a whole new year of … Continue reading Hearing Women’s Voices: Films of 2022
Year: 2022 Runtime: 130 minutes Director: Chinonye Chukwu Writer: Michael Reilly, Keith Beauchamp, Chinonye Chukwu Cast: Danielle Deadwyler, Jalyn Hall, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Patrick Thomas, John Douglas Thompson By Tom Moore After her 2019 sophomore feature “Clemency,” writer/director Chinonye Chukwu returns with “Till,” taking on the true story of Mamie Till (Danielle Deadwyler) and providing viewers with a caring, connective, and compelling depiction of Mamie’s journey … Continue reading NYFF 60 Review: Till
“The Devil to Pay” has been getting a lot of positive buzz, and deservedly so. It has been described as a thriller and a kind of Southern Gothic horror. While it is true these elements combine to make an engrossing story, the heart of the film is a mother’s love for her son. Lemon (Danielle Deadwyler) and her son Coy, (Ezra Haslam) are living a difficult, backbreaking life in the Appalachians. It is one of the poorest regions of America and also one of the most isolated. Lemon awaits the return of her husband who has left on an errand for a local matriarch of a powerful family who invokes a “creed” to maintain power under the pretense of keeping law and order. Lemon has never paid any mind to how her society shaped her life until she has to take action to protect her son. The love between them is the most believable, touching part of the film and little Ezra Haslam deserves a special shoutout for his portrayal. Continue reading Review: The Devil to Pay
In Their Own League 