Only five films in this fight, but they’re mostly good.
Titane
#FF22 Titane is a strange film that deserves it's Cronenbergian nods.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) April 2, 2022
A mish-mash of violence and movement makes up a movie concerned with bodies and what they should and should not do; about love, and need. Beyond flat description.
Strange.
Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood
#FF22 Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood brings together a few Linklater tropes pleasantly.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) April 17, 2022
It's an easy going look at a moment in time, with rotoscoped animation making it seem further away. The narration didn't work for me, but the plot progresses nicely enough.
Decent.
The Northman
#FF22 The Northman is not a subtle film.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) April 17, 2022
At times mythic and supernatural, at others full of brutality grounded by those excellent one-shots. It's silly, weird, and gripping. Skarsgård is excellent as the ball of rage at the heart of the film.
Very good.
The Bubble
#FF22 The Bubble tries to have fun with its premise, but isn't fully cooked.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) April 30, 2022
There are some decent, knowing jokes, but far too few for the runtime. There's not much of a plot, more of a bunch of sequences they wanted in place.
Underwritten, too long, and not much fun. Skip.
Mass
#FF22 Mass is an incredible film about loss and anger, and forgiveness.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) May 1, 2022
The style subtly shifts as the mood changes but four powerhouse performances are at the centre of the film, with a single location letting the film focus on the actors.
Film of the year contender.
The April Winner
While The Northman was winning until late on the last day of the month, Mass is the clear winner; a difficult film that will stay with me for years to come.