I hadn't planned on seeing this movie but thank you for reviewing it. It's so weird to see Kieran in the public eye now when it used to be his brother. I mean, he wasn't acting, but the last time I saw Macaulay in public, he was getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Which was awesome for him.
Culkin really does exude some serious RDJ energy - like I didn’t realize how much I missed raw, vulnerable, charming, instantly engaging Robert Downey Jr until I saw Culkin onscreen. He’s instantly magnetic and charming in many of the same ways
Fantastic review by the way, I was holding off reading it because I knew I really wanted to see it and didn’t want to know anything about it ahead of time. I think it’s going to be far too subtle and dare I say, Jewy, for the Academy, considering world events, but I’m hoping they both get acting nominations at least.
I’m so glad you saw this! And I have similar thoughts on it getting rejected by the Academy for Jewish themes but 🤞 hope that the Academy does better and it gets all the awards. I am counting the days till I see it again. Directing award I could see Eisenberg easily taking home and Culkin for actor
I just saw this film today and it hit me in all the feels. It was such a masterful film on so many levels. Of course the acting was stellar from both Eisenberg andKulkin. But the pacing and the script and the blend of humor and real emotional heft is very difficult to accomplish and I thought Eisenberg did a beautiful directing job.
These are the types of movies that I crave and are so rare . It reminded me of my favorite Richard Linklater films. It’s being compared to Wes Anderson‘s Darjeeling Limited but I find that overly stylized and this film is far more subtle.
The blend of humor and real emotional heft you mention is notable. No one here feels two dimensional or cartoony. Even amongst the supporting cast, everyone carries profound Substance and character.
Thank you so much for your kind and generous words. They mean so much. I have to be honest. This review wrote itself. I came home and was so inspired that it flowed. Such a beautiful thing when that happens. I can’t wait to hear what you think after you see it. Thank you again!
I had not even heard about the movie before reading your review but it sounds super interesting. As you know, I'm a huge fan of movies that give me a different perspective and share the experience of people outside of my own identity so I can't wait to watch this one.
Beautifully written, particularly describing Benji "like he’s sucking all the air out of the room and releasing it in slow puffs, keeping others in his thrall". I'll be restacking that line!
I was confused by the description "non-born Jewish". Did you mean "non-Jewish born"?
Thx! It’s a beautiful film. Thx for the correction on the phrasing on the line. I read it again before this comment and I’m like “something is off!” Going to correct it now. Thx for pointing it out and caring
I’m listening to Eisenberg on Sam Fragoso’s Talk Easy podcast right now and feeling his stress, his anxiety, as a child and as an adult creative. I haven’t seen this film yet but you’ve done a beautiful job of describing the tension I’m hearing in him too. Thank you Beth!
Thx Meredith. It’s really such a refreshing departure from how I’ve seen anxiety depicted onscreen. And I love the representation minus the judgement (just like “this is what it is”) and I even appreciate the perspective of someone with functioning anxiety like David in this film out in the world uncomfortably dealing with others (like Benji) in his very externalized demonstration of anxiety and and mental health challenges
I have been very anxious to hear your perspective on this! I really loved it, but obviously don't have the connection to the Jewish aspects that you do. Lovely review of a lovely film.
Was kind of nervous stepping into this film, after Eisenberg’s first feature film. But with this he really knocked it out of the park
He really does!
I hadn't planned on seeing this movie but thank you for reviewing it. It's so weird to see Kieran in the public eye now when it used to be his brother. I mean, he wasn't acting, but the last time I saw Macaulay in public, he was getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Which was awesome for him.
Culkin really does exude some serious RDJ energy - like I didn’t realize how much I missed raw, vulnerable, charming, instantly engaging Robert Downey Jr until I saw Culkin onscreen. He’s instantly magnetic and charming in many of the same ways
Fantastic review by the way, I was holding off reading it because I knew I really wanted to see it and didn’t want to know anything about it ahead of time. I think it’s going to be far too subtle and dare I say, Jewy, for the Academy, considering world events, but I’m hoping they both get acting nominations at least.
I’m so glad you saw this! And I have similar thoughts on it getting rejected by the Academy for Jewish themes but 🤞 hope that the Academy does better and it gets all the awards. I am counting the days till I see it again. Directing award I could see Eisenberg easily taking home and Culkin for actor
I just saw this film today and it hit me in all the feels. It was such a masterful film on so many levels. Of course the acting was stellar from both Eisenberg andKulkin. But the pacing and the script and the blend of humor and real emotional heft is very difficult to accomplish and I thought Eisenberg did a beautiful directing job.
These are the types of movies that I crave and are so rare . It reminded me of my favorite Richard Linklater films. It’s being compared to Wes Anderson‘s Darjeeling Limited but I find that overly stylized and this film is far more subtle.
The blend of humor and real emotional heft you mention is notable. No one here feels two dimensional or cartoony. Even amongst the supporting cast, everyone carries profound Substance and character.
Fascinating review, Beth. You are so good at this. I know how hard reviews are, and you’re phenomenal. I look forward to to watching this.
Thank you so much for your kind and generous words. They mean so much. I have to be honest. This review wrote itself. I came home and was so inspired that it flowed. Such a beautiful thing when that happens. I can’t wait to hear what you think after you see it. Thank you again!
I'm counting the days until this becomes available to stream.
Great piece, Beth.
I had not even heard about the movie before reading your review but it sounds super interesting. As you know, I'm a huge fan of movies that give me a different perspective and share the experience of people outside of my own identity so I can't wait to watch this one.
My son has been pushing me to watch it, so it's on my list! Great review!
Go see it! Don’t delay and thank you!
Beautifully written, particularly describing Benji "like he’s sucking all the air out of the room and releasing it in slow puffs, keeping others in his thrall". I'll be restacking that line!
I was confused by the description "non-born Jewish". Did you mean "non-Jewish born"?
Thx! It’s a beautiful film. Thx for the correction on the phrasing on the line. I read it again before this comment and I’m like “something is off!” Going to correct it now. Thx for pointing it out and caring
I’m listening to Eisenberg on Sam Fragoso’s Talk Easy podcast right now and feeling his stress, his anxiety, as a child and as an adult creative. I haven’t seen this film yet but you’ve done a beautiful job of describing the tension I’m hearing in him too. Thank you Beth!
Thx Meredith. It’s really such a refreshing departure from how I’ve seen anxiety depicted onscreen. And I love the representation minus the judgement (just like “this is what it is”) and I even appreciate the perspective of someone with functioning anxiety like David in this film out in the world uncomfortably dealing with others (like Benji) in his very externalized demonstration of anxiety and and mental health challenges
I have been very anxious to hear your perspective on this! I really loved it, but obviously don't have the connection to the Jewish aspects that you do. Lovely review of a lovely film.
Such a beautiful film. I am now going back and reading yours and all the others I denied myself!!! Thank you for leaving this comment.