“MOTHER” (Belgium/The Netherlands); captivating true tale of two mothers, each with three children, one a caretaker the other an early-onset Alzheimer’s patient; forbearing, long-suffering and infused with kindness; audiences watch as these two disparate women become one.
“BY THE GRACE OF GOD” (France); one of the most profound indictments of the Catholic Church and the pedophilia that is pervasive among its clergymen; beautifully depicted, accurate scenario, that should be viewed by all discerning film attendees.
“A GIRL MISSING” (Japan/France); incomparably compelling, a multi-layered character that will cement you to your seat; a stunning, unbelievable, transformative performance, sears as one of the best of the fest.
” THE HYPNOTIST” (Finland); flawed but “hypnotic” documentary of Finland’s infamous Olliver Hawk (1930-1988), a charlatan or a visionary? The validity, plausibility of hypnosis is questionable, but leaves one confounded by the practitioner.
“INSTINCT” (The Netherlands); never trust the obvious in this taut, sensationally erotic game of gender chess; sublime acting as control bleeds from one character to the next; a psychologist and inmate make a dynamic, destructive pairing.
“THE FEVER” (Brazil/France/German); an indigenous security guard, buried deep in the Amazon, develops a fever, its origins unclear to “white” doctors; mystical, mysterious, maladies haunt this dark, provocative film.
To be continued……..
Peneflix