Mortensen plays John, a husband, father and son who stoically juggles all three roles when his ageing father Willis - an operatically grumpy Lance Henricksen - comes to stay.Īn uncompromising study of dementia where sexuality is firmly a background theme - even if Willis' histronic prejudice seems elemental - Falling is not an easy watch.
Like Monsoon and Portrait, and unlike The Prom and Ma Rainey, Falling is once again minor key: a quiet, contemplative ride that needs a glass of wine and your full attention to be enjoyed. although The Lord of the Rings' Viggo Mortensen courted considerably less controversy with his (pardon the pun) straight, sober performance in Falling, a film he also directed. James Corden was not the only famous straight guy playing gay this year. We just wish he and Davis were given a little more opportunity to interact, and the same for Davis and Paige. His final screen performance is arresting, full of warring hope and despair. Indeed, late Black Panther icon Boseman steals the show. Taylour Paige is Ma's fun and flighty girlfriend Dussie, although their relationship isn't much explored when cheekily brazen trumpeter Levee (Chadwick Boseman) catches her eye, though, the chemistry is electric. Viola Davis is next-level magnificent in the titular role, which sees our grandiose star record an album and battle misogyny and racism one stressful, swelteringly day in 20s Chicago. and perhaps all the more lingering for it.Īnother film that might've benefitted from an extra 10 or 20 minutes - although it's no less powerful for its leanness - is this punchy, day-in-the-life tale about Mother of the Blues Gertrude Pridgett, or Ma Rainey. Still, over a slight 84-minute running time, Kit's emotional journey feels under-expressed. A banal meeting with a cute guy on a train, for example, is completely inconsequential but oh so true to life. Golding's lovely, naturalistic acting is so immersive - think Tom Cullen and Chris New in Weekend - you almost feel you're travelling with him.
Adèle Haenel is the plucky Marianne and Noémie Merlant the sad, wistful Héloïse.Įxpect intense gazes, flyaway strands of hair and a fierce all-female cast.Īnother beautiful but understated film is Monsoon, in which Crazy, Rich Asians star Henry Golding plays likeable everyman Kit: a bereaved traveller who, in his home city of Ho Chi Minh City, forges a palpable connection with handsome stranger Lewis (Parker Sawyers). But who doesn't love a hoop-skirted dress on a beach? The Piano, hello?!īesides, the immaculate visuals and simplicity of the story amplify solid central performances. The plot - an 18th-century portrait artist falls for her subject forbidden loves ensues - is also minimal. A brooding, mysterious energy (and that name!) hint at a climax that proves elusive. If The Prom is too extra, Portrait of the Lady is subtle to a fault.