Sundance 2024 #2 with Guy Lodge, Robert Daniels, and Madeline Whittle
Jan 21, 2024
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Critics Robert Daniels, Guy Lodge, and Madeline Whittle discuss visually stunning films exploring media's impact on identity and the trans experience. They also dive into a dark film featuring a terrifying game, analyze a film's premise and cinematography, explore the effects of China's one child policy, and discuss a spiritual awakening within a Jewish community. Finally, they delve into a 'life affirming' film journeying through grief and differing opinions.
Between the Temples offers a touching and heartfelt portrayal of human connection through the story of a grieving man and a woman on a spiritual journey.
A Brief History of a Family delves into the pressures placed on parents and children as a result of China's one-child policy, offering thought-provoking commentary on generational differences and the impact of a highly controlled society.
Deep dives
Unique friendship forms between grieving man and woman on a spiritual journey
Between the Temples tells the story of a grieving man who forms an unlikely friendship with a woman on a spiritual journey. Jason Schwartzman and Carol Kane deliver excellent performances in this bittersweet drama set in a Jewish community. The film explores themes of grief, late-stage coming of age, and finding connection in unexpected places. With its specific textures and surprising moments, Between the Temples offers a touching and heartfelt portrayal of human connection.
Coming-of-age drama set against backdrop of the one-child policy in China
Under the Radar: A Brief History of a Family is a Chinese film that draws inspiration from the one-child policy. The story revolves around an academic boy who is bullied by a jock, leading to an unexpected bond with the jock's family. The film delves into the pressures placed on parents and children as a result of the policy. It provides thought-provoking commentary on generational differences and the impact of a highly controlled society.
Quirky and heartfelt tale of an older woman's late-stage coming of age
Between the Temples is a quirky and heartfelt film that tells the story of Carla, a woman on a late-stage coming of age journey, and her connection with a grieving man named Jason. Set within a Jewish community, the film explores themes of spirituality, loss, and finding oneself. Jason Schwartzman and Carol Kane deliver excellent performances that showcase their range beyond their familiar types. With its specific textures and surprising moments, Between the Temples offers a charming and emotionally engaging experience.
Thought-provoking exploration of friendship and identity in the face of tragedy
Under the Radar: A Brief History of a Family is a Chinese film that delves into the complexities of friendship and family dynamics in the wake of tragedy. The story revolves around an academic boy who forms an unexpected bond with a jock's family. As the relationships evolve, the film offers a thought-provoking exploration of identity and the impact of societal policies. With its nuanced performances and precise filmmaking, A Brief History of a Family captivates audiences with its emotional depth and relatable themes.
It’s January, which means that your intrepid Film Comment crew is once again on the scene in snowy Park City, bringing you dispatches, interviews, and podcasts covering all the highlights of the 2024 edition. For the next week, we’ll be gathering the best critics on the scene to talk about each day’s premieres on the Podcast.
Today, Film Comment Co-Editor Devika Girish is joined by critics Robert Daniels (rogerebert.com), Guy Lodge (Variety), and FC contributor Madeline Whittle to discuss their recent viewing, including I Saw the TV Glow, It’s What’s Inside, Between the Temples, Love Me, and Brief History of a Family.
Catch up on all of our Sundance 2024 coverage here:
https://www.filmcomment.com/blog/category/festivals/sundance/sundance-2024/
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