By 
By Roger Costa
THE NIGHT OF THE 12th
Winning big at this year’s Cesar Awards with 6 major prizes, including Best Film, Director and Adapted Screenplay, director Dominik Moll’s latest thriller follows an intense investigation on the case of a young woman who was set on fire after leaving a party at a remote Alpine town. A captivating suspense crafted with classic elements of the genre, such as complexity and elegance, it brings an enigmatic performance by Bastien Bouillon as the detective protagonist, who was also awarded with the Cesar for Best New Promising Actor. An intelligent, stylish and provocative murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.
(Film Movement. Quad Cinema, NYC. The Clairidge Montclair NJ)
STAY AWAKE
How many times can you forgive someone who keeps on failing on your expectations for self improvement? How can you cope with a loved one’s addiction? These are the haunting questions constantly stranding two young brothers as they continuously care for their mom’s incidents and drastic consequences related to her addiction. Addressing America’s hottest topic on drugs with poignancy, and warning about the effects it causes on children and their choices for the future, director Jamie Sisley’s personal account of his memories while coming of age is an efficient, beautifully observed, profoundly humane drama for out times. Wyatt Oleff and Fin Argus win our hearts as the brothers, while Chrissy Metz as their self-destructive mother, gives a career-changing performance, so nuanced, realistic and meticulously focused on silent moves and resentment feelings, the kind of acting work that instantly announces her as an awards contender. Winner of a Special Mention at Berlin Film Festival, Sisley composes a remarkably moving love/sorrow letter to family bond and the power of resilience.
(MarVista Entertainment. 5/19. Film Forum.)
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Who has never thought of yourself as an overworked, abused or underestimated employee? Who has never doubted and compared the colleagues’ qualifications while feeling as a victim of the workplace? Who has never considered oneself professional enough to deserve and earn fair salary raises? Well, these thought-provoking and very real questions come to life in the form of a satirical take on the workplace, an absurdist female-revenge tale turned into a gore fest. For years working as the secretary of a Cleaning supplies company, Ines thinks is time for a raise, as everyone else in the company is getting it. But her boss disagrees, and only insists that she keeps quiet, doing her best, which includes providing him blowjobs. In one of such occasions, a freaky accident occurs, leaving him bleeding to death after a serious wound in his head. Everything is watched by the young intern, who happens to be the very educated and promising daughter of the company’s cleaning lady. She suggests they’d cover up the accident, and that leads to a series of other horrifying, hilarious murders inside the office, as they try to avoid punishment. The result is a deadpan, debaucherous, cynical and chaotic dark comedy, brilliantly directed and co-written by Véronique Jadin. Anyone who has ever thought about getting rid of your boss will quickly identify with this pitch-perfect fun hot plate.
(Film Movement. Now streaming on Digital Platforms and via www.filmmovement.com )
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