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It Started With a Scream–and Ended With a Torch
*Spoilers for Scream (2022) below. Do not continue if you are not spoiled on Scream yet!*
It’s been nearly a week since Radio Silence’s highly-anticipated film Scream (2022) hit theaters and after 3 viewings (and a fourth tonight) I am thrilled to announce that this film is a true masterpiece. From directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, Scream is a love letter to fans of the franchise that has been lauded by critics and Scream fans alike and has delivered a screaming box office success. With a brisk pace and a tight script, the film manages to mix old and new blood brilliantly as the clock ticks down and the race to discover Ghostface’s identity begins. In some ways, Scream (2022) is almost a direct remake of Scream (1996) while still excelling as being its own film. A wonderful, entertaining, gripping horror film that both long-time fans as well as newcomers can enjoy. The perfect requel.
Quickly I just need to touch on how obsessed I am with the term “requel.” The entire point of this movie is that the killer is creating a requel–not quite a reboot, not quite a sequel. Get a new cast of characters and mix them with the legacy favs. The difficult part is creating a story that feels authentic and makes sense for these characters to engage. This film has that aspect down to a tee. Throw in a killer cast filled with unique and exciting performances and a motive that is unlike anything we’ve ever seen in the franchise and you truly have a perfect film. This movie has truly mastered the requel.
First and foremost, we HAVE to talk about this cast. This cast came in with confidence, knowing exactly what movie they were making and knowing exactly what makes a great Scream film. Standouts for me were Melissa Barrera (somehow a divisive performance in the fandom but she was my personal MVP), iconic modern scream queen Jenna Ortega (who I desperately hope is more involved in the action if we get a Scream 6), Jasmine Savoy Brown (playing a character trope we’ve NEVER seen in a horror film and doing it flawlessly) and Mason Gooding (sorry but the hottest Scream character ever in my opinion). It must be said though that I could truly consider every new character as a highlight–I loved them all that much.
And of course I have to mention the legacy characters, who I thought all had a chance to shine, particularly David Arquette, who gives his best performance in the franchise so far. Neve is stunning and perfect as always expected–I loved how tough she was this time around, a no- nonsense queen! Courteney Cox gives us the most mellowed out version of Gale yet, an ever-evolving character who has had the strongest arc in the franchise’s history. And what needs to be said about Sidney Prescott at this point?? The most iconic final girl of all time, the woman who barely give Ghostface the time of day this go-round because she’s just so over the shenanigans, one of the best movie characters of all time. Sidney is perfectly utilized in this movie. While she may not have the most screen-time (and has a significantly reduced amount of screen-time compared to the other films in the franchise), Neve Campbell makes the most of every second, giving us soccer mom realness and weathered survivor all in the same beat. Campbell’s performance is a highlight of this movie and largely serves as a reason why this film has achieved both critical and commercial success.
I also just want to quickly touch on the motive. I was not so completely sold the first time around but after a rewatch, I’m so excited to announce that I really enjoyed this movie’s motive for the killings. To me, the motive in a Scream film can make or break the entire piece–luckily here the killers’ reasons for happily murdering a slew of innocent people makes complete sense for a 2022 who-done-it slasher. The critique on toxic fandom, along with the film’s statement on how completely gate-keepery and protective movie fans can be of their favorite franchises is something that should resonate with the audience’s fans but will probably not work for everyone (and the majority of those who don’t like it are probably the ones the film is calling out). Personally I find the entire third act quite genius and I truly believe that, much like its predecessor, it will only be more revered with age.
One last newly-added element that must be addressed is the way paranoia infiltrates the friend group and adds a little extra chaos into the mix. The number of great moments sprung from this aspect alone are insurmountable; Chad anxiously telling Liv he thinks she could be the killer, the conversation in the basement between Amber and Mindy where they both have their poker face on, unsure if the other is the killer, but also implying that they could be the killer, Liv’s confrontation with Mindy in the movie room. These are some of my absolute favorite moments in the movie and it’s all because of the rampant paranoia spreading amongst the teens. Not only was this new element super relatable (if I was in the friend group I would not trust ANYONE) but it also gave the franchise’s 5th entry something new and different to play around with and I sincerely hope that if we’re lucky enough to get Scream 6 that this idea of anyone can be the killer so no once can be trusted is utilized and explored more.
After a lot of thought and consideration (and five rewatches at this point) I can confidently say that Scream (2022) is absolutely, completely incredibly without a doubt the best “requel” ever made. The cast and crew came together to give fans old and new something special. They knew how to make a Scream movie and they made a franchise-best (in some opinions) or at the very least, a worthwhile sequel to many people’s favorite film franchise. It’s safe to say that the torch has officially been passed and now we wait with bated breath (I made need to borrow Tara’s inhaler) for a potential Scream 6 announcement. For now, I’ll continue to see this movie in theaters at least once a week until it leaves and then will anxiously await for the DVD & Blu-ray release. It’s Sidney Prescott’s world–we’re just living in it!
The tea is hot and it’s Screaming!!!
Wesley
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The Cursed Review: Not Your Grandma’s Werewolf Movie
Last year’s Sundance captivated audiences with Sean Ellis’s newest film Eight For Silver, the visually stunning and atmospherically rich entry into pop culture’s werewolf movie catalogue, and offered a fresh and exciting glimpse into a subgenre that has inspired filmmakers for decades. Over a year later the film is finally released with a new cut and a new name–The Cursed–and while a few elements of this film did not completely stick the landing (I’m looking at you bad CGI), the ultimate product is a unique and hair-raising slow burn Gothic horror that leaves audiences enthralled, engaged and excited about the future of werewolf movie lore.
Seemingly simple, the plot of The Cursed does not leave much room for interpretation. The Romani, a nomadic group who have a legal claim to the land that wealthy and powerful aristocrat Seamus Laurent (Alistair Petrie) and his community live on, settle onto the land and start making a home for themselves. The cruel and cold Laurent immediately sics his loyal band of followers onto the group, resulting in an inhumane and bloody genocide that is unlike anything we’ve seen before on film. In the midst of the savagely brutal massacre, one scorned woman spits a furiously sharp curse that will quickly come around to haunt the colonials for their hateful crime.
The film takes off from there, as the entire village begins having the same horrifying nightmare of a disturbing scarecrow keeping watch over the open, empty fields. Soon children are consistently disappearing in the night and often found slain in the morning with evidence of animal mutilation. Laurent’s son, among several other children, goes missing after getting a nasty bite from an animal attack. Cue pathologist John McBride (Boyd Holbrook), a mysterious outsider who comes to investigate after hearing of the brutal killings happening inside the community. McBride states that he has encountered this exact situation before and knows how to help; soon he is knee-deep in constructing violent traps that will catch the predator and save the community. Luckily for McBride, his trap works and he quickly catches the culprit responsible for the killings. Bad news is, he’s up against something far worst than we the audience could’ve ever dreamed of–a werewolf/zombie hybrid monster who is triple the size of any human and ready to gnash its teeth into every man, woman and child’s flesh.
The strongest aspect of this film is by far Ellis’s absolutely immersive cinematography and his commitment to creating a terrifyingly bleak world these characters live in. The camerawork really set the tone of this film and delivers a sense of complete dread from beginning to end, never giving the audience a chance to breathe as we’re enveloped in haunting shot after haunting shot. Robin Foster’s score works in tandem with the cinematography, adding an upbeat element to the film and bringing the audience along for the thrill while still consistently keeping that dreadful nuance throughout. These two facets are what give this film an edge over other modern horror films and are likely what The Cursed will be remembered for in the future. It is also important to mention that while this story takes chances and positions itself to be somewhat unique, the heart of the story is unfortunately problematic. This movie portrays the Romani, referred to as “gypsies” in the film, as occult-worshipping Satanists who spout curses and turn children into werewolves. Its no secret at this point that this stereotype is offensive and honestly, a little tired. Ellis does go out of his way to try and build a narrative that strays from past cliches, and the Romani plot is not front and center after the first 15 minutes luckily, but the effects are felt and this did need to be addressed.
My other biggest complaint with this film is the CGI, specifically when it comes to the werewolf/zombie beast. When I say it looked like a combination of the two, I mean it in that I was unsure which it was really supposed to even be–it looked like they couldn’t decide and just kind of sloppily threw some ideas together to make this creature look different than anything we’ve seen before. It certainly did look different, and not in a good way, as I was completely distracted and taken out of the moment every time we got a glimpse of this very strange monster. That is the biggest bummer of all, as the cinematography and score are so tight and doing so much to make these creature moments impactful but alas, Ellis and co dropped the ball a bit here.
The performances are not to go unnoticed of course, as they are quite strong, though a bit subdued. Boyd Holbrook is perfect as John McBride as his calming but dedicated presence are what truly carry this film to the end. Alistair Petrie is incredibly hatable as Laurent and Kelly Reilly gives a memorable performance as Laurent’s wife Isabelle, the only person willing to believe McBride’s theory that werewolves are behind it all. The biggest standout of all was Roxane Duran as Anais, the woman who places the curse upon Laurent and his people. Her powerful performance radiates outrage, desperation and pain in a way that is almost palpable. I certainly will not be forgetting her turn as Anais any time soon.
Ultimately The Cursed is a refreshing take on an old trope that takes risks and offers something inventive. It mostly succeeds and the final result is a well-made werewolf flick that will delight most horror fans. This film by no means changes the game but it will hopefully open up doors for other filmmakers to explore this genre in a new light. If you love an atmospheric Gothic horror slow burn then The Cursed is absolutely the one for you.
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Nightmare Alley Review: Slow Burn Alley
Guillermo del Toro’s newest film Nightmare Alley is a darkly-twisted look into morality and social class in a way that has never quite been done before. This is exactly what I expected from the film but somehow it still completely differed from my expectations in the best possible way. I was waiting for something like an evil supernatural carny hiding in the Fun House waiting to gobble Bradley Cooper up, but alas all of the horror in this film comes straight from human nature and our tendencies to lean into the dark a little more than we sometimes should. Had I known this going in I think I would’ve had a different experience watching this movie, as I was just sitting there for 2 hours and 20 minutes wondering what was the point of this film?? What are we watching this for? Until THAT scene. Y’all know the one. The last one. The last scene of this movie where Bradley Cooper did the best acting he’s ever done?? Yeah, THAT ONE. And I was purely, as the kids say, “shook.”
This film is a slow burn, and that certainly is not everyone’s cup of tea, but if the payoff is worth the wait in the end then I can absolutely get behind a slow burn.Nightmare Alley details the story of Stan, a loner looking for work who ultimately gets mixed up into the carnival crowd–a decision that will forever alter the trajectory of his life as he gets swept up into a life of manipulation and deceit. Pushed to the brink to keep up with those around him, he soon parlays his newly-discovered talent for manipulating people into a toxic cesspool of money and success, the ultimate downfall caused only by his own refusal to consider people’s feelings and the consequences his wrongdoings could have. Essentially, that is the plot of this movie and there’s not too much else to it. The runtime is long but instead of using the 150 minutes to tell story, del Toro delves into the deep and dastardly minds a few cruel and cunning characters.
Although I was enjoying this movie the whole time I was watching it, there was a small part of my brain getting a little antsy about where this was going or why I should care. All I can say is I should’ve trusted del Toro and I will never doubt the man again. His mind people, HIS. MIND. He intricately yields this dark story of greed and deception with careful intention, rich characters and stunning imagery that will not soon be forgotten. Cooper is the standout here as he plays 3 different versions of Stan throughout the film (humble carny, arrogant and deceitful, literal carnival geek) and transitions into all three arcs with magnificent ease. His charm and charisma ooze through the screen in a way that really highlights Cooper as one of the most watchable actors of this generation. This is Cooper’s all-time best performance in my opinion, and the fact that he was robbed of an Oscar nomination is truly sickening!
Future Oscar winner Bradley Cooper Of course I have to talk about the other shining star of this movie, Oscar Winner and Perfect Icon Cate Blanchett as Doctor Lillith Ritter who really ate up the second half of this film and left no crumbs. Of course Blanchett is always incredible but she really stands out here–I could not take my eyes off of her every time she was on screen. Everything about the performance just exudes power and confidence in a way that I have not seen many other actresses do. By the time I got to the end of the film and the big twist was revealed, I could not stop screaming about how iconic Ms. Lillith is. The combination of quiet watchfulness mixed with calculating coolness breathes chilling life into the second half and keeps the momentum going through what could’ve been a slog. The sheer determination to get one over on a man who thought he was so smart, the months and months she spent planting seeds to ensure his downfall, the absolutely coldness she serves when confronting Stan with the truth. Truly just magnificent in every way and worthy of an Oscar nomination in my eyes. Cooper and Blanchett together are magical and my favorite part of this film were the scenes with them. Can we get a Cooper/Blanchett RomCom next please?????
I’m obsessed with them I would be remiss not to mention the supporting cast, who are literally all so good (with the exception of Rooney Mara, who I thought seemed bored and miscast in this role–sorry to drag you Rooney). Toni Collette does the best she can with a small role and was still memorable (as always), Willem Dafoe was wonderfully and whimsically spooky as Clem, and Richard Jenkins gives us desperation and despair in the tragic role of Ezra Grindle. There was not one bad performance in this movie and although most had small parts besides the leads, everyone was doing the most to ensure a quality film across the board.
The last thing I must mention is the production design–literally every single part of it. The carnival scenes were stunning, the set piece of Lillith’s office was perfect, mysterious yet serious and somehow exuding an air of impending doom, the mansion and woods at the end of the last act. Not only were the sets to die for but the cinematography was so easy on the eyes. I truly never wanted to take my eyes off the screen.
Overall, yes it’s true that this movie ~could~ have been shorter. While I was watching it, this was all I could think about. Yet when I got to the end, and that full circle moment was revealed, I absolutely understood why they took such care of the time provided, to give us all the backstory, all the drama, so that moment payed off. In my opinion, it was paid off and then some. You have to be a fan of the slow burn to enjoy this film, but I promise if those types of movies are up your (nightmare) alley then this is one film to absolutely check out.
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West Side Story Review: The MVP Film of 2021!
Critically acclaimed director Steven Spielberg is at it again, this time with a new version of the classic musical West Side Story and off the bat I just have to say–this is THE movie musical for the ages. I truly cannot think of a better movie musical in the last decade and I will stand! by! that! statement! Just need to throw that out there off the bat–I LOVED this movie and will be screaming its praises from the rooftops for years to come!!!
Tony and Maria, doomed from the start!!! Everyone knows the story of West Side Story; it is an adaption of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet so there really aren’t any surprises, and this is a pretty faithful adaption of the stage show, so in that regard there are no big surprises or changes made. Any changes made were honestly necessary to improve the pacing and character development which suffer at times in the stage version (in my opinion sorryyyy). I’ve seen the show on stage a few times and the original movie (which won the Best Picture Oscar and is considered by some as one of the GOAT films) once and to be completely honest, I’ve just never really resonated with the story, songs or characters before–that is, until Mr. Spielberg made it his personal mission to prove me wrong, to show me that West Side Story is gorgeous and heartbreaking and emotional, and he was RIGHT! I’m completely and utterly obsessed.
The primary reason that I fell in love was because of the cast. The ensemble that Spielberg and co put together is other-worldly, an impeccably crafted group consisting of new talent, Broadway vets, legends and everything in-between. I want to personally thank every single person who was part of this film (except a certain someone named ***** ******) because this is something that y’all should be celebrated for and so proud of.
Sharks v Jets My personal MVP of the film is newcomer Rachel Zegler, who I’ve been following for few years on YouTube and have been anxiously awaiting this breakout moment for her. Unsurprisingly, Zegler absolutely did NOT disappoint! The amount of depth she brings to Maria is unlike I’ve ever seen–the sheer innocence, the yearning to be part of changing something, someone who loves so intensely but hates so intensely in the end. The range of emotion Zegler displays as we go on this journey with Maria really sells the entire movie for me; when she’s sad, we’re in despair, when she’s happy we’re on Cloud 9, when she hates we loathe entirely. And the switch from young passionate lover to someone willing to kill was just perfectly executed. I could go on and on about how much I love Rachel Zegler! And! That! Voice! God. Oh my Goooood. We love golden pipes!!! She has a chance to break into the Oscar race and I really hope she does.
Rachel Zegler, the shiniest star! Ariana DeBose, who is also getting a ton of praise and acclaim for her turn as Anita, gives an incredibly powerhouse performance and has potentially earned herself an Oscar win in the process. She is the other shining star of this movie, the heart and soul along with Maria. DeBose is a true force of nature, a real firecracker and complete and utter star. The acting, the singing, the dancing, she is a triple threat who dazzles from beginning to end. There was a moment in the theater during “America” where I was like….yeah this movie is IT and that was largely because of Ariana DeBose. She is electric on screen and I truly will not be surprised if she goes home with that Best Actress award, which is looking more and more likely by the day.
Ariana DeBose strutting to an Oscar nomination Tony nominee Mike Faist as Riff and Tony winner David Alvarez as Bernardo are perfect in their roles–leaders of their respective gangs who are loyal to the core and will do anything to prove it. And also both very gorgeous which I certainly appreciated! Alvarez was so engaging that any time he was on screen I was watching him. Truly just an extremely pure talent through and through. I was also particularly impressed with Mike Faist only because he does not exude gang leader of the bat but really sells himself in the role; I guess that’s what we call acting folks. Plus whoever decided to put him in a tank-top deserves a raise. Lastly Rita Moreno, who of course won the Oscar for playing Anita in the 1961 film version, gives a stunning performance as new character Valentina. Most of the changes made from the stage show have to do with her character and she proves why that was a change made for the better–absolutely loved her and her heart-wrenching version of “Somewhere.”
Cutie Jets All of the technical aspects of this movie must not go unnoticed though. The camera work for this film is so insanely good. I was in it the whole time and never once thought “is this movie almost over?” which I attribute to how engaging the cinematography was. Additionally, the set pieces were so unique and really added to the film overall. I can think of so many sets in this movie that stood out to me and I better see this film honored for it’s production design!
Lastly, the choreography has to be mentioned because that was the best part of the film to me. I’ve heard some criticism about the choreo being potentially lazy or out of place but I never really felt this way. Perhaps I was so dazzled by the overall spectacle that I didn’t really notice, but I will be on the lookout for that on a rewatch. Anyways, I need to specifically mention the “Cool” scene, my favorite of the movie, which took the best set with the best song and made for the best scene. He Who Must Not Be Named (if you don’t know about the Elgort controversy, go correspond with Google and then come back to me) and Mike Faist had a really dynamic energy that just exploded on screen. Really amazing work on that scene. The other electric duo of the film were Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose, whose rendition of “A Boy Like That/I Have a Love” is just completely on a different level from anything else in this film. Wowowowow. Icons. Love them.
Grease who??? To be honest, I could keep going about this movie. There is so much to say, so much to praise, little to critique in my opinion. I was sobbing by the end and woke up thinking about it immediately the next day. I can’t wait to watch it again and to show it to friends who I know will appreciate it. Amazing job to all involved!!!
The verdict is in: the tea is scalding hot! Watch this as SOON as you can!!!
Xoxo,
Wesley
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the Power of the Dog Review: The Power of the Twink
Netflix’s newest original film The Power of the Dog is a Western drama from Oscar-winning director Jane Campion that seems slow and boring on the surface but ultimately explodes with enough drama, passion and homoeroticism that audiences have been left completely stunned. Literal ice tea, shaken and STIRRED baby. And the TEA is that this film is absolutely iconique, which is why I sincerely need y’all to give it a chance!!!
The Power of Bronco Henry The plot is fairly simple and easy to follow–wealthy brothers Phil (a rugged and cruel Benedict Cumberbatch) and George (a sweet and sensitive Jesse Plemmons) stop by single mother Rose’s (a completely lovely Kirsten Dunst) diner during a cattle drive. During dinner, Phil continues to mock and berate Rose’s son Peter (a brilliantly subtly sassy Kodi Smit-McPhee) for his homemade flower decorations and lack of “masculinity” (what is that??? we don’t know her?). George is immediately taken by Rose and the two quickly get married and, with Peter, move into the giant ranch mansion that Phil and George share, to the upmost chagrin of Phil, who believe Rose only married George for their money. Phil has no problem imposing his extreme dislike of Rose publicly, which quickly pushes her into alcoholism and clinical depression. Peter’s budding relationship with his new Uncle Phil pushes her further over the brink, as Phil and Peter continue to grow closer by the day until the moment that changes the course of everything.
That’s it. That’s the whole film and it’s INCREDIBLE and it so subtly homosexual but at the same time it isn’t really… subtle at all? Iykyk lolol. The more the audience learns about Phil’s past (and a seemingly passionate relationship with a one Bronco Henry) the more the plot of the movie goes up in the air, as it’s truly impossible to predict where this film is going in the end. However, I am here to tell y’all that it is GAY and you will LOVE IT. That’s all you should need to literally go RUN and watch this film!!!
This film is going to be nominated and this film is going to WIN Oscars luvs. Period. To be quite honest I have never been super impressed with Cumberbatch in any of his roles but this performance was truly next level.
I loved the *** and ***** shots the mostThe complexities brought to Phil were masterclass, worthy of all the praise he is getting and absolutely worthy of an Oscar win. Currently my personal choice to win Best Actor this year. Jesse Plemmons brings the perfect contrast to Phil as the kind-hearted George, a man who has put up with decades of abuse from his brother and still remains a sensitive and nice person. Plemmons brings a rich sweetness to the role, honestly doing more than the script really gave him because he’s just that good. I really wish he had a little more to do in this film because Plemmons is naturally just so fantastic but the writers didn’t come through this time and I hate that for us!Kirsten Dunst is simply phenomenal as the deteriorating Rose, whose arc from kind mother to completely perished alcoholic is one of the most compelling parts of the film. Dunst’s acting prowess shines as she navigates the widest range of emotions; her big scene towards the end is one that stands out to me most about this film and is the reason that I’m really eager for her to hopefully get her first Oscar nomination!!! Truly great work from Kirsten and I can’t wait to see what else she does in the near future! Lastly, but in my opinion most importantly, is Kodi Smit-McPhee’s perfectly calculated performance as the outsider Peter. I haven’t identified with a character like I did with Peter in a LONG time and Smit-McPhee is a huge reason why–plus he was absolutely serving in that tall cowboy hat. I’m almost positive that Peter is a Capricorn (this man was giving me complete Capricorn energy) but the way that he manipulated Phil and turned he and his mom’s entire situation around on its head completely blew my mind. The entire last 30 minutes had me so completely enthralled, so excitingly on the edge of my seat! I was SCREAMING and yet I couldn’t look away. So. So. Good.
Rose on the verge of a complete breakdown 
Serving in tall hats! Jane Campion’s direction is the absolute definition of perfect. She is so distinctly precise, like a surgeon at work who has done this a million times and knows exactly what the gays want. And honey???? She gives it to us in spades! Campion’s expertise is highlighted most in the cigarette scene (yes THAT SCENE) and is truly one of the most sensual I’ve ever seen. This is a scene that I will be thinking about, rewatching and dissecting for years to come (nothing but respect for MY Henry Bronco!). I also must give cinematographer Ari Wagner a HUGE shout-out, as her vision of the rolling Montana mountains and lush landscape really set the tone of this film. There is so much said (and unsaid) through her visionary use of angles, lighting and shadows. My eyes truly could not get enough! Lastly, the score by Jonny Greenwood is perfect for the film and really ties everything together nicely! The score behind the scene where Rose sells the hides sticks and the chaotic aftermath sticks out as one of the most impactful I’ve seen in a film this year. Truly loved it.
King of Gays Lastly I just have to praise the critique on toxic masculinity. While Phil stomps around, demanding respect and asserting his masculinity, Peter quietly demonstrates what it means to be to be a “real man” (whatever THAT is) through how he protects his mom and outsmarts Phil in the end. There’s nothing more masculine than seeing your mom in a toxic and dangerous situation and expertly planning her escape (and yours by proxy). Incredibly expert and effective take on “manliness” in my opinion.
The Power of the Dog is a stunning family drama, a gay romance, a revenge film and a Western drama all at the same time–but somehow it works PERFECTLY. I am hardcore rooting for this film come awards season, as I truly believe it should win the Best Picture Oscar and firmly believe it will be a serious contender. I would like to thank Bronco Henry and the Academy in advance for any nominations. Now go watch this film!!! (And then tweet me hehe). The verdict is in: Bronco Henry has brewed tea and it is HOT!
Xoxo,
Your favorite Power Twink,
Wesley
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Spencer Review: Lady Diana visits the Overlook Hotel
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that Lady Diana soon would be there. Spoiler alert: she won’t. Our first glimpse of the Princess introduces us to her as lost. Lost, indeed she is. Physically, she can’t find Sandringham Estate where the rest of the royal family anxiously awaits her arrival. Mentally, she’s desperate to be anywhere else entirely, lost in an avalanche of pain and extreme anxiety as she heads to the estate for a 3-day Christmas celebration. Attempting to simultaneously drive and read a map (oh yes the horror, an actual paper map–the first of many horrors to come during this 2-hour journey with Diana) Diana is already late and the clock is ticking. She ultimately does find her way (only after taking the time to pull over and walk halfway across a field where an old scarecrow sits, still donning her father’s jacket from when her family lived there years and years before) and chatting with the head chef of the Royal Family, who just happened to be passing by. He begs her to get in the car and go to the palace but she evades his questions and concerns. “Will they kill me do you think?” she asks him, seemingly because she is so late, although it’s unclear whether she meant something else entirely. Finally Diana arrives but unfortunately it’s too late and the biggest crime has already been committed–Diana has arrived to the palace after the Queen herself. As the music builds and the tension rises, Diana pulls up to the estate knowing well and good that she’s in for a long weekend full of stress, strife and stoicism. Happy Christmas!
Upon arriving at the palace, it is immediately clear that Diana is not in the right state of mind to withstand suffering through these next 3 days. Between issues with bulimia, paranoia about her husband’s relationship with his mistress and a perpetual coldness the Royal family displays towards her, Diana has nothing to lean on but her boys, the only real light in her life and the only reason she is willing to endure Christmas weekend at the Royal palace. Diana’s relationship with her boys is the heart of the film and a huge reason why it’s my #1 of the year. There is one scene in particular, in which the trio is playing a game of “Soldier” where they ask each other questions and must tell the truth no matter what, that really highlights how special their relationship is and how much her pain is affecting them. The emotional gravitas that her mental health issues have on these young boys highlights the issue in a way that some people may have never even considered–but it’s extremely clear that they are both just as affected as she is and that is truly tragic and heartbreaking.
Over the course of the film Diana continues to slip deeper and deeper into extreme paranoia and despair–to the point where she envisions herself eating the pearl necklace that Prince Charles once gave her, cuts her arm with wire cutters 5 minutes before Christmas dinner, and even envisions herself as Anne Boleyn on the chopping block at one point (this is the highest point of camp in the film but I was HOLLERING the first time in the theaters–truly loved it) (yes I said first time, I have seen this movie in theaters 4 times hehehe). Everything culminates in Diana running away from Christmas dinner in a fit of anguish and literally sprinting to her old house, now abandoned and boarded up. This is ~the~ moment of the film–the moment where Diana finally has a cathartic moment, finally the moment where she breaks through and realizes that she deserves better and our Princess (and the audience) finally get to just breathe. The last 20 minutes of the film really let up on the horror elements and the ending is simply perfect–Diana and her boys, eating KFC, enjoying each other’s company away from the hostility of everything going on with the royals. It’s wonderful.
Running away from Christmas dinner Speaking of wonderful, this! movie! is! WONDERFUL! It’s everything. Truly everything. A biopic of its own kind, part horror, part thriller, part drama, part character study and even a little bit of camp at times. Kristen Stewart absolutely and completely shines in the role of the brilliant and enigmatic Diana, on the brink of a complete meltdown in front of the entire world and doing her best to hold it together (without much success). Her acting prowess is on full display here–the facial expressions, the accent, the internalization of a woman so desperate to escape a doomed situation, the perfect encapsulation of our beloved Princess of Wales as if she was a character in a Stephen King novel. I could write an entire 10 page essay on why her acting in this film is a masterclass in subtlety. For now I’ll say all the hype towards Kristen Stewart is real, everything you’ve heard is true, she is THE moment and this is HER movie. Point blank period. The queen of cinema herself. I’m completely and utterly obsessed with her and everything she’s doing in this incredible film. Director Pablo Larrain demonstrates that he knows EXACTLY what he’s doing and has created a film that fuses my 2 favorite dramas–horror and iconic actresses portraying women on the verge of a breakdown–in a way that I don’t believe anyone else could do better and for that this man should be CELEBRATED!
The supporting cast is just as strong, and though most of the parts are relatively small they all play their part in making this juggernaut what it is. I specifically want to shout-out Sally Hawkins as the trustworthy and understanding Maggie, Diana’s dresser and the only person she can trust besides her kids. Hawkins brings a necessary lightness to the movie, especially in the last 20 minutes, that allows us to finally breathe and move forward with the Princess. I also want to highlight Jack Farthing’s performance as Prince Charles–
he was extremely hothe exudes coldness and cruelty that makes Diana’s paranoia understandable and believable. Aside from the scene with Diana and her boys playing soldier, the other scene in this film that really stands out to me is the snookers table scene between Diana and Charles where the two go head to head when Diana confronts her husband about his infidelities. The intensity, the drama, the emotion from Diana and lack-thereof from Charles, it’s all just completely and truly incredible cinema in every single way. I could honestly write something for every single member of the cast because they are all that great. Sean Harris is the silent MVP of the film and should not go unnoticed either!
. The incredible snookers scene. The emotion on her face luv!!! Moving on with the list of things I absolutely have to gush about, the cinematography from Claire Mathon!!!! Wagner somehow manages to make a huge mansion feel so very tiny, so excruciatingly suffocating. Every single shot is simply gorgeous and I’m not sure why she isn’t being talked about more for an Oscar contender because to me this should be literally winning the entire Oscar category; honestly sickening that she isn’t being talked about more. Lastly Johnny Greenwood’s score is the perfect combination of complete dread mixed with royal Christmas coldness–does that even make sense??? It does now!!! I was listening to the score in the car the other day and I literally started to panic because of how anxiety-inducing it was. The score ultimately brings the whole film together with a nice bow, bridging the gap between horror/thriller and historical drama. Hopefully Greenwood will be nominated for Best Score (although he potentially could be nominated for The Power of the Dog instead, which would be completely perfect as well!!!)
The last thing I want to touch on are the themes and motif in this film. While they obviously didn’t work for everyone (we’re all looking at you, Ms. Boleyn) I thought they were all interesting and positively impactful to the story. I specifically liked the necklace, THE necklace, the necklace that Charles gave to both Diana and her (aka Camilla Parker Bowles) and the weight it was having on her, a little chain around her neck tying her to this hideous family. The moment where Diana finally breaks the necklace is the moment she breaks through to the feeling of freedom; it was beautiful. I also personally enjoyed the Anne Boleyn analogy; I found it relevant and a bit hilarious in all the right ways.
The pearls Overall, this movie is, well, EVERYTHING TO ME. Really truly everything to me. My favorite of the year. Probably in my Top 3 Favorite Movies of all time. Kristen’s stunning performance as Lady Di is also in my Top 3 favorite performances of all time–potentially even #1. I am DESPERATE for her to win that Best Actress Oscar and will be truly, completely heartbroken if she doesn’t. Which is honestly so dumb because usually my favorite doesn’t win so I shouldn’t even be concerned about it but I AM DAMNIT and you should be too!!!!!
I’ve been referring to this film as Lady Di meets Black Swan meets The Shining because that’s exactly what it is. I need more of this genre immediately because there are truly so many avenues it could go. The psychologically disturbing elements of this movie are what make it stand out as a modern classic, an absolute great. When I tell you to watch this movie ASAP, I mean l i t e r a l l y NOW. I could not recommend any movie more than I do this one. We love you Ms. Spencer!!!
Diana and her boys The verdict is in: the tea is PIPING HOT!!!! Watch this as soon as you can!
Xoxo,
Wesley
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Hello World!
Welcome to Pop Culture Tea Time, home of discussing everything movies and TV through both a queer and critical lens. My name is Wesley Alexander and I’m a media junkie from Dallas, Tx, ready to share the discourse and spill ALL the tea about new and movies/shows and how they’re impacting the industry, the media and most importantly, us aka the lovely audience! Follow this blog if you’re looking for a little bit of snark, an obsession with the Best Actress race and a lot of love for the Nicole Kidman ad that plays before every movie at the AMC!
Can’t wait to talk some movie magic!!!
Xoxo, your fav Gossip Girl
Wesley
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