Create something to fear. “The First Omen” (2024)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Arkasha Stevenson
© 2024 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Monday sounds like a great day for some horror, right? So I can definitely recommend you “The First Omen”, which is actually not another lame sequel, but a wonderfully produced prequel to the famous series. If you haven’t seen “Omen” (1976) and the following parts, there’s nothing to worry, because this prequel, even though it’s made in 2024, explains the beginning of the story and finishes exactly where “Omen” starts. So you can freely start with the prequel and then move on with the old series. In fact, since I’d known“Omen” when watching this prequel, I already knew how it would end, so I spoilt it to myself. But that didn’t have any influence on my experience and I personally believe this is the best prequel I’ve seen in years, or even ever. Everything starts with a woman named Margaret (Nell Tiger Free), a novice nun from the USA, who comes to Italy to take her vows (in less religious words – to become a full-time nun totally dedicated to god). She gets to know little girls living at the orphanage run by the nun, and she particularly focuses on Carlita (Nicole Sorace), a teenager who’s always kept away from others because of her evil vibes. The girl seems to be frightened and Margaret wishes to bond with her. In the meantime, before taking the vows, Margaret is persuaded by her roommate to have fun for the last time. They dress up in very non-nun-ish clothes and go clubbing. And that night changes a lot in Margaret’s life. Doom, doom, doom… The rest you need to see yourselves. Even though I knew the end (because I knew the beginning of “Omen”), I still had a lot of fun watching this prequel. It’s not scary in the way that you’ll experience many jump scares. It’s actually deeply disturbing, so you feel uncomfortable for the whole time. And I know that most people choose horrors to feel the thrill and have something to hide under the blanket from. However, this film must be watched mindfully, because from the technical point of view it’s a masterpiece. The way the pictures tell the story is beyond my imagination. What’s more, it’s actually the director’s feature debut! Insane! Dear Arkasha, please keep making films! All those details and incredible precision has been noticed and appreciated. So if you think it’s another boring horror about nuns and devil – you’re so wrong. In fact, this prequel made me want to rewatch the series, so if I don’t post anything, I’m probably possessed. Just so you know.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Silence is not emptiness. “Viktor” (2024)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Olivier Sarbil
© 2024 Protozoa Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Since my last post was about the Deaf community, I’ve decided to continue this topic and recommend you one more film. This time, it’s a documentary that caught my attention during a festival and it was the first one I chose to see. Why? Because it tells the story of Viktor Korotovskyi, a Ukrainian man, presenting his everyday life during the Russian invasion of his country. I know that we’ve got many productions about the war happening there, but this one is quite unique because it’s told from the perspective of a deaf person. Viktor is a healthy and hard-working man, who wishes to support his nation and fight for Ukraine, just like other patriots there. However, no matter how much bravery and commitment he has to give, his lack of hearing becomes a significant problem. Perhaps in other jobs it’s manageable to co-work with such barrier, but not in the army. Hearing is extremely important on the battlefield, because each soldier has to be attentive and react as fast as possible, either it’s an order from the officer, an alarm or even a cry for help from another soldier. Even though it seems reasonable, during the documentary you may feel this hurtful injustice. Especially if you empathise with Viktor, who seems to be incredibly frustrated about the whole situation. And then you realise that there’s something worse than losing – it’s not being able to do anything. Despite your motivation and skills, you’re forced to sit and watch. And wait – either of victory or death. I’m aware that the story of Viktor is extreme, because it’s happening during an actual war, but this film should be a lesson to us all about the everyday life of people with different disabilities. We should understand that accessibility is horribly important, even if it’s for the minority. Once again, I totally understand the decision not to recruit a deaf person to be a soldier on the battlefield, because it’s dangerous and irresponsible. Still, adding subtitles to videos is not a big deal, and it already makes a difference. Building a ramp or putting a piece of information about the accessibility of the place? Also not so difficult, yet how helpful! Not rejecting people based on their disabilities but purely based on their actual skills? How simple! If I had to describe this documentary with one word, I’d say “helplessness”. And I believe it’s the most disgusting feeling you may experience. So let’s try not to make others feel this way, shall we? Also, except the story itself, this film is beautiful. I loved all the shots, the camera work, even the black and white pictures (even though I’m not such a fan of it nowadays). In fact, one of the producers is Darren Aronofsky and you can definitely see a pinch of his mind there. Sometimes, I even forgot I was watching a documentary, so if you’re not a fan of classic documentaries, this one should catch your attention. And of course – Slava Ukraini!

My rating: 7/10
S.

Separate, but one. “Children of a Lesser God” (1986)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Randa Haines
© 1986 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Today, I’m inviting you to the world of sound and silence. Perhaps some of you know this film, especially if you’ve been following Oscars for many years. “Children of a Lesser God” received 5 nominations to Oscars in 1987 and there was even one winner, but I’ll get back to that later on. The title might be confusing because the main topic here aren’t any children, but a relation between the world of hearing and deaf. At the beginning, we get to know James Leeds (William Hurt), a very charismatic teacher, who’s just started working at a school for deaf and hard-of-hearing children. He can hear and his task is to exercise speaking with the students, because, according to him, speaking and making sounds is very important, even if someone has lost their hearing. One day, the teacher meets another employee, Sarah (Marlee Matlin), who’s deaf. The man is very much attracted to her, but the woman doesn’t share the same feelings. She refuses to use her voice or read lips, so the only way of communication she accepts is signing. This way she also protests against forcing deaf people to use their voice as they already have their own language. So those two don’t seem like a good match, but they just need some time to realise there’s a way to connect both worlds. I’m very much interested in sign languages and the culture of deaf people, so to me such productions are always fascinating. When it comes to the relation between James and Sarah, I’d say it’s a classic love story – first they hate each other, then they share the bed and laugh about their beginnings. Who would have thought? However, the fact that one of them is hearing and another one is deaf makes the relation more complex. James doesn’t want to push his students to use voices because he doesn’t respect them. He simply believes that such skill may help them in life, and I kind of agree. Still, I also think that sign languages should be considered the deaf’s first language and teaching them additional skills should be optional. Imagine being a hearing person who is forced to use signs to communicate. You don’t know them at first, it’s strange to you, because you’ve always used your voice, but the society wants you to adapt and use signs. And now, turn the things around – that’s how ridiculous it is for the deaf to be forced to use hearing aids and speak with their voice. Of course, if someone decides to choose this way, great, it’s their life and it’s in accordance to their values. But such practices shouldn’t be any standard. I know some deaf and hard-of-hearing people, who share various opinions, but there’s one point they all agree on: it’s their damn decision. Period. So I appreciate this film for sharing such message and teaching viewers to build relations while respecting each other’s abilities and barriers. Also, you can see the youngest Oscar winner in this production and also the first deaf actress to win this award! Yes, Marlee Matlin stole the show with her wonderful performance and made history. So if you’re still wonderfing whether you should watch this film, I guess you know my answer.

My rating: 7/10
S.

None of us can stand back and watch what’s going on. “Yintah” (2024)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Jennifer Wickham, Brenda Michell & Michael Toledano
© 2024 Yintah Film. All Rights Reserved.

Imagine you’re living your life, you feel safe and satisfied with what’s around you, you share time with people who want to live just like you do. And then, someone comes and says that everything will change, without letting you decide on yourself. Here I present you the story of “Yintah”. The Wet’suwet’en nation has been living on their own territories for many years. They have their own rules and traditions that let them coexist with each other and mother nature in peace. There’s a saying that money can’t bring you happiness, and perhaps that’s true. But what I know for sure is that money can destroy you. According to law, the Wet’suwet’en nation is responsible for their own territory and they are the ones who make decisions regarding it. Until some businessmen appear and choose to take that right away from them. One day, the people of Wet’suwet’en find out that Canadian authorities agreed to build gas pipelines going through their “yintah” – their land. As you can imagine, they protested and didn’t even let anyone cross the border. Unfortunately, banners and engaged owners of the territory won’t change a thing when there’s big money to be earned. So the builders are slowly trying to start the process, but they forget about one thing – whatever’s on the Wet’suwet’en territory automatically belongs to them. And this nation will not give up so easily. Wonderful documentary presenting a horrible war between indigenous people and big corportations. We hear lovely statements from politicians about respecting and supporting minorities, but then, the same people allow to destroy homes. Was it depressing to watch? Well, maybe I’ll surprise you, but no. Of course, I could see how unfair that war was, but at the same time I admired those people’s energy, courage and bravery to fight for their land. They kept searching for new ideas and ways to protect themselves, which really gave me hope that they could win in the end. Did they? Well, find out yourself! Surely, it’s one of the most powerful documentaries I’ve recently seen. To finish this post with a pinch of positivity, I’ve searched for some phrases in the language of the Wet’suwet’en and I found a perfect life motto: “Cas bighwësih tl’ok” – meaning “Never laugh at a grizzly bear.”

My rating: 7/10
S.

Grotesque and disgusting. “The Big Feast” (“La grande bouffe”, 1973)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Marco Ferreri
© 1973 Films 66. All Rights Reserved.

If you’re looking for something to watch while having a meal, don’t choose this one. DO NOT choose this one. I made this mistake and I had to stop the film to finish my lunch in peace. Just as the title says, you’re about to experience a big feast. So what happens during that film? Are they eating and that’s it? Well, pretty much, yes. But there’s more to notice if you look closely. We get to know four friends, who have way too much money and way too much time to waste. Classic upper class. And as you can imagine, they come up with a “brilliant” idea to spend a weekend in a villa and eat themselves to death. No, I haven’t made a mistake and your reading skills are on point – they want to commit suicide by eating huge amounts of food. Why? Because they can. And that last sentence is the perfect summary of this story. So, the spoilt men have a villa, lots of food, and the only thing they’re missing is sex to feel completely satisfied. Here come some lovely ladies, whose job is to keep the eaters company. What you see next is exactly what you might be expecting. They eat, have sex, eat, talk about pointless things, eat, fart, eat, waste oxygen as human parasites, eat… So why am I recommending this film? Firstly, it’s super weird and sometimes we need to watch something that surprises us. Oh this one does, trust me. Secondly, I really like the idea behind the story. The director presents upper class in the most suitable environment, where they can be themselves. They only care about pleasing themselves and even if they have enough, they still want more. Why? Because they can. They could spend money in order to help others, they could share this food with those who need it, they could build healthy relationships instead of pleasing themselves with the use of prostitutes. But they choose the easier way. Why? Everybody, say it with me: BECAUSE THEY CAN! I felt both disgusted and amused by this production, but also got some food for thought (this expression fits perfectly right now). I believe the director had a marvellous idea to make such film and even if it may seem disgusting at so many levels, try to watch and reflect on it yourselves.

My rating: 6/10
S.

One of us has to go. “Endless Summer Syndrome” (“Le syndrome de l’été sans fin”, 2023)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Kaveh Daneshmand
© 2023 Libra Rising. All Rights Reserved.

One of my friends said I should watch this film because his mind was blowing several times during watching. Well, perhaps mine was a bit calmer, but I appreciate this recommendation, because it is a very interesting production. We get to know a family of four: Delphine and Antoine (Sophie Colon & Mathéo Capelli) and their two adopted children Adia and Aslan (Frédérika Milano & Gem Deger). The boy is soon to leave the family home because he’s moving to New York for his studies, so the family is enjoying their last week of the summer together. One day, Delphine answers a phone call and some anonymous lady says she’s a friend of Antoine, her husband. Apparently, the man got drunk one night and told her that he’s having an affair with one of their children. Delphine doesn’t believe her because she’s used to such calls trying to disturb their family peace, but it seems like this information won’t be that simply forgotten. Delphine starts observing her husband and notices some weird chemistry between him and their daughter Adia. The main idea for the film is very disturbing, because it doesn’t only pictures pedophilia, but also gives us the topic of incest in a bit different shades. I mean, in the end those those two adults are the children’s parents on paper, but they are not biologically connected. Obviously, it seems outrageous to learn about a parent-child romantic relation, but at the same time they are biological strangers… Incredibly difficult topic that could be perfect for some philosophy class at Harvard, so I give up here. So as I said, the idea for the film caught my attention, but I already knew what plot twists are waiting for us at the beginning. Except one – and that was the ending. And I have to say that the ending is brilliant! I thought nothing could surprise me anymore, but then… chapeau bas! The ending gave me chills and it made me reflect on it for some time, because it’s a rather open ending, so you have to guess yourselves. Perhaps I’d rate the film a bit lower because of the too slow pace, in my opinion, but the ending was such a cherry on top of a chocolate cake that I’m glad to rate it higher. And I recommend you to watch it. I’m wondering what ending you come up with.

My rating: 7/10
S.

They were chosen by god, we were chosen by FBI. “Coexistence, My Ass!” (2025)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Amber Fares
© 2025 My Teez Production. All Rights Reserved.

Here comes a fact that you don’t know about me and it’s somehow connected to today’s recommendation. When I was yet a student, I took part in a course of Hebrew language. I spent a few months learning this quite exotic language (at least to me) and realised there’s no way I could master it. One of the things I found incredibly difficult was that they don’t write vowels, so basically their words consist of consonants and you need to know where to add a vowel while speaking. Mind-blowing, so all I remember is שׁלום (“shalom”), which is used as a greeting, but also means “peace”. And that’s something we really need nowadays… During that course I also had a chance to learn more about the culture of Israel and my wonderful professor also covered the topic of Israeli-Palestinian relations. I still remember one video she showed us, in which both sides were talking about friendships beyond borders or any political choices. I could see families which were living in both places, or neighbours who despite their religious differences were playing chess and enjoying a sunny day. Maybe I don’t speak Hebrew, but thanks to that course I know that the problem is not people – the problem is politics. In today’s documentary you’ll meet Noam Shuster-Eliassi, an Israeli comedian, who has been known for her hilarious stand-up performances, during which she often emphasises her dream of peace. She speaks both Hebrew and Arabic, which allows her to reach both sides of the conflict. Her energy and charisma really gives hope that thanks to such people, the unity is just a matter of time. But then, 2023 happens and even such brilliant comedian loses her smile. What’s happening in Gaza is beyond my imagination, even though I keep seeing pictures and videos from there. So many people (including children) have been dying and the world just observes. As an emphatic human being, I feel helpless and frustrated that there’s nothing I can do. Of course, I can join protests in my country, but the next day even more people will lose their lives there. When I was watching this documentary and saw Noam at such protest, I knew exactly how she felt. Thankfully, she has many followers and a big audience watches her videos. She hasn’t changed her mind about trying to reach peace and coexist. But coexistence is not possible if one side is being used or maltreated by the other. There must be mutual respect and safety guaranteed. Until then, coexistence my ass! I’m glad I had a chance to see this film and learn about Noam. She’s an inspiration and I really hope that one day, those two neighbours, one speaking Hebrew, another one speaking Arabic, will sit again to play chess together.

My rating: 7/10
S.

I don’t believe in quantum physics when it comes to matters of the heart. “Bull Durham” (1988)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Ron Shelton
© 1988 Orion Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

We’ve just had presidential election in my country and I need to wash my brain in bleach and set it on fire. Or I could also recommend you a rom-com with baseball in the background. I guess the second option sounds better. At least for now. So, let’s move back to the 80s and have fun with very young Susan Sarandon, Kevin Costner and Tim Robbins. That last one plays the role of Nuke, a young guy who perhaps doesn’t like to use his head too often (if you know what I mean), but he’s quite of a talent when it comes to baseball. In order to calm him down and work on his technique, Crash (Kevin Costner), a player with more years of experience, appears. Obviously, those two start to compete, because they don’t seem to respect each other that much, but there’s also one more reason. And that reason is a woman. Annie (Susan Sarandon) is an absolute groupie of the team and she’s also a dedicated educator, because each year she chooses a different player to have a romance with. And since the guys are younger and less experienced than her, she enjoys being the teacher. What a wonderful person, isn’t she? Things get complicated when Annie finds two players quite interesting – and yes, you’ve guessed it right, those are our two competing roosters. It’s a very relaxing comedy and it gives the 80s vibes so I cannot complain. Generally, it’s a combination of two ideas. One is a picture of a sport team where you don’t only need to be well-trained, but you also need to learn how to be a team-player. A lot of people praised this production for the way it presented baseball and its atmosphere. I cannot say much about it because I’ve never been interested in such sports, so perhaps they are right. The second idea, however, is the love story and the picture of a woman, who finally finds someone to challenge her romantically. What I mean by that is Annie has always been the leader and the dominant figure because she couldn’t find similar or more intense energy from another man. Until Crash has crushed into her heart (please, appreciate this wordplay!). Maybe I don’t know much about sport, but I’m very familiar with Annie’s case and it was fascinating to watch such character. So, if you need some romantic experiences and lots of sweaty men with bats and balls (I’m talking about baseball, obviously!), then grab a cold drink and relax with this trio.

My rating: 6/10
S.

Our entire life is a punishment. “Mickey 17” (2025)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Bong Joon Ho
© 2025 Warner Bros. Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Lots of people are disappointed with this film, but I’m here to support it and actually recommend it to you. It’s the kind of sci-fi that I personally really enjoy watching, because it plays with my mind, emotions and morality, so if you also like to be “played” by filmmakers – voilà. We move to 2054 where a man named Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) is a member of a colonising crew. Some years before, a team of people decided to conquer an ice-planet called Niflheim and the mission continues. Mickey’s job is quite controversial because he has to risk his life on a daily basis. Well… not even risk it – he goes to work in order to die. Before you lose your mind trying to understand, let me explain: Mickey gets incredibly difficult tasks to do thanks to which the crew learns about the new planet. If there’s some unknown place to explore or some substance to try – Mickey is the guy. How is it possible this guy is still alive? The answer is: reprinting. When Mickey dies during a mission, his body gets reprinted, so basically they create Mickey’s clone. But what’s quite innovative is the fact that his original memory stays. So even though Mickey has been reprinted several times, he’s still the same person, who remembers all his deaths. Yeah, that’s the creepy part. Things get complicated when Mickey survives one mission despite being considered dead and the crew reprints him before he even dies… Are you still following? If not, you must see the film to clear things out. Anyway, I love the idea and I had a lot of fun watching this production. Pattinson is great as Mickey, who’s slightly goofy and naive, so I was quite surprised. Personally, I wouldn’t have guessed the actor could do well with such task, but he nailed it. There are lots of hilarious moments, but there’s also the other side, which definitely caught my attention. You see, in such reality, Mickey becomes a lab rat, who is pushed to doing things others wouldn’t even dare trying. Of course, he can be reprinted, so basically he’s immortal, but the memories are saved, which means all the deaths stay with him. Some might be quick, but others are long and painful. It’s terrifying to imagine. In fact, Mickey, in my opinion, represents all the animals that humans torture in order to receive certain answers. Just in Mickey’s case, he gave his consent. Animals cannot do that. And animals cannot be reprinted. It’s just another film showing how cruel and selfish humans can be. Yet, it’s told in a fresh and quite interesting way, so to me – this is a cool sci-fi production that you should see.

My rating: 6/10
S.

Maybe one day you can be a dead soldier too. “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” (2025)

SashLeave a comment
directed by David Borenstein & Pavel Talankin
© 2025 Made in Copenhagen. All Rights Reserved.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, most people’s eyes are focused on what’s happening in Ukraine and with Ukrainians – either those who have stayed in their country or those who have escaped. However, we don’t really think about the other side. I guess that’s because some information might be limited and certain media don’t want to share any specific news from Russia. Also, I feel like most of us don’t even want to know what’s there since we see the horrible pictures and videos from Ukraine. However, today’s documentary is coming from Russia and I definitely recommend you to see it. Perhaps you’ll end up with similar reflections to mine. The person we’re following in this film is Pasha, a Russian teacher, who lives and works in Karabash, one of the most polluted places in the country. It’s a small town with not the most beautiful views, but to Pasha it’s home and he has a strong connection with it. He’s an open-minded teacher who wishes to educate his students in the way he always wanted to be taught. He gives them space to express themselves, to find their hobbies and to share their thoughts without being judged. Despite the country Pasha lives in, he manages to actually create such atmosphere for his students and feel satisfied with his actions. Until the war begins… At that point, a lot changes in Russia, including their education system. The teachers are forced to share propaganda and students are required to repeat it without asking any questions. Pasha is known for being the school filmmaker, so he owns the footage showing the background of some lessons and activities at school. Some Russians might feel confused, but even if they don’t agree with those changes, they politely follow the orders. There are also those who agree with the idea of reforming education system and turning schools into war recruitment centres. Thanks to Pasha, we may experience all kinds of situations and listen to different opinions, which are sometimes impossible to imagine or understand. I guess the most terrifying moment to me was when they were showing children how noble it is to die for your country and that later they would be praised for being killed. The title of this post is coming from that particular moment of the film. I’m speechless and it’s difficult for me to comment on such disgusting propaganda. Surely, I admire Pasha for his work, effort and bravery, because he literally risked his life recording all those scenes. As he mentions in the documentary, there’s no way we can compare the situation of Ukrainians and Russians, but let’s remember that there are children everywhere. Some of them had to hide in bunkers or escape to another country, some of them are at home, but they’re manipulated into believing that murdering is a way to become a hero and succeed in life. You cannot compare harm, but you can admit it is what it is. A fantastic film made by a wonderful human, so you simply must see it. And let’s hope together that children will finally be left in peace to enjoy their childhood. No matter where they’re from.

My rating: 8/10
S.