The Filmic 5
Your Weekly Film Update By Critic and Film Scholar Jack Hanley
I. Film I Am Loving This Week
CUCKOO (Dir. Tilman Singer)
I am loving this stylistically transgressive sophomore offering from German director Tilman Singer that channels the best of the 80’s Central European Arthouse-horror tradition. Singer deliciously seeks to exorcise the historical sins of the Fatherland, subverting “traditional” takes on patriarchal nationalism, eugenics, and Nazi family values. Queer, stylish, and unapologetically fun- the third act feels like the surrogate child of Cronenberg and Michael Mann by way of Andrzej Żuławski. Hunter Schafer is SIMPLY TRANSCENDENT…welcome to the genre, Jules.
II. Passing I Am Mourning This Week
I simply cannot express how much the legendary Gena Rowlands meant to me...so I will leave the sentiments to our fellow cinephile Marty Scorsese.
"Up there on screen, there was no one else quite like her. That’s the kind of observation that’s often made about people after they’re gone, but in Gena’s case it happens to be true...she had an extremely unusual combination of qualities. Her talent, which was extraordinary. Her bravery and commitment to her art form— equally extraordinary. Her presence… this was someone who could hold a room by just walking in and standing there. Her kindness and humanity, which I experienced firsthand. Her beauty, earthy and ethereal at the same time.”
Goodnight, Gena.
III. Auteur I Am Thinking About This Week
Do you know the films of Patricia Rozema? You should. I came to the canon of Rozema myself late in life- and I have devoured her filmography ever since. Not to be confined by genre, Rozema’s diverse filmography includes spans the subversive queer love story WHEN NIGHT IS FALLING, to her magical realism-dripping debut I'VE HEARD THE MERMAIDS SINGING. I encourage you to watch this amazing director's work- always surprising, always so human, and- as she herself describes- filled with "humane and tender sensibility.”
IV. Streaming Documentary I Recommend This Week
“‘Daughters is an achingly beautiful case for second chances in an isolating, fractured world.”– Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times
The acclaimed double Sundance winner DAUGHTERS has just hit Netflix and I am so thrilled to recommend it- THIS is why film festivals MATTER. Streaming NOW on Netflix.
A moving portrait of empathy and forgiveness, Daughters traces an eight-year documentary journey by filmmaker Natalie Rae and social change advocate Angela Patton. The film intimately follows Aubrey, Santana, Raziah, and Ja’Ana as they prepare for a momentous Daddy Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers. Speaking openly about their aspirations, dreams, and the emotional toll of their fathers’ absence, compounded by the constraints of virtual visits, these girls reveal a profound wisdom and resilience beyond their years. As they navigate heartbreak, anger, and uncertainty, they seize a precious opportunity to forge connections. Daughters sheds light on the complexities of familial bonds strained by the unforgiving barriers of the criminal justice system and emphasizes that the foundation of community healing lies within the family unit.
V. Trailer I Am Excited About This Week
I distinctly remember the utter joy- and sheer terror- when I embarked on making my first feature film alongside my creative partner and co-director Chris Leising. First-time filmmaker Zia Anger channels ALL the conflicting emotions of the artist's struggle while brilliantly blending reality and fiction in her own debut feature MY FIRST FILM, an intimate portrayal of a filmmaker's journey and rebirth. In theaters August 30 and streaming on MUBI September 6.
That's all for this week. Get out there and watch something AMAZING!
Jack Hanley is a Boulder-based film scholar, podcaster, and critic. He is a programmer with the Chicago Underground Film Festival and Boulder International Film Festival. He is one-half of Blindspotting: A Film Discovery Podcast and Flicker with Jack and Scott on YouTube. Find him at Kinophilia on Medium and at HanleyOnFilm.com
