TIFF 2022 review: Mercedes Bryce Morgan’s visually stunning feature debut ‘FIXATION’ takes audiences through trauma and trickery.

FIXATION

In Mercedes Bryce Morgan’s stylish feature debut, Maddie Hasson (Malignant) plays a young woman committed to an unorthodox institution by a pair of enigmatic doctors (Genesis Rodriguez and Stephen McHattie).

TIFF22 film FIXATION from Mercedes Bruce Morgan is a dizzying tidal wave of mystery and trauma. Go down the rabbit hole of lies and deceit in the most manipulative therapy sessions ever. If you can stomach the psychological chaos, you might come out the other side.

Stephen McHattie plays Dora’s enigmatic psychologist. He is a loathsome genius in this role. Genesis Rodriguez gives a nuanced performance as Dr. Melanie. The complexity of her character isn’t immediately apparent, but as the plot moves along, Rodriguez is wonderful. Maddie Hasson plays Dora with genuine fear and confusion. Her raw vulnerability is mesmerizing. Hassan leaves it all on the screen in a visceral turn.

Morgan responsibly begins FIXATION with a trigger warning. Individuals living with trauma will feel this film on another plain. Anjoum Agrama’s fast-paced editing immediately establishes an alarming atmosphere. Music by Michelle Osis gives the film an edgy vibe. Screenwriter William Day Frank teases the audience constantly, releasing clues in every scene. The script is so clever I second-guessed every one of my theories, instantly.

The costumes by Muska Zurmati can only be described as couture hospital chic. Pay close attention to Hassan’s white outfits, in particular. The production design from Lucas Gentilcore and cinematography from Oren Soffer are elaborate and immersive. It’s like a fun house of the imagination, something akin to a practical version of Sucker Punch. The pure mind-fuckery that this film presents will rattle you. FIXATION is a ride to hell and back. My God, if this is only the beginning of Mercedes Bryce Morgan‘s feature filmmaking career, imagine what might come next.


For more information on TIFF22, click here!


Michael’s Review: ‘Big Hero 6’- Big Family Fun!

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As a comic book reader and lover, I am ashamed to say I knew next to nothing about Marvel’s Big Hero 6 past a few sporadic reads here and there. The characters were always enjoyable and kept my interest, but it never lead to anything more than a mild fondness, so when I heard there would be a Big Hero 6 I can’t say I was anything more than intrigued. The first Disney animated film to feature Marvel Comics characters since the acquisition in 2009, the characters seemed ripe for an animated romp onto the big screen, but detail changes to core characters left many fans holding their breath and hoping that the animation pioneers wouldn’t turn their beloved characters into nothing more than second rate acts for their theme parks upon the films release. I am here to calm some of those fears and tell you that Big Hero 6 is a lot of fun! Read More →

Find Out How To Tuskify Yourself…Go Full Walrus

TUSK

Go to http://tuskfilm.com, upload a photo and Tuskify yourself!

A film written and directed by Kevin Smith
Starring Justin Long, Haley Joel Osment, and Genesis Rodriguez Read More →

New Clip: Kevin Smith’s ‘TUSK’ In Theaters September 19th

Tusk

A film written and directed by Kevin Smith
Starring Justin Long, Haley Joel Osment, Michael Parks and Genesis Rodriguez

A chilling horror tale about the perils of storytelling, Tusk follows a brash American podcaster as he braves the Canadian wilds to interview an old man with an incredible past—only to discover the man’s dark secret involves a walrus.  Read More →