Review: ‘FREUD’S LAST SESSION’ is a perfect storm for intellectuals, cinephiles, and theatre lovers alike

FREUD’S LAST SESSION

In his final days, Sigmund Freud, a recent escapee with his daughter from Nazi regime receives a visit from the formidable Oxford Don C S Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia). On this day, two of the greatest minds of the twentieth century intimately engage in a monumental session over the belief in the future of mankind and the existence of God.

Liv Lisa Fries delivers a stunning performance as Anna Freud, Sigmund’s intellectually accomplished daughter. The complexities of the role will undoubtedly touch a nerve with many viewers. Fries navigates the character splendidly. Matthew Goode plays C.S. Lewis. Coming to Freud for an impromptu therapy session, the audience learns about his childhood and the inspiration for his creative spark of genius. Goode effortlessly matches Hopkins’s energy. He once again establishes himself as a go-to casting choice. His raw vulnerability is captivating. Sir Anthony Hopkins remains at the top of his game. As Freud, he brings curiosity, wit, and curmudgeonly stubbornness all at once. It is yet another notch in Hopkins’s impressive career belt. This ongoing tennis match of masterful acting is perfection for historical drama lovers.

The cinematography and production design are luscious. The editing is lovely. Freud moves about his home, passing through doorways only to be transported through time and memories. Meaningful flashbacks fill the screen as each man shares their intimate history beginning in childhood and explores how it informed their development. The script, alongside the editing, has a dazzling theatricality. This makes more sense once you learn the screenplay was based on Mark St. Germain‘s play, adapted for the screen by Germain and director Matthew Brown. A West End production of FREUD’S LAST SESSION would be delicious. The references to literary figures and quotations are smirk-inducing for the well-read audience, while the overarching existential volley proves delightful.

FREUD’S LAST SESSION delves into moral and philosophical questions while simultaneously captivating with a whimsical and eclectic structure. The lines between doctor and patient constantly blur and shift. Wading through universal queries about religion, sexuality, war, co-dependency, trauma, and death, it is a fascinating must-see.


IN THEATERS DECEMBER 22, 2023

 

IN NEW YORK & LOS ANGELES

(National Roll Out to Follow)




Starring

Anthony Hopkins

Matthew Goode

Liv Lisa Fries

Jodi Balfour



Directed by Matthew Brown



Written by Mark St. Germain and Matthew Brown

Based on Mark St. Germain’s play Freud’s Last Session



Cinematography by Ben Smithard, BSC



Costume Design by Eimer Ni Mhaoldomhnaigh



Editing by Paul Tothill



Music by Coby Brown



Production Design by Luciana Arrighi



London, September 3rd, 1939. The world is on the brink of war.



In his final days, Sigmund Freud, a recent escapee with his daughter from Nazi regime receives a visit from the formidable Oxford Don C S Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia). On this day, two of the greatest minds of the twentieth century intimately engage in a monumental session over the belief in the future of mankind and the existence of God.



Runtime: 109 minutes

Review: Based on one of the greatest warriors in history, ‘MEDIEVAL’ is yet another star vehicle for Ben Foster.

MEDIEVAL

 ARRIVES ON DIGITAL OCTOBER 25th AND ON DVD & BLU-RAY DECEMBER 6th

Synopsis: Ben Foster (Hell or High Water) and Academy Award® Winner Michael Caine* (The Cider House Rules) star in the action-packed historical epic inspired by the true story of daring mercenary leader Jan Žižka, one of greatest warriors in history. After the death of its emperor, the Holy Roman Empire plummets into chaos while corrupt kings battle for control of the empty throne. To battle the tyranny and greed of those clawing for power, Jan must lead a rebel army in this sweeping saga of war and betrayal.


1402 and politics and religion clash in the new historical epic Medieval. This wickedly violent retelling of arguably the greatest warrior to ever live, Jan Žižka. With Europe in turmoil and freedom at stake, one man leads a rebel army against all odds.

Michael Caine gives a memorable performance even if his screen time is brief. Matthew Goode is positively vile. He is slyly punchable, and if that’s not an endorsement, I don’t know what is. Sophie Lowe, who I adored in Blow The Man Down, holds her own against the predominantly male cast. Her chemistry with Foster feels natural. I found myself pulled into their dynamic more and more.

I met Ben Foster when we both attended Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan in 1994. Within minutes, I knew he’d be a star. Few actors can disappear into a character. Foster is unstoppable in his pursuit to perfect his craft. In Medieval, he possesses compelling and quiet strength as Žižka. Foster makes everything look effortless, from the fight choreography to the passionate drama. He is magnificent. If you need further proof that he’s the leading man you’ve been waiting for, look no further than Medieval.

The film boasts massive and elaborate fight sequences. The cinematography is beautiful, and the score is luscious. Overall the film is reminiscent of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), and I mean that as a compliment. It deserves the best-quality screen you can find. The script is a lot. Keep your ears sharp to keep track of the ever-evolving chaos. MEDIEVAL is undeniably entertaining at every turn. If for no other reason than to witness a masterclass in acting from Ben Foster. He earns and then demands your full attention.


 Official Trailer:

On Digital October 25th and On DVD & Blu-ray December 6th

 

Website: www.medieval.film

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medievalmovieus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Medieval-Movie-109224965060431

Twitter: https://twitter.com/theavenue_film

Starring:                                              

Ben Foster, Sophie Lowe, Til Schweiger, Matthew Goode and Michael Caine*

Written and Directed By:                     

Petr Jákl

Story By:                                             

Peter Bok & Petr Jákl Sr.

Based on the previous screenplay by:  

Marek Dobeš and Michal Petruš

  

*2000/Best Actor in a Supporting Role/The Cider House Rules

‘ACADEMY AWARD®’ is the registered trademark and service mark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences


Genre:                                                 

Action

Run Time:                                            

125 minutes

Rating:                                                

Rated R for strong and grisly violent content throughout, and some nudity.

Distributor:                                         

Paramount Pictures


Review: Survive holiday hell and hilarity in Camille Griffin’s ‘SILENT NIGHT’

SILENT NIGHT

 

SYNOPSIS: In true British fashion, (while the rest of the world faces impending doom), a group of old friends reunites to celebrate Christmas in the comfort of an idyllic country home. Burdened with the inconvenience of mankind’s imminent destruction, they adopt a stiff upper lip, crack open another bottle of prosecco and continue with their festivities. But no amount of stoicism can replace the courage needed for their last night on earth.


Writer/Director Camille Griffin gives audiences the gift of holiday hell and hilarity. Think The Big Chill meets Love Actually and sprinkles in Melancholia, as Silent Night finds us rocking around the Christmas tree for, perhaps, the last time. A group of friends makes a pact to spend their Christmas together, with one huge and horrifying caveat. The eclectic holiday soundtrack amps up the energy tenfold. But it’s all a bit of bait and switch. Therein lies the genius that is Silent Night. You think the film is one thing when suddenly BAM. This genre-destroying film will shock you.

Silent Night has an ensemble cast that’s to die for. Keira Knightley strikes the perfect balance of overly stressed host and mother, bringing that quirky charm we know so well. Lucy Punch has the innate ability to be funny without a single word and her talents are elevated by Griffin’s cheeky dialogue. Matthew Goode gives us the gambit of emotions. He’s a solid anchor amongst the spiraling chaos. A standout performance comes from Griffin’s real-life son, Roman Griffin Davis, as Art. After his incredible turn in JoJo Rabbit, it should come as no surprise that he knocks it out of the park here. His fearless honesty spills off the screen, and you will be unable to take your eyes off of him. He steals every scene. 

Even as these chic adults reminisce about what could have been, their children attempt to come to terms with impending doom. Every scene featuring a child is perfection. That is what kids are like, and thank you, Camille Griffin, for including these gems. If you didn’t know she was a parent beforehand, you would as you watched the film play out. The complexity of parenting lies within the overall arc of the film. In truth, this is one of the darkest films I’ve ever seen. If I said I wasn’t shaking from anxiety and crying in the end, I’d be lying. The writing is soaked in acerbic wit. It’s a punch to the face, over and over, all while it begs existential questions of privilege and morality. I could easily see a prequel, sequel, or series in which we follow other locations simultaneously. This is a formal request for such a creation.


AMC+ and RLJE Films will release the darkly comedic drama/horror SILENT NIGHT in Theaters and streaming exclusively on AMC+ on December 3, 2021.


Marking writer Camille Griffin’s feature directorial debut, SILENT NIGHT features an all-star ensemble cast including Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise), Matthew Goode (Downton Abbey), Roman Griffin Davis (Jojo Rabbit), Annabelle Wallis (“Peaky Blinders”), Lily Rose-Depp (Voyagers)Ṣọpé Dìrísù (“Gangs of London”), Kirby Howell-Baptiste (“The Good Place”), Lucy Punch (Into the Woods), Rufus Jones (”Flack”) and Trudie Styler (Filth, Moon).


Michael’s Review: ‘The Imitation Game’- This is One Game You Must See to Believe

TIG BENEDICT POSTER FINAL.indd

Alan Turing was a key figure in helping the allies win World War II. Known for his expertise as a mathematician, logician, cryptanalyst, and philosopher, he was a pioneering computer scientist who created the template for what would become the computers we use today. However, his accomplishments were never publicly known due to his criminal prosecution for being a homosexual. Read More →