Seventeen-year-old Nadine is a moody outsider. Only her history teacher and best friend Krista can get her approval. Nadine’s world collapses when Krista starts dating her brother Darian. The formula of “The Edge of Seventeen” is well-know, it’s a high school film, but it’s so well-executed. It’s an honest teen dramady with vile dialogue, great pace and a lot of heart.
With a simple yet original idea, director David Robert Mitchell delivers a layered and intelligent horror film. Jay’s brand-new boyfriend gives her a curse after they had sex for the first time. From that moment on she will always be haunted by an entity, that changes shape, and wants to kill her. “It Follows” has dreamy images of Detroit’s suburbs in decay, a Carpenter-like synthesizer soundtrack, nerve-wrecking slow chases and some well-planned scare moments make for a haunting feeling that will haunt you for a long time to come.
Only one actor, a few lines of text and a boat as the backdrop. Does that captivate you for an hour and a half? Absolutely. Director/ screenwriter J.C. Chandor proves that he can create a blood-curdling thriller without dialogue and an ensemble cast. Robert Redford, 75 during the shooting of it, delivers one of the greatest performances of his career and an unnamed sailor who ends up in a storm and has to survive. “All is Lost” convinces as an adventure film ans as a study in minimalism.
Dublin in the 1980s. Colin tries to escape his forced family by starting a band. He wants to impress the mysterious girl of his dream. It’s a comic music drama, with an awesome soundtrack and the cool 80s as a backdrop.
“Short Term 12” is your typical American indie film. Twenty-something Grace and Mason work in a shelter for underprivileged youth and in the meantime try to maintain a somewhat difficult relationship with each other. If you take the well-know elements for granted, you will discover a gem of a film, full of warm hearted characters, compelling drama and an authentic-looking insight into the youth care sector.
