Many find his directorial abilities are best served when using others’ concepts as a wellspring. The depth and detail of this tale allows Shyamalan to make some pointed observations on topics such as the cutthroat nature of a certain huge industry and the expected entitlements of the wealthy.

The supernatural elements afoot are contrasted nicely by how idyllic the settings are. The beautiful beaches and lush scenery lull you into a gentle calm before things turn nasty. As the tension ramps up so do the horror elements. There are a number of effective scenes that cement the escalating sense of dread and the human element helps fuels that danger.

The film’s big reveal, while not completely unexpected still ends things on a satisfying note, which can be an issue with many works in this genre. Looking back on what has driven the story to this point provides deeper levels of entertainment. Might make you stay away from secluded beaches for a while though.

Rob Hudson
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The film stars an impressive international cast including Golden Globe winner Gael García Bernal (Amazon’s Mozart in the Jungle), Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread), Rufus Sewell (Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle), Ken Leung (Star Wars: Episode VII—The Force Awakens), Nikki Amuka-Bird (Jupiter Ascending), Abbey Lee (HBO’s Lovecraft Country), Aaron Pierre (Syfy’s Krypton), Alex Wolff (Hereditary), Embeth Davidtz (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), Eliza Scanlen (Babyteeth, Little Women), Emun Elliott (Star Wars: Episode VII—The Force Awakens), Kathleen Chalfant (Showtime’s The Affair) and Thomasin McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit).

Old is a Blinding Edge Pictures production, directed and produced by M. Night Shyamalan, from his screenplay based on the graphic novel Sandcastle by Pierre Oscar Lévy and Frederik Peeters. The film is also produced by Ashwin Rajan (Glass, AppleTV+’s Servant) and Marc Bienstock (Glass, Split). The film’s executive producer is Steven Schneider.

Old will be released in Australian cinemas July 22!
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Ema is young, irresponsible, erratic, and loves to set things on fire. Her life is filled with distraction and disfunction while she tries hard to fill a gap left by the abandonment of the young adopted boy Polo (Cristián Suárez) by her and husband Gastón (Gael García Bernal). She is a dancer by trade and Gastón a choreographer.

Through a convoluted plot device, Ema comes in contact with the couple that adopted Polo and ensnares both of them in her hedonistic lifestyle. The ease in which she accomplishes this defies normal logic but as things progress you learn they too are damaged and looking for things not found in their marriage.

The main obstacle you must overcome to find enjoyment in watching Ema is trying to relate to someone that you have so little in common with. Her narcissistic behaviour is very off-putting and as things progress you find little in the way of understanding as to how she came to be so self-centered. Thinking that Larraín is there as your tour guide might be a misstep as you are left to find your own feelings.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/Palacecinemas

Free-spirited, platinum-blonde Ema (Di Girolamo) is a beguiling, stubborn and fiercely talented young dancer and teacher. Her insatiable passion lies in the sexy reggaetón music she and her friends dance to on the city’s streets; she’s forged a career as part of an experimental modern ensemble overseen by her husband, demanding choreographer Gastón (Bernal).

The couple is reeling from a crisis: they’ve just returned their adopted 12-year-old son Polo back to child services, after the troubled boy set fire to their home and injured Ema’s sister. The couple’s agonising decision spins the marriage into chaos, but the guilt-ridden Ema refuses to let go, and sets out on a strange, secretive, and fearless quest to reunite her family…

Interspersing sequences of stunning choreography with a gripping and ingeniously structured narrative of seduction and manipulation, all set to an immersive electronic score by Nicholas Jaar, Larraín’s mesmerising film hinges on Di Girolamo’s extraordinary performance: tender, volatile, physical and fully alive. The result is unforgettable.

Ema will be released in Australian cinemas May 13!
www.palacefilms.com.au

COCO follows the story of Miguel, who dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz, despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music – which leads him on a journey to the colourful Land of the Dead.

This special screening is perfect for Spanish speaking families and kids, as well as those looking to practice their Spanish-speaking skills!

Disney Pixar’s COCO – Special screening in Spanish!
10am January 21, 2018
Palace Barracks Brisbane
www.cinelatinofilmfestival.com.au

Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colourful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events.

Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Directed by Lee Unkrich (“Toy Story 3”), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist “Monsters University”) and produced by Darla K. Anderson (“Toy Story 3”), Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” opens in Australian cinemas in December.
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