Women in Film: Indie Honors for Shatara Michelle Ford’s ‘Test Pattern’

Women in Film: Indie Honors for Shatara Michelle Ford’s ‘Test Pattern’

By Lynn Venhaus

During the month of March, PopLifeSTL.com will recognize significant female contributions in filmmaking. Today we spotlight “Test Pattern,” a debut feature I saw in February 2021, and stayed with me throughout the year, voting for it on several occasions.

Shatara Michelle Ford was raised in St. Louis, so it was fitting for her film “Test Pattern” to be shown at the St. Louis International Film Festival in November 2020. After Kino Lorber agreed to distribute it, I was able to see it a few months later, and was impressed by Ford’s first-time feature, her story and her cast, particularly breakout Brittany S. Hall.

At last week’s Film Independent Spirit Awards, Ford was nominated for Best First Feature and Best First Screenplay, and Hall for Best Actress. Ford, who identifies as they/them, did not win, but she has received other critical acclaim, Gotham Award nominations for Breakthrough Director and Independent Film, and hopefully more opportunities. There has been no announcement or update on her IMDB page.

But she is definitely one to watch. Here is my review of “Test Pattern,” which is now available on Starz (subscription) and to rent via video on demand platforms, such as Amazon, Google Play, DirecTV and others.

A New Female Filmmaker’s Voice Emerges In Realistic ‘Test Pattern’

By Lynn Venhaus
In a powerful feature-length film debut, Shatara Michelle Ford presents a gripping, relevant view of how traumatized women are still treated in the aftermath of sexual assault and the prevailing patriarchy about womanhood and consent.

Ford, who grew up in St. Louis, wrote and directed “Test Pattern,” which was shown at last year’s St. Louis International Film Festival. It won the inaugural Essy Award for best narrative feature, which is given to a film shot in St. Louis or made by a St. Louisan.

It’s about how an interracial couple’s relationship is tested after Renesha (Brittany S. Hall) is sexually assaulted and her live-in boyfriend Evan (Will Brill) drives her to several hospitals in pursuit of a rape kit.

Defying stereotypes, and with its exploration of identity and race, this work has flourished on the festival circuit, and as of Feb. 19, Kino Lorber is distributing it as a video on demand through their Kino Lorber Marquee platform (https://kinomarquee.com)

Ford’s realistic drama veers into psychological horror as everything about Renesha’s girls’ night with best friend Amber (Gail Bean) turns into a nightmare, from the predatory actions of brash e-commerce entrepreneur (Drew Fuller) to its day-after blurry, drugged, foggy trauma.

Not only does Ford delve into these ongoing systemic issues, but also features a frustrating quest to seek answers and justice that serves as an eye-opening indictment of health care inequities.

It is a lot to take on in one film, and Ford has much to say, but she uses one couple’s experiences as an intimate portrait of modern relationships and the framework to look at external forces affecting life today.

Using flashbacks in key moments, self-assured Ford establishes a loving opposite-attracts relationship between an easy-going white tattoo artist, Evan, a superb Will Brill, and a bright, beautiful black development director, Renesha, played shrewdly and delicately by Brittany S. Hall.

Interestingly, they meet during an innocuous girls’ night out of drinking and dancing. Their awkward encounters lead to a first date, then a first night together, then fast-forward to ‘now.’

As their mutual attraction has led to commitment, they have moved in together in a small starter house in Austin. Convincing in every way, their performances are intertwined in a truth.

Bored with the corporate world, Renesha has started a new job working for a non-profit, the Humane Society.  

That night, her pal Amber wants to celebrate, so she reluctantly goes to the Hacienda Social Club. Everything that unfolds screams “bad idea” – Amber, eager to party and already losing her inhibitions, falls prey to a pushy guy, Chris, (Ben Levin), who is toasting a business deal with his friend.

The flashy white guys keep the champagne flowing as they pressure each girl to drink more and dance – and despite Renesha’s repeated attempts at no, and that “I have a boyfriend,” she is stuck in this situation with her fun-loving friend, who is having a good time.

At some point, Renesha is slipped a “roofie,” the illegal date-rape drug Rohypnol, and when incapacitated, she is taken to Mike’s apartment, where he rapes her. She wakes up with little knowledge of how she got there or what happened.

A concerned and devastated Evan wants answers, insistently pursues a rape kit, but Renesha doesn’t want to go through the process. The tense journey does not go well, as each deal with their own emotional responses while facing the bureaucratic red tape of health care hell and a police report.

What is in no doubt is that they have been forever changed as a couple, tested both by gender roles and prejudice.

At only 88 minutes, the film leaves out some pertinent details, and the abrupt ending is not satisfying. But Ford’s flair for dialogue and crafting authentic characters is strong.

Cinematographer Ludovici Isodori’s has contrasted the two storylines masterfully, locations are well-chosen for a low-budget indie, while Robert Oyuang Rusli’s string-heavy score accents an entire gamut of emotions. Tchaikovsky’s “The Waltz of Flowers” from “The Nutcracker Suite” is a clever choice for a compelling scene.

Oscar Wilde’s quote, “Everything is about sex, except sex, which is about power,” is used as the film’s tagline, and Ford has wisely applied it to a modern exploration of how women are conditioned about sex and consent. Add institutional racism from a black woman’s perspective and the power shifts between couples, and you get one potent thought-provoking film.

“Test Pattern” addresses similar territory that “Promising Young Woman” tackles and will add more to the national conversation.

Like the impressive female-directed and written 2020 social commentaries “The Assistant” and “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” with this film, Ford proves she is an exciting new voice. Her name can be included in the growing list of formidable female directors with something to say.

Shatara Michelle Ford

“Test Pattern” is a 2019 drama written and directed by Shatara Michelle Ford, starring Brittany S. Hall and Will Brill. It is not rated and the run time is 1 hour, 22 min. The film is available as a video on demand through Kino Lorber Marquee. Lynn’s Grade: B+

Teen Time Loop Rom-Com ‘The Map of Tiny Perfect Things’ Is a Charmer

Teen Time Loop Rom-Com ‘The Map of Tiny Perfect Things’ Is a Charmer

By Lynn Venhaus
Borrowing elements of “Groundhog Day” and “Palm Springs,” “The Map of Tiny Perfect Things” is a charming teen rom-com that does not feel forced or derivative.

That is mainly due to the appealing couple at its center – Kyle Allen is Mark and Kathryn Newton, last seen in “Freaky,” is Margaret. The two teens live the same day repeatedly, so after they discover that they share a time loop, they go on a quest to find “tiny perfect things” in their town and create a map. He is more open book and she is more secretive, but together they make a fun couple to hang out with for 98 minutes.

With rapid-paced pop culture-inspired dialogue, the pair banter about a myriad of topics as they explore their city together. References to “Doctor Who” and “Edge of Tomorrow” come up.

Mark has decided that discovering every “tiny perfect thing” in their ordinary small town would be ideal, and they could make a map full of memories.

The pair have terrific chemistry and keep us entertained, when really, we can’t figure out the astrophysics of their predicament, which always makes my head hurt.

What feels familiar in this coming-of-age tale, with its time travel tropes, yields to warm-hearted insights and clever results. There is something special in its sameness.

However, the jaunty tone is not always sustained, which is on purpose, and there is a serious streak about what really matters in life. Mark, who glides through his morning using his repetitive life for good, discovers at 17, the world does not always revolve around you.

The way empathy is introduced midway is not jarring, but rather integral to the plot and their journeys. By then, the couple had us at hello.

Director Ian Samuels has deftly told screenwriter Lev Grossman’s script, which is based on a 2016 short story. He’s aided by Andrew Wehde’s crisp cinematography, with some nifty long takes, as well as Tom Bromley’s in-the-moment indie music score.

The supporting cast is another bright spot, with Jermaine Harris as Mark’s best friend, Josh Hamilton as his dad, Cleo Fraser as his sister Emma, and Al Madrigal as his math teacher.

The film has a pleasant small-town setting, and production designer Kara Lindstrom has captured the rhythms of everyday life in depicting personal space and the town’s endearing framework.

With an emphasis on life lessons for young folk, such as live in the present and make moments count, the story is not routine, but sells its points in convincing fashion. Its mindful and positive focus set it apart.

“The Map of Tiny Perfect Things” is a comedy, romance and fantasy, directed by Ian Samuels. The cast includes Kyle Allen, Kathryn Newton, Jermaine Harris and Josh Hamilton. Rated PG-13 for brief strong language, some teen drinking and sexual references, its run-time is 1 hour, 28 minutes. An Amazon original film. it began on Prime Feb. 12. Lynn’s Grade: B

Gentle ‘Minari’ Revels in Small Heartfelt Moments

Gentle ‘Minari’ Revels in Small Heartfelt Moments

By Lynn Venhaus
A semi-autobiographical journey about his childhood in Arkansas in the 1980s, writer-director Lee Isaac Chung has crafted a series of genuine remembered moments that resonate, especially from young son David’s point of view. The story may be slender but its sensitivity is significant.

A Korean American family has moved to a rural Arkansas farm in search of its own American dream. Trying to adapt to a new life, with its challenges and unfamiliar terrain, they learn how resilient they can be and what really makes a home.

As precocious David, Alan S. Kim stomps around in cowboy boots, soaking up everything as he drinks Mountain Dew and blurts out exactly how he feels and what he means. Kim is a natural, and just watching how he looks at everything in a curious light, is just one of the film’s many delights. He translates his emotions subtly and superbly.

At first, David has a testy relationship with his grandmother, Soonja (Youn Yuh-jong), his mom’s mother who has come over from Korea to live with them. But their relationship blossoms and their bond is tight – and neither has a filter.

Youn Yuh-jong delivers one of the best performances of the year as the grandma, whose love, strength and wisdom is a saving grace. She is also wickedly funny, providing welcome moments of comic relief.

In a poignant performance, Steven Yeun plays Jacob, who tries to hold on to his farm and his family in the face of great adversity. He moves them from California to the middle of nowhere because he wants more for them – and himself.

But his wife, Monica (Yeri Han), has a harder time and is frustrated that she is forced to fit in to a life she is apprehensive about, and worries about everything. After all, David was born with a heart murmur and a hospital is miles away.

The fine ensemble sincerely draws us in to their heartbreaks, happiness and sorrows. Character actor Will Patton plays a Pentecostal neighbor who helps Jacob with the farm, and the character is based on Chung’s father’s friend.

“Minari” won both the Audience and the Grand Jury Awards at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, and as a contender in the current awards season, audiences are discovering how relatable a film, which is in English subtitles for about half of it, is. The family is bilingual.

The production elements are also outstanding in helping to strike a universal chord, with lyrical cinematography by Lachlan Milne and crisp editing by Harry Yoon. Production designer Yong Ok Lee creates the ‘80s home from a ramshackle trailer to a family of four’s personalities within their economic means.

Composer Emile Mosseri’s beautiful score evokes youthful memories and warmth.

The film’s namesake, minari, also known as “water dropwort,” is a resilient plant with an herbal flavor, tasting like parsley. With its crisp stems and leafy tops, it can grow pretty much anywhere, and is sold as a vegetable in Korean markets. Its meaning is obvious.

With its poetic small moments, what the deeply personal “Minari” says about roots and family echoes with all of us.

“Minari” is a drama written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. It stars Steven Yeun, Alan S. Kim, Yeri Han, Youn Yuh-jung, Noel Cho and Will Patton. Rated: PG-13 for some thematic elements and a rude gesture, it’s run time is 1 hr. 58 min. Lynn’s Grade: A. In theaters Feb. 12 and video on demand Feb. 26.

Justin Timberlake Strong in Heartwarming ‘Palmer’

Justin Timberlake Strong in Heartwarming ‘Palmer’

By Lynn Venhaus
“Palmer” may be predictable, but it’s a heartwarming relatable story about acceptance and second chances.

After 12 years in prison, former high school football star Eddie Palmer (Justin Timberlake) returns home to put his life back together, Living with his grandma (June Squibb), he forms an unlikely bond with neighbor Sam (Ryder Allen), an outcast boy from a troubled home.

This modest film uses the trope of small minds in a small town as its setting in Louisiana, which works for the character of a young nonconformist who doesn’t care about fitting into a gender lane. And leads to the bond he forms with an ex-con starting over.

Cheryl Guerriero’s screenplay has created roles that the cast plays convincingly. Newcomer Ryder Allen delivers a poignant performance as Sam, who is bullied for his feminine-leaning proclivities, like wearing a princess costume for Halloween and playing with dolls.

Justin Timberlake, the Tennessee-born music superstar, is strong as straightened out Eddie Palmer trying to fly right. He’s always been a likeable personality, from his days on “The All-New Mickey Mouse Club” to his boy band popularity to his five times hosting “Saturday Night Live” and his Grammy-winning solo career (10 wins, 39 nominations).

In his few movie appearances, he’s been a natural. Here, he must carry the movie, and he’s believable at every step. He becomes the father figure to Sam, and there isn’t a false move from either of them.

Their bond is genuine. Over time, they become to rely on each other as Sam stays at Palmer’s house – his drug-addict mom Shelly (Juno Temple) has taken off with her boyfriend Jerry (Dean Winters) – and Eddie has been hired as a janitor at Sam’s elementary school. Eddie becomes his watchdog and caretaker.

The supporting cast is strong, too, with Alisha Wainwright as helpful third grade teacher Miss Maggie, who begins dating Eddie, and Juno Temple as Sam’s irresponsible mother.

Ninety-year-old June Squibb, from Vandalia, Ill., is Eddie’s crotchety but loving grandmother Vivian, a devout churchgoer and benevolent neighbor to Sam and his mother.

Actor-director Fisher Stevens directed fluidly, simply letting the story be told.

Once in a while, you discover a sweet story about people struggling to make things right in their world. “Palmer” succeeds in bringing together people who need each other, whose lives are changed because of their association. 

“Palmer” is a drama directed by Fisher Stevens and starring Justin Timberlake, Ryder Allen, June Squibb, Juno Temple, Alisha Wainwright and Dean Winters. Rated R for language, some sexual content and nudity, and brief violence, it runs 1 hour, 50 minutes. Available Jan. 29 on Apple TV+. Lynn’s Grade: B

Trippy ‘Bliss’ Is Dreadful – Miscast, Misguided and Messy

Trippy ‘Bliss’ Is Dreadful – Miscast, Misguided and Messy

By Lynn Venhaus
A hot mess of a movie, “Bliss” travels between reality and computer simulation, but do we ever know what is real? And more importantly, do we care?
No.

A mysterious woman (Salma Hayek) convinces a troubled man (Owen Wilson) that they are living in a simulated reality, but even with chemical enhancement, their newfound merry world begins to bleed into a cruel ugly world. So, what is real and where do they belong?

Owen Wilson is Greg, a glum, recently divorced guy who goofs off at work and takes pills for an undisclosed ailment. His boss has been trying to get his attention, and certainly does when he fires him.

After a shocking development, he meets Salma Hayek’s difficult Isabel across the street in a bar, Plato’s Dive, and for the next hour and a half, we have philosophical drivel, a nonsensical love story and a bizarro world that alternates between utopian and dystopian.

The writer-director Mike Cahill, whose earlier low-budget movies, “Another Earth” and “I Origins,” put him on the indie map, has crafted what started as an ambitious sci-fi into a complex narrative that spirals out of control.

One can’t keep up with intentions – and why would you keep trying – because at every turn, characters leaps into the rabbit hole. They are on the street, then they are in paradise – it’s jarring and jerky.

“Bliss” is more like an abyss. There is so much confusing “Matrix”-like mumbo-jumbo and the main characters are irritating. Hard-shell Isabel is taxing and selfish, her motivations suspect and very often, cruel. She’s more loathsome than lazy Greg, who is just a tool.

And miscast. Wilson and Hayek do nothing for their careers with these unsympathetic roles. When they play with their powers, people get hurt – and that is painful to watch them derive pleasure from it.

Do we ever know the endgame here? “Bliss” is a superficial movie that aimed high, but its concept could not be executed in any believable way. I want 103 minutes of my life back.

“Bliss” is a sci-fi drama written and directed by Mike Cahill, starring Owen Wilson, Salma Hayek, Nesta Cooper and Ronny Chieng. It’s
rated: R for drug content, language, some sexual material and violence, and runs 1 hour, 43 minutes. An Amazon Original movie, it is available on Prime Feb. 5. Lynn’s Grade: F

Too Much Navel-Gazing in Stylish ‘Malcolm & Marie’

Too Much Navel-Gazing in Stylish ‘Malcolm & Marie’

By Lynn Venhaus
The long-winded intimate relationship drama “Malcolm & Marie” explores both the public and the private side of a young power couple in Hollywood, as well as the minefield of working together or choosing not to, during one long night.

When a filmmaker (John David Washington) returns to the lush seaside home the studio has rented for him in Malibu, along with his girlfriend (Zendaya), after his successful movie premiere, they wait for the reviews. Their conversation begins to break down the events of the night as they affect their relationship, and some ugly truths are revealed. Their love is tested by forces within and the career paths they have chosen.

The tone and the temperature shift as Malcolm and Marie, rising stars John David Washington, 36, and Zendaya, 24, talk through festering resentments, bruised egos and their personal and career choices for 1 hour and 46 minutes. By mid-film, it feels like one long tedious and repetitive domestic argument, as they roam about the place, venting, defensive and tired, with pent-up passion.

How much you buy into their union will depend on whose side you’re on, and I’m on Team Marie.

The pair – who also produced – have an interesting dynamic together, but as the relationship is the definition of complicated – and frustrating, it’s hard to understand the commitment. There is plenty of navel-gazing. What happens when daylight breaks can be anyone’s guess.

Zendaya is a natural force destined for a huge career, and she is relentless here, displaying anger, pain and exasperation. Marie is not just going to be the girl on his arm, demanding that she not be ignored.

She is mad because Malcolm – self-absorbed, vain – forgot to thank her and appropriated her life story for the film. But didn’t cast her. Oh, does she have some questions. He is very reliant on her as a partner who attends to his needs and has a short lease. But does that translate to appreciating her?

John David Washington, who exploded onto the scene with “BlacKkKlansman” but was miscast in “Tenet,” has a tougher time gaining our sympathy here as he tries to explain/excuse his behavior. Their delivery is rat-a-tat-tat, so hang on, because the dialogue can leave little time for coming up for air, and at times, is exhausting.

Writer-director Sam Levinson, creator of HBO series “Euphoria,” which stars Emmy-winning Zendaya, took pen to paper during the pandemic. He is the son of Oscar-winning director Barry Levinson, so he’s been around the business his entire life. This script is very inside Hollywood – and in a good way, tackles systemic racism in showbiz. Malcolm takes issue with a certain white female critic, who actually fawned over his brilliance.

One of the drawbacks here is that Malcolm is supposed to be this hotshot phenom, but we can’t see if his work is any good – we can only take the opinions of critics (wink).

And why does he treat Marie in an unequal manner while professing his love?

Shooting in a stylish contemporary home in Carmel, Calif., in black-and-white, cinematographer Marvell Rev’s silky work is exquisite. The black-and-white aspect keeps our focus on the couple, not the accoutrements.

The self-indulgent script needed more context for the characters. I wanted characters with some gravitas. Malcolm’s character never struggled.

“Malcolm & Marie” succeeds as a showcase for two young talents but the overstuffed script is hard to get behind.

“Malcolm & Marie” is a drama directed and written by Sam Levinson, and stars John David Washington and Zendaya. Rated R for pervasive language and sexual content, the movie runs 1 hour and 46 minutes. In theaters now and on Netflix beginning Feb. 5. Lynn’s Grade is C+.

Riveting Historical Drama ‘The Dig’ Makes Archeology and Its Workhorses Compelling

Riveting Historical Drama ‘The Dig’ Makes Archeology and Its Workhorses Compelling

By Lynn Venhaus
Who knew watching people digging in the dirt would be so fascinating? That’s one of the surprising things about “The Dig,” which is based in fact and never dull.

Another revelation is how compelling the characters are – and that’s a credit to the fine performances, but also the script by Moira Buffini, who adapted John Preston’s 2007 book.

Seen through the eyes of the property owner and the modest working-class excavator, this thoroughly engaging film gives us an authentic account of how a 6th century ship is discovered underground and the battles it provokes.

In1938, Edith Pretty (Carey Mulligan) hired local excavator Basil Brown (Ralph Fiennes) to dig into those mysterious mounds of earth on her Sutton Hoo property, near Suffolk. What he discovers is remarkable in its historical significance – an Anglo-Saxon ship, with a burial chamber, from the 6th century. It would become the largest archeological find in England. Museum officials start fighting over it, as do university archeologists. At this same time, the country is on the verge of going to war with Germany after Hitler invades Poland.

Mulligan is terrific as Pretty, the fiercely loyal wealthy widow who won’t allow Brown’s contributions to be minimized, even though the snobby museum professionals demean his lack of training.

Brown is a bit unorthodox. An expert digger, Fiennes convincingly conveys this humble man — his eccentricities, prowess and gratitude over Mrs. Pretty’s kindness.

This much-lauded duo delivers nuanced portraits of the real people who gave the story its heart, and their friendship is one of the story’s best elements. Child actor Archie Barnes is an important component as young Robert Pretty, Edith’s son who forms a strong bond with Brown.

The supporting cast is also strong. Lily James is a bright spot as a capable academic, Peggy Piggott, whose unhappiness with her inattentive husband (Ben Chaplin) grows.

Johnny Flynn, so good in “Emma” and “Beast,” shows his versatility as Rory Lomax, Edith’s relative who preserves the scene with his camera but joins the RAF during the big activity on the grounds. Monica Dolan plays sweet May Brown, Basil’s supportive wife.

Australian director Simon Stone respects both the history and the human nature in telling the story, and lets the atmosphere speak for itself.

The creative work is important in keeping us riveted. Maria Djurkovic’s earthy production design is one of awe and wonder, with cinematographer Michael Eley capturing the stunning landscapes. Costume designer Alice Babidge’s period work is impressive, and Stefan Gregory’s music score punctuates the action well.

In not-so-subtle ways, “The Dig” emphasizes life, death and time in a smart, richly textured and endearing work. Dig in!

THE DIG (L-R): CAREY MULLIGAN as EDITH PRETTY, RALPH FIENNES as BASIL BROWN. Cr. LARRY HORRICKS/NETFLIX © 2021 

“The Dig” is an historical drama directed by Simon Stone and starring Carey Mulligan, Ralph Fiennes, Lily James, Johnny Flynn, Ben Chaplin and Monica Dolan. Rated: PG-13 for brief sensuality and partial nudity, the film runs 1 hour, 52 minutes. Lynn’s Grade: A. In select theaters and on Netflix Jan. 29.

Heartfelt Performances in ‘Supernova’ Deal with Soul-Crushing Loss

Heartfelt Performances in ‘Supernova’ Deal with Soul-Crushing Loss

By Lynn Venhaus
A hard look at mental health when facing a life-altering course, “Supernova” is a well-meaning, if underdone, love story that features virtuoso performances from Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth.

Sam (Colin Firth) and Tusker (Stanley Tucci) have been a couple for 20 years. They take a road trip through England in their old camper van, visiting friends, family and special places from their past because Tusker has early-onset dementia. He knows that this might be the last time he can absorb the feelings about all things he loves.

Meanwhile, Sam is trying to cope with the decline of his longtime partner and facing an uncertain future.

Tucci, one of the best character actors working today, has only been nominated once for an Oscar (“The Lovely Bones”) but hopefully that will change, because he vaults to frontrunner status with this heartbreaking turn as a man confronting soul-crushing loss – of his identity and health.

As supportive partner Sam, Firth, Oscar winner for “The King’s Speech,” tries to be the rock, but can’t hide his pain or insecurities. The pair will be tested, and it’s gut-wrenching.

Both actors, who are longtime friends, convey an intimacy and history as they believably portray longtime companions.

However, the rather mundane movie isn’t as satisfying as their work.

Writer-director Harry Macqueen has obviously done his research on dementia, which is relatable to any family member dealing with a loved one’s decline. However, he holds back on the hand wringing and panic, which would be real emotional tsunamis, so it’s rather all tastefully represented. What’s felt seems to be bubbling up under the surface, ready to break through but rarely emerging.

A ribbon of melancholy is present throughout, as the film does meander while the men face the unpleasant reality and unknown of the future.

Their journey through the United Kingdom’s Lake District is a lovely drive. Sam’s family homestead is a stop, while Tusker is from America.

One of the more frustrating aspects of the film is its stubborn refusal to parcel out a backstory. Sam is a classical pianist and Tusker apparently has written books, but we don’t know too much about them as individuals or as a couple – except they’ve been together for two decades.

The subject matter is depressing, but the lack of oomph in storytelling doesn’t help in engagement.

A little too plain, ‘Supernova” needed to give us more than a showcase for two outstanding actors.

“Supernova” is a drama written and directed by Harry Macqueen, starring Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci. Rated R for language, the film’s runtime is 1 hour, 33 minutes. Lynn’s Grade: B. Available in theatres Jan. 29 and Video on Demand on Feb. 16.

Compelling Performances Boost Crime Procedural ‘The Little Things’

Compelling Performances Boost Crime Procedural ‘The Little Things’

By Lynn Venhaus
The little things do matter in this gritty cat-and-mouse thriller where three Oscar winners deliver strong nuanced performances.

What starts out as a crime procedural takes a more unusual approach, shaking up the genre as a former detective teams up with a big-deal LA detective to catch a serial killer. Young women are being hunted and murdered. The crime scenes are grisly. The trails are mostly dead ends.

Deke (Denzel Washington) is now a deputy sheriff in rural Kern County but once was a crackerjack LA detective. He becomes involved in the hunt for a serial killer and begins helping hotshot LA detective Jim Baxter (Rami Malek), much to the aggravation of Captain Carl (Terry Kinney).

Deke has a troubled history – he had left years ago after questions were raised about his methods during another string of murders. He had a triple bypass, a divorce and a suspension within six months. He’s haunted by the old case – but his intuitive skills – for the ‘little things’ – prove eerily accurate. However, his willingness to not play by the rules will impact the case for Baxter as they chase prime suspect Albert Sparma (Jared Leto). And he can’t really escape the past.

Writer-director John Lee Hancock decides to circle around the case, preferring to offer minimal nuggets, with limited disclosures, which is frustrating. The climax is unsatisfying and the overall execution is a mixed bag.

Yet it’s the performances that are compelling,  so that we become invested in the characters if not the methods.

The dance each character does around the other ones adds intrigue, particularly with how the creepy suspect Albert Parma messes with the two cops’ heads in such a disturbing way. Jared Leto, with some facial prosthetics, gives off eerie vibes as an odd loner, who takes great delight in his effect on them. Leto masterfully gets under their skin. His stares leave burn marks.

As the two sharp investigators doggedly chase down evidence, it’s clear Deke has considerable baggage, but his skills at profiling are superb. Denzel Washington knows this guy – but we don’t ever understand why his peers turned on him during a brutal manhunt years ago, because he’s really good at what he does.

We are left hanging. However, he and Rami Malek are convincing as two opposites who pair up well.

A crucial scene depends on us believing Malek’s Jim Baxter’s missteps. Not so sure such a meticulous by-the-book operative, slick on the outside and cool on the inside, would err that way.

Hancock, best known for “The Blind Side,” wrote this script 30 years ago, after he worked on the Clint Eastwood drama “A Perfect World” starring Kevin Costner.

He kept “The Little Things” set in 1990, so there aren’t any fancy technology tools to use, which adds an interesting element without cell phones or DNA evidence.

Your ultimate response will be how far you are willing to suspend belief and whether you are OK with loose ends. Unfortunately, expectations aren’t met.

““The Little Things” is a crime thriller written and directed by John Lee Hancock, starring Denzel Washington, Rami Malek and Jared Leto. Rated R for violent/disturbing images, language and full nudity, the movie is 2 hours, 7 minutes. Lynn’s Grade: B. Warner Brothers will release in theatres and on HBO Max on Jan. 29.

Dispatch from the Hills: I have COVID-19

Dispatch from the Hills: I have COVID-19

By Lynn Venhaus
I have COVID-19. This is my personal story. It is my experience, not anyone else’s, and I certainly don’t have any medical expertise on this public health crisis or any insight into a global pandemic’s effect that has caused 400,000 deaths in the U.S. I am one of 25 million cases to date..

I would describe my illness as a mild case. I feel very blessed. For two weeks, I have had the extreme fatigue that everyone mentions – it’s nothing like I have felt before, and aches like I have been pummeled by a heavyweight champion. Four naps a day are not uncommon. Very strange. This is real – it is not a hoax or a government conspiracy.

We all need to take this seriously. And it’s so pervasive and the likelihood of contamination seems inevitable, even with trying to do the right protocol and follow the restrictions. Now, there are new strains. It can be easy to let your guard down for a brief period even if you are trying hard to do what’s suggested. I know. We’ve been at this for nearly a year.

Fortunately, I work from home and could call people for interviews, contact through email and work with my editors online. I did not miss a BND deadline or my KTRS radio segment (even though I didn’t sound like myself Thursday and had some cough breaks). We Zoom our Reel Times Trio podcasts these days. (What would we do without Zoom? Thank you, technology!).

Nevertheless, getting stuff done on some days was a challenge. And there are the coughing fits.

I also don’t have a family to take care of or a job I must be at full-time, so I was lucky in that regard. I can’t imagine what that is like. I only ran a low-grade fever a couple of times – nothing to cause alarm. The body tries to fight the virus off. (After all, it is an animal disease that jumped to human that our DNA doesn’t recognize, therefore no immunity).

Because the virus tries to settle in your lungs, I have been doing lung exercises that are supposed to help. I walk around the block to get some ‘cardio’ and fresh air daily – it’s quick. I don’t pass anyone nor do I stop. Some days, you can hear the slight ‘wheeze’ in your lungs. I don’t sleep ‘flat’ – as I heard that helps.

I have been taking extra Vitamin D and Zinc for a year now, and actually think that has helped. Those are recommended by doctors. And lots of fluids. A dear nurse friend has been advising me. She suggested Vitamin C, plus melatonin to help sleep. Even when you are tired, it’s not always a restful sleep.

I have A- blood type, which is supposed to be the worst one for getting this. At 66, I am in the tier that’s next for the vaccine, but now, since I contracted the virus, I will have to wait 90 days once they start with my age/high-risk group. Missouri is last in the nation in vaccinating folks. I am still unclear about it all, but I will find out soon enough.

I can only guess where I might have gotten it. I have been staying in, living in isolation for the most part. I go for a grocery run at a non-busy time and I always have a mask on and social distance, go through the drive-through at Sonic on occasion, but always wear my mask when I roll down the window. I went out to dinner on my birthday Dec. 23 (Peacemaker in Benton Park had socially distanced tables and waiters with masks), and I was in a long Target line for Christmas Eve afternoon shopping.

Sometimes, I get delivery or curbside pick-up from local places because restaurants need our help. I have not traveled or hung out in public places. I took my uncle to some doctor appointments, but haven’t done that in awhile. I was with three people on Thanksgiving and four people at Christmas.

I haven’t seen my son Charlie, who lives in Brooklyn, for over a year now (even missed his wedding, which is a long story that I shared in September).

I spent the spring lock down thinking I was helping the greater good, but we’re back to square one. So, it was so far, so good, until now. This is work, and anxiety, and fatigue just trying to stay safe.

In my 4-unit apartment building, I am one of three senior singles living here, one is vacant, and we all have had COVID-19 in the past month. First, my two neighbors and then me.. I talked to one when I opened my door without a mask — but she was six feet away and had a mask on, so who knows?

My symptoms timeline: I began New Year’s Day with my annual bronchitis – it usually appears late fall or during the holidays or in January. As it went on – it usually lingers now that I am in my 60s — my lungs hurt, so that was a different feeling. Then, symptoms of a sinus infection arose.

This was on Sunday, Jan. 10. My face hurt, I just didn’t feel ‘normal,’ was going through a lot of tissues, and that’s when I think the coronavirus surfaced. By Wednesday night, as it continued to get worse, I made up my mind to go to an Urgent Care the next day. I thought they’d give me a Z-pack.

That was Thursday, Jan. 14. Did I want a COVID-19 test? Yes, please. Swabs up each nostril. Didn’t hurt. Very easy. Physician Assistant came in to tell me that I tested positive. If I came down with a fever or a bad cough, go to a hospital. But as my symptoms were ‘mild,’ just keep taking over-the-counter cold medicine and Tylenol. No steroids. They checked my oxygen level, which was normal.

I was shocked at the news, but a nurse friend had told me they were seeing a lot of people who thought they had a sinus infection, but it was COVID-19. The PA said they were either seeing positive patients with the sinus issues or respiratory. It felt like a bad cold.

I went straight home. Notified my son, family, some close friends. Mucinex DM was helping. The worst part was the anxiety of having it – thinking about what might be ahead. I did not lose my senses of smell and taste, although they are not at 100 percent.

The St. Louis City Department of Public Health called to ask me questions. They send you an official letter too. Keeping track of cases for the public record.

Even though I think it started Jan. 10, and two weeks are over for quarantine, I’m counting Thursday, Jan. 28, to return to ‘normalcy.’ As in return to the outside world. I think I am turning a corner but know I need to be careful. I still tire easily. I’m still coughing and sneezing, though not as frequent. People do get this again.

I have learned to get things done during bursts of energy and then take it easy, or the exhaustion will be worse. I do think rest and nutrition are key.

I am grateful for people’s well wishes and concern, and their offers to help. A friend went to pick up an oximeter for me. I recommend these – judges your oxygen. Put your finger in a slot. Should be in the 90 to 100 range. Fortunately, mine has been 98-99, thank God. If it’s below 80, get to a doctor.

I appreciate all the kindness shown me the past couple of years. December is a tough month for me, and people were so nice – and I meant to start thanking everyone New Year’s Day, so I will get around to individual thanks, just a delay. It is really special for people to reach out and care about how you are doing, feeling, and I don’t take it for granted.

We are all in this together. So that’s my tale. I hope I am getting stronger. I feel like I am but also know I’m not ‘back to normal’ or feel 100 percent. It might take awhile. I hope there are minimal after-effects. There is the brain fog…

And I have no idea why some of us work through it while others have it worse and must be on ventilators.

There is so much we don’t know about it. My heart goes out to people in the local ICUs and families who have lost loved ones. It’s devastating.

Thank you to all the health care professionals guiding us through this ordeal. They are putting themselves at risk to help us.

We have all experienced emotional exhaustion and collective grief. This has been hard. Of course I miss going to cinemas and theaters, meeting people for lunch and dinner, and hugging friends and family. I can’t imagine what a restricted funeral would be like for a family after having arranged both son Tim’s and my brother Matt’s services. (www.grief.com is a good start if you need help).

Now, the Biden Administration is forging through with plans to get this pandemic under control. I hope we can see results sooner than later but at least we are getting honest answers and information. Viva le Dr. Fauci.

In the meantime, trust science. Wear a mask. Stand apart. Wash hands. All of it really does help. Only you know how safe you feel.

When my 88-year-old uncle had COVID-19 in November, and we didn’t know it yet, I had sat with him in a doctor’s tiny examination room at BJC– but we both had masks on, and I weathered that with no ill effects. He wound up having a mild case – and he has COPD! We were certain the masks saved people from not spreading it.

Like I said, there are things we can’t explain about this disease. I just know it’s real, the fatigue is something else, and I hope we can get through these next few months by rolling out the vaccine to many people.

We have never been through anything like this, and lives have been forever changed. It’s not going to be over anytime soon, and we have to deal with it. One thing — everyone is in the same boat. Our way of life has been altered, and in some ways, we’ve learned a few things. And concentrated on priorities and what’s important. When we return to whatever passes for ‘back to normal,’ I have a feeling we will really appreciate the little things, the small moments.

My advice is to seek medical help if you have any symptoms – don’t wait. The goal is to stay alive.

We have to be patient. We have to ‘suck it up.’ We endure, adapt, move forward with resolve.

Take care. Stay safe. Use common sense. I hope everyone can be spared. It is a scary time. Godspeed.