Film Review: Along comes a spider… “Holy Spider’s” grisly tale hits very close to home
By Rachel Galvin
As the streets of Iran have erupted with protestors enraged at the killing of a 22-year-old woman who dared to show a little too much hair from beneath her head scarf, a film called “Holy Spider” comes along to throw focus on Iran’s societal ills wrapped in a crime drama based on a true story.
Directed by an Iranian director from Denmark named Ali Abbasi, the grisly tale follows a determined journalist who has come from Tehran to Mashhad to uncover the truth about a serial killer who is prowling the streets seeking to rid the city of corrupt women. The killings really happened from 2000 to 2001 but some fictional elements have been added to the tale, including the addition of the reporter.
The journalist, Rahimi, undergoes a very dangerous journey to try to find the killer, who thinks he is doing something righteous. The story follows her quest and his and how they intersect, as well as examining the community around them that has shaped their lives in one way or another.
The close-up camera work adds extra focus to the brutality of the killings in this film. That plus the treatment of women in the culture and the desperate conditions of some who live there makes the film difficult to watch yet important.
Zar Amir-Ebrahimi, who plays Rahimi, garnered a Best Actress award at Cannes this year for the role. Mehdi Bajestani, who plays the killer Saeed, also gives a nuanced performance showing love for his family and disgust for corruption, as well as anxiety at times and ego at others.
The film has also been entered as an Oscar contender in the International Film category. The film is told in Persian with English subtitles.
You can watch “Holy Spider” on Sunday, Nov. 6, 4 p.m. at the Tower Theater as part of GEMS Miami Film Festival.
Palm Con brings comic book lovers & more to West Palm Beach
By Rachel Galvin
Cosplayers and comic book aficionados flocked to The Palm Beach County Comic Book & Collectibles Show (Palm Con) on September 17th at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach. Martin Pierro’s latest creation was bigger than last year and he was happy to return to the convention center. “I’m really happy how the community came out to support the show,” he said.
“This is one of the best local conventions I have ever done,” said Mark Baumgarten, owner of Mark Who 42 Books, purveyor of Dr. Who merchandise and podcast contributor on supspace radio network.
So what was it that made this con so inviting? Unlike other conventions, it seemed like a more intimate and interactive experience. There was an area set up to play board games hosted by Crawl Board Games and another with video games hosted by Flynn’s Arcade. There were sword fights from Way of the Sword, demonstrations on Medieval dancing by the Society of Creative Anachronism, book talks, science experiments by Cox Science Center, informational panels, a costume contest and more.
There were plenty of photo ops. You could pose with characters from GI-Joe to the Ghostbusters; hop in the Batmobile; sit in the captain’s chair, which would be on the deck of the starship enterprise, while holding a tribble, with Delta Force; and more.
You also could peruse the many tables of vendors. There were comic book artists hard at work, places to buy merchandise like Smurfs, figurines of superheroes and villains, comic books, pop culture coasters and other fun items.
Guests could engage in role-playing games, a Mad LIbs Draw Off, a Cosplay Lip-Sync Battle or learn about ghost hunting. There were also actors and filmmakers sharing information about their careers. It seemed like the list of activities went on and on!
It was a family-friendly atmosphere that brought in a fun clientele looking to spend time meeting with others and having fun. Many guests chose to dress up as well.
Did you miss Palm Con? There is always next year. For more information, visit https://palmcon.net.
Sips & Sounds
Pictured: Mary Csar, executive director of the Schmidt Boca Raton Historical Museum, with performers: Joanna Marie Kaye, executive director from the Festival of the Arts BOCA, who sang with Rick Krive, on keyboards/ vocals, and Scot Klarman on saxophone, vocals.
By Rachel Galvin
A crowd assembled within The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum on July 20 for the 2nd Summer Sips & Sounds event. People could first peruse the museum, which was completely renovated last fall. Next, they could mingle and enjoy hors d’ oeuvres and wine provided by The Seagate Hotel, before sitting down to enjoy the concert. The music theme was the ’70s this time and guests were delighted to hear some old tunes they had not heard for some time. Joanne Marie Kaye, who also is the executive director for the Festival of the Arts BOCA, took on the role of singer for the event, with Rick Krive also singing and playing the keyboard, and Scot Klarman playing the saxophone. They sang songs from The Carpenters, Carole King, Elton John, the Eagles, Manhattan Transfer and others.
“The 1970s was an exciting decade in Boca Raton as the town was experiencing exponential growth and change: the Historical Society was founded, I-95 was completed through Boca, Arvida was building gated communities, and IBM had arrived bringing an influx of new families,” says Museum Executive Director Mary Csar.
There will be one more Sips & Sounds on September 21. That one will focus on music from World War II. It will again be held at the Historic Town Hall, 71 North Federal Hwy., in downtown Boca Raton. Tickets for the concert are $30 for Boca Raton Historical Society members and $40 for non-members. For more information, visit www.bocahistory.org.
Film Review: “My Name is Sara”
By Rachel Galvin
As World War II rages and Jews are being rounded up by Nazis, a young 13-year-old Polish Jewish girl named Sara and her brother are instructed by their parents to escape before it is too late. As they venture far from home, Sara comes to a stark realization that she would make it more easily if she were alone, so leaves her brother behind to seek a new life. She knows she must survive at all costs. After all, she promised her mother.
She eventually makes her way to a family’s home seeking employment. In order to stay and work, she has to pretend she is not a Jew. In the process of living with them, she finds out some secrets about their lives and those of people around them. At such a young age, she is forced to not only keep secrets about herself, but others as well, and deal with on-going struggles with Nazis and those who would resist them. The conflicts all around her are in front of the background of on-going fighting and bombardments.
This is a true story made into a film named “My name is Sara,” directed by Steven Oritt, which opens July 29 in select theaters in South Florida. (See more information below).
Zuzanna Surowy plays a wide-eyed Sara with ease, subtly showing a quiet resilience and fortitude brushed with naivety. She is countered by the roughness of Eryk Lubos, as the farmer she lives with, Pavlo, and his strong-willed wife Nadya, played by Michalina Olzanska. The cast overall does a commendable job in their portrayals.
The film is made great not only through its acting, but the locations, authentic wardrobe and props and high quality of production. Director Steve Oritt has created a poignant film that shows the depths to which humanity will stoop and to which it will soar in times of trouble. He shows that the brutality of war is not just about bombs and guns, but it rests in people’s hearts and the actions they let themselves take against others when society is on their side.
This gem will be showing at several local theaters and the director will be available for a Q&A at the following:
- Friday, July 29, 7 p.m.: Regal Shadowood (9889 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL)
- Saturday, July 30, 7 p.m.: MDC’s Tower Theater Miami (1508 SW 8 St, Miami, FL)
- Sunday, July 31, 2:50 p.m.: Regal South Beach 18 (1120 Lincoln Rd. Mall, Miami Beach, FL)
- Sunday, July 31, 6:45 p.m.: Regal Oakwood (2800 Oakwood Blvd., Hollywood, FL)
For more information, visit www.mynameissara.com.
Film Review: “How to Please a Woman”
By Rachel Galvin
Photos by from Michelle Shwarzstein (Brainstorm Media)
In the new Australian film “How to Please a Woman,” directed by Renee Webster, Gina (Sally Phillips) is a frustrated woman in her 50s in an unsatisfying marriage and unappreciated at work. She has lost her voice and feels jealous of her friends’ relationships. Then, she loses her job to a younger and more… ahem… robust woman. Unsure where to turn, she redoes her resume and gets ready to send it out but an unexpected birthday gift gives her a novel idea for a business venture that will eventually change her life.
The business is converting a moving business into household cleaning, but the catch is that the ones doing the cleaning are young men, who do it topless. When the women demand more than just cleaning, Gina is horrified… at first… but eventually is convinced that letting women have the pleasure they demand may be just the right business model. In the process, she not only finds business success but also is able to find her voice, stand up for herself and pave a new path.
This is a film that women, especially, will appreciate. It features actors who have not only been in many Australian productions, but also in the United States. Phillips was in “Veep” and the Bridget Jones movies. Alexander England, who played Tom, one of the housecleaners, was in “Alien Covenant.” Erik Thomson, who played Steve, who ran the moving business initially, was in “Somersault,” and the Amazon series “Back to the Rafters.” These are just a few examples. If you are looking for a light but thoughtful comedy that you can watch with the girls, this is a great bet.
There will be a special screening on July 21 at Movies of Delray, at 7421 W Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. It is Ladies Night. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. They promise a sexy night with Dr. Stacy Friedman, a Clinical Sexologist and Certified Sex/Intimacy Coach doing a Q&A following the film, as well as a party before with Angel’s Secrets, specializing in lingerie and adult novelties, and an all male burlesque revue too! And there will be a sexy drink special. Who knows what the night will bring!
The movie opens on July 22 at Movies of Delray and Movies of Lake Worth.
For info. on the theaters, visit www.moviesofdelray.com.
Film Review: “Tiger 24”
By Rachel Galvin
They may not be officially the king of the jungle, but being bigger than lions, with its bright orange fur with white and black stripes, the stately tiger certainly makes his presence known in the forest. The question is, is the solitary hunter a friend or foe to humans? William Blake’s poem “Tyger Tyger, burning bright” may fit the way many see the carnivore, as a fearful creature. While others find pride in having a thing of beauty such as this in the world living its own life. The question of the intention of a tiger is at the forefront of a new documentary called “Tiger 24,” which follows the story of one such predator named Tiger 24, who ends up being put away essentially after being accused of murdering a fourth victim. But is his conviction so cut and dried?
Filmed over 8 years in and around Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in India, the movie shows the beauty and compassion of T24, otherwise known as Ustad by locals, as he spends time with his family, his mating partner, Noor, and two cubs. It includes statements by those who say Ustad did nothing wrong. It was the men who ventured into its territory who were in the wrong and the big cat should not be punished. There are others who claim that it was not even T24 who did the killing. But it also provides statements from officials who claim T24 was not only the killer of these men, but also did it deliberately.
Despite pleas from the community to give T24 leniency and let him live in the huge landscape he has always enjoyed, he was taken away to a zoo, away from the public, and made to live in a small area offering nothing more than a little walking space, apart from his home and family, and unable to live like a tiger should. The fight to save him has gone to the supreme court, and has exposed the failings and limitations of the systems in place designed to protect these endangered animals. To the locals, T24 is the “King of Kings” and beloved. They are proud to have him in their backyard.
Director Warren Pereira does a great job at showing all aspects and showing the people’s emotions on all sides of the argument. He also brilliantly captures the solitude and majesty of the tiger’s daily routine– hunting, swimming, spending time with family, peacefully walking and more. For those who are animal lovers, this film will tug at your heart strings. Be aware, there are graphic images of the victims who were mauled by a tiger.
The film will be shown in its east coast premier at Living Room Theater in Boca Raton, FL at the Florida Atlantic University campus (777 Glades Road). There is a special advance screening on June 16 followed by an exclusive one-week engagement from June 17-23. Pereira will introduce the film and participate in audience Q&As on Thursday, June 16 at 6:45 p.m., Friday, June 17 at 6:45 p.m. and Saturday, June 18 at 6:45 p.m. On Wednesday, June 22 at 6:45 p.m. join Mark McCarthy of McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Center for an intro and post-screening Q&A. On June 23, the 6:45 p.m. screening will feature a Q&A with the participation of Carole Baskin of the Netflix documentary series “Tiger King.
“Pereira hopes Tiger 24 will bring focus to issues he encountered while making the film. Pereira says, “I believe that this film can start a discussion on the boundaries between the little remaining space large carnivores occupy, and desperately need, as they get squeezed by a growing concrete jungle.”
Warren Pereira is a creatively driven, award-winning filmmaker whose work has garnered the industry’s top accolades, including the Cannes Gold Lion. His work has been showcased at top international film festivals. Additionally, Pereira founded The Tiger Fund LLC, which produces content relating to tiger conservation including films for the government of India.
Tickets are available at https://fau.livingroomtheaters.com/movies/4254.
TBT Magazine Launch brings celebs to Boca Raton
By Rachel Galvin
(Photo above: Celebs, local dignitaries & the Berman Law Group team enjoyed the TBT Magazine Launch on April 14 at The Addison in Boca Raton.)
The Addison in Boca Raton, FL was abuzz Thursday night, April 14, for the launch of the spring issue of TBT Magazine. The lifestyle and fitness magazine, created by 10xlaw.com/ The Berman Law Group, brought in quite the crowd to this soiree, which featured plenty of celebrities. The paparazzi captured people entering the event and walking up to the red carpet with backdrop. The guests mixed and mingled, purchased a drink, tried one of the passed hors d’oeuvres and checked out the silent auction before the real festivities began.
The Berman Law Group’s own Evan Golden took the stage to emcee, bringing up cover girl, and fitness guru, host and actress, Brooke Burke for a round of applause. He also brought out an auctioneer, who has been seen on The Apprentice, to conduct the live auction. People bid on items like a trip to see Bon Jovi, trips to Mexico, tickets to the Country Music Awards and the Kentucky Derby, and more.
Proceeds from the event went toward two local charities. The first is Brandon Novak’s House. Novak is a world-renowned professional skateboarder, MTV Celebrity, best-selling author and recovery speaker. The second is Kulture City, whose organization creates sensory accessibility and inclusion for those with invisible disabilities.
Guests were entertained by dancers and TikTok faves Sterling Torress and Gaby Valdess shuffling and by a fashion show featuring fashions by Montce Swim, Lil Bees Bohemian, Bell Beachwear, The Haute and Honey, Feel Green and Serene, and Ola Feroz Swimwear. On the runway was Brooke Burke’s daughter, Neriah, who also is a singer, as well as Kelsey Owens and Amanda Marie Miller from “Siesta Key,” and plenty of other guests, including Tik Tok celebs, such as plus size model Sam Page.
Another highlight was a performance by singer and comedian Vincent Marcus, who has been on America’s Got Talent.
See more about TBT Magazine at www.tbtmagazine.com.
See some pics below from the event. More pics on Let’s Talk Magazine’s Facebook page!
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What ever happened to The Automat? New documentary uncovers this lost gem
By Rachel Galvin
(Pictured above: The Automat appealed to everyone, including stars like Audrey Hepburn).
Affordable, futuristic, fascinating, convenient… these are just some of the adjectives that describe a culinary idea that was brought from Europe to Philadelphia in 1902. It’s name was The Automat and its concept was a gastronomical revolution. It was more than just a restaurant owned by Joseph Horn and Frank Hardart. The concept was that people could go inside and up to these glass doors framed with brass to see what tasty treat was behind the glass, insert a nickel and be able to reach in and take the item out. This vending machine of sorts supplied everything from roast beef sandwiches to apple pie prepared by unseen cooks in the back. People could even push down an Italian-inspired dolphin-headed spout and get their own coffee with a perfectly measured splash of cream for five cents.
This idea started long before the concept of fast food we have today. It was more than just delivering a hot meal in a unique way. The price was right for everyone. The staff really cared. And everyone was welcome; no one was turned away – creating an atmosphere that included everyone from the homeless to the high class, all races and creeds, the everyman and the socialite. Even well-known stars came for a meal there. This was a haven from the ordinary and that made the Automat really special. The restaurant started in Philadelphia and went on to New York City. It would become the largest restaurant chain in America.
This phenomenon has become the subject of a documentary called “The Automat” by director Lisa Hurwitz. She asks and answers the all-important question – what happened to The Automat? Within the film, she has many sources giving their own version of the history of the restaurant chain, including what led to their success and their ultimate closure. Included among these experts are people who worked at Horn & Hardart and their descendants, as well as historians and lovers of the Automat. Actor Elliot Gould is one such fan, as well as actors/ filmmakers Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks. They share their favorite memories of the locale, from their favorite food to interactions with the staff. Brooks, especially, shares a bit about his childhood, including photos. The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Secretary of State Colin Powell also chimed in. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz even talked about how the concept inspired him to create Starbucks.
The timing of the growth of the Automat could not have been better. People had moved into the city as the industrial revolution got underway and needed a quick place to eat lunch. As the Automat began to grow, so did the number of women in the workforce. The number of stenographers grew from 5,000 to 300,000 from the 1880s to the 1920s, they noted, so women also became a key demographic for the new concept, providing a quick and affordable lunch in a safe environment. Those same factors were reasons they saw for the eventual demise of the Automat. As World War II ended, women got out of the workforce and became stay-at-home moms and people moved out of the city and into the new suburbs, taking away much of the target audience needed for these restaurants to stay busy. With less volume, it became harder to maintain the same pricing. A nickel only goes so far. These were just a few reasons for the change, along with the eventual introduction of fast food restaurants. Finally, the spotless Art Deco Automats were torn down and places like those fast food faves replaced them.
But to those who remember the Automat, good memories remain. And this charming film stirs up all that nostalgia. For those who never knew about these gems, it is quite a lesson in a forgotten piece of history. This cultural icon of bygone days was really a bellwether as to how culture was shaping around them.
“The Automat” is opening in South Florida theaters starting on Friday, April 29 (in Miami at AMC Aventura and in Palm Beach County at Movies of Delray, Movies of Lake Worth. Additional theaters TBA).
Join Director Lisa Hurwitz for Q&As at Movies of Delray on Saturday, April 30 for the 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. shows and on Sunday, May 1 at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. For additional showtimes and advance tickets, visit www.moviesofdelray.com Tickets can also be purchased at the door.
For more information about The Automat, visit www.automatmovie.com
A Sweet Safari–Experience Miami Sweet
By Rachel Galvin
Imagine taking a trip to a land where something new and fun awaited behind every door? That is exactly what you will find at Miami Sweet, a newly-opened experience within the Aventura Mall. One room is a jungle filled with wild animals… don’t worry… they are not real, but they are real sweet, as they are all pieces of art made from candy by Miami Sweet co-creator Jackie Sorkin. You may not be able to eat the art, but you may find sweet treats along the way, or at least at the gift shop! This is certainly not your average art gallery. Each room is a themed experience led by guides who keep it fun along the way, asking people to join in a song, play some trivia and other fun activities. There are 12 rooms and 20,000 sf of candy. Dance with carnival dancers and women with bouffant hairdos on stilts. Hang ten on the beach, browse through an art gallery. This is just the tip of the iceberg. You never know what surprises are around every corner.
The real draw to this locale is that each room is full of perfect places for selfies. Sit on a swing, jump on a surfboard, or jump in a foam pineapple pit! This place is fun for all ages, perfect for a party, and fun for those who want to dance, throw confetti, take some pics, see some art and embrace their inner child.
Sorkin, who also co-founded Candytopia, has had her own “Candy Queen” reality show on TLC and has created artistic experiences made from candy for everyone from The Kardashians to Oprah, said she created Miami Sweet as “a love letter to Miami.” The idea came to her during the pandemic at a time when the world really needed a little sunshine… covered in candy, of course.
Jay Yadon is her co-creator. He said, “Jackie and I have been friends for years and always wanted to work together but timing wasn’t aligned. We decided to partner up in June of 2020 and figure out how to bring joy to the world in an uncertain time. Jackie is the creative genius and spark plug behind this project, and myself and my team support Jackie’s efforts and take care of most operations.”
She added, “Jay is one of my best friends, but also an incredible visionary and insanely talented entrepreneur. It was Jay who pushed me to keep going, keep creating and always believed in my gifts. That kind of partnership and friendship is rare. He encouraged me to fly again. But now, we are flying together, creating an incredible business and outrageous moments of joy for the world to enjoy.”
Asked which room is her favorite, Sorkin says, “I love the energy of the Carnival room. It is a lively party complete with confetti storms, sassy samba dancers, ice cream sandwich swings, a giant golden pineapple DJ booth and hundreds of glitter filled beach balls that bring out the kid in everyone. THIS is connection, happiness and good vibes, where we get to dance and play together again.”
The build-out, she said, took only a few months, with the help of a team of fabricators, designers, creatives, candy artists and their marketing team. “Some things in life are simply that special and that magical,” she said.
Yadon said putting together everything was hard work, of course, but he is happy with the result. “Seeing the reactions and joy, and especially kids’ faces when they walk into the experience, makes all the long hours and sleepless nights worth it,” he said.
Sorkin added, “Miami Sweet is an explosion of FUN. It’s a love letter to the Magic City bursting with color, energy, electricity, culture, diversity, awe-inspiring candy art and mind boggling visuals that encourage our guests to create and capture their favorite moments and memories together. The purpose of life is to LIVE, and we LOVE seeing all our guests truly living their best lives again.”
How did she get inspired to make this unique artistic space? She drew on her experiences from childhood and her love of Miami. She explained, “I will always remember my first family vacation to Florida. My father was an Argentinian Russian immigrant who worked his tail off to move to America and create his own American Dream. He worked overtime to afford this trip for our family of four. We visited all of Florida’s most incredible destinations on that trip from Miami Beach to Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando and St. Augustine. I fell in love with Miami’s inclusivity, cuisine and people. It was just the most incredible ENERGY. I’ll never forget that trip or how it made me feel, and I wanted Miami Sweet to represent all those beautiful feelings that we all get to experience and love about this incredible destination city.”
Yadon also had praise for the Aventura Mall, where Miami Sweet is located, saying, “Aventura Mall is an amazing partner and reached out to us to see if we wanted to do something together. Aventura mall has supported us from the beginning and we are happy to work with them.”
Miami Sweet is only at the mall for a limited time, until February 2022. But this dynamic team already knows what is next for them. They have a project in the works in Tennessee. Yadon said, “I have been working on finalizing our location in Gatlinburg the last few months. We are hoping to open next year. This project is different though in the fact that its not a “pop-up” experience. We will have a permanent location and swap out the experience throughout the year depending on seasons, holidays, etc.”
Sorkin added, “I’m smiling ear to ear just thinking about what we’re about to bring to the Tennessee market. JOY is BACK Y’ALL and we are thrilled about these uniquely designed experiences that embody the culture, energy and Southern Charm of Tennessee topped with an explosion of mega sweetness, sass and super, duper FUN! Extraordinary memories will be made, but this time in our Cowboy Boots!”
Sorkin has so much energy! She certainly has more in the works, right? Absolutely! She said, “The next announcement that I am super excited about is a new TV project that will be announced this month and will drop this holiday season. Our new show features our candy crew but we’re more like a squad. I’ve been building this business for over 14 years now and I’am proud to share our unique artistry, crazy good vibes, love and fun with the world. I feel like the luckiest person in the world who gets to create and create, and create with my beloved family. We truly are the definition of a TEAM.”
You can find out more about everything in her world on Instagram at @JackieSorkin and at @CandyKingdom.
To find out more about Miami Sweet and buy tickets, visit www.Miamisweet.com
Just a few pictures… Don’t want to give all the surprises away!
Rachel Galvin enjoying pineapple pit! 
The staff makes sure everyone has fun! 
A jungle cat made of candy! 
DJ rockin’ the house. 
Wild and crazy fun! 
A magical mystery tour! 
Wild animals await. 
Co-creator Jay Yadon (R) with Javier from California Craftsman, who helped do build-out. 
Another Jackie Sorkin creation! 
Miami Sweet co-creator Jackie Sorkin. 
Girls just want to have fun! Staff members lead guests on an adventure. 
This is sweet!
Film Review: “Slalom”
By Rachel Galvin
Swoosh…Swoosh… the sound of skiis on snow… both forceful and effortless, the prowess of skiier Lyz Lopez is evident as she maneuvers a serpentine path down the slopes of the French Alps as she races toward the finish line, winning… again. The movie “Slalom” provides a revealing look into the struggles and triumphs of this young athlete who finds herself accosted, bullied and abandoned and fights to have the strength to carry on.
This champion, only 15 years old, finds herself becoming stronger each day as confronted by challenges one so young should not face. Not only is her body changing, but her family life is changing. Her father is out of the picture pretty much and her mother now has decided to take a job away from the area leaving the girl to take care of herself. Indeed, her mother is more interested in her new boyfriend than attending Lopez’ competitions or even seeing her for Christmas.
Feeling alone and abandoned, Lopez also faces ribbing from her fellow teammates at this elite ski club known for turning out professional athletes. They seem more than a bit jealous by her accomplishments and the obsessive focus of the coach, Fred, who berates her for being not good enough at first but strives to shape her into who he thinks she can be. His mood changes as she begins to win and he becomes delighted by her accomplishments, admiring her every move.
He becomes the parental figure she desperately needed, doing everything from talking to her about her menstrual cycle to letting her drive his truck in the snow. When her grades start to slip, he even takes her under his wing and moves her in, having his girlfriend help her with her homework.
Even though his approach is abusive, he seems to be Lopez’ only supporter, save a female teammate who seems to possibly want more than friendship. Unfortunately, her coach’s passion for her career develops into something else too and she is subjected to his surprising unwanted advances, which take the abuse to a whole new level, as well as being confronted by his suspecting girlfriend. This film shows why someone would not want to tell on their abuser, not declare #MeToo, but keep it a secret, especially someone so young.
How will a girl so young with so much talent handle everything put before her and will she win it all?
Noée Abita, as Lopez delivers a strong performance with just the right mix of vulnerability and courage. Jérémie Renier, as Fred, showcases lust, frustration, drive, anger and control in his performance. The other characters all play a secondary role to this duo who serve as leads.
The story, told in French with English subtitles, is more than your typical ‘girl goes for a dream’ type of film. It isn’t even your standard coming of age story. It has a dark overtone that makes it a much deeper film that really shows the inner workings of someone who strives against all odds. We can see Lopez’s inner psychology, her thoughts stirring in her head, and understand why she tolerates certain behaviors, as well as how these experiences change her and give her the courage to stand up for herself and make an important life-changing decision. The story is exhilarating on the slopes, but heartbreaking to see what this athlete goes up against to go for her dream.
This film from Kino Lorber opens July 30. It will be shown at The Coral Gables Art Cinema (260 Aragon Ave.), which was among 12 arthouse theaters in the nation recently selected to receive a $2,000 grant from UniFrance. The grant was established to better enable U.S. based independent cinemas and distributors, affected by the pandemic, to showcase upcoming French film releases in the first half of 2021. The other film was “Summer of ’85,” which opened July 16.
“We’re honored to have been chosen by UniFrance and a committee of film distributors to receive this grant that will help us bring two acclaimed French films to the South Florida community in July,” commented Javier Chavez, Associate Director of Coral Gables Art Cinema.
For more details and tickets, visit www.gablescinema.com.