YOUR PLACE OR MINE Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Reese Witherspoon, Jesse Williams, Zoe Chao, Tig Notaro, Wesley Kimmel, and Steve Zahn Director: Aline Brosh McKenna NICK Don't get me wrong, Netflix has released some gems, but they've also made a bunch of movies I've seen and forgotten very soon after watching. Your Place or Mine is destined to join that list. This thing is supremely average, generic, and painfully predictable. Aside from reinforcing my opinion that Tig Notaro needs to be given more roles, it really had no effect on me. It’s the same movie you’ve seen a million times over, and you get exactly what you’d expect from Ashton Kutcher and Reese Witherspoon. That said, it’s inoffensive and easy to follow, so it would make a serviceable “background watch.” PAIGE Your Place Or Mine attempts to be a new version of Sleepless in Seattle , but fails royally in that regard. With two veteran rom-com actors (Ashton Kutcher and Reese Witherspoon) in the lead roles, I was expecting much more, and unfortunately, I’m here to report that they have absolutely zero chemistry. The film lacks charm and is another forgettable Netflix flick, which stinks because the premise offers plenty of opportunities to be something decent; however, it ends up falling flat due to its bland script and mediocre performances. JOSEPH I love Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher, and the premise of Your Place or Mine should make for a more interesting film, but it’s disappointing. The attempts at humor are lazy and unfunny, and the romance aspect takes a bit of a backseat to the rest of the story. Worse off, the story is actually good - the film would have worked if it was more about self-realization and coming of age - but it chose romance first, which it mostly fails at. Everyone involved deserved better, but it is a tolerable, cute, and mostly forgettable watch. AMARÚ There’s a weird middle place with Your Place or Mine , where there isn’t anything special about it, yet nothing about it is bad either. It often lost my attention, but I wanted to keep watching. It’s a cookie-cutter romantic comedy, but then Tig Notaro throws a hilarious curveball through its tropes. And, seriously, Zoe Chao’s stereotypical intrusive “best friend” should not be as interesting as she is. I’ve seen this movie millions of times before, but I guess there’s a reason they keep getting made, and I enjoyed this one enough. Also… Steve Zahn is always a welcome sight.

DAMSEL Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, Robin Wright, Ray Winstone, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Nick Robinson, and Angela Bassett Director: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo QUENTIN As a female empowerment fairytale featuring dragons, Damsel certainly has an audience out there, but I’m not entirely sure who it is. The main problem is that this movie seems to be made for young, pre-teen girls, yet it feels too dark and intense for that demographic. On the other hand, the adults who would appreciate the more Games of Thrones -y aspects are probably too old for the cheesy YA aspects of the story. Some of that falls on Millie Bobby Brown, whose not-great performance can’t find a consistency between those two approaches, but also on the extremely cheap looking special effects and underwhelming story beats. CALEB Damsel , while not insultingly bad, is ultimately just another disposable piece of streaming fodder that you'll likely forget about five minutes after finishing it. Millie Bobby Brown does her Millie Bobby Brown thing, bouncing between her usual cheeky smiles, steely gazes, and wails of agony. She's not awful, but again, forgettable is the operative word here. The visuals are similarly unremarkable, hindered by underlit interiors, unconvincing costumes, and an overabundance of poorly realized digital set extensions. Thankfully, there's an impressive-looking CG dragon that prevents the narrative from ever becoming too monotonous. Damsel definitely isn't remarkable, but at least it isn’t terrible. PAIGE Damsel is a flawed and cheesy experience, but it's still a passably amusing fantasy movie that should find an audience. If you can turn off your brain to ignore the poor CGI and simplistic story, you’ll find that Damsel offers a somewhat entertaining spin on the traditional fairytale. Millie Bobby Brown uses the run-of-the-mill narrative to effectively portray a damsel-in-distress who is not to be messed with, but that aside, the writers need to understand that a successful story requires more than just a compelling lead. PRESTON As unoriginal as my review could have been by fitting in the word “trope” somehow, it's also about the same level of unoriginality that the Damsel plot ends up revealing. I am a fan of Millie Bobby Brown, but the ridiculous number of ear-grating groans from pain that occur borders on laughable. I am probably being a little harsh on what is supposed to be an escapist break for those that don’t want to take their weeknight streaming too seriously, but unless my dragon comes with the soothing vocal affectations of one, Sean Connery, I’m probably out anyways.

BY ANY MEANS Starring: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Mark Wahlberg, Nicole Beharie, David Strathairn, Josh Lucas, and Giancarlo Esposito Director: Elegance Bratton NICK By Any Means begins as a film that requests you take it seriously, having a clear commentary on black men in 1960s America; particularly their limitations and disrespect within the FBI. Unfortunately, as the film goes on, that falls to the wayside in favour of a revenge plot against some relatively nameless white supremacists. Mark Wahlberg (though admittedly entertaining) is too stark a contrast from Yahya Abdul-Mateen II's subdued performance, making it feel like the characters are in different films. There’s no cohesion here and it’s a shame because By Any Means tries to say something until it doesn’t. AMARÚ It’s not enough to just tell this country’s important black stories, and it damn sure isn’t enough to Green Book the hell out of the true ones. By Any Means , initially, isn’t a bad movie. The acting from Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Nicole Beharie, and Giancarlo Esposito is great; however, the story goes one step below Magical Negro by having a White Savior come in to teach said Negro how to be magical. Nine years after Book 's egregious Best Picture win and Hollywood still doesn’t get that paper thin scripts full of tired black trauma tropes do our stories a major disservice.

STRANGE DARLING Starring: Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Ed Begley Jr., and Barbara Hershey Director: JT Mollner NICK If you've read my work before, you'll know I often take issue with non-linear timelines. Well, not only does director JT Mollner use the format successfully, but he does so in a way that enhances the overall film. With the concept of Chapters told out of order, it creates an uncertainty and intrigue that is only enhanced by the dynamic lead performances. Willa Fitzgerald and the criminally underrated Kyle Gallner come to play, and they held my attention from beginning to end of this gripping serial killer picture. Whether it’s the direction, the cast, or the story, Strange Darling is a triumph across the board. QUENTIN If you ever need a prime example of a movie that expertly subverts expectations, look no further than Strange Darling . Playing a bit like Sanctuary but with the throwback horror motifs of Pearl and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre , this is a twisty, tense, and thoroughly engaging thrill-ride. It’s also a great example of how to use non-linear storytelling to maximum effect. You’ve probably read my praise for Kyle Gallner in the past (he does solid work here too, no doubt), but he’s ultimately overshadowed by Willa Fitzgerald, whose performance drives everything happening on screen. Kudos to writer-director JT Mollner for creating something special with this one. PAIGE Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner may have delivered two of the most underrated performances of the year in Strange Darling . This sexy, twisted thriller will have you playing a game of cat-and-mouse with your expectations as it manages to have several diabolical tricks up its sleeve. Plus, director JT Mollner's ingenious non-linear storytelling excels in this beautifully shot 35mm gem. Everything from the flashy neon cinematography to the stellar sound design is intense. Go into this flick as blind as possible, and I promise you will enjoy the ride! KATIE I’m usually not a fan of serial killer films, so I was admittedly apprehensive when Strange Darling opened with the claim that it was based on a prolific murder spree. However, this audacious thriller surprised me, constantly subverting my expectations and using my assumptions against me in the best possible ways. The non-linear narrative is used to enhance the impact of the twisty cat-and-mouse chase, and it kept me engaged and constantly guessing. It’s gorgeously shot on 35mm that recalls the look of 1970s horror films, and is driven by forcefully captivating performances from Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This film was reviewed by Quentin and Nick as part of Bitesize Breakdown's coverage of Fantastic Fest 2023.

THE GREATEST HITS Starring: Lucy Boynton, David Corenswet, Justin H. Min, Austin Crute, Retta, Nelly Furtado, Tom Yi, Jenne Kang, and Andie Ju Director: Ned Benson KATIE The concept of The Greatest Hits is far more compelling than its execution because it never commits to the interesting idea at its core, treating it as an obstacle rather than exploring its potential. We also aren't given enough time with protagonist Harriet’s (Lucy Boynton) former boyfriend, so I didn’t care about him or understand her infatuation with their relationship. As soon as the new love interest (Justin H. Min) is introduced, it's obvious what will happen; however, he and Harriet lack romantic chemistry, which is a shame since I can forgive pretty much anything in a romance if the leads have a strong connection. PAIGE The Greatest Hits is a great love letter to the power of music, but as a love story, it falls flat. Even though the movie doesn't spend much time establishing the concept, it was probably necessary so that the story could add weight to the heavy themes of pain and loss. The general beats of the plot feel a bit out of tune despite there being some touching, sentimental moments strewn throughout the film. All in all, The Greatest Hits is a charming yet unsatisfying romance movie.

PREDATOR: BADLANDS Starring: Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Elle Fanning, and Michael Homick Director: Dan Trachtenberg NICK With Prey , Dan Trachtenberg resurrected the Predator franchise. With Killer of Killers , he showed its potential. And with Badlands , he cements its future. Trachtenberg has crafted a film that subverts all expectations, stretching the PG-13 rating as far as he can and changing the trajectory of this IP. Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) is a solid new addition to build around, while Thia, played by Elle Fanning (who won me over this year), fuels the film's buddy-cop stylings. It's the action, however, that really drives this thing. The success of the series’ overall direction is yet to be determined, but I had lots of fun with Badlands . ROBERT Does anyone in Hollywood have more surehandedness with a franchise than Dan Trachtenberg and Predator ? At this point, he is three-for-three as Predator: Badlands emerges as a blast of a sci-fi action romp. Trachtenberg manages to enhance the scope of knowledge of the Yautja (Predator) species while also honing in on a singular story of self-discovery and identity. Beyond what standard expectations you might have for a Predator film, Badlands also surprises with some heart and humor that only minimally creates some tonal imbalances. The film only feels misguided when shoehorning in Alien lore, but otherwise, it’s a killer of killer films. ADRIANO I'm all in on Dan Trachtenberg continuing to explore the Predator universe. While not as gripping as Prey , Predator: Badlands takes the franchise in a new direction, and as a Predator fan, I was admittedly nervous about the idea of a Yautja protagonist, but it works. It gets a little too MCU-y towards the end, but between the incredible score and sick action, the whole film remains engaging, in part due to the world-building that all feels like it comes from someone who truly loves the Predator movies. So (and I rarely say this) let's keep these spinoffs coming. PAIGE Predator: Badlands is a unique and refreshing take on the franchise that puts the Yautja front and center as our protagonists. There are so many elements that shouldn’t work, but somehow, they do. Director Dan Trachtenberg not only delivers badass action sequences, but he infuses the film with heart and humor. At its core, this movie tells a found-family story that never shies away from the violence the franchise is known for. Elle Fanning’s enthusiastic synthetic and the runt Yautja make for an epic dynamic duo. Admittedly, the story is fairly straightforward and lacks complexity, but it’s still an absolute blast! Trachtenberg once again proves that the Predator franchise is in good hands. BODE I still haven’t seen Prey or the animated Killer of Killers , so I went into director Dan Trachtenberg’s latest entry in the Predator universe, Badlands , practically fresh-faced. While I get why people love this one, I’m not quite on that train myself. I thought some of the world-building was cool, the action is fun (if a little weightless), and I liked the dynamic between android Thia (a very charming Elle Fanning) and Yautja Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi). It’s ultimately just a little too safe and artificial for it to leave a lasting impact. Regardless, for what it is, I had a decent enough time. AMARÚ The Yautja are all-time sci-fi antagonists because of their mysterious intrigue. Taking away that mystique might seem unwise, but Predator: Badlands has two ideal circumstances that prove otherwise: being a damn near 30-year-old franchise, and a director deeply steeped in the world. Dan Trachtenberg’s intimate understanding of this franchise (as proven with his two other uniquely amazing entries) allows us to accept sentiment in a quintessentially unemotional culture, and using sibling bonds as the catalyst to finally explore the Yautja made for a natural world-builder. Action, story, and tension provide top notch entertainment, but it was Badland ’s unique approach to the Predators that surprised me most. QUENTIN Although it doesn’t come anywhere close to the highs of Prey or Killer of Killers , Badlands also isn’t near as tragic as 2010’s Predators or 2018’s The Predator . The biggest problem for me is the narrative shift to make this iconic villain the protagonist. I want this species to be a menacing and unrelenting force of unexplained nature like Michael Myers. By giving me backstory and social constructs to generate empathy, director Dan Trachtenberg has removed almost all the mystique surrounding the universe’s best hunter. That aside, everything else — from the story to the action beats — is fine but overly sanitized and extremely Disneyfied.

DOG ON TRIAL Starring: Laetitia Dosch, Anne Dorval, Jean-Pascal Zadi, Pierre Deladonchamps, François Damiens, Mathieu Demy, and Tom Fiszelson Director: Laetitia Dosch QUENTIN When one talks about finding hidden gems at film festivals, Dog on Trial is a perfect example. A movie that, on its surface, appears to be light and goofy (which it is) also works as a terrific metaphor for how society sees women, as well as a more straight-forward look at animal rights. Though almost never preachy, it explores the nature of the legal system, societal constructs, and humanity in humorous yet thought-provoking ways. It’s absurd and whimsical, but also deeply philosophical and observant. Plus, who doesn’t love a Movie Dog? KATIE Dog on Trial is a peculiar, absurd, but strangely thought-provoking film, exploring the patriarchal oppression of women, the treatment of animals, and the nature of justice in the most eccentric way. The premise of the film, an optimistic lawyer dedicated to helping hopeless cases defending a dog accused of biting in court, is far more irreverent than it sounds, and I really enjoyed the abrupt tone and oddly endearing characters. The plot is too busy for its short runtime, but ultimately, it's hard to resist the charm of Cosmo the dog’s adorable performance, and I think it's fair to call it that. This film was reviewed by Quentin as part of Bitesize Breakdown's coverage of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT Starring: Nicolas Cage, Pedro Pascal, Tiffany Haddish, Sharon Horgan, Lily Mo Sheen, Ike Barinholtz, Alessandra Mastronardi, Paco León, and Neil Patrick Harris Director: Tom Gormican QUENTIN The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is surprisingly successful as a commentary on ego v. family, a buddy comedy, a pseudo-spy actioner, and most importantly, a celebration of Hollywood icon Nic Cage. The This is the End meets Tropic Thunder meta take on “The Legend of Cage” works so well because Cage allows himself to be the butt of the joke, which brings some humanity to a man mostly referenced for his eccentricities. That said, I’m slightly disappointed that it didn’t go deeper with the Cage homages, but that has more to do with my own expectations than anything else. It’s still a fun ride. NICK Don’t let The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent fool you. What seems to be a film made solely for Nic Cage fans is actually a hilarious meta take on a narcissistic actor, which Cage plays perfectly thanks to his ability to poke fun at himself. He’s joined by Pedro Pascal (with yet another great comedic performance), and the chemistry between the two is undeniable. This film is a ton of fun. Even if you aren’t a Cage fan, you’ll still be able to enjoy this. And if you are one? You know exactly what you’re going to get: NIC FUCKINNNNNNNNN’ CAGE. PAIGE The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent is a heartfelt and hilarious love letter to the man, the meme, the legend himself, Nicolas Cage. Who would have guessed Cage playing himself would become my favorite of his roles? He and Pedro Pascal are a brilliant comedic duo that will have you chuckling nonstop throughout the film because their chemistry is through the roof. Yes, the film is very meta, outrageous, and absurd, but this bromance comedy is destined to become a cult classic! ADRIANO The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent is a love letter not just to the man, the myth, the legend Nicolas Cage, but also a love letter to film fans. The movie didn’t elicit as many laughs as I would’ve hoped for, but there are still enough to make it a complete blast. Cage goes full parody mode in glorious Cage fashion, playing into the mythology around him perfectly. He and Pedro Pascal have pretty awesome chemistry together too, making the buddy aspect of this film both funny and really sweet. It’s an undeniably fun time at the movies. JACOB A proper class in meta-comic filmmaking, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is one of the year’s greatest joys in moviegoing, especially for fans of Nicolas Cage. Cage owns every second of screen time in this pseudo-buddy comedy about family, career, movie-loving, and fandom. The script is chock full of references to Cage films, but other beloved works of Hollywood as well (a Paddington 2 joke stands out as one of its great moments). Cage’s career renaissance is well underway, and if this reverent film is any indication, one of Hollywood’s greatest actors is truly back – not that he went anywhere. AMARÚ The legend of Nic Cage is mythical, and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent understands that legend. It’s as particular and unique as the actor himself, with its self-awareness being the deciding factor in whether you enjoy the Cageness of it all. Pedro Pascal and Cage’s chemistry is palpable, and their sweet buddy-cop storyline helps to acclimate you into the self-referential ridiculousness. Massive Talent won’t be for everyone, but this meta take on the undeniable singularity of one Nic Cage is a fun time if you just ride the wave.

HUMANIST VAMPIRE SEEKING CONSENTING SUICIDAL PERSON Starring: Sara Montpetit, Félix-Antoine Bénard, and Noémie O'Farrell Director: Ariane Louis-Seize QUENTIN When people talk about discovering hidden gems at film festivals, Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person is exactly what they are talking about. The most authentically indie-feeling movie at Venice Film Festival last year, Humanist Vampire puts a modern spin on vampire mythology to deliver a fresh, funny, and darkly sweet coming-of-age story that touches on familial pressure, adolescent expectations, teen depression, and young love. In the Q&A that followed my screening, director Ariane Louis-Seize (who won the GdA Director’s Award at Venice) referenced Let the Right One In and Lady Bird as inspirations, and I can’t sum it up any better than that. NICK Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person is a new take on a vampire subgenre that is difficult to tackle. This independent feature out of Québec has the gothic whimsy of The Addams Family , plus a ton of heart behind its premise. Sara Montpetit as Sasha gives an engaging performance, particularly excelling in her expression work, maintaining engagement without dialogue. Together, her and Félix-Antoine Bénard (Paul) make for an entertainingly quirky duo. This may not be on a lot of people’s radars, but hopefully, once some good word-of-mouth comes out from the festival circuit, it will rightly be seen by more. PAIGE Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person is a witty and gothic-like coming-of-age tale that is quite delightful. This unique twist on vampire lore is definitely something to sink your fangs into, thanks to its brooding atmosphere, the dry sense of humor, and solid performances from its two leads. It may not be a masterpiece due to its predictability, but writer/director Ariane Louis-Seize manages to create a new angle on this subgenre while wonderfully capturing the essence of an awkward teenage romance. This film was reviewed by Quentin, Nick, and Paige as part of Bitesize Breakdown's coverage of the 2023 Venice International Film Festival, the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, and Make Believe Seattle 2024 respectively.

THE IRON CLAW Starring: Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson, Stanley Simons, Holt McCallany, Lily James, and Maura Tierney Director: Sean Durkin NICK Professional wrestling has a treasure trove of true stories that are rarely told. So, I was elated to hear that director Sean Durkin was bringing the legacy of the Von Erichs to the big screen, a task he more than succeeds at. His attention to detail in both match re-enactments and the vintage feel is aced, while the cast... Man, what a masterclass in casting. Every member of this decorated family is portrayed with poise and authenticity as they take you through this tragedy-filled tale. Wrestling fan or not, this is a film bound to stick with you. Tissues mandatory. PAIGE Inspired by the true and tragic story of the Von Erich family, The Iron Claw hits harder than any powerbomb could. What director Sean Durkin is able to conquer both inside and outside the ring throughout this movie is masterful. It’s a compelling and vulnerable look at the toxic confines of trying to chase the American dream. Yet, above all else, it’s a story about the beauty of brotherhood, which leads to the ensemble cast delivering such committed and powerful performances, especially Zac Efron. This film proved that the Von Erich’s brotherly bond was stronger than any wrestling move out there. AMARÚ The Iron Claw does this thing where it starts off as one long wrestling show even when outside the ring. Just when you think that might be a double-edged sword, bringing intensity and entertainment alongside performative and saccharine dialogue, you begin to realize that’s the point. Once it stops being a show and transitions into a devastating look at the cost of obsessive determination, all that showmanship sets up an emotionally powerful payoff. The entire ensemble delivers in this true story’s gut-wrenching presentation, but it’s Zac Efron’s subtle vulnerability that drives this magnificent film’s forceful hope amidst the heartache. PRESTON Professional wrestling movies may hold the secret formula for being great. With so little chance of being successful, little monetary gain throughout, and the damage inflicted upon one’s body and family, it is the perfect recipe for an examination of the human condition and what it means to persevere. Director Sean Durkin takes advantage of this recipe to successfully tell the true and tragic story of the Von Erich wrestling family in The Iron Claw . Beautifully acted, this film’s realism will have you feeling privileged to watch as you navigate the burning sadness that provides little relief. ADRIANO I knew nothing about the Von Erich family going in, so I was not prepared for the emotional devastation of The Iron Claw . What could've been an entirely grim film that relies on its heavy subject matter takes its time with this family’s tragedy to offer a nuanced and compassionate film that, despite how tough it can be, offers many wholly earned, tear-inducing moments. Amongst the amazing cast, Zac Efron shines the brightest in a career-defining performance in what ultimately is a hard but beautiful film that I feel is necessary viewing. QUENTIN Objectively speaking, The Iron Claw is one of the best movies of the year, featuring tremendous acting across the board, waves of emotion, and perfect era-specific details (especially in the wrestling scenes). However, and I fully acknowledge that this is a “me” problem, but I already knew the story of the Von Erichs, so some of the emotional beats didn’t hit quite as hard for me or they felt slightly glossed over. This is the general problem when watching movies based on true stories you’re familiar with. Still, with the completely yoked Zac Efron giving a career-defining performance, it’s one of 2023’s true must sees. CALEB With The Iron Claw , director Sean Durkin tells the story of the Von Erich brothers with compassion, ensuring that the weight of these tragedies never overshadow the powerful love these men shared. The entire cast is exceptional, but Zac Efron shines as Kevin Von Erich, delivering a performance that delicately balances gentleness with raw, animalistic power. My biggest gripe with the film lies in its conclusion. While the rest of the film handled the topic of toxic masculinity with subtlety, the final moments were far too heavy-handed. Despite the rocky ending, The Iron Claw remains a beautifully crafted tribute to these incredible athletes.

SUZE Starring: Michaela Watkins, Charlie Gillespie, Sara Waisglass, Aaron Ashmore, and Rainbow Sun Francks Directors: Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart PAIGE Suze is a straightforward tale of personal growth, but it does a wonderful job of striking a balance between drama and humor. It glosses over some of its deeper emotional beats, but still manages to be a funny and somewhat unexpectedly touching movie, mostly because of the fantastic chemistry between our two leads, Charlie Gillespie and Michaela Watkins. The most delightful aspect of this film is their improbable friendship due to their ages. Suze is an all-around lighthearted and charming film that will warm your heart. KATIE I don’t think Suze is quite as wholesome as it thinks it is. The film relies on the dynamic between Suze (Michaela Watkins) and Gage (Charlie Gillespie), and whilst they each give good performances with a sufficient number of heartwarming moments between the two, I found that some of the emotional beats fell flat. I also struggled to empathise with Suze individually - let's just say I disagreed with her parenting style. Nonetheless, Suze is an easy watch with some funny and touching moments that luckily does not overstay its welcome.

THE GOOD NURSE Starring: Jessica Chastain, Eddie Redmayne, Nnamdi Asomugha, Kim Dickens, and Noah Emmerich Director: Tobias Lindholm QUENTIN Despite being hamstrung by the trappings of the true story on which it’s based, The Good Nurse features a great performance from Jessica Chastain (and even a decent one from Eddie Redmayne). The problem is the synopsis, trailer, and actual history kill any semblance of suspense. We know who the killer is, so there is zero mystery to be found even though the film wants to be a mystery so very badly. The details of the story are eye-opening, but they would have played better in a straight drama. Still though, it’s one of the better Netflix Originals, especially for true crime fans. NICK The real life story of a nurse suspected of killing patients, starring Academy darlings Eddie Redmayne and Jessica Chastain, what could go wrong? A lot, apparently. This dreary offering from Netflix moves at a snail's pace, and fails to build tension in a film that desperately needs it. Even Chastain and Redmayne give fairly pedestrian performances by their standards. This film had the potential to be really good, but instead, it’s another dour effort from Netflix. The true story of one of America's most notorious serial killers deserved a better adaptation. ADRIANO I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting a good movie in The Good Nurse , but it surprised me. That is not to say it’s flawless. The pacing is not great, and it didn’t have too much to keep me engaged. Not that the true story at its core isn’t interesting, but it’s obvious who the killer is (I’m not sure if that was intentional or not, but why do it that way?). Jessica Chastain is good, and I never thought I’d say this, but Eddie Redmayne is actually great. Overall, while it isn’t perfect, it’s not the trainwreck I expected either. This film was reviewed by Nick, Quentin, and Adriano as part of Bitesize Breakdown's coverage of the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.