ALLIANCE OF WOMEN FILM JOURNALISTS

Female Film Critics 24/375

maika monroe

Reviews 

100 NIGHTS OF HERO – Review by Lynn Venhaus

Lynn Venhaus , , , , , , , , , ,

A fantasy feminist fable that relies more on style than substance, 100 Nights of Hero is pretty – in people and surroundings – but at times, the story feels too flimsy to be an innovative take on elevating sisterhood over the pompous patriarchy. As a unifying anthem, the film waited too long to make a bold statement– and while motivation is always welcome, why dilly-dally instead of starting the rallying cry early? Nevertheless, give credit for showing that women can conjure their own happily ever after for themselves.

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Reviews 

THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE – Review by Nadine Whitney

Nadine Whitney , , , , ,

Women’s domestic thrillers and horror films have a long history with literature and cinema, and they require a story that is inventive with the tropes and ideas in the genre to make them memorable and distinct from a Lifetime movie. Michelle Garza Cervera’s direction and the two primary performances tip The Hand that Rocked the Cradle towards a sleeker production. However, there’s no complete escape from the low rent tawdriness of the script. The Hand that Rocked the Cradle is eminently forgettable, and that’s for the best.

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Reviews 

WATCHER – Review by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas

Alexandra Heller-Nicholas , , , ,

Watcher is a dark, smart treasure of a film, with the collaborative energy of director Chloe Okuno and Maika Monroe very much at the heart of what makes it such a compelling viewing experience. The decision to not use subtitles for the Romanian language dialogue in the film is a canny creative decision, adding further to our alignment with the main character as both she and we (assuming we are not familiar with the language) are excluded from what may or may not be important conversations.

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Festivals Reviews 

WATCHER (Sundance FF 2022) – Review by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas

Alexandra Heller-Nicholas , , , ,

Watcher is a dark, smart treasure of a film, with the collaborative energy of director Chloe Okuno and Maika Monroe very much at the heart of what makes it such a compelling viewing experience. The decision to not use subtitles for the Romanian language dialogue in the film is a canny creative decision, adding further to our alignment with the main character as both she and we (assuming we are not familiar with the language) are excluded from what may or may not be important conversations.

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Movie of the Week 

MOVIE OF THE WEEK December 8: THE TRIBES OF PALOS VERDES

Jennifer Merin 0 Comments , , , , , , , , , ,

motw logo 1-35In “The Tribes of Palos Verdes,” manicured lawns, sprawling houses, and groomed beaches can’t prevent family turmoil from wreaking havoc in the life of teenage Medina (Maika Monroe). Written by Karen Croner, the drama features a strong performance by Jennifer Garner, playing against type as Medina’s emotionally unstable mother. Continue reading..

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