By Keegan Adkins
Who is to say what makes a person, a person? I think therefore I am? What if our thinking is programmed? Either way, I find it totally justifiable to go on a murder spree of nice-guy sex traffickers that try to throw you under the bus.Iris, played by Sophie Thatcher, has a tragic story of being used by someone she loved, which isn’t entirely new. The thing that sets her apart, and helps lift the story, is how quickly she moves to protect herself, and receive justice.Companion had nearly all the elements of revenge slashers that I love, a strong female protagonist, entirely unlikeable men getting killed off, getting covered in blood, an intense final struggle, and a woman who wins. It’s not the most unique film out there but I did thoroughly enjoy it. Something I’d recommend to friends, maybe I’d rewatch it when I feel like I need to see a woman winning.The film could have used a little more grit, or a little more comedy. If it had leaned just a little bit stronger in either direction, it would have been more compelling. Still had fun, and that’s what movies are for! Or for thinking.Also Zach Creger, director of Barbarian, was a producer on it. I love Barbarian. I will see anything that has his name on it in any capacity. Shout out to Barbarian.
Kede
By Pat Tabari
The Girl With The Needle (2024)
Historical Drama/Thriller
Directed by Magnus von Horn
From Danish director Magnus von Horn comes The Girl With The Needle, a historical drama/thriller presenting a nightmarish, relentlessly dark fairytale-esque story based on real events. But I implore you not to do any further research on the source material, as von Horn’s masterful unraveling of this story is captivating, devastating.
Set in 1919 Copenhagen, The Girl With The Needle follows a young woman, Karoline, in the clutches of poverty as The Great War comes to an end. We follow Karoline through a series of tragic events that land her as a wet nurse for a mysterious woman who runs a business for finding homes for unwanted babies.
The film’s bleak plot drags audience members through themes of class, sexuality, and bodily autonomy (indeed particularly prescient today), culminating in a chilling and heart-wrenching climax.
By Luke Chase
Saturday Night delivers a fast-paced look behind the scenes of Saturday Night Live’s first broadcast in 1975. The film’s style seems to be influenced by movies like Birdman, with its use of long one-takes that immerse the viewer in the chaotic energy of live television production.
Cory Michael Smith brings Chevy Chase to life with sharp wit and a fitting touch of arrogance. Meanwhile, Gabriel LaBelle embodies Lorne Michaels, portraying both his ability to navigate on-set egos and the pressure of shaping his creative vision. The film effectively channels the spirit of SNL through its depiction of the dramatized high-stakes pre-production frenzy and the dynamic relationships among cast, crew, and studio executives.
Overall, Saturday Night is an entertaining watch, offering an engaging behind-the-scenes perspective of an iconic moment in television history. That said, while it’s an enjoyable ride, it may not feel essential unless you’re a devoted SNL or comedy fan.
Our next movie review drop will be: MARCH 28TH, 2025