Friday Flicks: ‘My Friend Dahmer’, ‘Lady Bird’, ‘Most Beautiful Island’
It’s been another bombshell of a week for the entertainment industry. Beloved thespian Kevin Spacey has been caught up in a sexual harassment scandal, leading to the cancellation of Netflix’s House of Cards – and even the legendary Dustin Hoffman is facing allegations of his own. Yikes! In the wake of the Weinstein scandal, we’re finally seeing these accusations get the column inches they deserve.
Elsewhere in the industry, Disney is tightening its force grip. The forthcoming release of Thor: Ragnarok is set to smash the box office when it arrives on American shores this Sunday, projected to take in more than $400m on opening day alone. The company, headed by the everyone’s favorite rodent, isn’t appeased easily though. Have you seen their demands for The Last Jedi?
Let’s step away from all the madness engulfing Hollywood and take a stroll on the more friendly avenue of indie cinema. Read on for FD’s picks of the best films to catch this weekend.
Journey back to the seventies and witness the evolution of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer in an adaptation of Derf Backderf’s graphic novel My Friend Dahmer, directed by Marc Meyers; experience Lady Bird, the bold directorial debut from Greta Gerwig; and step into the shoes of a young immigrant attempting to make a new life in the Big Apple in Ana Asensio’s psychological thriller Most Beautiful Island.
My Friend Dahmer (FilmRise Releasing)
on limited theatrical release now
Jeffrey Dahmer murdered seventeen men and boys between 1978 and 1999, cementing him as one of history’s most infamous serial killers. This is the story before that story. Directed by Marc Meyers (How He Fell in Love), My Friend Dahmer is based on Derf Backderf’s graphic novel of the same name, recounting his time in high school with the would-be Milwaukee Cannibal. Haunting and darkly funny, the film stars Ross Lynch (Austin & Ally), Alex Wolff (The Sitter), Anne Heche (Donnie Brasco), and Dallas Roberts (Walk the Line).
We spoke with director Marc Meyers last week about his “cautionary tale”, as he offered his insight into the troubled but highly charismatic persona of Jeffrey Dahmer. And boy, did he have a lot to say. Before taking a read down that rabbit hole, we’d recommend checking out our review of the film first.
Lady Bird (A24 Films)
on limited theatrical release now
Set in Sacramento, California in 2002, Lady Bird is a stirring and intimate look at the relationships that shape us, the beliefs that define us, and the unparalleled beauty of a place called home. In her solo directorial debut, Greta Gerwig (Frances Ha) establishes herself as a “bold new cinematic voice”, diving into the humor and pathos in the turbulent bond between a mother and her teenage daughter. Stars Saoirse Ronan (The Grand Budapest Hotel), Laurie Metcalf (Roseanne), Odeya Rush (We Are What We Are), Tracy Letts (The Big Short), and Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea).
No Dress Code Required (Outsider Pictures)
on limited theatrical release now
No Dress Code Required delves into the story of Victor and Fernando, two salon owners well known among their local community for beautifying Mexicali socialites. They’re a couple in love who want to marry. The only problem? It isn’t legal, since they’re both male. When their friends and clientele turn their backs on them, they refuse to back down, determined to become the first gay couple in Baja California, Mexico to marry. In this incredibly poignant and eye-opening documentary, filmmaker Cristina Herrera Borquez charts their fight against homophobia and inequality.
Most Beautiful Island (Samuel Goldwyn Films)
on limited theatrical release now
Written and directed by Ana Asensio, Most Beautiful Island follows one harrowing day in the life of Luciana, a young immigrant struggling to make ends meet while striving to escape her past. Shot on Super 16mm film and featuring an intimate, voyeuristic sensibility, Most Beautiful Island has been dubbed a psychological thriller offering a glimpse into the life of undocumented female immigrants hoping to make a life in New York City. Stars Asensio (Zenith), Natasha Romanova (Shoe Lady), David Little (The Wizard of Lies), Nicholas Tucci (You’re Next), and Larry Fessenden (Psychopaths).
