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Fanfik (2023)
Predictable and mediocre, passes the time
Plot wise, this movie really fell short. Each step after another was exactly what you'd expect, and it wasn't even what you wanted to happen either. It lacked realism in its characters and purpose in its narrative.
More on that realism note: who 'figures out' they're transgender, comes out to their family, crush, and school, cuts their hair, begins transitioning, and picks a new name, all in ONE SINGLE day? This felt so artificial, as though the character was meant to exist as a girl with different gender expression, that jumping to these conclusions was rapid and unbalanced. I think Tosiek had great potential in a miniseries or something, but in a movie this all felt rushed and over extended. One day is too much to learn and admit all this about yourself.
The 'fanfic' part for which this film is named also was somewhat disappointing. It didn't seem intentional and it didn't lead anywhere. Tosiek's interpretations of others seemed stereotypical and somewhat offensive at times. The insight it gave into their mind ended up making them seem kind of self centered and ignorant. (Ignorant may be a strong word- more like nonchalant to a fault. Self idolizing in a way). Great concept, but again, I think it needed a miniseries at least to fully develop.
The editing of the film is visually pleasing, but I think they could have done more with the emphasis on atmosphere. The locations felt very simple and could have used more personality.
Character wise, Tosiek begins as an uncomfortable narrator and ends as such too. They rely heavily on bad decisions and placebo effects from medication that only works consistently, at the right dose, over time. Tosiek's father's character development again feels rushed, only taking a few days to come around to what seems like a rapid and unsupported decision (not that there is anything wrong with transitioning- doing all the steps in one day is an indicator of something not quite being right though). Leon felt a little more 'real'- we got more insight into his values and struggles in a clearer way. The side characters all have little loose ends but mostly make up a sensical whole.
Anyway, TLDR; pretty big plot holes and struggles. Editing and great actors make up for it somewhat. Worth a watch, but not something to call home about.
Absolutni debiutanci (2023)
On Absolutni Debiutanci, briefly.
I was blown away. Though I'm selective of what I watch, and as such end up thinking quite highly of all of it, this was an incredible series. I found myself staying up to watch it and not wanting an episode to end. Though it's a very dramatic series, it's not overplayed or overacted. You get the raw expression of the characters' feelings unaltered, but also you see the subtleties in the dialogue and movement. The actors absolutely embodied their roles, and each felt integral to the story. Side characters such as Malwina brought rich plot without taking away from the main focuses. The parents' relationships had beautiful complexities that did so as well. The parents seemed very present in their childrens personality, in a beautiful way.
Niko and Lena were perfectly introduced before we meet Igor. The relationship between all three developed wonderfully and had it's own subtle differences in each direction. Niko thinks and feels so deeply (and is very introspective), Igor is very nonchalant but also so similar to Niko, and Lena is a bold and daring opinion speaker. The contrast between each is what makes all of it so special and true, I think.
Overall, Absolutni Debiutanci feels like the most beautiful, atmospheric, subtle, bittersweet passion project I've seen in a very long time. It is less of a series and more of a feeling and understanding as you finish watching. Fantastic.
Benjamin (2018)
A film where the actor is acting as an actor acting as an actor
Normally I like to come on here and review the movies I watch in fancy words, because a picture is worth a thousand and a movie is worth a ton more. This isn't one of those movies.
I really liked this. At first it was a bit offputting with its awkwardness, but that discomfort turns into charm quite quickly. It made me audibly laugh more than once, with Benjamin's matter of factness. The casting was perfect and the line delivery on everyone's part was superb.
Paul's character felt a bit unnecessary, and I wish the message his interaction gave had been delivered in a different way.
Stephen was a centerpoint, and I think his existance made the whole movie feel a little more real, like Benjamin and his social circle was a real little corner of the world.
I give it an 8, not because there was something missing, but because not much more could have been done with it. Is it an artistic masterpiece? No. But it's a sad, funny, easy to watch movie with a nice storyline and somewhat believable characters. It isn't innovating some kind of crazy message- it's just people being people. Refreshing and comfortable.
Beach Rats (2017)
Realer and Truer than any current film
A tragic classic of 'if I don't admit this to anyone else, I don't have to admit it to myself'.
While compared to other films this one generally falls flat, I gave it a good rating because it excels at what it's trying to accomplish; An accurate, brutally realistic story of what it's really like to live as a gay teenager in a straight adult's world.
The characters, while most lack extreme depth, are real and exist as people around us outside of the film.
Frankie is a silent kind of tortured that is present in so many people.
The plotline is slow, painfully so at times, but it adds to Frankie's feelings of restlessness and frustration.
Not an earthshattering experience, but it was never meant to be. It was meant to be real, and it did a perfect job.
Edge of Seventeen (1998)
Needed more substance; otherwise realistic
I can't speak to the accuracy of the film's era, since I wasn't even born yet when it was released, but overall strong movie.
The characters felt familiar and the storyline was easy to follow. Eric's transformation was definitely true to life, with a more exaggerated flaunting of himself as he found who he was.
The dynamic between Eric and Maggie felt realistic, but their dialogue left a little to be desired- I think the two just have different acting styles, so some of their scenes felt a little disjointed. That awkwardness played into the overall feel of the film though, so it wasn't all that bad.
Angie's character was a classic, as were her friends. They definitely contribute in a majorly unsung way.
As for why it doesn't get ten stars, I'd say the keypoints are realism and meaning.
While Angie and her friends do contribute, there is no way (at least now) that a 16/17 year old would be let into a gay bar, let alone served multiple drinks. A more realistic setup might be drag shows or something of that nature, rather than a place with an alcohol focus. The homophobia in Eric's environment is present once, and then abruptly fades away. It's implied that this is because he starts going to the gay bar, but he would still be facing it at school- I assume this is because the movie is meant to be more of a feel good, and not so much of a downer.
As for meaning, the film just left something to be desired in the way of substance. It needed a slightly stronger issue to resolve. Eric never showed a ton of strong emotion about his circumstances, which would have added something.
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
A late summer breeze of a film
The first time I watched this film was a year ago, maybe two. Since, I've found myself often captivated by it again and again. It's like a fine wine growing more decadent and complex each time.
The acting is balanced and smooth, the characters were wellcast, the cinematography is beyond the best I've ever seen. Had the setting been any different, I think we'd be looking at a very different rating average. The Italian countryside, apricots on trees, light winds stirring grass- it makes everything seem still and quiet in a blissfull way. The summer reaches through the screen and holds you in it beautifully. For the honest and intricate dynamics between characters and the gently harmonious atmosphere, this film earned a ten out of ten.
For many, the age gap between Oliver and Elio struck a nerve. For others, it made the story all the more personal. Though we don't discover Oliver's age in the film, it's pretty clear that he is quite a bit older than Elio at 17. In Italy, the age of consent is around 14 years of age, significantly lower than most of the Western hemisphere. It's also worth noting that in gay/bisexual (male) teens, it's fairly common for a realization of sexuality to be found in an older figure. Normally this isn't acted on, and is more of a moment of discovery, but CMBYN is a film. Films are fiction.
Beautiful performances from all actors. Elio's father remains one of the most vivid characters in cinema. The genuine care and conversation between each character builds such a wonderfully secluded and detailed atmosphere. Whether the film is for you or not, only you can say. What I can say though, is that it will not be time wasted to watch it.