Sneha Jaiswal's Blog, page 113

Six Small-Budget Horror Films That Won Viewers

When it comes to horror movies, big budgets don’t always guarantee big scares. Sometimes, it’s the low-budget gems that sneak up on us, leaving audiences trembling in their seats. From found-footage frights to supernatural thrillers, these 6 low-budget horror hits took everyone by surprise, proving that you don’t need millions of dollars to deliver spine-tingling terror.

“Paranormal Activity” (2007)Budget: $15,000This found-footage gem terrified audiences with its subtle scares and clever storytelling. Fun Fact: Director Oren Peli shot the film in his own home over seven days, using friends as actors.“The Blair Witch Project” (1999)Budget: $60,000This pioneering found-footage horror film made a huge splash with its realistic style and eerie atmosphere. Fun Fact: The actors were given minimal direction and improvised most of their lines, adding to the film’s authenticity.“The Witch” (2015)Budget: $4 millionThis period horror film stunned audiences with its authentic dialogue and eerie atmosphere. Fun Fact: Director Robert Eggers meticulously researched 17th-century folklore and language to make the film as historically accurate as possible.“The Babadook” (2014)Budget: $2 millionThis Australian psychological horror film became an instant classic with its chilling atmosphere and powerful performances. Fun Fact: The Babadook’s design was inspired by German expressionist films, giving it a timeless and unsettling look.“It Follows” (2014)Budget: $2 millionThis indie horror flick reinvented the slasher genre with its unique premise and haunting score. Fun Fact: Director David Robert Mitchell drew inspiration from his own recurring nightmares to create the film’s eerie atmosphere.“Insidious” (2010)Budget: $1.5 millionThis paranormal horror film surprised audiences with its inventive scares and gripping story. Fun Fact: Director James Wan drew inspiration from classic haunted house films like “Poltergeist” and “The Exorcist” to create a modern horror classic.

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Perfect Propose Review – Passable

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

Watari Hirokuni is an overworked engineer, who goes about his days like a zombie – he is always exhausted, has trouble sleeping, eats convenience store food and has no life outside of work. Things however change for Hirokuni when Fukaya Kai, a former childhood friend, reconnects with him out of the blue.

Based on a manga by Tsurukame Mayo, the Japanese series “Perfect Propose” has been created by Horai Tadaaki (director) and Miyamoto Takeshi (screenwriter) and is spread over six episodes. Kaneko Shunya plays the perpetually exhausted Watari Hirokuni, while Nomura Kota portrays the younger Fukaya Kai, who has no family and works at a small restaurant run by an aging man. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Kai has nowhere to go, leading him to seek out Hirokuni. He reminds Hirokuni that they are engaged, as they promised to marry each other as children. While Hirokuni dismisses his claims as childish nonsense, he allows Kai to stay over nonetheless. Kai, in turn, begins preparing delicious home-cooked meals for Hiro, including cute bento boxes for the office. As the two become flatmates, Kai openly expresses his romantic interest in Hiro, setting the stage for their slow-burn romance in the series.

The first episode of “Perfect Propose” makes one think that this might be a romantic-comedy, but there are very few “laugh out loud” moments in the show. Both Hiro and Kai are young, lonely, hardworking men, and neither of them are very talkative, nor do they have a close circle of friends. So, essentially, the show is about these two characters who lead socially isolated lives, and eventually find comfort in each other’s company. Although, it does feel like Hiro’s fondness for Kai is over all the nice, warm meals.

There’s very little that sets “Perfect Propose” apart from the dime-a-dozen romantic series out there, and the pace of the show is quite flat. Half of the show’s focus is on Hiro’s dreadful job, where his boss constantly bullies him into working overtime. If it weren’t for some of the flashbacks that establish Hiro and Kai’s childhood friendship, their love story wouldn’t make much sense. The food aspect of the show reminded me of Japanese series “Our Dining Table”, which was also about two young men bonding over food, however, it was a lot more fun, cozy and cute.

“Perfect Propose” seems to have all the ingredients for a romance drama: good-looking leads, a semblance of a story, a climactic conflict, and a final ‘happy ending’ resolution. However, all these elements fall short in flavor. While it makes for decent viewing, it’s a dish you’d forget after a few days.

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The Nun II Review – Moody Setting, Mild Scares

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)

“Do you want to watch a horror movie, it’s a sequel, the first one was very mediocre, but the trailer for this one looks great.”

Sounds like a bad pitch, but my family took the bait anyway and we decided to watch “The Nun II” for movie night. Directed by Michael Chaves, whose last horror film, “The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,” was based on a real case, “The Nun II” is completely fictional but does need the viewer to remember details from its 2018 predecessor.

Honestly, I couldn’t remember anything from the first film either, despite having seen it in the theater. However, there’s a scene in this sequel at the beginning where a group of nuns discuss how the Vatican had dispatched a Priest and a young nun to investigate a demonic entity haunting the nuns at the Saint Carta monastery in Romania. So that’s all you need to know about the first film – Father Burke and Sister Irene try to stop a demon from murdering nuns and barely escape with their lives.

Taissa Farmiga reprises her role as Sister Irene, and she is once again requested to investigate the mysterious deaths of priests across Europe, as there seems to be a pattern to them, and the Church suspects a powerful demon is on the loose, looking for something. Irene suspects Valak, the same demon that haunted Saint Carta is back. Storm Reid plays Debra, a young American nun, who insists of assisting Irene in her quest to find and stop the demon.

“The Nun II” is set in 1956 and begins with the shocking murder of a Priest in France. Michael Chaves and the team set a broody, haunting tone for the film, with the cinematography re-creating a fitting gothic atmosphere for this horror tale. There’s a lot of witty and creative use of shadows, lights and transitions in the film. However, throughout the 1 hour 50-minute runtime, the creators spend way more time building suspense and annoyingly few seconds on the actual gory deaths and violence of Valak’s victims. I had to double-check the movie’s rating; it’s “R,” which means it’s not suitable for viewers under 17. However, for a horror film, it almost felt PG-13. Why make an “R” rated movie if you’re going to shy away from showing blood, gore, and violence in a scary story?

Forget scary, “The Nun II” is often unwittingly funny in some scenes, especially during the climactic moments, which, by the way, were pure chaos. Apart from Valak, another demon is seen wreaking havoc at a boarding school, which used to be a monastery, and the second demon is added in for sheer entertainment purposes. The second demon’s sudden appearance, motivations, origins, nothing is explained to the viewers, unless you take into account the passing tales told by the schoolchildren and be satisfied with it. This second demon casually disappears the way it appeared, and unless you pay attention to every little detail, you won’t even realize what happens to it in the end.

Well, anyway, if you are an avid horror movie fan like me, you’ll find “The Nun II” to be quite passable, however, it could’ve been so much more. The cast is convincing, but the unfolding events are not scary enough. There is a mid-credit scene featuring the Warrens, the paranormal investigators, which leaves ample scope for a Nun III.

You can stream “The Nun II” on JioCinema Premium or rent it on Prime Video.

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The Heartbreak Agency Movie Review

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)

Here comes yet another movie featuring a manchild grappling with commitment issues, who inevitably falls for a woman who defies his usual type. It’s the classic ‘enemies to lovers’ trope we’ve seen time and again. However, despite its clichéd premise, the 2024 German romantic comedy “The Heartbreak Agency” (Original title: Die Liebeskümmerer) manages to charm in its first half, with plenty funny moments.

The story follows Karl (Laurence Rupp), a womanizing journalist with deep-seated commitment issues, and the the film kicks off when he gets unceremoniously dumped by his latest girlfriend, who’s been told by her therapist, Maria (Rosalie Thomass), that Karl is incapable of love. In a fit of wounded pride, Karl sets out to expose Maria as a cunning opportunist, running an agency supposedly dedicated to helping the lovelorn.

Directed by Shirel Peleg, the film draws inspiration from German author Elena-Katharina Sohn’s book “Goodbye Heartache – A Guide to Being Happy Again”. Sohn, like the film’s protagonist Maria, founded her own agency, “Die Liebeskümmerer,” in Berlin following a breakup.

At 1 hour and 34 minutes, “The Heartbreak Agency” starts off on an entertaining note. Karl, accustomed to fleeting romances and easy exits, suddenly finds himself on the receiving end of rejection. As he grapples with his newfound vulnerability, and then embarks on a misguided vendetta against Maria, publishing a sexist article on her without his editor’s approval, cementing himself as a misogynistic manchild. His impulsive actions result in a swift dismissal from his job, leaving him with only one shot at redemption: penning an authentic article on heartbreak and undergoing therapy with Maria, setting the stage for their unlikely romance.

Despite its promising setup, “The Heartbreak Agency” struggles with its transition from adversaries to lovers. While Maria and Karl spend increasing amounts of time together during therapy sessions, their chemistry feels lacking. The film’s focus on peripheral characters, predominantly Maria’s patients, detracts from the central romance, leaving little room for emotional investment. To compensate, the writers introduce a contrived subplot involving Karl bonding with Maria’s daughter, a transparent attempt to bolster the credibility of their romance.

The film’s soundtrack, comprising predominantly pop love songs, complements the narrative adequately, though it lacks the vitality necessary to elevate the plot. A pivotal beachside retreat, orchestrated by Maria for therapeutic purposes, provides a picturesque backdrop for potential romance. However, the film’s otherwise vibrant cinematography is marred by unnecessary shaky camerawork in the latter half, detracting from the visual experience.

Additional screen time dedicated to developing the lead couple’s relationship could have lent credence to their burgeoning romance. As it stands, their emotional connection feels contrived, resulting in a tedious final act that feels dragged out and boring.

You can stream the film on Netflix.

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Masters of the Air Episode 7 Review

Overview: Follows the experiences of American Air Force officers leading the 100th Bomb Group in England for an offensive against Germany. Created by John Orloff, who’s co-produced the series with Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, the 2024 World War II series “Masters of the Air” is based on a book by Don Miller.

Best friends Major Gale Cleven and Major John Egan, known as Buck and Bucky, reunite under unfortunate circumstances as prisoners of war (PoWs) in the Luftwaffe-run camp. Episode 7 of “Masters of the Air” opens with a snowy scene of PoWs going about their day at the camp, while Harry Crosby (Anthony Boyle) narrates the situation. “Stalag Luft III was run by the German Air Force, and because we had their downed pilots in our camps, they treated our boys humanely enough,” he says.

Half the episode focuses on the fates of American PoWs at Stalag Luft III, where the men listen to radio broadcasts on the sly to catch war updates and covertly work on finding a way to escape the Nazis. This episode covers “The Great Escape” event, where 76 PoWs attempted to escape the camp after a year of building tunnels in the so-called ‘escape proof’ prison. It’s considered one of the greatest escape attempts in World War II history and has films and books dedicated to it. I didn’t know much about the Stalag Luft III camp and was compelled to look up its real-life history mid-episode because of the surprisingly civilized way it is shown to be run—with PoWs receiving letters and even care packages from the Red Cross and their families. Over two hours of reading established one thing pretty clearly—Stalag Luft III was known to be the most humane camp run by the German forces.

The rest of this “Masters of the Air” episode, of course, flits between the Allies’ bombing campaign against Axis forces. Fresh American recruits keep arriving in England to join the 100th bomb group, with air missions now targeting Berlin and the Allies losing more men than they can keep count of. However, with P-51 fighters on their side, the flying fortresses have a stronger chance of fighting the Luftwaffe.

Unlike some of the earlier episodes, this edition doesn’t pack in a lot of dogfights or mid-air action, but it still reinforces the brutality and senselessness of war. Lt. Robert ‘Rosie’ Rosenthal (Nate Mann), who was introduced in episode 5 of “Masters of the Air,” emerges as one of the leading inspirational forces for the men—he is close to flying 25 successful bombing missions. Back then, the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) had a policy known as the “25 Mission Rule,” according to which once a bomber crew completed 25 combat missions, they would be eligible for rotation back to the United States. Completing 25 missions was a tremendous accomplishment, considering the high casualty rates and the physical and mental strain experienced by aircrews.

I really liked this edition, it had an interesting mix of tension, drama and emotions. No single character stands out in particular in the episode, however, the story continues to be a gripping theater of war.

You can stream “Masters of the Air” on Apple TV+.

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Ashes Review – Road Trips Can’t Get Wackier

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)

Three friends (and a monkey) embark on a road trip to an undisclosed location marked on a map, where their deceased friend desires his ashes to be scattered. “Ashes” by Alvaro Ortiz is an unpredictable, weird, but wildly entertaining graphic novel – it follows Polly, Moho, and Piter, who have drifted apart over the years until the passing of their friend Hector. His final wish? That they transport his ashes to a remote spot marked only with an ‘X’ and the name ‘Gregorio’ alongside it. They set off, unaware of what lies ahead or who Gregorio might be, encountering numerous obstacles along the way, with a crazy monkey proving to be the least of their concerns.

While I wasn’t sure where the story was heading, I loved reading this graphic novel. It unfolds at a leisurely pace, but its quirky nature and unexpected twists kept me thoroughly engaged. Alvaro Ortiz’s simplistic yet charming artwork, complemented by a pleasing color palette, facilitates the narrative’s smooth progression. While some readers may not appreciate the cartoonish illustrations, those who appreciate the creator’s art style are likely to find themselves equally enamoured with the story.

Alvaro Ortiz initially introduces Polly, Moho, and Piter through brief segments, providing insight into their backgrounds and personalities before they embark on their journey. “Ashes” is then divided into seven chapters, spanning six days of travel to their destination, with the seventh day dedicated to unravelling Hector’s true intentions. Hector’s shadow looms over them like a ghost, and I really liked the stark contrast in their personalities. Polly, the determined one, takes charge by renting the car to facilitate their road trip. Moho, a music journalist, dabbles in questionable side ventures, and has a monkey called Andres for a pet. Piter, purportedly the most affable of the trio, is a gentle giant and a healthcare professional. Andres the monkey accompanies the friends on their trip, stays with them in their hotel rooms, and provides plenty of comic relief in the story, with his own backstory and a penchant for mischief.

Piter serves as the primary narrator of “Ashes” and he intersperses the story with various anecdotes about cremation and historical tidbits detailing the cremation practices of different cultures and countries. From the cremation of several Nazis to prevent their burial sites from becoming sites of homage for Hitler sympathizers, to the Hindu belief in the liberating power of laying ashes in the Ganges, “Ashes” offers intriguing insights throughout.

“Ashes” continually takes unexpected turns, with the trio encountering a plethora of unforeseen events along the way, including mysterious pursuers with unknown motives. What begins as a simple, somewhat melancholic tale of three estranged friends embarking on a reluctant journey to bid farewell to a mutual friend evolves into a thrilling narrative replete with guns, goons, drugs, fires and violence. In its own understated way, “Ashes” proves to be thoroughly entertaining from start to finish.

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Lover, Stalker, Killer – Documentary Review

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)

Dave Kroupa lives an ordinary American life as a mechanic until he tries online dating, where he meets a woman who becomes dangerously obsessed with him. Directed by Sam Hobkinson, the 2024 Netflix documentary ‘Love, Stalker, Killer’ immediately intrigues viewers with its unusual premise: a man is stalked, harassed, and threatened over the years by a woman.

About 90 minutes long, ‘Lover, Stalker, Killer’ is anchored by several interviews with people involved in the case, primarily Dave Kroupa himself, along with his ex-wife, and the officers who investigated the case when it took a violent turn. Kroupa’s stalker sets his girlfriend’s house on fire and then even gloats about it via texts. Even though I didn’t know anything about this case, it becomes very apparent what was really happening to Dave within the first fifteen minutes. Although my guess could have been proven wrong by the end, it still makes you seriously wonder why it took years for the police to figure out what was happening.

Despite its crisp runtime, the documentary unfolds at a very slow pace, with the creators spending too much time on repetitive shots and on little tidbits by the interviewees about their own lives, which have no direct bearing on the case and would be of minimal interest to viewers. For example, one of the investigators discusses how his own marriage was going through a rough patch while he was working extra hours to solve the Dave Kroupa case. Some of these personal revelations by the officers who worked on the case were entirely unnecessary in the documentary and only served to slow down its pace. Instead, the creators should have allocated more time to what happens when Kroupa’s stalker is finally arrested and brought to trial. While it is mentioned that the case will be challenging, the court proceedings move at a lightning speed, with only a few minutes dedicated to the trial.

Overall, “Lover, Stalker, Killer” provides an intriguing glimpse into a case that seems quite bizarre at first glance: a woman dedicating years of her life to creepily stalking a man she had barely dated for weeks, sending him thousands of nasty messages, and even targeting his ex-wife and children. However, it barely delves into the character of the “stalker” and her motivations, or whether she had a shady past that could shed light on her actions. In the end, there are quite a few unanswered questions, and considering the material the creators have, this documentary could have been condensed to sixty minutes.

Stream “Lover, Stalker, Killer” on Netflix.

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“The New Look” Episode 5 Review

“We have much to celebrate. But we have much to mourn as well. I would like you all to help me with something. This next song is dedicated to those who have lost someone to the war. If you are in mourning for a loved one, would you please stand?”

Titled “Give Your Heart and Soul to Me,” Episode 5 of “The New Look” begins with Christian Dior (Ben Mendelsohn) attending a concert. The singer asks those in the audience to stand up if they’ve lost someone to the war, so Christian remains seated, reflecting his steadfast belief that his younger sister Catherine must have survived Nazi camps and will return home. Meanwhile, Coco Chanel (Juliette Binoche) is in Switzerland, where she discovers something startling related to her business and must now solve several new problems that have arisen for her.

This edition unfolded at a much slower pace than the others, occasionally feeling dull. However, it did contain some very tense and somber scenes that poignantly depicted various shades of hope, despair, pain, and heartbreak that accompany the aftermath of a war. A dramatic cinematic sequence in the second half of the episode was the highlight of this edition, where a hall full of strangers is gathered with flowers in their hands, waiting to reunite with their loved ones who are said to have returned to France from Germany’s Nazi camps. The crowd bursts into an impromptu patriotic song while they wait for the survivors, but they are stunned into silence when they catch a glimpse of the emaciated survivors, who walk in a daze, just shells of what they were before the war caught up with them. It is a heart-rending, haunting scene.

When I shared my review for the first three episodes of “The New Look” online, some viewers complained about the accents, particularly that of Ben Mendelsohn’s as Christian Dior. Until then, I hadn’t even given the accents a second thought, and while Mendelsohn’s fake accent might bother some viewers, it still doesn’t dilute his emotionally complex performance as Dior. He is both pitiable and admirable as a designer who is gives French couture a fresh lease of life while battling a severe existential crisis over his sister’s unknown fate.

With five more episodes to go, it’s a bit unclear how the creators intend to sustain viewer interest, as the story already seems to be reaching a point where another episode or two should be sufficient to wrap things up. However, the focus has predominantly been on how the war impacts the lives of Christian Dior and Coco Chanel in distinct ways up to this point. Therefore, there’s still ample ground to cover regarding how Dior rises to superstardom in the fashion world. Episode five ends with a chillingly sad scene, but it’s also supposed to be hopeful in tone. It’s going to be a new era from Dior now on.

You can watch “The New Look” on Apple TV+

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Authors to Read If You Like Orhan Pamuk

“When you love a city and have explored it frequently on foot, your body, not to mention your soul, gets to know the streets so well after a number of years that in a fit of melancholy, perhaps stirred by a light snow falling ever so sorrowfully, you’ll discover your legs carrying you of their own accord toward one of your favourite promontories” – Quote from Orhan Pamuk’s “My Name Is Red”

Orhan Pamuk brings to life cities and regions if a way few authors can and his works often explore themes such as identity, memory, cultural clash, and the complexities of modern Turkish society. In 2006, Pamuk won the the Nobel Prize in Literature, making him the first Turkish author to receive the honor. His Nobel citation praised his “quest for the melancholic soul of his native city” and his skill in portraying the clash between East and West.

For readers who admire Orhan Pamuk’s intricate narratives and profound exploration of human experience, here’s a curated list of authors whose works share thematic and stylistic similarities:

Jorge Luis Borges: Borges’ philosophical musings and intricate labyrinths of fiction appeal to fans of Pamuk’s intellectual depth and narrative complexity. Both explore the nature of storytelling and its relationship to truth.
Recommendation: “Ficciones” – A collection of short stories where Borges delves into themes of metaphysics, identity, and the nature of reality, often blurring the lines between fact and fiction.Milan Kundera: Kundera, like Pamuk, skillfully blends political commentary with intimate human dramas. His works are marked by a profound understanding of history and an exploration of the human condition in the face of political upheaval.
Recommendation: “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” – Set against the backdrop of Czechoslovakia’s political turmoil in the 1960s, Kundera explores love, freedom, and the existential weight of human existence.Yasmina Khadra: An Algerian author writing in French, Khadra’s novels delve into the complexities of human nature and society, akin to Pamuk’s exploration of cultural and political dynamics. His stories often grapple with themes of identity, exile, and the search for meaning in a turbulent world.
Recommendation: “The Swallows of Kabul” – Khadra paints a poignant portrait of life under Taliban rule in Afghanistan, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience amidst oppression.Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: A master of African literature, Ngũgĩ’s works echo Pamuk’s exploration of national identity, colonialism, and cultural memory. Both authors use their writing to confront social and political issues while celebrating the resilience of the human spirit.
Recommendation: “Petals of Blood” – Set in post-colonial Kenya, Ngũgĩ’s novel examines the complexities of modernization and the clash between tradition and progress.Julian Barnes: Barnes’ introspective narratives and keen observations of human behavior mirror Pamuk’s nuanced explorations of memory, loss, and the passage of time. Both authors skillfully blend the personal and the universal in their storytelling.
Recommendation: “The Sense of an Ending” – Barnes delves into the intricacies of memory and the unreliable nature of perception as he unravels the life of a middle-aged man reflecting on his past.Rohinton Mistry: Mistry, an Indian-Canadian author, offers poignant tales of ordinary people grappling with the forces of change and tradition, reminiscent of Pamuk’s exploration of societal shifts and cultural tensions. His evocative storytelling and rich character development make for immersive reading experiences akin to Pamuk’s novels.
Recommendation: “A Fine Balance” – Set in 1970s India, Mistry weaves together the lives of four characters from different backgrounds, exploring themes of resilience, friendship, and the impact of political upheaval.Andreï Makine: A Russian-French author, Makine’s novels often explore themes of memory, exile, and identity, similar to Pamuk’s works. His lyrical prose and introspective narratives delve into the complexities of human experience against the backdrop of historical and political turmoil.
Recommendation: “Dreams of My Russian Summers” – Makine’s semi-autobiographical novel follows a young boy’s coming-of-age in Soviet Russia, blending elements of history, memory, and imagination.Meša Selimović: A Bosnian author, Selimović’s novels offer profound reflections on the human condition, much like Pamuk’s introspective explorations. His works delve into themes of love, power, and morality, often set against the backdrop of war and societal upheaval.
Recommendation: “Death and the Dervish” – Set in Ottoman Bosnia, Selimović’s novel follows a Muslim cleric’s spiritual journey as he grapples with questions of faith, justice, and personal integrity amidst the turmoil of political repression.

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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Review

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

“Do you ever analyze your parents?… I am crazy about mine.”

Now that’s a line you rarely hear a character say about their parents, with genuine appreciation and no sarcasm. And at a time when movies and series seem to be saturated with themes of generational trauma, “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” explores the dynamics of two contrasting families. While one family tends to bury their problems and avoid open discussion, the other embraces communication and mutual support, fostering a more transparent and nurturing environment.

Based on Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s novel of the same, “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” is directed by Aitch Alberto. Set in the 1980s in Texas, the story follows Mexican teenagers Aristotle Mendoza (Max Pelayo) and Dante Quintana (Reese Gonzales), who meet at a public swimming pool and strike a lasting friendship.

Narrated by Max Pelayo, who portrays the shy and introverted Aristotle, the film primarily delves into his perspective of the world. Aristotle, brooding and quiet yet attractive, tends to draw the attention of girls at school. On the other hand, Dante, though not conventionally handsome, exudes a fun, sweet, and artistic aura, making him effortlessly likable. A class disparity exists between the friends: while Aristotle’s family struggles financially and harbors secrets, particularly regarding his incarcerated older brother, Dante hails from a wealthy, intellectual household and his parents are a lot more open. Both boys grapple with their Mexican identity and the complexities of conforming to societal norms of masculinity.

The cinematography of “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” is beautiful, with a bright, summer palette, which breathes fresh new life into the 80s. The pool scene, where the two boys meet, is memorably shot from above, where Dante teaches Aristotle to swim, and the clear blue color of the water adds a calm, comforting mood to the scene, which is also quite symbolic of their friendship. The film is laden with such well-shot scenes, and the costume department does a fun job with Dante’s outfits – he is always in colorful shirts, which complement his cheery personality.

One hour and 38 minutes long, the movie smoothly sets up the blooming friendship between its protagonists, cemented by a sweet scene where they tie their shoes together and throw them up a cable. Whenever they pass by that road, they can see the shoes as a sign of their enduring friendship. However, since the story is narrated by Aristotle, he gets a lot more scenes, while Dante sometimes fades into the background as a supporting character. A major sub-plot/conflict in the film arises when Dante moves away for a year from El Paso, and the boys promise to remain friends. While they stay in touch through letters, discussing school, crushes, and various other things, it’s all shown from Ari’s perspective. Throughout the second half of the film, I kept wanting to see more of Dante, who is portrayed fantastically by Reese Gonzales.

The climax is poignant, with an unfortunately violent incident forcing the two boys to confront some uncomfortable truths and face their feelings for each other. It’s their parents who emerge as unlikely heroes, standing by their sons and not bowing to what others might expect of them. Perhaps, a series could’ve been able to explore the complex relationships in this tale more intricately, but even in its current form, it’s a moving movie about love, family and friendship.

You can rent the movie on Vudu, Amazon Prime Video

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