Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 198

PRISCILLA Begins Streaming On Max February 23

A24’s Golden Globe® nominated PRISCILLA, written and directed by Sofia Coppola, will make its streaming debut on Max on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23. The film stars Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi.

When teenage Priscilla Beaulieu (Spaeny) meets Elvis Presley (Elordi) at a party, the man who is already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected in private moments: a thrilling crush, an ally in loneliness, a gentle best friend. Through Priscilla’s eyes, Sofia Coppola tells the unseen side of a great American myth in Elvis and Priscilla’s long courtship and turbulent marriage, from a German army base to his dream-world estate at Graceland, in this deeply felt and ravishingly detailed portrait of love, fantasy, and fame.

PRISCILLA was nominated for the Golden Lion at the 80th annual Venice Film Festival, where it premiered, and Cailee Spaeny won the Coppa Volpi for best actress. Spaeny was also nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor at the 81st Golden Globe® awards.

Written and directed by Sofia Coppola; based on the book “Elvis and Me” by Priscilla Presley with Sandra Harmon; produced by Sofia Coppola, Lorenzo Mieli, Youree Henley.

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Hanna Ögonsten: ‘Medicine’ – Out Now

Going through hardships as a child, Hanna Ögonsten would dwell into music, playing the guitar and piano to exploring the boundless ways of DIY-producing – a safe space of words, melodies and soundscapes, that would make the young girl forget about the struggles of a humble life in the suburb of Åkersberga outside of Stockholm.

“Growing up, most of us have tried to distract ourselves, simply to escape from the unpleasant parts of life like parents fighting, death in the family and other haunting nightmares. I used music to overcome these situations by writing a lyric or melody, creating a comforting story in my head,”Hanna Ögonsten says and continues: “’Medicine’ is about using these same distractions as a lifeline to cover up the danger and risk of obsessing with someone. If you crave the idea of someone’s love like a medicine, the chances of getting hurt are equally painful.”

The drum’n’bass-infused single is pushing the boundaries of electronic pop music, merging glitchcore elements with alternative bedroom-pop vibes. ‘Medicine’ is a testament of Hanna Ögonsten’s sonic vision co-produced by fellow Swedes, Carl Goldkuhl and David Kjellstrand, with a final touch from Paw Lagermann of the iconic Danish dance-duo, Infernal.

Hanna Ögonsten has attended the leading music schools, Rytmus and Musikmakarna, and in 2023 she was handpicked by Martin Garrix for the JBL x Martin Garrix Music Academy. This February, you can also look forward to hearing Hanna Ögonsten featuring on four tracks on the upcoming album from the acclaimed Danish electronic trio, AV AV AV.

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Hand-Painted Roguelite Shadow of the Depth Launches First Playable Steam Next Fest Demo

Shenzhen, China. 2nd February 2024 – Shenzhen-based developer ChillyRoom is delighted to announce that the first demo for Shadow of the Depth, an upcoming top-down action roguelike, is available now & as part of Steam Next Fest. 

Dive into an ever-changing, interweaving series of dungeons in the hunt for revenge in this dark and rich action roguelite adventure. Launching in Early Access on Steam later this year, Shadow of the Depth will feature an immersive combat system, five distinct characters, and a dark, hand-drawn world for players to discover. 

The exclusive Steam Next Fest demo, which is available now, includes two of the five playable characters, three levels to explore across a desolate village, and a formidable boss waiting in the depths. This exclusive demo offers players the perfect opportunity to get to grips with the rich combat mechanics while also providing a brief taste of what lies in store within the game’s darkest reaches. 

Key Features of the Steam Next Fest Demo:

Two Playable Characters, Two Different Playstyles
Players will take control of two key characters in the demo, Arthur the warrior-son of a blacksmith and also Phyllis a forest-raised hunter who utilizes a bow during battle. Hellbent on revenge, players will initially take control of Arthur as he tries to avenge the death of his father at the hands of monsters. Heading into battle with a sword and shield, Arthur favors a more defensive playstyle that allows players to block incoming attacks and counter. 

Endless Possibilities
Shadow of the Depth features randomly generated levels, which means each new adventure is slightly different to the last. The addition of over 140+ passive abilities empowers players to discover distinct builds for each one of the game’s playable characters. Each new venture into the depths will provide unique and exciting possibilities. 

Deeply Rewarding Combat Mechanics
Each character in Shadow of the Depth features their own distinct array of primary and ultimate skills, underpinned by a myriad of combo options. Rhythmic combos, which task players with carefully timing their button hits, add depth to combat encounters, encouraging the mastering of all five of the game’s playable characters. 

A Hand-Painted World
Hand-painted visuals help bring Shadow of the Depth’s dark and brooding world to life. Dynamic lighting adds further depth to the world, creating a tangible atmosphere which sits at the heart of every encounter. 

ChillyRoom is excited to offer players this early glimpse of Shadow of the Depth. If you would like to learn more, we would recommend visiting the game’s official Steam page. You can also stay up to date with all of ChillyRoom’s latest updates by following the developer’s official X account.

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“Portrait / Still life” | Daichi Igarashi, Ryoko Kumakura, Kozo Shimizu, Mioka Matsuura, Michaël Borremans – Gallery Koyanagi, Tokyo

Gallery Koyanagi is pleased to announce the group show “Portrait / Still life” from Saturday, February 3 to Saturday, March 30, 2024. Michaël Borremans, known for his tranquil portraits, has also made some works of still life motifs. In “Commutation” (2008) he depicts several corks. This work seems to be a still life, but Borremans once regarded it as a portrait. Drawing inspiration from this work, this exhibition features works by Daichi Igarashi, Ryoko Kumakura, Kozo Shimizu, and Mioka Matsuura, all exploring the motif itself and delving into the wavering boundary between portrait and still life.

Daichi Igarashi exhibits a still life painting of peaches reproduced in resin. Peaches have long symbolized vitality, fertility, and immortality, as written in Kojiki, the oldest surviving historical record in Japan, and myths across the globe. With resin mixed with iron powder and pigments, Igarashi replicates peaches, which turn deformed and damaged during the process. The hollow inside shows the thinness of the resin which simulates the skin of peaches. He then photographs and realistically paints them. Within his practice, he questions the existence of true nature between the process of reproduction and human perception.

Ryoko Kumakura, Still Life with Artifacts about the World, 2023

Ryoko Kumakura displays works that explore the imagined shape of Earth in the past, and the obsolete constellation, Cerberus. By composing images from historical documents, she makes the motif herself. She then photographs and paints them. These images have once embodied and solidified the ambiguous nature of past beliefs and imaginations. Through these motifs, Kumakura suggests that the contours of the world remain ambiguous even today and will eventually be overwritten and take on a completely different form, akin to historical precedents.

Kozo Shimizu, Tulip, 2023

Kozo Shimizu expresses a contradictory state in his paintings. Composing the clay model made by himself, he turns it into a 2-dimentional painting, juxtaposing several opposing phenomena: fullness and emptiness, expansion and contraction, and light from both the sky and the ground. His work creates something unstable, although figurative, the depicted object or situation cannot be perceived at once. For the exhibition this time, a 17th-century botanical drawing of a tulip with bulb and roots exposed with blooming blossoms became his inspiration, in which he saw life and death simultaneously.

Mioka Matsuura, Doll drawing VII, 2024

Mioka Matsuura’s artistic narrative incorporates hand-sewn dolls and three-dimensional objects into flat surfaces employing charcoal and oil paints. Matsuura explores the shifts and gaps in quality during the process. Her seemingly distorted and surreal dolls are immobile, but she believes that they seem to come to life through her charcoal drawings which cloth them in a certain beauty. She has made paintings with a single object portraiture, but in this work, she depicts multiple objects, inviting viewers to empathize with the objects and their facial expressions.
On the first day of the exhibition, 3rd of February, the opening reception will be held at Gallery Koyanagi from 5 to 7pm.

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Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024) – A Prime Video series: Secret agents with a touch of romance

Mr. & Mrs. Smith is an action thriller series created by Francesca Sloane, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Donald Glover. It stars Donald Glover and Maya Erskine.

“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” is Prime Video’s new bet to prepare for Valentine’s Day. This time, it follows the movie starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

The series features two new protagonists, Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, who have a different starting point from the movie: they don’t know each other, they are a newly recruited spy couple, and they will have to face exciting situations.

The series has a similar premise to the movie, but it is more comedic and has some very funny moments.

The second episode introduces John Turturro and his peculiar obsession with puppies, which is quite entertaining.

Plot

Two individuals, unaware of each other’s existence, find employment at a covert intelligence organization promising a life of intrigue, prosperity, global exploration, and a luxurious residence in Manhattan. However, there’s a caveat: they must assume new identities and enter into an arranged matrimony as Mr. and Mrs. John and Jane Smith. As husband and wife, John and Jane navigate perilous missions while also facing the challenges posed by their blossoming relationship. The intricacy of their cover story intensifies when genuine emotions begin to develop. Which poses the greater risk: espionage or matrimony?

About the series

It is a series with less action than expected, more comedy, and a romantic touch that will surely please romantic viewers. The premise is not new: mixing already established genres and creating something relatively new.

“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” is not innovative in its premise (it doesn’t even seem to try, given its title), but it stands out in terms of pace and script: it is not a crazy spy series or a romantic series, but it has elements of both and, with good touches of humor, it reaches the desired point without drawing too much attention.

It is a series that takes its time in developing its characters, it is more intimate and romantic than one would expect, and it has a smooth pace in some moments. The two main characters are always portrayed from their sensitive and intimate sides.

It is a good series on Prime Video that adds to its family entertainment catalog without trying to shock or offend anyone.

“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” knows how to please and charm, without surprising.

Where to Watch “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”

Prime Video

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Orion and the Dark (2024) Netflix Animation Film: Blending Reality, Dreams, and Fantasy

Orion and the Dark is a movie directed by Sean Charmatz. It is written by Charlie Kaufman, and based on the book by Emma Yarlett.

“Orion and the Dark” is an animated film by Dreamworks with fantastic animation and a script tailored for young audiences that is treated with balance, respect, and a great sense of rhythm.

A great film for the little ones to enjoy this Friday.

About the film

“Orion and the Dark” is a movie that blurs the lines between reality, fiction, and imagination. A production by Dreamworks that immerses its young viewers into a world similar to “Inception” (2010), but from a different perspective. However, thanks to a superb script, the film becomes a heartwarming tale, full of tenderness but also delving into deep themes in a respectful and non-frivolous manner.

A film that knows how to play with magic and fantasy at all times. It has a lot of comedy, but it’s not the kind of hilarious or over-the-top comedy that provokes laughter. The film uses smiles as a guide in this story that delves into dreams and nightmares, but without causing fear or extreme emotions.

“Orion and the Dark” is an excellent animated film in every sense, perfect in its production and conception, and without ever being boring, it manages to deliver its message in a simple way in the plot, slow in its development, and explanatory and kind in its story.
Charming supporting characters, attractive protagonist.

A story that unfolds in flashbacks and is endearing from the very beginning.

A delightful animated film.

Where to Watch Orion and the Dark

Netflix

The CastJacob TremblayAngela BassettPaul Walter HauserColin Hanks

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Let’s Talk About CHU (2024) Series on Netflix: from frivolity in appearance to something much more sincere and real in essence

Let’s Talk About CHU is a Taiwanese series starring Tzu Hsuan Chan and Kai Ko.

Today, the Taiwanese series “Let’s Talk About CHU” arrives on Netflix, revolving around a vlog and its creator, Chu Ai. The plot centers on her, her personal life, and the characters that surround her, with a heavy dose of romantic comedy that ultimately reveals itself to be more than just a comedy. It starts off as a typical rom-com, but quickly distances itself from frivolous humor and delves into well-developed characters with real problems. This series aims to win us over with a smile, but ultimately captivates us with its true essence, sometimes bittersweet. It revolves around sex, love, and the lives of its characters, all intertwined in a captivating and realistic way.

In terms of the series itself, it offers less comedy than promised, but is more serious and acidic than expected, and far more realistic than a typical Hollywood rom-com. “Let’s Talk About CHU” constantly strives to break away from the usual rom-com formula and succeeds in creating a series that caters to an adult audience, delivering more than it initially promises. Thanks to a well-written script, it goes beyond a mere succession of jokes and nonsense. And don’t expect anything frivolous, as the plot deepens and becomes more dramatic with each passing episode (and even reflects the tragedies of real life).

Visually, the series is well-executed with good shots and a color scheme that blends muted and cold tones. The narrative pace is also well-maintained, with interesting stories that blend together gracefully and seamlessly. As for the performances, all the lead actors do an excellent job. It’s clear that good writing leads to good performances, and the script of “Let’s Talk About CHU” allows for both comedy and drama to shine.

In our opinion, “Let’s Talk About CHU” is both captivating and surprising. It goes beyond the superficiality of its genre, continuously entertaining and amusing while remaining very human.

Where to Watch “Let’s Talk About CHU”

Netflix

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Orion and the Dark, this Friday on Netflix

Orion and the Dark is a movie directed by Sean Charmatz. It is written by Charlie Kaufman, and based on the book by Emma Yarlett.

A young boy, who has a vivid imagination, confronts his fears during a memorable adventure in the dark with his newfound companion – a large, grinning being known as Dark.

Where to Watch Orion and the Dark

Netflix

The CastJacob TremblayAngela BassettPaul Walter HauserColin Hanks

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Max Original Documentary Series THE TRUTH ABOUT JIM Debuts February 15

The Max Original four-part documentary series THE TRUTH ABOUT JIM, from Investigation Discovery (ID), directed by Skye Borgman (“Unsolved Mysteries,” “Trial by Media”) and produced by Imagine Documentaries, debuts THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15 on Max.

Synopsis: Amateur investigator Sierra Barter confronts a traumatic past and secrets that have plagued her family for generations. Sierra, her mother Shannon, and her grandmother Judy bravely pursue the truth about a mystery that could change their lives forever – was Jim Mordecai, their husband, stepfather, and step-grandfather a notorious serial killer?

Episode Descriptions:  

Episode 1: Digging Up The Past
Sierra Barter begins investigating her step-grandfather Jim by reaching out to family members, some of whom she had not spoken to in years. By interviewing Jim’s ex-wives, children, and stepchildren, Sierra begins to put together a horrifying image of the man her step-grandfather was and the terror that he inflicted on his own family.Episode 2: Eight Murdered Girls
Jim Mordecai was a revered teacher to most, but to others, he was a monster. Sierra looks deep within herself and questions if Jim’s crimes may have escalated. A curious family heirloom launches Sierra down a rabbit hole where a series of unsolved murders has her asking if Jim could be the killer.  

Episode 3: The Devil and Jim Mordecai
Sierra’s uncle shares a disturbing story further implicating Jim and a private investigator urges Sierra to find evidence. After Sierra searches through family storage, she learns the truth about a night that changed her family forever, and in turn, takes her investigation into a different direction.

Episode 4: Out of the Shadows
With the help of cutting edge technology, Sierra is able to build a DNA profile of Jim. Armed with the evidence she needs, Sierra hands her files over to law enforcement hoping to convince them to investigate and help her family step out from Jim’s shadow.

Credits: Investigation Discovery presents an Imagine Documentaries and Freak Magnet Production THE TRUTH ABOUT JIM. Directed by Skye Borgman; produced by Dani Sloane; executive produced by Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Sara Bernstein, Justin Wilkes, Jonathan Goldman, Brent Henderson, Skye Borgman, and Meredith Kaulfers.

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Birmingham Royal Ballet Announces 2024 – 25 Season

Today, announcing Birmingham Royal Ballet’s 2024 – 25 Season, the company’s Director Carlos Acosta said: ‘I am so happy to be able to share our plans for the future with everyone. Still riding high from the successes of the autumn/winter 2023 season, we have a lot to celebrate, but we also keep moving forward, keep challenging ourselves and keep aiming high, in terms of our goals and ambitions. Everyone at BRB has worked incredibly hard to ensure my vision for this company has been, and continues to be, realised, and I am very proud of our achievements and excited about our plans. This Season exemplifies the importance of balancing the creation of platforms for emerging talents to shine, alongside the joy we bring to the classical canon of work that the Company is so proud to perform.’

Fresh from the sell-out success in Birmingham, Plymouth and London, Black Sabbath – The Ballet has had a raft of international interest. The European premiere will be at the Luxor Theatre in Rotterdam, presented by Holland Dance Festival (13 – 15 June) and we are already in advanced talks about touring Black Sabbath – The Ballet to the USA in summer 2025.

In summer 2024, the Company will make its first-ever visit to Iceland to perform Carlos Acosta’s Classical Selection in Reykjavik.

The autumn season begins at Birmingham Hippodrome (25 – 28 September) where BRB presents Sir Frederick Ashton’s La Fille mal gardée, its Founder Choreographer’s most popular ballet. This is the first time La Fille mal gardée has been presented by BRB under the directorship of Carlos Acosta, who, for many, is one of the definitive interpreters of Colas in this sunny, effervescent ballet. The production will tour to Plymouth Theatre Royal (10 – 13 October) and Sadler’s Wells London (24 – 25 October) and is part of the official 2024-28 Ashton Worldwide Festival. Additional BRB events programmed as part of the Festival include A Celebration of Ashton in February 2025, and a special Ashton Foundation ‘Insight’ masterclass, featuring Carlos Acosta and Sandra Madgwick coaching BRB dancers in the roles of Colas and Lise on 30  April 2024 at Elmhurst Ballet School.

Also this autumn, BRB presents the World Premiere of Luna, a 2-act (full-length), abstract ballet in six movements, which forms the final part of Carlos’s Birmingham Trilogy (City of a Thousand Trades + Black Sabbath + Luna). This new work is inspired by the pioneering and socially enterprising women of Birmingham who have contributed to the shape of the city that Birmingham Royal Ballet calls home. Drawing inspiration from the book Once Upon a Time in Birmingham: Women Who Dare to Dream by Louise Palfreyman, it features an all-female, international creative team, including Choreographers Iratxe Ansa (Spain); Wubkje Kuindersma (Netherlands); Seeta Patel (UK); Arielle Smith (UK); Thais Suárez (Cuba); with music composed by Kate Whitley (UK). Costume Design is by Imaan Ashraf, Projection Design by Hayley Egan and Lighting Design by Emma Jones. The creative team will explore contemporary universal themes including matriarchal roles in society, education, female empowerment, overcoming adversity, and community. The World Premiere will be at Birmingham Hippodrome (3-5 October) before it has its London premiere at Sadler’s Wells (22-23 October).

Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker was his gift to the City of Birmingham when Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet moved to the city in 1990 and it remains one of the world’s most spectacular presentations of this festive tale. After breaking all previous box office records in the Birmingham 2023 run, this year will see the first-ever Relaxed performance at Birmingham Hippodrome, which will bring this story to life for children and young people normally unable to attend theatre productions of this scale (1pm, Tue 3 Dec). The Nutcracker’s Birmingham run begins on 22 November playing through to 14 December. The Royal Albert Hall spectacular presentation of The Nutcracker returns this year (29 – 31 December 2024).

The 2025 Spring UK Tour will be Sir David Bintley’s Cinderella, one of BRB’s most popular ballets. With sumptuous sets and costumes by John MacFarlane, virtuoso dance and some of ballet’s most memorable coups de theatre, Cinderella continues to thrill audiences across the world with one of the largest UK touring productions. One of BRB’s most in-demand ballets, Cinderella opens at the Mayflower Southampton (6 – 8 February) before travelling to Birmingham Hippodrome (19 – 29 February), The Lowry Salford (6 – 8 March), Sunderland Empire (13 – 15 March), Bristol Hippodrome (27 – 29 March), and finally Plymouth Theatre Royal (9 – 12 April). 

Spring 2025 will see the third BRB2 UK tour, this time featuring an all-new programme, to be announced. BRB2 has attracted a wealth of international talent to the company already. These future stars have already made their mark within the company and, as the 2-year initiative approaches its first conclusion, all eyes are on what these talented young dancers will do next. Watch this space.

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