Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 48

“Control Freak”: A Kafkaesque Nightmare Emerging from hulu

“Control Freak” is a fascinating story arriving on hulu today, following a woman who gradually loses her sanity and takes us along on her worst nightmares. This foray into psychological horror and delirium, with its good pacing and some impactful scenes, offers truly striking moments.

Plot

The story follows Valerie, a charismatic motivational speaker played by Kelly Marie Tran, whose life takes a sinister turn when she’s plagued by an uncontrollable itch on her head. This seemingly innocuous symptom triggers a series of disturbing events as Valerie becomes infected with a parasitic demon from her homeland.

The Cast

Kelly Marie Tran, known for her role in the Star Wars saga and for voicing Disney’s first Southeast Asian princess in “Raya,” delivers a powerful and nuanced performance. The cast is rounded out by Miles Robbins as Robbie, Valerie’s husband, Toan Le as Sang, Valerie’s father, and Kieu Chinh as Aunt Thuy.

About the Film

Well-crafted, occasionally shocking, and with impeccable visual execution. Kelly Marie Tran is the big star in this horror film where she’s the protagonist from start to finish. She rises to the acting challenge, and “Control Freak” is much better thanks to her.

“Control Freak” knows how to pace a horror narrative without limiting itself to impactful sequences, though there are plenty: the film maintains intrigue moment after moment without ever boring and always keeping the suspense and the big question alive: Is she really crazy or is there something supernatural behind it?

“Control Freak” is a film that aims to be strange, extravagant, and sometimes uncontrolled. It has to be this way to capture the imbalance of the protagonist and the story itself, but it manages to turn this imbalance into a virtue and, despite this, maintains ever-growing interest until the end.

Our Opinion

“Control Freak” has a couple of sequences that remain etched in the retina and knows how to leverage its strength to leave a taste of an impactful and successful film.

It doesn’t reinvent horror cinema nor will it be one of its classics, but it does leave us with a taste of well-executed horror cinema.

Where to Watch “Control Freak”

Disney+
hulu

The Cast

Kelly Marie TranToan LeMiles RobbinsKieu Chinh

“Love is Blind: Sweden” on Netflix Returns with its Second Season

They say love is blind, and Netflix is ready to prove it again, this time with the second season of the hit dating series, “Love is Blind: Sweden,” which returns to challenge participants to fall in love… without seeing each other.

The formula of this dating reality show, this romance… simply works and attracts audiences. The first season was a huge success in terms of viewership, so it’s no surprise that the formula is being repeated.

This season promises to be even more exciting than the previous one, with a diverse cast of 30 Swedish singles, ranging in age from 26 to 42 years old. Among the participants are professionals from various fields, from financial advisors to tattoo artists, ensuring an interesting mix of personalities and experiences.

Love is Blind: Sweden – Netflix

As we know, the franchise has several editions in different countries, and this time it’s Sweden’s turn. The show is hosted by Jessica Almenäs, a well-known Swedish television personality, who returns as the host to guide participants on their journey to love. The show’s format remains true to its original premise: singles meet and fall in love in the famous “pods,” unable to see each other, basing their connections solely on deep and emotional conversations.

The season will consist of 10 episodes, including the reunion special, which will be released weekly. Netflix has scheduled the launch as follows:

March 13: Four episodes
March 20: Three episodes
March 27: Two episodes, including the finale
Reunion episode

Where to Watch “Love is Blind: Sweden” Season 2

Netflix

“Adolescence”: Netflix brings the long take to the world of television

The long take (single shot, long shot) consists of a sequence filmed in a single shot. In other words, there are no editing cuts or breaks in the shot. It has been used relatively infrequently because it’s expensive to shoot this way and, above all, because the slightest interpretive error breaks the take and the entire process must be repeated.

“Adolescence” is a series based on this principle: a series shot in several long takes to accentuate the drama of the situation. Netflix brings this experiment to television with the help of series creators Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, and director Philip Barantini, who directed the 2021 film “Boiling Point” (also starring Stephen Graham), a movie that drew attention precisely for the drama of a single long take.

Plot

A special police unit violently bursts into a home and arrests a thirteen-year-old boy. Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) is detained for the brutal stabbing of his classmate, Katie. As the story unfolds, we’re thrust into the eye of the hurricane, witnessing the shockwaves that ripple through Jamie’s family, the community, and the judicial system.

Adolescence – Netflix

About the series

The series has many similarities with the aforementioned film (“Boiling Point”) and uses this narrative formulation to further accentuate the drama of the situations: the actors can’t make mistakes, the camera operators have to be alert, and everything has to be perfect during filming. Maximum tension inside and outside the set for this Netflix experiment.

“Adolescence” works well, very well on a narrative level: it has an excellent script and stands out, above all, for the performance of young Owen Cooper and veteran Stephen Graham, a specialist in dramatic roles. Alongside him, Ashley Walters plays the police officer in charge of the case. The actors are perfect and take their work seriously, managing to create a collective portrait of the situation: how a minor’s criminal process unfolds and the family circumstances it triggers.

“Adolescence” is above all a thriller, but not a classic thriller with a succession of fast-paced action sequences: it’s fast-paced in terms of rhythm, but the real interest of the plot lies in the realism of the situation and the psychology of the characters, which are the true narrative axes around which the script revolves.

“Adolescence” is a realistic series that is both dramatic and frenetic in terms of pace, and manages to transport us to the situation and investigate the case from various points of view: the parents, the child himself, the police, and the lawyer in charge of the case. A detailed and thorough analysis of the circumstances.

And, finally, it knows how to interest the public with the hook: Did this child commit the murder? What really happened? Here, the series works in a classic way, creating intrigue and giving information to the public in small doses to generate mystery.

Our opinion

It works in all aspects: technically, dramatically, in terms of performance, script, and direction, transferring the formula of “Boiling Point” to television.

A recommended series that, although based on an idea already realized, will surprise viewers looking for something new, realistic, and, above all, very dramatic.

Enjoy it!

Where to Watch “Adolescence”

Netflix

The Cast

Owen CooperAshley WaltersStephen GrahamErin Doherty

Faye Marsay
Christine Tremarco
Mark Stanley
Jo Hartley
Amelie Pease

World Premiere of Hagay Dreaming Performance at Tate Modern

Tate Modern, London’s renowned modern and contemporary art gallery, is set to present the world premiere of “Hagay Dreaming,” a new performance piece by Shu Lea Cheang and Dondon Hounwn. The performance, based on a story from Taiwan’s Truku tribe, combines traditional tribal culture with cutting-edge technology.

The collaboration between Taiwanese American new media artist Cheang and Taiwanese artist and Truku shaman Hounwn brings to life a tale of a hunter who encounters spiritual non-binary beings called Hagay in a dream. These beings impart ancestral knowledge of living, weaving, and hunting, reflecting the Truku principle of Gaya, which perceives all living beings as interconnected.

“Hagay Dreaming” incorporates a range of elements, including lasers, dance, instrumentals, ritual, and chant. The performance unfolds across six acts in The Tanks, Tate Modern’s raw industrial space. Performers navigate through horizontal and vertical laser beams, symbolizing weaving, rain, and hunting, accompanied by a soundtrack that merges contemporary classical music with traditional Truku rhythms.

The project, initiated in 2020 with producer Ping Yi Chen, has been presented in various formats previously. However, Tate Modern’s staging marks the first full-length theatrical production of the piece. The performance aims to present an artistic vision for the future based on the Truku people’s principle of living, known as Gaya.

In addition to the main performances, Tate Modern will host an artist talk featuring Cheang, Hounwn, and Chen. The talk will provide insights into their collaboration and delve deeper into the Gaya principle. A dance workshop inspired by the “Exchange” act from “Hagay Dreaming” will also be offered, led by key dancers and the choreographer.

The presentation of “Hagay Dreaming” aligns with Tate’s broader commitment to exhibiting, collecting, and researching performance and participatory artworks. It is part of a series of live performances and interactive installations scheduled at the gallery, including a performance by digital art pioneer Samia Halaby and the Kinetic Painting Group, tarot readings in Meshac Gaba’s “Art and Religion” installation, and a support group series led by Abbas Zahedi.

The performances of “Hagay Dreaming” will take place between March 13-15, 2025. The associated artist talk is scheduled for March 12, and the dance workshop will be held on March 16, 2025. These events are presented in collaboration with the international festival Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels, which runs from March 12 to April 8, 2025, across various London venues.

National Gallery to Host Millet Exhibition Featuring Iconic “L’Angélus”

The National Gallery in London is set to present “Millet: Life on the Land,” the first UK exhibition in nearly five decades dedicated to Jean-François Millet. The centerpiece of the exhibition will be “L’Angélus,” an outstanding loan from the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.

The exhibition will showcase approximately 15 paintings and drawings by the French artist, primarily sourced from British public collections. It will include the National Gallery’s own “The Winnower,” highlighting Millet’s exceptional technique as a prolific and accomplished draughtsman.

Millet’s work is known for portraying rural workers with nobility and grandeur, a status typically reserved for historical figures. The exhibition will explore themes of rural labor, including woodcutting, sowing, and women at work.

Sarah Herring, Associate Curator of Post 1800 Paintings, notes that Millet depicted rural laborers with empathy and compassion, endowing them with dignity and nobility. National Gallery Director, Sir Gabriele Finaldi, points out that Millet, a painter of rural life, was sometimes accused of being a dangerous anarchist.

The exhibition will run from August 7 to October 19, 2025, in Room 1 of the National Gallery, with free admission.

“Welcome to the Family” on Netflix: a fun Mexican family series about single mothers

Plot twists, comedy, family, and a touch of macabre humor, as the entire plot unfolds from a death and two women who, struggling to survive, must hide the incident. “Welcome to the Family” is a comedy that skillfully blends thriller, family, and entertaining characters. It is both a family series and a dark comedy that, without reinventing anything, knows how to make the most of its premise to achieve its goal: to entertain and amuse.

A series that relies on the performances of its two main actresses, Marimar Vega and Erika Buenfil, who form an atypical, eccentric comedic duo and bring all the charm to this entertaining series.

Welcome to the Family – Netflix

The Plot

Cristina and Luciana find themselves in a precarious situation when Gonzalo, Cristina’s father and Luciana’s husband, dies unexpectedly. The duo must face the complexities of hiding his body and forging a will while dealing with a nosy neighbor, a lovestruck policeman, and a former soccer coach who threaten to uncover their secret.

About the Series

“Welcome to the Family” is, above all, a series based on performances and script: no special effects or grand stylistic elements. Alongside Cristina and Luciana, the series plays with all the secondary characters to further entangle the plot: a clever script that knows how to capitalize on its strengths and develop the characters. However, don’t expect great depth in the plot: “Welcome to the Family” is firmly intended to be a light, fun, and entertaining series, without aiming to provide any stylistic lesson or change the narrative course of modern television. It entertains and leaves our lives as it came, but leaving behind the memory of endearing characters, embarrassing situations, and humor that is both family-friendly and darkly unique.

Our Opinion

“Welcome to the Family” offers a slightly different sense of humor in the realm of series about family themes. It knows its target audience and manages not to disappoint, but it won’t impact anyone or be a series we remember for many years. Looking for an entertaining series without more? “Welcome to the Family” is a good option within Netflix’s varied programming.

Where to Watch “Welcome to the Family”

Netflix

The Cast

Marimar VegaAna LayevskaErika BuenfilErick Elías

Wandsworth Arts Fringe 2025 Unveils Diverse Program as London Borough of Culture

Wandsworth Arts Fringe (WAF) is set to return with an expanded program, showcasing the borough’s cultural vibrancy as part of its designation as the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture. The annual festival, now in its sixteenth year, will feature a wide array of performances, exhibitions, and interactive events across various venues in Wandsworth.

The council has awarded grants totaling £56,479 to 30 projects, reflecting the borough’s commitment to using art and culture as a tool for community engagement and social improvement. These projects span multiple disciplines, including theatre, music, dance, visual arts, and interactive workshops, aligning with the London Borough of Culture’s core themes.

Several projects focus on celebrating Wandsworth’s rich cultural heritage. “Echoes of Us,” an immersive audio trail, invites participants to explore the Winstanley and York Road Estates while listening to stories from long-term residents. “Tales of the Iron Lane,” a guided walk along the route of the Surrey Iron Railway, examines the area’s industrial history through the lens of migration.

The festival also addresses contemporary issues. “Planet Harmony,” a project by World Heart Beat Music Academy, allows young people to express their concerns about the climate crisis through music. “Economic Possibilities For Our Grandchildren,” a performance piece by Casper Dillen and Christy Taylor, explores national identity and shared aspirations.

Health and wellbeing feature prominently in the program. The Royal Hospital of Neuro-disability will present an exhibition showcasing art created by patients as part of their rehabilitation process. “Spreading the Joy (further),” a theatre show by Group 64 Theatre for Young People, celebrates positive mental health through an interactive space journey.

Community engagement is a key focus, with projects like “Building Bonds: Community Toy-Making Workshops” by Battersea Men’s Shed offering intergenerational woodworking sessions. “Connect and Unite Through Art and Culture” aims to provide an inclusive platform for women, children, and youth to express their creativity and celebrate cultural diversity.

The festival also tackles important social issues. “Before We Were Proud,” a photography project by Steve Reeves, documents the personal histories of older LGBTQ+ community members, preserving stories from a less accepting era. “Translation,” a dance and circus show by Bertie Collective, explores queer experiences through various movement styles.

WAF 2025 continues to support emerging talent, with Putney Youth Musical Theatre offering young performers the opportunity to develop their skills through the production of “Matilda the Musical Jr.”

The diverse range of projects reflects Wandsworth’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in arts and culture. From interactive installations to community workshops, the festival aims to engage residents and visitors alike in a celebration of creativity and local heritage.

Wandsworth Arts Fringe 2025 is scheduled to run from June 6 to June 22, with tickets going on sale from April 24. As part of Wandsworth’s year as the London Borough of Culture, this edition of WAF promises to be its most ambitious yet, showcasing the borough’s artistic talent and cultural diversity.

Composer Hannah Ishizaki Selected for Prestigious Young Concert Artists Residency

Hannah Ishizaki, a composer and sound artist from Princeton, New Jersey, has been chosen as the next Composer-in-Residence for Young Concert Artists (YCA), a renowned organization dedicated to launching the careers of exceptional young musicians. This appointment marks a significant milestone in Ishizaki’s burgeoning career and offers substantial opportunities for artistic growth and professional development.

The selection process for the YCA Composer-in-Residence position was highly competitive, with over 100 young composers submitting applications. Each applicant was required to provide three original scores, which were then evaluated by a distinguished jury of industry professionals. The panel included YCA President Daniel Kellogg, along with notable composers and musicians such as Katherine Balch, Steven Banks, and Jennifer Koh.

Ishizaki’s music has been described by The New York Times as “imaginative… effective and moving.” Her compositional approach focuses on exploring the physicality of music performance to foster connections between musicians and audiences. This innovative perspective has led her to experiment with a wide range of instruments and sound-generating methods, from traditional orchestral instruments to digital sensors and even unconventional objects like rocks and zippers.

The YCA Composer-in-Residence program offers Ishizaki a comprehensive package of support and opportunities. During her tenure, she will receive three commissions totaling $18,000. These commissions will involve collaborations with current YCA artists and alumni, ensuring multiple performances of her new works. Additionally, Ishizaki will be signed to a minimum three-year management contract with YCA, providing her with access to industry connections, performance opportunities, and career guidance.

YCA President Daniel Kellogg expressed enthusiasm about Ishizaki’s selection, noting her “creative spark, breadth of expression, imagination, and robust artistic voice.” He also highlighted her collaborative spirit and passion for connecting with performers, qualities that align well with YCA’s mission to foster artistic partnerships.

The YCA Composer-in-Residence program has a track record of identifying and supporting exceptional talent. Since its establishment in 1994, the program has brought 14 composers to public attention, many of whom have gone on to achieve significant recognition in the field. Alumni of the program have received prestigious awards including GRAMMY Awards, Pulitzer Prizes, and commissions from major orchestras and renowned soloists.

Ishizaki’s appointment to this role places her in the company of these accomplished predecessors. It also provides her with a platform to further develop her artistic vision and establish meaningful relationships within the classical music industry. As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, the classical music community will be watching with interest to see how her unique voice and collaborative approach will contribute to the evolving landscape of contemporary composition.

The dates for Ishizaki’s residency are set for 2025-2027, with her selection announced in March 2025. This timeline suggests that audiences and industry professionals can anticipate new works and performances from Ishizaki in the coming years, as she takes full advantage of the opportunities provided by this prestigious residency.

Korean Viola and Piano Duo to Perform in Madrid’s Classical Music Cycle

The Korean Cultural Center in Spain has announced the first concert of the Classical Music Cycle Korea 2025, featuring violist Hayang Park and pianist Chloe Jiyeong Mun. The event, titled “Encore!”, will take place at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando in Madrid.

This year’s edition of the Classical Music Cycle Korea focuses on presenting artists who have previously performed in Spain through the Cultural Center’s initiatives. Park and Mun, both accomplished musicians in their respective fields, are returning to the Spanish stage after their earlier appearances.

Hayang Park

The concert program includes works by Robert Schumann, Sergei Prokofiev, Enrique Granados, and Rebecca Clarke. The performance will be livestreamed on the Royal Academy’s YouTube channel, allowing for a broader audience reach.

In addition to the concert, the duo will conduct masterclasses for students at the Complutense University of Madrid’s Faculty of Fine Arts. These classes, a result of collaboration between the Korean Cultural Center, the Society of Artists, Performers or Executants of Spain (AIE), and the university, will be open to a limited number of attendees, including UCM Musicology students, members of the UCM orchestra, and AIE members.

Hayang Park, born in Seoul, has garnered numerous accolades throughout her career, including first prize at the 5th Tokyo Competition in 2022. She has studied at prestigious institutions such as the Reina Sofía School of Music in Madrid and is currently furthering her education at the Kronberg Academy in Germany.

Chloe Jiyeong Mun, hailing from Yeosu, South Korea, gained international recognition after winning the Geneva International Competition in 2014 and the Busoni International Competition in 2015. She has collaborated with renowned conductors and orchestras worldwide, establishing herself as a sought-after performer of her generation.

The Classical Music Cycle Korea is part of a broader initiative called Korea Season, a project by the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE) and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea. This project aims to showcase various aspects of Korean culture and arts in strategic countries throughout the year.

The concert is scheduled for March 20, with the masterclasses following on March 21. The full program for Korea Season 2025 in Spain, which will include music, cinema, literature, visual arts, and dance, is expected to be announced in the near future.

Exclusive Q&A with Randy Charach About His New Thriller Vanished

We had the pleasure of interviewing Randy Charach, the talented actor who plays the lead role of Jack Finley in Jared Cohn’s highly anticipated action-thriller Vanished. The film stars Charach alongside David Chokachi , Richard Grieco , Rampage Jackson, Laurie Fortier  and Natalie Burn. Filming was completed last month in Los Angeles and at present the film is currently in post-production aiming for a Cannes 2025 release.

Q: Let’s start with Vanished—what is this film about and your impression reading the script?

Vanished is an intense action-thriller that follows Jack Finley, a high-powered defense contractor whose world is turned upside down when his daughter is kidnapped. The film dives deep into the desperation, strategic mind, and sheer force a father will unleash to protect his family. But beyond the action, it’s also a gripping story about redemption, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of power and corruption.

When I first read the script, I was immediately drawn to its fast-paced narrative and layered characters. It’s not just about fist fights and shootouts; it has emotional weight. The stakes are incredibly high, and many of the characters operate in shades of gray—there’s no clear black-and-white morality here. That complexity made Vanished stand out to me as more than just an action film; it’s a story that keeps you thinking long after the credits roll.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your character and what drew you to this role?

I play Jack Finley, a former military officer turned defense contractor who built an empire in a highly controversial industry. He’s wealthy, powerful, and used to being in control—until his daughter is taken, and suddenly, he’s in the most vulnerable position of his life. What drew me to this role was the transformation Jack undergoes. He starts as this confident, almost untouchable figure and a family man, but as the story unfolds, we see his facade crack. He’s a husband and a father before anything else, and the lengths he goes to in bringing his daughter home push him beyond his limits—physically, emotionally, and morally.

My producing partner and director, Jared Cohn, and I were fascinated by the balance of power and desperation in Jack. He’s not a traditional action hero; he’s flawed, calculating, and sometimes makes questionable decisions. Playing a character with so many layers was an exciting challenge, and I knew this was a role into which I could really sink my teeth into.

Q: The film features a solid ensemble cast, including Rampage Jackson, Richard Grieco, and David Chokachi. What was it like working with such a talented group?

It was an absolute blast. When you’re surrounded by seasoned actors like Rampage, Richard, and David, it pushes you to bring your A-game every single day. Rampage brings this raw intensity to the screen, but off-camera, he’s one of the funniest, most down-to-earth people you’ll meet. Richard Grieco is a legend—his presence alone commands attention, and he has this way of making every scene he’s in feel electric. David Chokachi, too, is just a total professional—his discipline and dedication to the craft were inspiring. The entire cast was amazing to work with.

What made working with this cast special was the energy on set. Everyone had a deep respect for the story we were telling, and we all fed off each other’s performances. There was this unspoken camaraderie, especially in the more intense scenes, that made the whole experience incredibly rewarding.

Q: What was the most physically demanding moment you faced during filming?

There were quite a few, but one scene in particular stands out. Without giving too much away, there’s a sequence where Jack is in a brutal hand-to-hand fight in a confined space, and we wanted to make it feel as real and intense as possible. The choreography was tight, the stakes were high, and we were shooting it over and over in the rain. I wake up the next morning feeling like I had been in an actual fight.

Beyond the physical stunts, though, the sheer energy required to sustain Jack’s level of desperation and determination throughout the film was its own challenge. While playing a character who’s operating on pure adrenaline and emotion for most of the film, I had to stay in that mindset for long stretches, which was exhausting—but in the best way possible.

Q: What do you hope audiences will take away from Vanished?

At its core, Vanished is about how far a person will go to protect the ones they love. It’s a high-octane thriller, but there’s also an emotional depth that I think audiences will connect with. I hope people walk away feeling the weight of Jack’s journey—not just the action but the moral dilemmas he faces along the way.

There’s also an underlying commentary on power and corruption and how the decisions we make in our careers can come back to haunt us in ways we never expected. I think it will leave audiences asking themselves, “What would I do in that situation?”—which, to me, is the sign of a great film.

Q: Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories or moments that really stood out to you during production?

One of my favorite moments was during a particularly intense scene where we were filming a chase sequence at night. The adrenaline was high, the stakes were real, and everything was set up for a perfect shot—until one of the crew members, who was off-camera, tripped over a lighting cable and sent an entire rig crashing down. It was one of those moments where everyone froze for a second, and then we all just burst into laughter. It was a reminder that no matter how intense the story we’re telling is, the process of filmmaking is still this beautiful, chaotic, collaborative experience.

Another great moment was watching Rampage improvise some of his lines. He has such a unique presence and way of delivering dialogue that sometimes he’d throw in something unexpected, and we’d all struggle not to break character. Those moments of spontaneity made the set feel alive and kept us all on our toes.

Q: You’ve worked on a variety of projects, but Vanished seems to be something that stands out. What’s next for you after this film?

Vanished is a special project, and I’m incredibly excited to see how audiences respond to it. As for what’s next, I have a few projects in the pipeline, both in front of and behind the camera. I can’t say too much yet, but there’s another thriller in development that I’m excited about—something very character-driven with a lot of psychological depth.

I’m also continuing to develop projects on the production side, looking for stories that challenge me as an actor and storyteller. My goal is always to push boundaries and take on roles that excite and surprise people. Vanished was a wild ride, and I’m looking forward to the next adventure.

Vanished – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35891786/