In this case, its “timeless” themes serve as a euphemism for generic. Boiled down and captured properly, this is just another movie. Remove the showy elements and art school choices, and there is literally no reason to see this.
All tagged Focus Features
Hate and a Half - BlacKkKlansman
Misguided musical interludes, lengthy speeches and over-stylized elements have all cropped up in various forms throughout Spike Lee’s career, so any time he is back with a new film, there's always the question of whether we will get the 'Good Spike' or the 'Bad Spike.' It doesn’t take long to realize, this is the former through and through.
More Than Decent - Won't You Be My Neighbor?
Telling a story about a man who seemingly had no inner demons or notable conflicts leaves you with very little tension, unless you manage to introduce an outside element he fought against. In this case, it was us.
The Unseen - Phantom Thread
The film is undoubtedly a slow burn, but that burn is so satisfying, it's hard to imagine it won't get to you.
Review: The Beguiled
Regardless of where you come out on the film or some of the narratives surrounding it, Coppola's craftsmanship is on full display.
Review: Nocturnal Animals
Like a pig in the mud, it starts low, and blissfully revels in its emptiness. Not nearly as self aware as it wants you to think, the movie magic is sparse as Ford reaches for story-within-a-story and fails on both levels.
Review: Loving
This is a film to be admired for its restraint.