So, I must admit there is an issue here. I find myself perpetually busy and it means that I don’t really have as much time to write about the films I see. There is a trade off between how many I can see and how many I write about, and unless I have a burning passion, it can make it difficult to justify the writing of this blog, especially when one has spent so long doing so little over the course of a year or so. I’m not spending an hour or so telling you that Jungle Cruise is shit. But that is fine, and some days or evenings this spewing of consciousness can be rewarding, whether it fills up an evening I decide to rest at home, or becomes a symbol of productivity, a tangible output, it still has a place. If you would like more regular updates about what’s worth watching and to discuss them with me, as well as just sending me a message about them, you can also find me on letterboxd, a pretty cool tool to use as a film diary. You can rate, review and recommend films on the site. It’s pretty epic. Still, enough wittering, it’s time for more wittering.

I apologise for my absence recently. In the film blog world, we have our own shady universe, with our own banks, churches, schools and courts. You think money runs the world, wrong, what truly runs the world is irregularly updated film blogs from sad guts such as myself, therefore friends, when I rise to the top I Shall remember you (Although, don’t mention this world to anyone. If word spreads that I spilled the beans, I could be killed, or worse expelled). However, in the mean time, I was put in front of film-blog-court accused of attempting to sabotage our friends over at Surbiton Rebel Wilson Fan Club. Once we’d heard from the witness for the prosecution and myself, the 12 angry men decided that I must be innocent anyone who enjoys a Rebel Wilson doesn’t have standards to sabotage. Now that is out of the way, I’m officially back and about as good as ever, so what films have we to look at today?

Luca

Let’s start off with a Disney+ movie. I’m aware this came out a while ago, but I’ve only just seen it and as this blog sticks to my rules, I shall discuss it. (I’ve already reviewed the more recent release on Disney+ which is Cruella).

Having explored the human mind, the after life and rats cooking food, this Pixar movie takes it down a notch. The film introduces us to the fearful Luca, a sea creature who never goes onto the Land. He and his family live off the coast of Italy, near a town who hate sea monsters. One day, he meets Roberto, a confident boy who tells him how wonderful living on the land is. When Luca’s parents find out he’s been on the land, they threaten to send him away to the deep dark ocean, at which point, Luca and Roberto run away to the town to find a Vespa and live their lives free. They realise they can do this along with their friend Julia by winning a competition which involves cycling, swimming and eating pasta (Because, you know, that’s what you do in Italy).

There were a few reasons I liked this film. Aesthetically, it’s one of the most enjoyable films Pixar have produced. The idyllic colourful Italian seaside town has a totally vibrant feeling with an almost beautiful colour scheme. The place feels alive and like it’s own character. Dream sequences were also creatively made and were welcome in their interludes. The music provides 20th century Italian pop which while I’m not an expert, is certainly upbeat alongside a standard string section providing the usual standard of soundtrack.

The plot itself was fairly simple. It’s not going to win any awards for coming up with something new, however what it does do is with a shorter run time of around 90 minutes is forgo the adventure across the world for a simpler character based story and that works so much better than the usual dash from A to B with the character learning a message along the way.

The lesson the film wants to get across is that it’s okay to be yourself. I read the film as an allegory around being gay. The protagonists being hunted for who they were, having to hide themselves and being at risk of being out. There were certainly scenes and moments which were very on the nose for the metaphor, my favourite one being near the end, but for those who haven’t yet seen the film, I won’t spoil it.

Ultimately, Luca proved to be a fun, heart warming family watch. When watching with parents and younger sister, it proved to garner positive reviews. It’s colourful animation, feel good story and enjoyable soundtrack made it a simple, but pleasurable experience. [Grade: A-]

Luca is available on Disney+

The Nest

Meanwhile, a film I certainly wouldn’t watch with my family is The Nest. It’s been around 10 days since I watched the Nest, and already I’m struggling to write down a plot. That’s not down to it being forgettable, but down to it being much more of a character study.

Rory (Jude Law) decides to move back to England from America with his wife Allison (Carrie Coon). She agrees to it, despite her reservations as Rory believes he has a big opportunity. They move into a house which is far too big for them, in an almost haunting way with their two children. However, soon as Rory starts to interact with business partners, Allison starts to doubt the integrity of her husband and whether he can see through his promises. There are questions around whether she is right or if she is becoming paranoid as she increasingly begins to lose her composure.

The plot itself isn’t especially interesting and I didn’t care for the children. However what I did care about was the two lead performances. Jude Law playing a cocky business man is wonderful to watch. His charisma is clear to see as are the cracks as his plans don’t come to fruition. His love and his disdain for his wife switch quickly and create a really tense atmosphere. If he’s great, then Carrie Coon is simply incredible. She steals the show with her descent into madness. We question her and empaphise with her. While Law’s character says a lot with his dialogue, Coon’s says even more without.

The production design behind the house is great as well. It’s creepy and atmospheric, much like the Overlook Hotel. It truly adds to the atmosphere, as Ali becomes paranoid that it’s dividing the family apart. Alongside a droning, low key score the film acts like a horror, but isn’t really. Instead of a psychological thriller, it plays as as a character study as you can read what’s going on much clearer than Ali.

This film won’t be for everybody. The lack of plot or clear direction mean it’s not the most accessible film out there. However, it’s still an experience and if you let yourself into the minds of the characters, you’re going to be immersed in a world which can entrance you.

A slow burning, atmospheric piece, The Nest provides an interesting cinematic experience and is worth going to see if only for two incredible lead performances by Jude Law and Carrie Coon [Grade: B]

The Nest is available in Cinemas Now