The Whale (2022)

Released December 21st in the US.

Filmed in New York.

The story: Charlie is an obese, homebound college writing instructor.

Basically, he is trying to eat his life away after some very heartbreaking experiences, while waiting for his bad heart to give in. 

One day, Charlie's seventeen-year-old daughter Ellie barges through his front door, without warning.

She wants his help with some school writing assignments because of her failing grades.

Charlie hasn't seen his daughter in 8 years and wants desperately to have a relationship with her.

Ellie is resistant to warm up to her father as she believes he abandoned her, which she is bitter about.

Not only does Charlie agree to help her with her schoolwork, but he offers her all of the money he has, just for her to give them a chance to get to know each other, never telling her of his limited days. 

Stars Brendan Fraser, Tye Simpkins, Hong Chau, Sadie Sink, Sathya Sridharan, Samantha Morton, Jacey Sink, Allison Altman, Wilhelm Schalaudek

Directed by Darren Aronofsky

Rated R
DRAMA

Insidious : Chapter 3 (2015)

Released June 5th in the US.

Filmed entirely in California.

The story: A year and a half ago, high school senior Quinn Brenner lost her mom.

Since then, she lives with her dad and younger brother, who her dad expects her to help him with.

Quinn misses her mom something awful so she has decided to try and "contact" her.

She goes out of her way and on a limb to visit Elise Rainier, a woman who can communicate with the dead.

Elise explains that she no longer talks to the dead but wants to help Quinn.

But while Elise tries to help, she conjures something from the dark side, that attaches itself to Quinn.

Now Quinn's life is in danger and only with Elise's help can she shake the curse.

Stars Stefanie Scott, Lin Shaye, Dermot Mulroney, Tate Berney, Michael Reid MacKay, Hayley Kiyoko, Phyllis Applegate, Jeris Poindexter, Angus Sampson, Leigh Whannell, Steve Coulter, Corbett Tuck, Ele Keats, Tom Fitzpatrick, Tom Gallop, Phil Abrams, Erin Anderson, Amaris Davidson

Directed by (& story written) Leigh Whannell

Rated PG13

PREQUEL/THRILLER/HORROR/MYSTERY

Pearl ; Ti West's (2022)

Released September 16th in the US.

Filmed entirely in New Zealand.

The story: It is 1918.

Pearl is a young woman, living on her parent's farm, with hopes and dreams of being a famous movie star...

She married Howard to help her get away from her parents, but he was enlisted.

While Pearl waits for his return, she is forced by her overbearing mother who does not believe in Pearl's dreams, to help with the farm animals and do chores her mother insists she do, which include helping care for her mute, invalid father.

Pearl is constantly daydreaming and that never ceases to get her into trouble with her mother.

One day, while in town to make money, Pearl meets and is invited by a projectionist to see a movie.

This is a big inspiration for Pearl but once more, her actions get her into trouble.

Pearl experiences let down after let down and her mother giving her hell for every little thing she does, til she finally loses grip of reality and snaps.

Stars Mia Goth, Tandi Wright, Matthew Sunderland, Emma Jenkins Purro, Amelia Reid, Gabe McDonnell, David Corenswet, Lauren Stewart, Todd Rippon, Grace Acheson

Directed by Ti West

Rated R
PREQUEL/THRILLER/MYSTERY/HORROR

You're Killing Me (2023)

Released April 7th in the US.

Filming location(s) unknown.

The story: Eden is a bright, eager high school senior.

Ever since she can remember, she wanted to go to Pembroke College, along with her best friend Zara.

Although Zara has already been accepted to the school, Eden has instead gained high anticipation by being put on the waitlist.

Eden has been attending class with "Schroder" since junior high school.

He is the son of a very beloved, important, and powerful congressman.

When Eden asks Schroder if he can talk to his dad and help her, he puts her off.

But Eden has another idea.

If she goes to his weekly party and befriends him, he will surely help her out.

Although, while at the party and being way too ambitious for her and her bestie Zara's own good, Eden learns a dangerous secret that she believes is much more important and needs revealing than attending her dream school through Schroders' help.

Stars McKaley Miller, Brice Anthony Heller, Wil Deusner, Morgana Van Pebbles, Keyara Milliner, Jayson Warner Smith, Hannah Celeste, Kalli Therinae, Levi Burdick, Nicholas Ryan, Melissa Bidgoli, Jordan Blair Mangold Brown, Helene Henry, Nicholas Koenig, Dave Roberson, Gene Proctor, Dermot Mulroney, Anne Heche

Directed by Jerren Lauder & Beth Hanna

Not Rated

MYSTERY/THRILLER