Films: October 3 - 9

Hardcore (1979)
Infinite Storm (2022) 
Summertime (1955)
Coco Before Chanel (2009)
Appointment In London (1953)
No Mercy (1987)
The Nun (2018) ///

Hardcore (1979) Suitably seedy drama sees devout George C. Scott literally and morally descend into California's sex industry after grimy detective Peter Boyle finds his disappeared daughter in cheap porn film. Alliance with equally lost Season Hubley provides intriguing heft and bitter resolution.

Infinite Storm (2022) Visceral telling of real-life survival sees rescue volunteer Naomi Watts attempt to get lost Billy Howle off the mountains as vicious storm closes in. Nature's beauty and threat skillfully, brutally conjured with committed leads; redemptive spirit of ordeal less certain.

Summertime (1955) Infused with bittersweet wonder for Venice's spirit, luminous visuals match vulnerable Katherine Hepburn's American tourist, succumbing to beguiling atmosphere and romance with married Rossano Brazzi. Wry comedy and aching romance, sublimely crafted and affecting.

Coco Before Chanel (2009) Produced with assured care for detail, an awakening Audrey Tautou embodies social and romantic frustrations of famed designer's determining years. Tender directness is appealing, yet sober approach tends to dampen emotions rather than deepen character understanding.

Appointment In London (1953) Persuasively rooted in fatalistic lives of wartime bombing crews facing increasing losses, focus rests on edgy commander Dirk Bogarde balancing prospect of final mission and tentative relationship with widow Dinah Sheridan. Tensely handled night flight enlivens solid storytelling.

No Mercy (1986) Sustaining swift tempo, thriller sends fiery cop Richard Gere to New Orleans to revenge murdered partner and escapes cruel crime boss Jeroen Krabbé handcuffed to spirited Kim Basinger. Evocative locations and effectively intense cast despite plot borrowings and predictably extended final shoot out.

The Nun (2018) Heavy on Gothic Romanian atmosphere, light on cohesive narrative, Vatican sends grizzled Demián Bichir and open Taissa Farmiga to investigate demonic force in remote monastery. Effective jump scares and fun set pieces only serve to highlight lack of tension created.