Films: October 6 - 12

Mulan (2020)

La Nuit de 12 (The Night of the 12th) (2022) 

Supercell (2023)

No One Will Save You (2022) 

Emma (2020) 

Seasons (2023) 

Peppermint (2018)  ///

Mulan (2020) Often striking design and stirring quest for independence, as loyal Liu Yeifi disguises as male to join and inspire Chinese army forces against invading Huns who threaten Emperor's Palace. Despite uneven pacing, strong lead and gutsy action provide for compelling drama with spirited conclusion.

La Nuit de 12 (The Night of the 12th) (2022) With clean, assured visuals and moodily conceived characters, quietly unnerving approach to young woman's murder is as much concerned with frustrations of police investigation as corrosive effect of male violence on community and individuals. Bleakly compelling.

Supercell (2023) Slick visuals pile on atmosphere, staging storm chasing set pieces with suitably grounded intensity, even if narrative of impulsive teen reliving father's famous storm-chasing legacy remains unpersuasively thin. Supporting cast bolster interest along with Corey Wallace's bold, thematic score.

No One Will Save You (2022) Stripped of dialogue, consummately designed visuals and physically expressive Kaitlyn Fever elevate genre exercise of alien invasion before narrative construct ultimately reveals more personal demons. Until final stretch loses momentum, tense set pieces maintain firm, intriguing grip.

Emma (2020) Playful approach keeps staging brisk and humour light, with attuned Anya Taylor-Joy managing conceited. self-proclaimed matchmaker and empathetic romantic heroine with energetic ease. Lustrous design and lively soundtrack captures character frivolity, even as adaptation provides few surprises.

Seasons (2023) Unsurprising comic setup sees closest of friends determine to find romantic partners for each other, until controlling Lovi Poe realizes she feels more for grounded Carlo Aquino. Amid windmill whispers, drifting character beats gradually emerge with darker, involved tones to provoke more bittersweet emotion.

Peppermint (2018) Unconvincing setup forces everyday mother Jennifer Garner to witness shooting of husband and daughter, as well as ensuing police and legal corruption, before seeking years later violent revenge. Intense lead can't compensate for listless narrative progression and dully efficient action.