MISERY
Misery follows the drama of a writer who, after a car accident, is rescued by a fanatical admirer and taken in bedridden at her home. Soon, however, he realizes that he is not a guest but a prisoner of a mentally disturbed and dangerous woman.
It’s the very definition of psychological horror and, in my opinion, one of the best adaptations of Stephen King’s books to the big screen. The atmosphere is captivating and keeps you hooked from start to finish, with realism and suspense. The direction masterfully enhances the claustrophobic element, and you simply cannot take your eyes off Kathy Bates. Her outstanding performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress and cemented her as one of the most terrifying female figures in cinema. Her psychological swings will send chills down your spine and make you fear her 😱.
Though the plot is based on a simple premise, it unfolds with finesse, greatly aided by the chemistry between the leading duo.
The rest of the cast serves a supportive yet equally effective role, delivering their best performances.
Overall, it’s an excellent film and one of the best psychological thrillers of the '90s, definitely worth your attention if you haven’t seen it.
EZRA
The divorced stand-up comedian Max Bernal struggles to raise his autistic son, Ezra. Faced with tough decisions about the boy’s future, Max and Ezra embark on a road trip across the country that ends up impacting both of their lives. This dramatic film didn’t catch the attention of a large audience, but let’s see if it’s worth your time.
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- A touching central theme that’s hard to ignore.
- The writer’s approach is realistic and well-done.
- Solid performances from the entire cast, with Bobby Cannavale standing out for me. The young actor playing the autistic son also did a great job.
- A compelling first half, though it gradually loses focus.
- It successfully conveys not only the challenges of raising a child with autism but also the unique charm of the experience.
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- A visually decent effort, but it feels like it never fully takes off or leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.
- Basic direction that isn’t distracting but doesn’t elevate the material either.
- Maintains a procedural tone throughout, particularly in the second half.