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Zazie Beetz

Nine Days: What Makes Life Worth Living?

July 30, 2021 by Steve Norton

Life is hard every day. But?Nine Days?suggests that the work beforehand can be just as challenging.

Set in the world before this one,?Nine Days?follows Will (Winston Duke), an arbiter who judges which souls shall have the opportunity to inhabit the bodies of the living. Whenever a position opens up, Will meets with potential applicants who are interested in making the journey to Earth. However, when one of his previous hires is killed in a car accident, Will is left shaken by her death. Suddenly, his world feels emptier and yet he must still interview for who takes her place. As the new applicants arrive for their nine day vetting process, Will askes them questions about life and makes notes on their responses to determine their ?worthiness? for the job. Of all of the candidates though, he is most intrigued by Emma (Zazie Beetz), a soul to displays a level of empathy and curiosity that is both fascinating to Will yet also feels potentially dangerous to him as well.

Written and directed by Edson Oda, Nine Days is a beautiful piece that engages some of the deepest philosophical questions of life and existence. For a film that takes place pre-life, Oda has created a story that very much deals with our everyday world. In some ways, the film almost carries the same mundane spirit as modern workplace series. Even though he exists outside of time, Will?s work is sometimes as tedious and repetitive as a regular office drone, even if the stakes for choosing the proper applicant remain so much greater. In other words, despite nature of Will?s menial job, Oda?s stunning writing emphasizes the importance of every soul and the impact that their life may have on the world.

However, Days never forgets the struggles that it takes to get through the day either. Emphasizing the effects of pain and suffering on the soul, Nine Days shows a world where those who oversee creation are also burdened by its brokenness. What?s more, while the film takes its time with its pacing, it never feels too slow or overly padded. This is a film which allows its characters the space and time to grow and mature, despite the fact that it happens before their own birth.

While the entire cast is solid within the film, it?s truly the performances by Duke and Beetz that are most noteworthy. (Although, Tony Hale?s work is always welcome within any project.) As Will, Duke brings a surprising level of stoicism and rage to the role. Whereas one might assume that offering the gift of life could be a blessing, Will bears the weight and responsibility of the position on his shoulders. Frustrated and fearful, Duke lumbers around onscreen in a fascinating performance as a man broken and burdened. 

Sitting opposite Will?s gruff antagonism though is Beetz? Emma. Playing the character with eagerness and delight, Beetz absolutely sparkles onscreen. There?s a youthful impetuousness embedded within this character which makes her instantly likeable. At the same time though, Beetz never allows her innocence to stray into the realm of naivety. Despite her youthful enthusiasm, there?s an insight to Emma?s questions that shows wisdom. Instead of pushing Will out of rebelliousness, Emma seeks to understand. Held up against one another, Beetz and Duke provide some incredible chemistry as they push one another to see the world in entirely different ways.

While the idea of life before birth isn?t necessarily new (see Pixar?s Soul), Oda takes the concept and inverts it with a competitive edge. Like the world?s longest job interview, only one slot is available for new life to begin and each one of these souls wants the opportunity to experience it. Tasked with seeking out the best possible candidate, Will must weed through his applicants and choose who deserves the chance to live. However, part of the beauty of the film is that these individuals still matter, even if they don?t receive the ?position?. Each one of these pre-individuals has their own innate desires and dreams already firmly implanted and Will sees the value in this. In an act that demonstrates value and grace, Will offers those who are not selected the chance to experience simulated moments of life. As a result, although there?s sadness embedded within these times, there is also joy. 

Further, Will?s experience also highlights the most soul-crushing aspect of life on Earth: its unpredictability. As he grieves the loss of Amanda, he begins to wonder what the point of his job may be if people are going to simply going to lose the same precious lives that he offers them. However, through his time with Emma, Will senses something different. Though she will undoubtedly experience the same trials as everyone else, her insatiable desire to enjoy life is unusually jarring to Will. Whereas other candidates attempt to navigate the evaluation process professionally, there?s a passion and curiosity within Emma that is so infectious that it almost feels like a threat to the whole process. For Will, his job is to find those who can deal with difficult situations and struggles. However, for Emma, her soul simply wants to embrace life, including all of its pain and ambiguity.

Though quiet and reflective in its tone, there?s a beauty within Nine Days that?s almost poetic. With patience and care, Oda has created a world that both honours the spiritual sacredness of every soul but also respects the realities of hurt that we all experience. Even in the midst of this juxtaposition of opposites, the most important aspect of Days is that it also serves as a reminder that life?wherever it takes place?is worth living.

To hear our interview with writer/director Edson Oda, click here.

Nine Days is available in theatres on Friday, July 30th, 2021.

July 30, 2021 by Steve Norton Filed Under: Film, Film Festivals, Reviews Tagged With: Edson Oda, Nine Days, Soul, Tony Hale, Winston Duke, Zazie Beetz

Lucy in the Sky: Failure to Launch

December 18, 2019 by Steve Norton

Lucy in the Sky tells the story of Lucy Cola, an astronaut who returns home to Earth after a length mission. Although her life consists of a loving relationship with her husband, Drew (Dan Stevens), and a job that she loves, Lucy feels restless and struggles to reintegrate herself into her daily routine. Looking for the thrill that she has left behind, she becomes involved with roguish astronaut Mark Goodwin (Jon Hamm) and begins to lose touch with reality in a world that is quickly becoming too small for her.  

Written and directed by Noah Hawley (FX?s?Fargo),?Lucy in the Sky?is an ambitious look at the tensions that can take place when our lives simply don?t measure up to our dreams. Based loosely on a true story of a female astronaut who suffered an emotional breakdown after returning to Earth,?Lucy?depicts its titular star as one who yearns for the rush of the heavens yet remains trapped by her everyday life. (After all, how can you compare unraveling the mysteries of the universe with ?mundane? moments like morning coffee and driving your kid to school?)

Unfortunately, while performances by Portman and Hamm are fine, a muddled script that loses its way prevents?Lucy?from ever really taking off. Though grand in its vision, Hawley?s film simply doesn?t stay on trajectory, proving unable to properly balance Lucy?s struggles with some over-the-top visuals. (For instance, one scene featuring a cover of The Beatle?s iconic?Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds?looks great but doesn?t match the pace of the film and simply feels out of place.)

Wearing its heart on its sleeve,?Lucy in the Sky?is very interested in exploring what happens when one loses sight of what?s truly important. Though a decorated astronaut, Lucy struggles to see the beauty of everyday life. Having witnessed the Earth from the perspective of the heavens, Lucy has lost all sense of wonder for anything on the ground.

Despite the fact that she is cared for and appreciated by those around her, she views her life as increasingly mundane, inviting reckless behavior as she attempts to fill the void of meaninglessness that has crept inside her soul. In doing so, Lucy demonstrates on a grand scale what happens when so many often lose sight of the importance of genuine love and relationships over accomplishments. Desperate to return to the heavens, she is willing to sacrifice everything?and everyone?around her in order to once again feel the rush of success and beauty. At the same time, Lucy gradually loses a piece of her soul as her passion gives way to obsession.?

For Lucy, the only thing left that can be good in the world is for her to feel all powerful again by returning to the heavens. However, as a result, the healing quality of loving relationships slowly becomes lost, leaving her without emotional grounding or hope.

Though ambitious in its scope, a confusing script hampers Lucy in the Sky from launching to the heights it could have reached. However, despite its glaring flaws, Lucy does features solid performances from an underused supporting cast that includes Ellen Burstyn, Nick Offerman, Zazie Beetz and Stevens. Even so, despite expectations that soar to the heavens, the finest of talent can?t help a script that is unable to get off the ground.

December 18, 2019 by Steve Norton Filed Under: Film, Film Festivals, Reviews, TIFF Tagged With: Dan Stevens, Ellen Burstyn, Jon Hamm, Lucy in the Sky, Natalie Portman, Nick Offerman, Noah Hawley, Zazie Beetz

6.02 Dancing with Danger in JOKER (100th Episode!)

October 4, 2019 by Steve Norton

In a wild left turn for the DC film universe, director Todd Phillips? latest film JOKER takes us back to Gotham City in order to witness the birth of the Clown Prince of Crime. When we first meet the titular villain, his name is Arthur Fleck, a failed comedian who has been isolated, bullied and disregarded by society. As things begin to unravel in his life (and his mind), Fleck begins a slow descent into madness as he transforms into the iconic DC villain known as the Joker.

This week, in our 100th episode, our SF team tells us what the site means to them, we announce a VERY special giveaway and Paul and Julie Levac stop by to talk about the dangers and brilliance of Todd Phillips? foray into criminal madness.

You can also stream the episode above on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify or Soundcloud! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts or Google Play!

GIVEAWAY! In order to enter our giveaway for a $100 gift card for the movies, please do the following:

  1. Answer the following question in the comments section: Who is your favourite DC Villain?
  2. Like/Share this episode on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
  3. For a bonus entry, rate/comment on us on iTunes.

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ?Fishing for More? ? some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

6.02 JokerDownload

October 4, 2019 by Steve Norton Filed Under: DC Universe, Film, Film Festivals, Giveaways, Podcast, TIFF Tagged With: Batman, Bradley Cooper, DC, DCEU, Joaquin Phoenix, Joker, Robert DeNiro, todd phillips, WB, Zazie Beetz

TIFF ’19: Lucy in the Sky

September 11, 2019 by Steve Norton

Lucy in the Sky tells the story of Lucy Cola, an astronaut who returns home to Earth after a length mission. Although her life consists of a loving relationship with her husband, Drew (Dan Stevens) and a job that she loves, Lucy feels restless and struggles to reintegrate herself into her daily routine. Looking for the thrill that she has left behind, she becomes involved with roguish astronaut Mark Goodwin (Jon Hamm) and begins to lose touch with reality in a world that is quickly becoming too small for her.  

Written and directed by Noah Hawley (FX?s?Fargo),?Lucy in the Sky?is an ambitious look at the tensions that can take place when our lives simply don?t measure up to our dreams. Based loosely on a true story of a female astronaut who suffered an emotional breakdown after returning to Earth,?Lucy?depicts its titular star as one who yearns for the rush of the heavens yet remains trapped by her everyday life. Unfortunately, while performances by Portman and Hamm are fine, a muddled script that loses its way prevents?Lucy?from ever really taking off. Though grand in its vision, Hawley?s film simply doesn?t stay on trajectory, proving unable to properly balance Lucy?s struggles with some over-the-top visuals.

Though ambitious in its scope, a confusing script hampers?Lucy in the Sky?from launching to the heights it could have reached. However, despite its glaring flaws,?Lucy?does features solid performances from an underused supporting cast that includes Ellen Burstyn, Nick Offerman, Zazie Beetz and Stevens. Even so, despite expectations that soar to the heavens, the finest of talent can?t help a script that is unable to get off the ground.

Lucy in the Sky had its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and launches into theatres on Friday, October 4th, 2019. 

September 11, 2019 by Steve Norton Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Ellen Burstyn, Jon Hamm, Natalie Portman, Nick Offerman, Noah Hawley, Zazie Beetz

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