Katgal98

While expectedly terrifying, this third in the series also hits all the right notes of human struggle against impossible odds, and true compassion. With its intimate camera work and alternately shocking and lyrical soundscape, the wonderfully acted, mostly two-hander + feline finds heartrending moments and sacrifice amid the horror. For animal lovers, the story shows how the simple presence of an animal grounds us, despite the worst circumstances. Lupita Nyong'o's performance is beautifully crafted and expressive. She's matched by the emotional range of co-star Joseph Quinn. And both are fortunate to be working with the most marvelous cat (actually two cats)!

I'm a fan of Paul Thomas Anderson's films, but for me, this one just ran off the rails. It manages to be frenetic and boring all at the same time. It's a series of incidents and scenes that make little sense. No fault of the actors, but the central relationship between the two leads is nothing short of creepy. Why is this 25-year-old (or is she 28?) woman hanging out with a 15-year-old and his teenage friends? Oh, it's supposed to be all so 'freewheeling' and 'youthful', I guess. The early 70's Valley is fun to see, but the scenery is not enough to support this very weak Anderson effort.

Throughout this film, it's impossible not to question what we would do, personally, if faced with the decision the protagonist faces. A brilliant, subtle performance by Mahershala Ali carries this tender, emotional story, a love story of the deepest kind. No spoilers here, but this film raises questions of who we are in our essence, and tests our capacity for unselfishness. Yes, it is slow-paced but not at all dull. It's deep and meaningful.