restlesstymes

This film is unexpected and an experience like none I've had in the movie theater recently. This is exactly why I enjoy Darren Aronofsky's work, I go to the cinema to be blown away, see something I've never seen before and he's so good at that. It's a difficult watch in parts I won't lie but I certainly wouldn't consider it horror like some were saying. It's suspenseful, shocking, some will absolutely love it and others will despise it. I loved it because it comes at you like a ton of bricks or a car that's gone out of control - it grabs you and doesn't let go. Its a cerebral thrill ride, a mystery of epic proportions until the end, at which point your brain is scrambled eggs.

Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem were incredibly good together, I worried if they would have any energy between them, so I was pleasantly surprised by that. I think Lawrence has matured greatly as an actress and leading woman, she grabbed the reigns on this film, commanded it and held it strongly for the entire film. She's evolved and its obvious, Aronofsky rightly just let her shine and she did. People hate her for whatever reason and that's cool but you can't deny her talent. I couldn't even begin to consider who could've done this role as well as she did. Javier was wonderful as always, truly one of the greatest underrated actors working today.

Michelle Phiffer and Ed Harris were a great addition to the film and I realized how much I miss seeing Michelle on film. I'd like to see her get nominated but I doubt it. Jennifer may or may not get nominated, I think its 50/50 but I definitely don't see a win. I could be wrong on both counts.

I'd be lying if I said the film didn't have its issues because it does, but I still really enjoyed it. There were lots of other surprises which I wont spill here and I hesitate to say much more about the film for fear of ruining it, but go into this with an open mind. Aronofsky always has something to say and this film is pulpy, its deep, open your mind when you walk in and let Darren take you on this strange trip of a film he called 'mother!'. (B+)

The Zookeepers Wife is the true story of Antonina Żabiński, her husband Jan and the Warsaw Zoo they ran in Poland right at the start of World War II. Jan was a respected zoologist and scientist at the time, and Antonina was an equally respected author in her own right. With the bombings in Poland and the Nazi's vying for control of the country, the Żabiński's do all they can to save as many people as they can, putting themselves and their own son at great risk. This is the story of two people, that could not stand by and stand idly by while innocent people die. George Bernard Shaw once said:"The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them: that's the essence of inhumanity" and this story is the essence of those words.

Nikki Caro, whose brilliant direction has spearheaded multiple highly acclaimed movies (probably best known for North Country), helmed this film.. Caro is able to reflect humanity, sincerity and earnestness in her films, which captivates and entangles the viewer. That's the beauty of film isn't it? To be totally swept up in another person's story, another one's life. Caro's directing prowess brings to mind the ideology of the male gaze vs. the female gaze in films, and while I won't get into detail about that here, Caros perspective is fresh and her films are unique. Different people perceive things differently, and some directors present films through their eyes lens, essentially seeing and interpreting the story with their own eyes (and biases). With Nikki Caro though, I feel as though I'm witnessing a life lived, purely, rather than someone's perspective of that life. I think that's why I appreciate her directing style so much, there is clarity and candor in the way she captures the film and that honestly pulls you in. Caro is a superb director and I cannot understand why the woman has only directed a handful of films, we need her making more films! So you all know how much I love Jessica Chastian, but I left this film loving her and her talent even more. She is the only, I mean the ONLY woman that could've played Antonina. Jessica is a shining light of energy, power, compassion and love and I'd imagine Antonina was the same. Animals know who to trust instinctively, and Chastain's kinship with them spills out of the film and into your heart, this makes her portrayal of Antonina all the more palpable. In many scenes it seemed like Antonina was bathed in light, and I appreciate those subtleties because I think it represents her inner light. I know it seems so silly but I always feel that these little things directors do are very deliberate and calculating. I love and appreciate the little things. I like to see it as the physical light shines on her the way her inner light shined on all the people she saved. Jessica Chastain is by far one of the best actresses working today, and I predict its only a matter of time before she takes an Oscar home.

Johan Heldenbergh, the Danish actor who played her husband was great too, he and Chastain were a force to be reckoned with and had great chemistry. Michael McElhatton was also fantastic in his supporting role as Jerzyk, I recognized him from Game of Thrones where he played the conniving Roose Bolton. He is a very talented actor and shined brightly in his supporting role. Also, Daniel Brühl is an exceedingly good actor, he is very good at playing a certain kind of role. That's all I'm going to say about that because I don't want to ruin it for anyone!

The Zookeeper's Wife was tough to watch in some parts, but its in tragedy and hardship that hope thrives. This film reminded me that there are angels around us every day, there are good people in this world, no matter how bad it must seem. There is always hope. This message is powerful and really resonates, right now. For some it might seem hopeless, but there are always people that WILL do the right thing even when their life hangs in the balance. I felt filled with compassion and empathy; as I said before I know it seems like compassion is something people can no longer comprehend, but that's not the case. I promise! It is still possible to find love and comfort in the darkest of times. Love is all around us. We must be the vessel through which hope and love spreads. Antonina believed this with her whole heart which is why she and Jan did what they did. There are brave people all around us: fighting for our rights, fighting for theirs, their family, their country - bravery comes in so many forms. This film reflects this: there is bravery in combat and 'silent' bravery. One is not greater than the other.

Another thing I want to make sure I note is the effects animals have on healing. It's widely known that animals help people heal. You can read more about that online if you are so inclined, but I think it's so poignant and it pulled on my heart because I can identify on a personal level. My dog Tasha was a rescue from a puppy mill, my best friend had just lost his dog to cancer, I just lost my cat also to cancer, and here I am thinking we saved her when she really saved US. I wanted to note it here, but it will make so much more sense when you see the film.

All in all it was great and plus it was incredibly well done, by an incredibly talented director with an amazing cast. This is a spectacular story, more than worthy of a trip to the theater. Go see it, and support women directors!