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Lee (2222 KP) rated Saint Maud (2020) in Movies
Oct 6, 2020
Saint Maud is a psychological horror about a young nurse (Morfydd Clark) who, following ‘an incident’ while working for the NHS, something horrific that is alluded to in the opening scene, now finds herself working in palliative care.
Maud is a lonely, isolated, and very religious young woman, and as she sits in her sparse little bedsit, she prays to God in the hopes that he will guide her as she begins her new role. That new role sees her taking over as carer for Amanda (Jennifer Ehle), an ex-dancer whose body is now succumbing to terminal cancer. As Maud feeds, bathes and generally does everything for Amanda, her obsession with her faith and religion begins to send her into a downward spiral, becoming increasingly convinced that her personal mission from God is to save Amanda's soul. Amanda’s lifestyle choices and love-life are often at odds with Maud’s beliefs, eventually resulting in tensions between them.
'In my head, she's very much this person who has felt really alienated her entire life and has always found it really difficult to connect with other people,' explains British director Rose Glass about the lead character of her feature-length debut. Morfydd Clark fills that role brilliantly, with her calm and innocent voice narrating much of the film through her prayers, and we experience her failed attempts at connecting with others while on a rather heavy and eventful night out on the town. An ominous score also helps to set the tone, along with a rather gloomy colour palette, and there is a general feeling of dread throughout.
Aside from that, it’s fair to say that Saint Maud really didn’t work for me at all. I was fully invested in the character of Maud, how faith was shaping her, and how her relationship with Amanda was affected. But two thirds into this slow-burn character study of a young woman essentially going through a breakdown, I was bored and desperate for something to happen. Considering the runtime is only 84 minutes long, that’s not good.
A last-minute burst of chaos and horror provided a glimmer of hope but was very short-lived. And an attempt to deliver powerfully, memorable imagery only resulted in laughs from my cinema audience the likes of which I haven’t experienced since the ending of Hereditary.
Maud is a lonely, isolated, and very religious young woman, and as she sits in her sparse little bedsit, she prays to God in the hopes that he will guide her as she begins her new role. That new role sees her taking over as carer for Amanda (Jennifer Ehle), an ex-dancer whose body is now succumbing to terminal cancer. As Maud feeds, bathes and generally does everything for Amanda, her obsession with her faith and religion begins to send her into a downward spiral, becoming increasingly convinced that her personal mission from God is to save Amanda's soul. Amanda’s lifestyle choices and love-life are often at odds with Maud’s beliefs, eventually resulting in tensions between them.
'In my head, she's very much this person who has felt really alienated her entire life and has always found it really difficult to connect with other people,' explains British director Rose Glass about the lead character of her feature-length debut. Morfydd Clark fills that role brilliantly, with her calm and innocent voice narrating much of the film through her prayers, and we experience her failed attempts at connecting with others while on a rather heavy and eventful night out on the town. An ominous score also helps to set the tone, along with a rather gloomy colour palette, and there is a general feeling of dread throughout.
Aside from that, it’s fair to say that Saint Maud really didn’t work for me at all. I was fully invested in the character of Maud, how faith was shaping her, and how her relationship with Amanda was affected. But two thirds into this slow-burn character study of a young woman essentially going through a breakdown, I was bored and desperate for something to happen. Considering the runtime is only 84 minutes long, that’s not good.
A last-minute burst of chaos and horror provided a glimmer of hope but was very short-lived. And an attempt to deliver powerfully, memorable imagery only resulted in laughs from my cinema audience the likes of which I haven’t experienced since the ending of Hereditary.
Broken Horses
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The critically acclaimed singer-songwriter, producer, and five-time Grammy winner opens up about a...
Eilidh G Clark (177 KP) rated The Testament of Gideon Mack in Books
May 14, 2017
Gideon meets the Devil and he's not quite what he expected
This was a really good read. The novel is written in the style of a memoir and is pretty convincing. There are layers and layers of myths and legends throughout the novel and truth and lies become so merged that the reader is left wondering about the clarity of the protagonist and the statements and evidence of the editor and journalist who represent the story. The novel explores the life of Gideon Mack, who, like his father become a minister of the Christian church. Gideon however, has no real faith in god until his accident leads him on a journey of discovery in which he claims he meets the devil.
I thought the description of the devil was excellent and the significance of the shoes has baffled me a little, however, it may be the old, 'What is it like to walk in my shoes', I am undecided. I thought the book was well written and kept me hooked until the end. Good plot, good narrative voice and convincing read.
I thought the description of the devil was excellent and the significance of the shoes has baffled me a little, however, it may be the old, 'What is it like to walk in my shoes', I am undecided. I thought the book was well written and kept me hooked until the end. Good plot, good narrative voice and convincing read.
Dianne Robbins (1738 KP) rated I'd Climb the Highest Mountain (1951) in Movies
Apr 26, 2019
Good cast. (3 more)
Good acting, even among the children.
Scenery
Not too religious.
Subservient wife role. (2 more)
Some plot holes.
Lack of character development in minor roles.
A sweet, simple feel-good movie.
This is a simple film about a new wife (from the city) who has gone to live with her preacher husband in the country around the turn on the century. It's based on the protagonist's biography. At first, she's unsure that she'll like it or will fit in but she grows into her role as a preacher's wife and grows to love those in the community.
Though the characters are religious, they are not all fire and brimstone about their faith. Instead, the characters are simple, gentle, kind, and moral. The preacher's attitude reminds me of Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird.
Susan Hayward plays the preacher's wife in a very believable way as the character journeys from a new wife to a more well-rounded person. Her character grows through hardship and shows real grit and backbone.
If you like classic movies and long for simpler times, this is a good one to watch.
Though the characters are religious, they are not all fire and brimstone about their faith. Instead, the characters are simple, gentle, kind, and moral. The preacher's attitude reminds me of Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird.
Susan Hayward plays the preacher's wife in a very believable way as the character journeys from a new wife to a more well-rounded person. Her character grows through hardship and shows real grit and backbone.
If you like classic movies and long for simpler times, this is a good one to watch.
Lindsay (1717 KP) rated What the Bishop Saw (The Amish Bishop Mysteries #1) in Books
Aug 30, 2018
Review: What the Bishop Saw What the Bishops Saw is a really good mystery in itself. You are guessing from the time you open the book and the last page you turn. Who killed Veron Fry? Did someone murder Vernon Fry on purpose? Is it Amish and English.I am still surprised with the ending. The Englisher needs help as she does not get to bottom of the case or any closes. Will the bishop help save an innocent man and catch the culprit? What is Henry talent and is it good or is bad. To find out this you need to read the book.I am still wondering why this person did what he or she did towards the Amish when they did not do anything to have it happen. Vannetta Chapman gets you hooked and wanting more. You will not want to put this book down once you start to read it. It pages turner for you. Will Henry take a leap a faith and use these talents. Find out by reading What the Bishop Saw. It a compelling story and one I hope to follow more of Henry and this community in Colorado Valley.
Tarkin (14 KP) rated Surprise Me in Books
Oct 27, 2018
Funny (2 more)
Relatable
Gripping
Slow acceleration, but gripping once you get into it.
So started this book full of optimism, after all, I have loved every Sophie kinsella book I've read so far so why wouldn't I like this one? Took a while to get going, and I was starting to get bored and lose faith ,until about half way through when the plot and pace finally started to pick up. As soon as it got into the swing of it, I couldn't put the book down! Started reading while waiting for my hair dye to work, next thing I know 3 hours have gone by and I should have washed the dye out hours ago! (Its ok, it was non chemical dye, I'm good!) The ending of the book was also not a disappointment. Finished it feeling maybe a little wiser and much better about my own relationship, after relating to some of the thoughts of the main character. Anyway, this book kinda hits home once you've finished it, so if you do get bored, stick with it and you won't be able to put it down!!
Alicia S (193 KP) rated Under the Northern Lights in Books
Dec 21, 2018
Mallory, a professional photographer, is making her annual flight up to Alaska to enjoy the remoteness and the capture images of the wildlife she loves so much. What she didn't expect is for her plane to go down in a remote area after unexpected weather hits her. Left without any supplies, badly injured and surrounded by danger, she assumes this is the end. Seconds away from death, a mysterious man, living alone in the mountains saves her life.
After spending years alone, having given up on society and life in general, Michael can't help but find himself growing more and more appreciative of Mallory's presence as they face the harsh realities of living in remote Alaska together. Stuck until Spring when he can finally fly them out and to safety, they must learn to live together, relying on each other in this remote land.
SC Stephens has an incredible way of writing that completely rips your heart out, yet you just can't turn away. She hooked me years ago with her Thoughtless series (still my all-time favorite) and she has once again created a beautiful story about survival, faith, and love. Highly, highly recommended!
After spending years alone, having given up on society and life in general, Michael can't help but find himself growing more and more appreciative of Mallory's presence as they face the harsh realities of living in remote Alaska together. Stuck until Spring when he can finally fly them out and to safety, they must learn to live together, relying on each other in this remote land.
SC Stephens has an incredible way of writing that completely rips your heart out, yet you just can't turn away. She hooked me years ago with her Thoughtless series (still my all-time favorite) and she has once again created a beautiful story about survival, faith, and love. Highly, highly recommended!
Russell Evans (179 KP) rated The Mandalorian in TV
Feb 22, 2020
The Star Wars franchises new hope
The Star Wars franchises new hope.
As a massive Star Wars fan and being old enough to have experienced the originals, I really enjoyed season 1. While I have liked the new Disney Star Wars films to varying degrees, I haven’t loved them entirely. I didn’t have great hopes for Disney’s series - I found my own lack of faith disturbing.
I happy to admit I was wrong. It feels so much more authentic and more star warsy than the recent films, the filming feels nostalgic. With the absence of the politicised content that has pervaded the Star Wars universe recently, The Mandalorian is darker, grittier, great effects, action packed and (perhaps most importantly) just a simpler story – told well. Also worth mentioning is the awesomeness of The child aka ‘baby yoda’.
My only minor criticism would be that the episodes got to be a bit formulaic – Mandalorian turns up at new location, makes a new ally, defeats that episode enemy, moves on … reminded me a little of the weekly A-Team episodes. Just me?
Highly recommended - A must see for Star Wars Fans!
As a massive Star Wars fan and being old enough to have experienced the originals, I really enjoyed season 1. While I have liked the new Disney Star Wars films to varying degrees, I haven’t loved them entirely. I didn’t have great hopes for Disney’s series - I found my own lack of faith disturbing.
I happy to admit I was wrong. It feels so much more authentic and more star warsy than the recent films, the filming feels nostalgic. With the absence of the politicised content that has pervaded the Star Wars universe recently, The Mandalorian is darker, grittier, great effects, action packed and (perhaps most importantly) just a simpler story – told well. Also worth mentioning is the awesomeness of The child aka ‘baby yoda’.
My only minor criticism would be that the episodes got to be a bit formulaic – Mandalorian turns up at new location, makes a new ally, defeats that episode enemy, moves on … reminded me a little of the weekly A-Team episodes. Just me?
Highly recommended - A must see for Star Wars Fans!
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