michael

oasis davis with the performance of a lifetime

a film made up of moment after moment of fine exposition. we learn so much about these characters in their quips, subtleties, gestures, so on and so on. some may dismiss these moments as superfluous, but i find them absolutely fascinating, and it makes this all the more beguiling. this is not only a testament to mike leigh’s writing, but also to these actors. these FUCKING ACTORS. one of the best ensembles i’ve seen. everyone destroyed their part, whether they were in the film for two hours or two minutes. this also feels like a film about chosen family, although everyone here is related by blood. however, given the circumstances, this shouldn’t be surprising why i feel this way. hortense, who is in fact cynthia’s daughter also feels like her friend as well. she’s alienated at the bbq once everyone finds out, but once everyone understands that they must be truthful, that they must be loving, and that they must learn empathy, they naturally CHOOSE to be together. they CHOOSE to be a family. maurice man, you were the glue i swear. i always love a movie about ordinary people that feels extraordinary. if these are the types of stories mike leigh tells, i will watch every single one.