52nd NFF (2021) Capsule Feature Film Reviews: Part 1
The 2021 Nashville Film Festival is coming to an end, and as to no surprise it has been an incredible experience; and I was only at the virtual event, imagine the in person experience. I want to thank the Nashville Film Festival committee for allowing myself and The Nerd Corps to join it, and although it hasn’t ended yet it’s still a grateful thanks. I’ll write an overall review of the event when it ends but I want to leave a couple of capsule reviews early for our viewers so they start to be interested in these upcoming films.
Now if you are not familiar with what a capsule review is it’s simple; it’s about a paragraphs worth of my opinion on certain films I’ve seen in the event without spoilers, using too much detail, etc. These are private/ payed for events and as a press visitor I am not allowed to speak of them in the forms mentioned above. Now on to these films!
The Murder Podcast
Directed and written by William Bagley, this isn’t what I expected looking at the name but it was not the worst thing I’ve seen. Its comedic tones were wacky and its supernatural wasn’t a Blumhouse production, but that isn’t a problem it just goes to show to never judge a book by its cover or synopsis. As I mentioned, the comedic tone was wacky but it works in favor of what I believe was meant by William and the overall film. It honestly reminded me of the older live action Nickelodeon movies I used to watch or even an AwesomenessTV film. Now it’s no jab, although it’s not my cup of tea it did give me a handful of laughs and not to forget it did have some great shots in the film.
The Murder Podcast = 1.5/5 Stars
7 Days
Directed by Roshan Sethi and written by Roshan Sethi and Karan Soni. Overall being the second film I watched I loved every aspect of it, not to mention the two main actor/actress duo. With an oversimplified synopsis by myself, it’s a film dealing with two characters being stuck together for 7 days with the COVID-19 lockdown at its peak start and everything about it works. The writing is amazing and the execution by the talents were 10 out of 10 giving this a romance drama, not the usual romantic comedy. The film is heart warming and I’ll be watching it again whenever it becomes available to the public.
7 Days = 5/5 Stars
Poser
Directed by Ori Segev & Noah Dixon and written by Noah Dixon. At first glance and viewing you would think this film was made under A24, but that isn’t the case. The cinematography is beautiful and incredible and like I said I’m surprised it isn’t a A24 film or a Neon film, as the pacing, lighting, frames, and story reminds me very much of them. One could say it’s even incredibly artistic or artisan for films with its use of color and lighting and the sound design works well to give more feel to the film. It’s just such a beautiful piece of art and I enjoyed my time watching and will probably rewatch in the future if possible.
Poser = 5/5 Stars
See You Then
Directed by Mari Walker and written by Kristen Uno and Mari Walker. The film tells a story of the characters without telling you a narrative of for either character, giving subtle nods at what each meant. Although the biggest was making sure you knew one character had gone through a transition, it gives insight into the Trans community which is lovely to see. The music and sound design is soothing to say the least but overall the story and the film itself reminded me of the Before Trilogy. The way the story is told isn’t all new but that doesn’t mean the story itself isn’t new. Although its pacing was like the said trilogy above, instead of leaving for hope and romance, this film works as if oil was left boiling and nearing the climax someone threw a cup of cold water in the pot, causing a huge spiraling fire. Nonetheless, it was a wonderful watch and although it felt a bit slow at times it was enjoyable.
See You Then = 4/5 Stars
Ludi
Directed by Edson Jean and written by Edson Jean and Joshua Jean-Baptiste. The story is well written along with the tone and leading ending gave way to something we don’t see much of in film, the telling of the Latin culture coming to look for a “better” life in the US. Although some scenes felt like it was meant for a film, the writing wasn’t bad at all and its comedic timing and sass was nice to see. Its pacing did seem to fall off at times but what I believe to be the use of this was to give emphasis to the ending and character development. I was surprised to have it capture so many things immigrants come here to find only finding hardships most of the time and it was nice to see it shown to us, the viewers.
Ludi = 4/5 Stars
Hard Luck Love SOng
Directed by Justin Corsbie and written by Justin Corsbie and Craig Ugoretz. The film is nicely paced for its 1 hour and 40 minute runtime, and it tells a story without telling it directly to the viewers about the characters. Its nice tones and the main protagonist’s cheerful and nice personality sets up for a lovable character with a semi mysterious past. The music and its sound design is also a major help in the story telling and fits incredibly well to say the least. Although it’s nothing out of the ordinary realm it’s definitely a film for anyone wanting or looking for something new to watch once it goes to the public.
Hard Luck Love Song = 4.5/ 5 Stars
The Nerd Corps 