From The Front Row

She is a woman with a keen eye for the details that others might miss. She doesn’t just watch the show—she inhabits it. With an extensive career spanning decades in media, television, and live broadcast, her perspective is informed by experience and sharpened by the spotlight itself. Once, she dabbled in the world of acting and theater—taking the stage and testing her own mettle in the most demanding of roles. But it’s not the curtain call that drives her anymore. Her insight is built on years of navigating the complexities of live production, the pulse of a newsroom, and the raw energy of the stage. But don’t expect her to tell you everything. No, her reviews leave a little room for mystery—because she knows the true nature of art is that which can’t always be pinned down. You never know, you might happen to find her sitting in the front row of your next production.

Falling into Place: British Film Festival

1 November 2024 From The Front Row

Falling into Place Rating

★★★★★

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Set against the stark backdrop of a bleak Scottish winter, “Falling into Place” invites viewers into a world where two lost souls briefly collide in a bar, igniting a day filled with fleeting joy and profound connection. Directed and written by Aylin Tenzel, who also stars as the film’s emotionally troubled protagonist, the narrative explores the depths of despair and the search for solace in unexpected places.

Tenzel’s character is an artist grappling with the aftermath of a painful breakup, her self-worth at an all-time low. She isolates herself from her family, terrified that revealing her struggles will expose her vulnerabilities. Tenzel embodies this emotional turmoil with a raw honesty that resonates deeply, showcasing her talent as an actress and storyteller.

Opposite her is Chris Fulton, known for his roles in “Outlander” and “Bridgerton,” who plays a man equally enshrouded in grief. His character battles the aftermath of his sister’s suicide attempts and a relationship that has long since soured. Together, Tenzel and Fulton create an intense chemistry that pulses through the film, offering a glimpse of hope amidst their mutual pain. Their connection is not one of idealized romance but rather a bond forged in shared suffering—a recognition of their own self-destructive tendencies.

What sets “Falling into Place” apart is its unflinching portrayal of mental health issues. The film does not shy away from presenting its protagonists in an unflattering light; rather, it embraces their flaws and struggles, allowing audiences to empathize with their journeys. This authenticity is refreshing in a genre often dominated by idealized relationships.

While the film’s pacing may feel slow at times, the emotional weight it carries makes the eventual payoff worthwhile. Tenzel’s directorial debut is a powerful commentary on the healing power of shared experiences, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate intimate, character-driven storytelling.

The British Film Festival 2024 runs from Nov – Dec 8.

To book tickets to this or other films click https://britishfilmfestival.com.au/ for session and venue details.

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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Film Review: Weekend In Taipei

24 October 2024 From The Front Row

Weekend in Taipei Rating

★★★★★

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From the visionary creator of The Fifth Element, Luc Besson comes the exhilarating action film Weekend in Taipei.

You don’t have to wait for long before the first action scene begins, 5 minutes in fact, where a brand new Ferrari takes you on a high-speed joyride through Taiwan’s capital, Taipei.

The film centers around a DEA agent, portrayed by Luke Evans, who is on a relentless mission to dismantle a formidable drug lord’s operation. Unbeknownst to him, this notorious criminal is married to his former love interest, adding an emotional layer to the narrative.

The plot takes viewers on a journey from the United States to Taiwan, where the reunion between the long-lost lovers sparks unresolved feelings and secrets. This rekindling of romance unveils a love triangle that complicates the agent’s mission, leading to a gripping confrontation between good and evil.

The combination of Luke Evans, known for his roles in Hollywood Blockbusters such as Clash of the Titans, a very likeable leading lady, played by Gwei Lun-mei, hailing from Taiwan, and ‘bad guy’, Sung Kang, who starred in the Fast & Furious franchise, makes for a strong cast.

Where the film lacks a strong story, it definitely overachieves in superbly choreographed fight scenes, with lots of humour thrown in. With the addition of a killer soundtrack, some gorgeous cinematography, and good duration, this film is perfect for an entertaining cinematic experience without the need for deep contemplation.

Weekend In Taipei will open in Australian cinemas in the coming weeks. Check your local cinemas for session details.

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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The Crying Room: Exhumed

24 October 2024 From The Front Row

The Crying Room: Exhumed Rating

★★★★★

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As we walk into a space with furniture covered with material, it feels like visiting an old mansion where memories are preserved from the passage of time under dust cloths. We become, inadvertently, part of the story. Exhuming the dead.

With the brilliant use of staging, technology and a mesmerizing live score, performer Marcus McKenzie takes us on a journey where death is treated more like a joke, with humorous anecdotes of various ways to die and fun interaction with the audience, where McKenzie finds the commonality between us and him, the fact that we all will eventually die. As we laugh and come up with future scenarios, our naivety is interrupted by phone calls from McKenzie’s brother, who we find out has passed away a while ago.

These real-time phone calls make us question the linearity of time. What is the present, and what is in the past? Through this technique, we are suddenly face to face with laptop screens, where McKenzie retells the story of when he found out about his brother’s passing. Prolonging the inevitable, he was fighting a battle between wanting to keep normality and finding the right time to face the inevitable.

Through this clever use of technology and screens, it suddenly feels like the play is no longer in a theatre but a one-on-one conversation, almost like stumbling upon a video diary, where you become privy to a very personal story of loss and broken dreams.

By the end of the play, all that is left is a shrine to both McKenzie’s and possibly your personal trauma, the memories you thought you buried long ago but that have been exhumed. As you leave the theatre, the smiles and laughter that you shared only a moment ago are replaced by longing for the past, the illusive memory of your own life before you felt that sadness and hurt that you now share with McKenzie.

It is a captivating performance that will keep you thinking long after you leave the auditorium. On for four more nights only, don’t miss out on this incredible production.

This production is part of the Liveworks Festival 2024, which will be hosted at The Carriageworks Performance Space from 23rd to 27th October.

Follow the link to book in for this or any other shows during the festival @ https://carriageworks.com.au/events/liveworks-festival-2024/

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

Spread the word on your favourite platform!

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