Hadestown: The Musical is a filmed stage production that takes the audience through the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice with a distinctly modern theatrical style. The first act is considerably weaker than the second, taking longer to find its rhythm and emotional footing. Fortunately, the production improves significantly as it progresses, with several performances becoming more effective the longer they are on stage. While the production has plenty of talent behind it, it never reaches the level of theatrical excellence found in Hamilton or Beetlejuice , leaving me feeling that I've seen stronger musicals. Amber Gray grows considerably into the role of Persephone. Her performance takes some time to click during the first act, but by the second act she becomes one of the production's most compelling performers. Eva Noblezada is excellent from beginning to end as Eurydice, providing the consistency and emotional weight that the production needs. She gives the character a ...
Leviticus is directed by Adrian Chiarella and presents itself as a horror film, although it takes well over a third of its runtime before delivering its first genuinely scary or tense sequence. Instead, the film spends most of its time revisiting conversion therapy, particularly the kind of practices associated with the 1990s. The story treats the subject as though it remains as prevalent as it once was, while largely ignoring how much societal acceptance has changed. Perhaps the film's setting in small-town Australia is intended to explain some of that disconnect, but the screenplay never does enough to establish that context. It's also difficult to ignore the film's apparent disdain of organized religion, which might alienate certain moviegoers. There is character development throughout, but several scenes feel unnecessary and don't contribute much to the overall plot. Talk to Me supporting actor, Joe Bird delivers a solid performance as the film's central c...