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https://www.thenerdelement.com/2024/01/30/sundance-2024-handling-the-undead/
Heading: “Handling the Undead”: Grief, Norwegian Zombie Style
CW: The film contains a disturbing depiction of animal cruelty
This review contains mild spoilers
“Handling the Undead,” a Norwegian horror film directed by Thea Hvistendahl, starts off ominously, quietly, and deliberately, continuing with a pervasive atmosphere of dread that’s relentless. In the film’s world, grief is a monster – one that will eat you alive if you let it.
The movie follows three families experiencing different stages of grief: Anna (Renate Reinsve), a woman whose young son has died a few weeks ago, and her father, Mahler (Bjørn Sundquist); Tora (Bente Børsum), whose wife, Elisabet (Olga Damani), is about to be buried; and husband and wife David (Anders Danielsen Lie) and Eva (Bahar Pars), and their two children, Flora (Inesa Dauksta) and Kian (Kian Hansen), who are about to experience a traumatic loss.
Anna copes with her loss by leaving her son’s toys everywhere and refusing to eat the meals her father brings her, as evidenced by the wrapped plates of uneaten food in her fridge. Mahler struggles to snap her out of her denial, but he’s as lost in his grief as she is. Tora, meanwhile, sits at home and takes her phone off the hook after Elisabet’s wake, cutting herself off from the world.
Meanwhile, Eva gets ready for work as David preps for a comedy set. Kian plays a zombie first-person shooter game while his sister, Flora, tells Eva she really doesn’t want to babysit him. When Kian loses, the game’s graphics splash, “YOU ARE DEAD,” which has different meanings depending on whose story we’re following.
Not too long after, electricity crackles and a high-pitched sound spreads throughout the city, causing headaches and sending birds swooping in strange patterns. Mahler, who is visiting his grandson’s grave, collapses as a blackout occurs. Once it ends, David gets a call that Eva has died.
Soon, Anna’s son—who is the most decomposed of the three zombies we meet—Elisabet, and Eva are reanimated and their loved ones have a choice: How do I handle this extraordinary event? What do I do with this second chance? Others are presumably dealing with the same choice as we see police tape at the cemetery, and officers knock at Anna’s door.
Hvistendahl, who shares screenplay credit with John Ajvide Lindqvist (on whose novel the film is based) adhere closely to the three families’ reactions, leaving the threat zombies traditionally pose in the background. This choice does two things: it makes the grief more suffocating and it amps up the dread as the audience waits for the zombies to start biting. Hvistendahl laser-focuses on the grief of the living as they cope with the dead, whether it’s treating them as if they were still alive, or accepting that circumstances have drastically changed.
Both Danielsen Lie and Reinsve shine here, much as they did in 2021’s “The Worst Person in the World” (screened at a previous Sundance Festival), though unfortunately, this time they don’t share any scenes. Børsum and Sundquist are equally good as people who cannot let go of their departed beloveds.
The score is wonderful; it propels the narrative with its movement between ominous strings and memorable melancholy, pushing the action forward even when it seems as though nothing is happening (the composer, Peter Raeburn, received the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Original Music at the Festival).
“Handling the Undead” is engrossing and tragic, forcing questions of mortality to the fore. As a debut feature, it announces Hvistendahl as a talent to watch. As a meditation on grief, it will also take a bite out your heart.
The post Sundance 2024: Handling the Undead appeared first on The Nerd Element.
If you’re looking for Black love and romance novels this month, I’ve got you covered. There are plenty of love stories out there featuring Black protagonists — and written by Black women. I’ve rounded up my favorite picks of Black romance novels to sink your teeth into. Happy reading.
While We Were Dating by Jasmine Guillory
Jasmine Guillory has created a special world with her novels where a lot of sexy things happen between sexy people, well-adjusted men who aren’t afraid to work on their mess, and, in this novel, a love story between a talented ad executive and a movie star. This is a romantic comedy, but along the way we get some honest discussions about anxiety and mental health, family loyalty, and the pressures of fame. As always, Guillory’s writing is charming and accessible, while always giving us characters to root for.
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
Not only is this book unapologetically Black but it is a Black romance book with everything under the sun. The characters are complex but intertwine so beautifully. The relationship between Eva and Shane can only be described as soulmates. No matter where they end up, they will always find one another, and through their trauma they immediately bond with one another. The romance is just epic — from the seven days in June, which was Romeo and Juliet inspired and certainly shows it, to the second-chance romance that is the central story.
Good Morning, Love by Ashley M. Coleman
Carlisa “Carli” Henton is a beautiful and talented young musician/songwriter, working as a junior account manager at a big-name media company. She meets the company’s new client: Tau Anderson, a hot R&B pop star. He pursues Carli relentlessly but fraternization with clients is not allowed. So, what’s a girl to do?
What I love most about how Coleman tells this story is her commitment to authenticity — Carli is not supposed to have it all figured out all at once, but I also don’t think she is meant to struggle. I do believe she had to face some conflicts, grow through messes she made along the way, and ultimately make decisions that probably didn’t make other people happy. Ultimately, she knew her decisions would make her happy in the long run. I was rooting for Carli and Tau throughout the book, and hope their story continues.
I Almost Forgot about You by Terry McMillan
A feel-good novel if ever I’ve read one. The writing is clever and flavorful, full of all the spice and sass, reminisces, failures and regrets, personal triumphs, and lessons learned that make McMillan’s characters feel like your close friends. It reminded me of the women in my life I can really relate to because they’ve been there/done that and lived through it to share their stories. That’s a special kind of love and what you’ll find within this story.
The Love Con by Seressia Glass
I thought I was getting a sweet, fun, and light friends-to-lovers story, but I actually got something quite emotional. Kenya following her dreams throughout the book was so inspirational. Her challenges were a great illustration of how following your dreams (especially ones seen as peculiar in the eyes of society) can be hard. Cam and Kenya are so cute. Having two characters with feelings for each other without each other knowing is always fun. You would think it’s so obvious to them. The love is already there; all that is missing is the romance. I usually lean towards the enemies-to-lovers trope but after reading this story, I changed my mind. It was refreshing how Glass also explored what love really is between friends who’ve had each other around forever. Is it love or are they just used to each other?
Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert
Take a Hint, Dani Brown follows Danika, a hardworking PhD student, and the romance-loving, Muslim security guard Zafir, who works in the building where she teaches. They serve us some strong Jim and Pam vibes in the beginning with typical office flirtation but everything changes when a video of Zaf carrying Dani to safety goes viral on Twitter (now X). Zaf wants to use his newfound internet fame to launch his mental health non-profit, and what better way to milk the attention than fake date his work crush. Throw in a little friends-with-benefits action, and now things are getting interesting.
Love Radio by Ebony LaDelle
This story gently explores trauma, passion, planning for your future, and the power of both music and words. Love Radio is a heartfelt coming-of-age romance celebrating Black love. Danielle and Prince are so special and I could not get enough of their story. The way LaDelle told this story of young people navigating high school while battling various hardships was outstanding. I loved how Danielle and Prince are so mature and dated to get to know each other. Prince was the guy we all wanted to date in high school but who just didn’t exist!
Stay with Me by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀
This story is set in Nigeria and gives voice to both husband and wife as they tell the story of their marriage, including the forces that threaten to tear it apart. Yejide and Akin met at university, fell in love, and married. Though many expected Akin to take several wives, he and Yejide have always agreed: polygamy is not for them. But four years into their marriage, after consulting fertility doctors and healers, trying strange teas and questionable cures, Yejide is still not pregnant. She assumes she still has time, until her family arrives on her doorstep with a young woman they introduce as Akin’s second wife. Just imagine her shock, anger, and jealousy. Yejide knows the only way to save her marriage is to get pregnant, which, finally, she does. But the cost is more than she ever could have imagined. This story is good, y’all.
All of these amazing reads are available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold. Consider purchasing from Bookshop.org, a platform that gives independent bookstores tools to compete online and financial support to help them maintain their presence in local communities.
It’s exciting anytime we get a new Peanuts special. Charles M. Schulz’s cadre of youngsters are still as beloved as ever. But their next adventure is extra special because it’s long overdue. Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin will finally put the spotlight on a kid who has been overlooked for far too long. And the film’s trailer promises a touching origin story that will have long-time fans racing to watch how Franklin found his lifelong friends.
Welcome Home, Franklin looks like a sweet story that celebrates the very best of Peanuts. It will also show us how Franklin, Peanuts‘ first Black character, became a member of the group after some initial trouble adjusting to his newest home. Here’s the special’s official synopsis from Apple TV+:
The origin story for one of Peanuts’ most beloved characters, the special follows Franklin as he moves to a new town and navigates new friendships. Franklin’s family is always on the move with his dad’s military job, and everywhere he goes Franklin finds support in a notebook filled with his grandfather’s advice on friendship. But when Franklin tries his usual strategies with the Peanuts gang, he has trouble fitting in. That’s until he learns about the neighborhood Soap Box Derby race – according to his grandfather, everyone loves a winner! He’s sure that winning the race will also mean winning over some new friends. All he needs is a partner, which he finds in Charlie Brown. Franklin and Charlie Brown work together to build a car and in the process become good buddies. But as the race nears, the pressure mounts – can their car and their newfound friendship make it to the finish line?
Did you pick up on that A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving reference? Not only will this special finally put the spotlight on Franklin, it will also let him sit on the same side of the table as his friends. Talk about correcting a long overdue problem!
This new Peanuts story comes from Emmy-winning director Raymond S. Persi (The Simpsons, Wreck-It-Ralph). Robb Armstrong (Jump Start) co-wrote with Craig Schulz, Bryan Schulz, and Cornelius Uliano. It’s based on an original story by Armstrong and Scott Montgomery (The Snoopy Show).
Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin drives onto Apple TV+ on Friday, February 16.
The post WELCOME HOME, FRANKLIN Trailer Finally Gives a Classic PEANUTS Character the Spotlight appeared first on Nerdist.
ComicView on BET was a staple during BET’s late-night T.V. run for what seemed like decades. Numerous comedians matriculated through the doors of ComicView to reach their audience, and it’s hard to recall just how many were made famous by ComicView, ranging from D.L. Hughley and Cedric the Entertainer to Don “D.C.” Curry and Kevin Hart. Truly, ComicView was one of the most influential comedy platforms for elevating comedy talent — primarily African American comedians — into the national spotlight.
ComicView debuted on BET, also known as Black Entertainment Television, in 1992, and it only had HBO’s Def Comedy Jem to compete with. The latter was the only other comedy show that focused on African American comedians, and it’s actually credited for propelling Martin Lawrence and Chris Tucker’s careers. During its time on air (1992 to 2006) ComicView kept to its original format and aired short stand-up segments of various comedians on each episode. However, in 2008, the show evolved into a spin-off called ComicView: One Mic Stand, featuring longer segments.
Over the years, during its initial run, ComicView had several hosts, some of whose careers were propelled to new heights by the very platform they hosted, enabling them to establish their own movie and television careers. Now, it’s time to discuss who the top five comedians are who owe their careers to the stage of ComicView.
D.L. Hughley
D.L. Hughley is perhaps best known as the original host of ComicView from 1992 to 1993. His tenure on the show allowed him to reach a wider audience and set the foundations for becoming a household name in the future. The exposure he got on the platform led to other opportunities, as well. In 1993, he also appeared in the third season of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as Keith Campbell, a comedian from Philadelphia.
He’s also known for his very own sitcom. From 1998 to 2002, Hughley wrote, produced, and starred in the T.V. sitcom series The Hughleys, which was based on his real-life experiences of growing up in an upscale neighborhood. He now hosts a talk show, The D.L. Hughley Show, that premiered on T.V. One in 2019.
Cedric the Entertainer
Known for his charisma and vibrant stage presence, Cedric the Entertainer found a perfect outlet in ComicView, which he hosted during the 1993-1994 season, after which he switched to Def Comedy Jam in 1995. Just like with D.L. Hughley, Cedric’s time on ComicVIew was a stepping stone to greater heights, which he achieved by co-starring in The Steve Harvey Show as one of The Original Kings of Comedy.
Cedric the Entertainer — the name that stuck after someone introduced him as an entertainer rather than just a comedian — went on to act in numerous movies and television shows, including The Neighborhood. His fruitful career resulted in him receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019. However, and in most recent news, comedian Katt Williams called Cedric out for (allegedly) stealing some of his jokes.
Sommore
Sommore, also known as the Diva of Contemporary Comedy, first gained fame as the first female ComicView host (1995 to 1996) and as one of the four female comedians that headlined the Queens of Comedy tour. She attributes her success as a comedian to her writing skills and the fact that she extensively researched both the art and the business of comedy.
After gaining fame in ComicView, she also appeared on Def Comedy Jam and Showtime at Appollo but also made guest appearances on T.V. sitcoms The Hughleys and The Parkers, as well as Ice Cube’s Friday After Next movie.
Rickey Smiley
Though he had been a professional stand-up comedian for quite some time, Rickey Smiley’s career was propelled by his appearances on both Def Comedy Jam and ComicView (2000-2001). Smiley’s career exploded during the early 2000s, and he soon found himself as the host of the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show for the WHTA.
Smiley is best known for his prank calls, many of which have been compiled into six albums. However, he’s also known for his television, radio, and comedy acting work, particularly in his own sitcom, called The Rickey Smiley Show, which aired for one season in 2012.
Lavell Crawford
Though he’s probably best known for playing Huell Babineaux in Breaking Bad (2011–2013) and its spin-off Better Call Saul (2017–2022), Crawford’s rise to success is owed to his frequent performance on ComicView during the 1990s — he actually wasn’t the host. His other comedic roles also include It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Tosh.0, The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, and Aqua TV Show Show.
Honorable Mention: Kevin Hart
By the time he hosted ComicView, the show had already changed its format, and Kevin Hart was already an established comedian. But what makes his mention honorable is the fact that he understands the importance of ComicView as a platform for comedians to showcase their talent and he was the sole reason that ComicView had a “revival” of sorts for four days in 2023, which also featured performances by Tommy Davidson, Tacarra Williams, Tony T. Roberts, Bresha Webb, D.C. Young Fly and rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris.
Summary
In the end, ComicView paved the way for many comedians road to the mainstream, proving that the show was more than just entertainment. It was a platform that shaped the landscape of American stand-up comedy and helped incubate the talent that has gone on to entertain, educate, and enlighten us to this day.