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https://www.thenerdelement.com/2022/09/10/stars-filmmakers-and-execs-from-lucasfilm-marvel-studios-and-20th-century-studios-thrill-thousands-at-d23-expo-2022-in-anaheim/

 
New Details, Sneak Peeks Announcements and Surprise Talent Appearances Abound in Hall D23, Covering More than 20 Theatrical and Disney+ Titles in Action-Packed Three-Hour Presentation

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Sept. 10, 2022) — The Walt Disney Studios continued to fuel the fire ignited at yesterday’s showcase with a jam-packed presentation from the teams at Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios and 20th Century Studios this morning at the Anaheim Convention Center as part of D23 Expo 2022. Thousands of fans were among the first to hear new announcements, see never-before-seen footage and hear from the stars of the industry’s biggest streaming and theatrical titles slated for the coming months and beyond.

Alan Bergman, chairman, The Walt Disney Studios, welcomed a fired-up crowd to Hall D23. Bergman reflected on the 13-year history of D23 Expo and the evolution of the Studios group. “That [first] year, none of the iconic studios you’ll hear from today were part of the company,” he said. “It was just Disney Animation, Disney Live Action and Pixar. We announced the Marvel acquisition just before our first Expo in 2009. Then three years later, we added Lucasfilm, and in 2019, 20th Century Studios. I’ve been at Disney for 26 years, so it’s been incredibly exciting to welcome each of them to our Studio family. And like Disney and Pixar, each of these studios has a phenomenal legacy of storytelling.”

Joining Bergman to walk fans through the upcoming slate of films were studio executives Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm; Kevin Feige, producer and president of Marvel Studios; and James Cameron, director of 20th Century Studios’ “Avatar: The Way of Water.” The showcase included the following highlights.

LUCASFILM
Bergman introduced Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucasfilm, who guided the audience through the incredible lineup ahead. “As you can see, there is an immense amount of exciting new Star Wars storytelling to come from Lucasfilm. The quality, creativity, and variety these teams are bringing to Disney+ is absolutely remarkable, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience each of them.”

First up, “ANDOR” a 24-episode spy thriller that features one of the central characters in “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” Kennedy welcomed to the stage stars Genevieve O’Reilly, Kyle Soller, Adria Arjona and Cassian Andor himself, Diego Luna, as their character posters were unveiled. A highlight for all was the showing of the final trailer for the spy thriller filmed over two 12-episode seasons. The era featured in “Andor”—the five years before the events of “Rogue One”—is filled with danger, deception and intrigue where Cassian will embark on the path that is destined to turn him into a rebel hero. “Andor” presents Star Wars from a different perspective, focusing on everyday people whose lives are affected by the Empire. The decisions they make have real consequences, and the stakes for them—and the galaxy—couldn’t be higher. The series also stars Stellan Skarsgård, Forest Whitaker, Denise Gough, Fiona Shaw and Faye Marsay. Toby Haynes, Susanna White and Benjamin Caron direct specific episodes, and Kathleen Kennedy, Tony Gilroy, Sanne Wohlenberg, Diego Luna and Michelle Rejwan executive produce. Tony Gilroy is also the creator and showrunner. With action, adventure and suspense filmed against a cinematic landscape, the first three episodes of season 1 premiere exclusively on Disney+ on September 21. Trailer is available to download and share.

Kennedy reflected on the world created in 1988 by George Lucas and Ron Howard that inspired the next step in the magical journey—a new live-action fantasy-adventure series “WILLOW,” from Lucasfilm and Imagine Entertainment. Kennedy introduced Warwick Davis (Willow Ufgood), who shared his excitement to return to Andowyne before being joined by series stars Joanne Whalley (Sorsha), Ruby Cruz (Kit), Erin Kellyman (Jade), Ellie Bamber (Dove), Dempsey Bryk (Airk), Amar Chadha-Patel (Boorman) and Tony Revolori (Graydon). To the delight of surprised fans, Christian Slater was also welcomed to stage as a member of the ensemble cast. The excitement continued when a brand-new trailer was shown. Set in a magical world where brownies, sorcerers, trolls and other mystical creatures flourish, “Willow” is the story of an unlikely group of heroes who set off on a dangerous quest, facing their inner demons and coming together to save their world. An epic period fantasy told with a modern sensibility and plenty of humor, heart, energy and vibrancy, “Willow” begins streaming on Disney+ Nov. 30. Trailer and key art are available to download and share.

Executive producer Dave Filoni joined Kennedy on stage for a host of upcoming titles, streaming on Disney+.

• Filoni showed a new image from the upcoming 16-episode second season of the animated series “STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH.” Months have passed since the events on Kamino and the Bad Batch continue their journey navigating the Empire after the fall of the Republic. They will cross paths with friends and foes, both new and familiar, as they take on a variety of thrilling mercenary missions that will take them to unexpected and dangerous new places. “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” features the voices of Dee Bradley Baker and Michelle Ang, with Filoni, Carrie Beck, Athena Portillo, Brad Rau and Jennifer Corbett serving as executive producers. Rau is also serving as supervising director with Corbett as head writer. Revealed today: the series will begin streaming on Disney+ with a two-episode premiere on Jan. 4, 2023.
• Filoni segued to “STAR WARS: TALES OF THE JEDI,” six brand-new animated shorts featuring parables built around Jedi from the prequel era. Journey into the lives of two distinctly different Jedi—Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku—each will be put to the test as they make choices that will define their destinies. To the delight of the audience, Filoni shared the official trailer for the series and announced that all six shorts will debut Oct. 26 on Disney+. The series is created by executive producer Dave Filoni, with Carrie Beck and Athena Portillo serving as executive producers. Trailer is available to download and share.
• Filoni shared how much the character of Ahsoka means to him—having crafted her story since her 2008 debut in the animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” through her live-action debut in “The Mandalorian.” “AHSOKA” is a new live-action series heading to Disney+ starring Rosario Dawson in the title role. Fellow executive producer Jon Favreau joined Filoni on stage to talk about the project and shared first-look images with attendees. Set after the fall of the Empire, “Ahsoka” follows the former Jedi knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. The new series is slated for 2023 and will be exclusive to Disney+. The executive producers are Filoni, Favreau, Kennedy, Colin Wilson, Carrie Beck with Karen Gilchrist as co-executive producer. 
• Favreau and Filoni were joined by “STAR WARS: SKELETON CREW” creators Jon Watts and Christopher Ford, who talked about the series, which is coming soon on Disney+. “Skeleton Crew” tells the story of four kids who find themselves lost in in the vastness of the galaxy trying to find their way home. Applause erupted when star Jude Law came out to greet fans. Favreau, Filoni, Watts, Ford, Kennedy and Michelle Rejwan executive produce.  
• Favreau and Filoni were excited to discuss season 3 of “THE MANDALORIAN,” inviting executive producer Rick Famuyiwa to join them on stage, as well as stars Pedro Pascal, Katee Sackhoff, Amy Sedaris, Giancarlo Esposito and Emily Swallow. Together, they shared the season 3 teaser trailer with the audience. In the third season of “The Mandalorian,” the Mandalorian and Grogu have been reunited and continue their journey through the lawless galaxy. Season 3 is set to launch exclusively on Disney+ in 2023. Kennedy and Colin Wilson also executive produce, with Karen Gilchrist and Carrie Beck as co-executive producers. Trailer is available to download and share. 

Before Kennedy concluded the Lucasfilm presentation, she had one more title to share. “I couldn’t leave here without talking about one other project we’ve been hard at work on at Lucasfilm—Indiana Jones,” she said as the familiar theme played and the crowd erupted. “I’m thrilled to welcome to the stage our director, James Mangold. Mangold wowed the crowd with some new details along with a sizzle reel from the upcoming fifth installment of the immensely popular “INDIANA JONES” franchise, which opens in theaters June 30, 2023. Joining Kennedy and Mangold on stage was the one-and-only Harrison Ford alongside co-star and Emmy® winner Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Ford, who was a little emotional on stage, said, “Thank you for making these films such an incredible experience for all of us. I’m very proud to say that this one if fantastic, and [Waller-Bridge] is one of the reasons.

“Indiana Jones movies are about fantasy and mystery, but they’re also about heart,” continued the actor. “I’m really, really happy that we have a really human story to tell, as well as a movie that will kick your ass.”

MARVEL STUDIOS
Greeting fans at D23 Expo 2022, Kevin Feige said he’s been coming to D23 Expo for years—taking in all the performances the other studios in the Disney family bring to the stage. “I’ve always been a little jealous,” Feige admitted. “Why can’t we get our own musical number?” That kicked off a show-stopping performance of the buzzy fan-favorite “I Could Do This All Day” from the show-within-a-show “Rogers: The Musical” in last year’s Disney+ series “Hawkeye.” Bringing it to life live on stage were 22 performers, a six-piece live rhythm section and composer and conductor Marc Shaiman, who wrote the song for “Hawkeye.”

Feige returned to the stage, reviewing recent announcements including the Multiverse Saga—the conclusion of Phase 4, the Phase 5 slate and the Phase 6 titles that include “Fantastic Four” and two new Avengers films: “The Kang Dynasty” and “Secret Wars.”

Marvel Studios continues to create exciting and connected MCU storylines for Disney+, including:

• “IRONHEART” executive producer Ryan Coogler offered fans an early look at the new series that takes place after the events of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Dominique Thorne returns as Riri Williams, a young, genius inventor determined to make her mark on the world. Her unique take on building iron suits is both brilliant and flawed, and “Ironheart” delves into the dynamics of tech versus magic. Feige invited Anthony Ramos to the stage to greet fans and share a little about his character, Parker Robbins aka The Hood. The new series is slated for Disney+ next year.
• Streaming on Disney+ beginning Oct. 7 is Marvel Studios’ first-ever special presentation, “WEREWOLF BY NIGHT.” Director Michael Giacchino joined Feige on stage alongside stars Gael García Bernal and Laura Donnelly to give fans new details and the first trailer for the upcoming special that Feige called “fun-scary.” Trailer and poster are available to download and share.
• The thrilling new series “SECRET INVASION” launches on Disney+ in 2023. Don Cheadle, who reprises his role of Colonel James Rhodes, was on hand to talk about the new show. The cast includes Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Ben Mendelsohn as the Skrull Talos—plus Olivia Colman, Emilia Clarke and Kingsley Ben-Adir. Fans were shown a scene and the brand-new trailer from the event series that showcases a faction of shapeshifting Skrulls who have been infiltrating Earth for years. Trailer and film stills are available to download and share.
• Cheadle segued into another Disney+ project he’ll star in, “ARMOR WARS.” Rhodey fans will see the character in a whole new light, and considering the title of the series, audiences can look forward to all-new suits for the hero, featuring different types of armor. Title treatment is available to download and share.
• Production for season 2 of “LOKI” is already underway. Arriving to D23 Expo directly from the set were Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson, Sophia Di Martino and Ke Huy Quan. Fans also got a glimpse at the upcoming season that picks up in the aftermath of the shocking season finale when Loki finds himself in a battle for the soul of the Time Variance Authority. Season 2 of “Loki” begins streaming on Disney+ in 2023. 
• Cast members from “ECHO,” including Alaqua Cox, Vincent D’Onofrio, Devery Jacobs, Graham Greene, Cody Lightning and Chaske Spencer, hit the stage in Hall D23, providing some insight about Maya Lopez, whose ruthless behavior in New York City catches up with her in her hometown. Audience members were treated to a special look at the upcoming series that also stars Tantoo Cardinal and Zahn McClarnon. The new series will stream soon on Disney+. 
• Production doesn’t kick off till next year for “DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN,” but Feige and D’Onofrio were eager to chat about the new show coming to Disney+. Fans went wild when Charlie Cox appeared on stage to discuss the 18-episode new season of the show. And since production isn’t yet underway, fans were treated with a clip from an upcoming episode of “She Hulk: Attorney at Law”—now streaming on Disney+—that features the superpowered hero.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to thrill fans of the big screen, starting with the last film of Phase 4.

• “BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER” director Ryan Coogler shared an exclusive look at a scene and some highlights from the much-anticipated follow-up to 2018’s “Black Panther.” Much to the crowd’s delight, cast members Angela Bassett (Queen Ramonda), Letitia Wright (Shuri), Winston Duke (M’Baku) and Tenoch Huerta (Namor) joined Coogler and Feige on stage. In the story, the Wakandans fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. The heroes must band together to forge a new path for the kingdom. Also starring Lupita Nyong’o (Nakia), Danai Gurira (Okoye), Florence Kasumba (Ayo), Dominique Thorne (Riri Williams), Michaela Coel (Aneka), Mabel Cadena (Namora), Alex Livinalli (Attuma) and Martin Freeman (Everett Ross), “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is produced by Feige and Nate Moore, and hits the big screen on Nov. 11.

• Joining Feige on stage to officially kick off Phase 5 of the MCU were “ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA” stars Paul Rudd (Scott Lang/Ant-Man), Evangeline Lilly (Hope Van Dyne/The Wasp) and Jonathan Majors (Kang). The audience was treated to an exclusive look at the film that features Super Hero partners Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne, who team up with Hope’s parents, Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), and Scott’s daughter, Cassie Lang (Kathryn Newton), to explore the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that will push them beyond the limits of what they thought was possible. Hitting theaters Feb. 17, 2023, the film connects to “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty,” said Feige. 
• Feige officially confirmed that Matt Shakman, who directed every episode of 2021’s “WandaVision” would be directing “FANTASTIC FOUR.” The film opens in theaters on Nov. 8, 2024.
• Continuing Sam Wilson’s journey as Captain America is a brand-new film heading to theaters in 2024. “CAPTAIN AMERICA: NEW WORLD ORDER” director Julius Onah joined Feige on stage. Together, they welcomed “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier” returning stars Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson/Captain America), Danny Ramirez (Joaquin Torres) and Carl Lumbly (Isaiah Bradley). They join new cast members Tim Blake Nelson (The Leader), who was on hand at D23 Expo today, as well as Shira Haas (Sabra). “Captain America: New World Order” hits theaters on May 3, 2024.
• The identities of the “THUNDERBOLTS” were unveiled this morning as Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Valentina Allegra de Fontaine), David Harbour (Red Guardian), Hannah John-Kamen (Ghost), Sebastian Stan (James “Bucky” Barnes/The Winter Soldier) and Wyatt Russell (John Walker/U.S. Agent) joined director Jake Schreier on stage to thunderous applause. The esteemed team also features stars Olga Kurylenko (Taskmaster) and Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova)—Pugh recorded a greeting for the D23 Expo audience. “Thunderbolts” opens in theaters on July 26, 2024.
• Feige capped the Marvel Studios presentation with “THE MARVELS,” revisiting key moments in the MCU before welcoming to the stage director Nia DaCosta and cast members Iman Vellani (Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel), Teyonah Parris (Monica Rambeau) and Brie Larson (Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel). Fans were given a special look at scenes from the new movie, which opens in theaters on July 28, 2023. 

20TH CENTURY STUDIOS
Alan Bergman returned to the stage and was joined virtually by Academy Award®-winning producer/director James Cameron, currently in New Zealand, where he is still hard at work readying the release of the highly anticipated sequel to the biggest film of all time, “Avatar.” “AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER,” which opens in theaters on Dec. 16, welcomes back to the big screen returning cast members Sam Worthington (Jake Sully), Zoe Saldaña (Neytiri), Sigourney Weaver (Kiri) and Stephen Lang (Colonel Miles Quaritch), who appeared on stage with producer Jon Landau. The crowd was treated to some fun anecdotes and exciting revelations about the new film before meeting the new-generation cast members Jamie Flatters (Neteyam), Jack Champion (Spider), Bailey Bass (Tsireya) and Trinity Jo-Li Bliss (Tuk). Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” begins to tell the story of the Sully family, the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive and the tragedies they endure. Before the show concluded, the lucky fans learned they’d be among the first to see scenes from “Avatar: The Way of Water”—right now. Each was invited to don a pair of Dolby 3D glasses—a Hall D23 first—to get fully immersed in the brand-new footage.  

The post STARS, FILMMAKERS AND EXECS FROM LUCASFILM, MARVEL STUDIOS AND 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS THRILL THOUSANDS AT D23 EXPO 2022 IN ANAHEIM appeared first on The Nerd Element.

https://blackgirlnerds.com/disney-unveils-the-little-mermaid-trailer-starring-halle-bailey-as-ariel/

The Little Mermaid, visionary filmmaker Rob Marshall’s live-action reimagining of the studio’s Oscar®-winning animated musical classic, opens exclusively in theaters nationwide May 26, 2023. The Little Mermaid is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters, and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart.

She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land, but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy. The film stars singer and actress Halle Bailey (grown-ish) as Ariel; Tony Award® winner Daveed Diggs (Hamilton, Snowpiercer) as the voice of Sebastian; Jacob Tremblay (“Luca,” “Room”) as the voice of Flounder; Awkwafina (Raya and the Last Dragon) as the voice of Scuttle; Jonah Hauer-King (A Dog’s Way Home) as Prince Eric; Art Malik (Homeland) as Sir Grimsby; Noma Dumezweni (Mary Poppins Returns) as Queen Selina; with Oscar® winner Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men, Being the Ricardos) as King Triton; and two-time Academy Award® nominee Melissa McCarthy (Can You Ever Forgive Me? Bridesmaids) as Ursula. “The Little Mermaid” is directed by Oscar® nominee Rob Marshall (Chicago, Mary Poppins Returns), and written by two-time Oscar nominee David Magee (Life of Pi, Finding Neverland), with a live-action story adaptation by David Magee, Rob Marshall, and two-time Emmy winner John DeLuca (“Tony Bennett: An American Classic”), based on the short story by Hans Christian Andersen, and the Disney animated film by Ron Clements and John Musker. The film is produced by two-time Emmy® winner Marc Platt (“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert,” “Grease Live!”), three-time Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rob Marshall, and John DeLuca, with Jeffrey Silver serving as executive producer.

The score is by multiple Academy Award® winner Alan Menken, who won two Oscars® for the music in the animated version of “The Little Mermaid,” with music supervised and produced by Mike Higham. Music is by Alan Menken, lyrics are by Howard Ashman and new lyrics are by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

https://nerdist.com/article/the-woman-king-review-story-of-sisterhood-vengeance-redefining-power-agojie-dahomey-amazons-viola-davis-lashana-lynch-thuso-mbedu/

Historical drama The Woman King, starring Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, John Boyega, Shelia Atim, and Lashana Lynch takes us into an epic portion of history that many, specifically those in the US, are largely unfamiliar with. The film is about the Agojie (whom colonists called the Dahomey Amazons), an all-woman warrior army in the Kingdom of Dahomey (now Benin) during the 1800s. They were known among many African nations for their bloody fierceness as they dedicated their lives to serving the king and protecting their people at all costs. The Woman King brings this fascinating story to life in a stunning and heartbreaking narrative that parses through facing the repercussions of slavery, eschewing societal expectations and norms, choosing self-preservation, enacting vengeance, and forming an unbreakable sisterhood. 

The Woman King depicts the Agojie women through several lenses, including General Nanisca (Davis), Izogie (Lynch), Amenza (Atim), and Nawi (Mbedu), a stubborn yet valiant trainee who wants to prove herself worthy of this collective. Nanisca is the seemingly unflappable Agojie leader and skilled fighter whose opinions and thoughts are respected and valued by not only her sisters but also King Ghezo (Boyega). When she speaks, it is always with purpose and strategy. 

However, The Woman King allows Davis to once again affirm that she’s one of the greatest thespians of all-time. She peels back Nanisca’s many layers with expert execution. We witness her digging into the character’s story of surviving unthinkable pain and crushing choices as well as her unexpected reconciliation with her past as she grapples with trauma. She’s vulnerable, powerful, wise, and as much an agent of change as she is someone who subscribes to certain traditions.

Nanisca masks this undercurrent of instability under an external shell that radiates power and a determination to change what’s become the status quo. Thankfully, The Woman King doesn’t go the route of making her the lonely, tortured soul. Nor does it turn her into the borderline tyrant with nearly unchecked and detrimental leadership decisions. Amenza acts as her confidant, friend, and a place where she can be her authentic self. It’s a loving, honest bond that further humanizes her. And, it is quite refreshing to see Davis as an action star alongside women of various ages and body shapes.

In contrast Izogie, while a demanding and stringent trainer, outwardly leans more into the compassion and wit that the Agojie share among themselves. Her master-disciple relationship with Nawi, who has been rejected in various fashions throughout her life, is incredibly touching. Their bond is an essential foundation to this narrative.

And, make no mistake, this film keeps majority of its focus right where it should be: on the Agojie themselves. It leaves you feeling like you have a holistic view of these women, from their place in Dahomey to their interpersonal relationships. There are few men who play a significant role, including Boyega’s somewhat amendable/actually likeable Ghezo, antagonist Oba Ade (Jimmy Odukoya), and Malik (Jordan Bolger). But their stories rightfully come secondary (and even tertiary) to the women. Love to see it.

The Agojie sit at an intriguing intersection of womanhood with elements that are both familiar and foreign to many women today. It’s one that allows them to be heard, seen, and to simply exist as humans. For them, the possibility of dying on a battlefield is better than being property for acquisition/trade (via slavery, marriage, etc.) with whom a man can do as his pleases. However, it does come at a cost: they cannot marry/have sexual encounters nor have children. For many of them, like Izogie, this tradeoff is mostly inconsequential.

But, the real loss for the Agojie is a piece of their humanity. There is no room for tears nor volatile emotions. They must follow orders, serve King Ghezo, and protect their nation. Their individual desires and wants can never conflict with their mission. And that’s the part that Nawi (with an electrifying performance by Mbedu) challenges in such a beautiful way. She makes others question and redefine what it means to lead, to defend, and to wield power.

Life has seemingly primed her to be an Agojie. But, like many young warriors, she has lessons to learn along the way. It seems Nanisca and Nawi’s relationship is crystal clear with the younger warrior being a mirror to her older leader; however, it is quite complex. From watching the women tear through enemies with in a way that highlights their sheer physical skill and force, thanks to the brilliant directorial eye of Gina Prince-Bythewood, to quiet conversations and acts of intimacy and care, this depiction of the Agojie is far better than the crude way they are documented by European historians. They are divinely human with a found family that is unbreakable by any outsider. The Agojie incessantly choose each other and stand together in the midst of heartbreak, secrets, revelations, and obstacles. That is Black sisterhood at its finest. 

The Woman King has much working to its favor in addition to the Agojie and stellar performances all-around. Cinematographer Polly Morgan crafts some truly stunning visuals worthy of these characters and their beautiful nation. The action sequences are fantastic and the balance between emotional beats and moments of levity work well. The film also doesn’t shy away from some African nations’ culpability in the Atlantic slave trade. And whoo are there some delicious moments of vengeance and triumph. However, it is clear that some elements of this story get the ever-present “Hollywood eye” filter.

Several turns of events are clearly for striking certain emotional nerves and tying up strings with a pretty bow. (Does the ending still make me want to cheer for certain characters? Absolutely.) Of course, a historical film will always take some creative liberties to appease audiences. But hopefully this story will encourage audiences to dig into the much more complex (and quite fascinating) real-life story of the Kingdom of Dahomey.

There’s also the perplexing need to shoehorn in a heterosexual “forbidden” relationship between two characters. The male character doesn’t chew up a ton of screen time. However, that storyline gives him a little too much needless involvement in the third act. His big revelation frankly doesn’t matter in the film’s larger scope. If anything, it would have been quite rich to explicitly explore a relationship between two Agojie. This would have checked that same forbidden box while also affirming what happened in real-life between some of these women. Finding the balance of having romantic love while also being a part of this tight-knit group would have been quite the journey.

Hopefully, The Woman King will be a catalyst to continue to dig into these interesting and (for some) hidden global stories. It takes a nation and its people and brings them to life with dignity, respect, and reverence. All hail the mighty Agojie and the woman king. 

The Woman King will hit theaters on September 16.

The post THE WOMAN KING Is a Story of Sisterhood, Vengeance, and Redefining Power appeared first on Nerdist.

https://blackgirlnerds.com/tiff-2022-review-sophie-kargmans-darkly-satirical-susie-searches-has-the-makings-of-an-indie-cult-classic/

Writer-director Sophie Kargman makes her feature directorial debut at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival with Susie Searches, a dark comedy satire based on her 2020 short of the same name. The film, co-written by William Day Frank, delves into our cultural fascination with true crime, social media stardom, and how messy it gets when the two come together. 

Susie (Kiersey Clemons) is a socially awkward, ambitious college student living in Ohio. She divides her time between caring for her ailing mother, going to school, working a part-time job, interning at the police station, and running her true crime podcast. Despite not having any friends or even a following for her podcast, Susie remains determined and eager, which some people find annoying. She proves that everyone, including the audience, has underestimated her.

When a classmate and popular YouTube influencer Jesse (Alex Wolff), goes missing, Susie takes it upon herself to find him. Sheriff Loggins (Jim Gaffigan) and the local police aren’t getting anywhere. Jesse’s whole “brand” is kindness, positive vibes, and meditation. He’s attractive and well-known, sort of a local celebrity.

Sophie Kargman introduces characters who could easily fit into archetypes but quickly shows just how authentic they really are. Susie is a lonely nerd with braces and no friends. But she’s also confident in her knowledge and investigative skills. From what we see of Jesse, he’s popular, from a wealthy family, and, we assume, a self-centered influencer. However, Susie finds that he’s actually more than that. Even Jillian (Rachel Sennott), her catty coworker (who looks so much like Shelly from Twin Peaks in her teal-blue uniform), doesn’t completely fit the mold of other movie mean girls. 

Nobody is who they seem, something Susie discovers during her investigation. But she’s not totally who she appears to be either, which is what makes her so interesting. She’s not perfect or even 100% “good.” She benefits from his popularity, and her podcast gets a much-needed boost. She longs to be seen, and that part of her is relatable. But is this really how she wants to gain support and notoriety? 

Though she’s intelligent and goal-oriented, Susie is still very childlike. I honestly kept forgetting that she was in college and not high school, but that’s likely due to her braces and clothes. Even though Clemons isn’t under heavy makeup, or even looks super different from her regular appearance, it’s a role that the actor fully embodies and makes believable as a real person. 

Kiersey Clemons and Alex Wolff have great on-screen chemistry, leading an eclectic cast made up of emerging talents and veteran comedians alike. Dark comedy is a genre that still really lacks diversity. Clemons said, “I fell in love with the heart and peculiarity of Susie right away. Stories like this, starring women like me are few and far between.” Having a woman of color leading a film like this, and in a non-stereotypical role, is refreshing.

Kargman describes Susie Searches as “a cautionary tale about our society’s current fixation with insta-celebrity— and how it can even damage good people with positive intentions.” The film is among many stories satirizing the cultural obsession with true crime, particularly podcasts and social media. Even the university’s President Andrews (Geoffrey Owens) says, “Who would’ve thought that this true crime stuff would be so big with your generation?”

Shows like Search Party and Only Murders in the Building explore the absurdity of amateurs, armed with excessive knowledge gathered from hours of Dateline and Netflix documentaries, who think they can solve crimes better than actual law enforcement. Although, in these stories, it’s the super fans who crack the case and make the real investigators look incompetent.

Susie Searches has a gorgeous fall aesthetic with orange and brown leaves galore. Susie’s signature quirky corduroy and sweater ensembles are various shades of brown, yellow, orange, and green. It feels grounded in reality but still sprinkles in some fantastical elements like the  colorful Ms. Marvel-esque animations floating around Susie. 

Cinematographer Conor Murphy (The Wretched) uses cool techniques to zero in on Susie like fisheye lens effects, vignettes, and standard close-ups. There are many times when what we see is slightly distorted, and we’re just as disoriented as she is. Flashbacks are also done in vintage film effects with burns and a little grain.

From Mitski to Mozart, music plays an important role in the film, establishing the tone by alternating whimsical and foreboding. The shift in sound also signals when Susie’s mindset and emotions change. When she’s caught off guard or starting to spiral, the transition between music styles is abrupt rather than seamless. Paired with a sudden change in camera positioning, it’s all perfectly jarring for a mystery thriller. 

There are also more childlike sounds you’d hear from a music box. Composer Jon Natchez (Brittany Runs a Marathon) uses one particular piece that’s reminiscent of Coraline — sweet and haunting harmonizing but not as gloomy.

Susie Searches is a darkly satirical film that has the potential to become an indie cult classic in the vein of Ingrid Goes West, as well as more obscure titles like Saved, Thoroughbreds, Election, and Drop Dead Gorgeous. Like the best neo-noir dramedies, Sophie Kargman gives us an empathetic antihero we can relate to and root for, flaws and all. 

Susie Searches premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.