Prey

"Prey," is a "Predator" prequel, set 300 years ago on the land of the Comanche Nation (another franchise film from the original 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger one where muscly, glistening, dudes descended into the jungle and battled an alien hunter from outer space -yes ridiculous but fun!). There have been five other "Predator" sequels/reboots if you count the two "Alien Vs. Predator" spin offs. "Prey" marks the sixth sequel. It is by far the best and, dare I say it, might even be better than the original. What's it all about? Amber Midthunder play Naru, a young Comanche woman who wants to be a hunter like her brother and his friends, a role that in 1711 seems to be predominately male run. She has learned the way of medicine, so she is brought along for for help. She secretly practices throwing her tomahawk - and she is an ace with it. But against one of the most deadly hunters in the galaxy? Really? Surprisingly "Prey" find ingenious ways to keep this battle fresh and somewhat believable. The entire film looks great - the French colonialists are a treat. Did I mention Amber Midthunder is fantastic! I have seen quite a few films of late where Indigenous  women have taken the lead (which is great) but "Prey" is by far my favourite. Catch it streaming on Disney +. 

The White Lotus

HBO has a sassy, whip-smart, dark comedy series entitled, "The White Lotus." It's about eight VIPs checking into the swanky Hawaiian hotel and spa, The White Lotus. There is a newlywed couple, Shane and Rachel Patton - he is young, rich, and his mommy booked them the pineapple honeymoon suite. The hotel manger, Armond (Murray Bartlett) double booked the room. Shane won't let it go and it becomes the unravelling of the manager. I hope Murray Bartlett gets a Golden Globe for this. Then there is a family of four plus the daughter brought along a friend. The family are rich, white, rude, selfish, and narcissistic. Steve Zahn plays the father and he has to come to terms with his own father's past. The daughter is a spoiled little bitch (the black friend, not so much). The son spends all his time on his tablet, gaming. The last guest is Tanya McQuoid (Jennifer Coolidge - Stifler's mom from "American Pie") plays a sad, rich, drunk flake, trying to dispose of her abusive mother's ashes. Tanya, without even being aware of her own actions, strings along the woman running the spa with promises of "going into business together" because the spa lady is just so wonderful. All the characters are well drawn, like razor sharp - because they feel so real, it makes the show oh so compelling. And the music! The Hawaiian whistling theme of the show is force driving everything forward. Check in immediately to "The White Lotus." on CRAVE/HBO.  

Resurrection

 Rebecca Hall has given us one of the most riveting performances of the year. Knowing the Oscars, I doubt she will even be nominated. Whatever. Let me tell you, Hall's performance grips you and you believe it. She plays, Margaret, a single mom to an almost 18 year old girl. Margaret has a senior position in a company, big office - I'm not exactly sure what she does but she is orderly, tidy, and in command. She seems to have her shit together, that is, until she spies out of the corner of her eye, David (Tim Roth) at a conference. Margaret has a full blown panic attack and takes off running all the way home. Suddenly Margaret is unravelling. We suspect maybe a volatile former relationship. When David makes a few more peripheral appearances in various locations, Margaret goes to the police for, you guessed it, no help at all. David and Margaret's sordid past comes out when she confesses everything to a young intern at her work. Let me tell you, it's bonkers. Without spoiling anything (or too much), David would make Margaret perform what he called, "Kindnesses." They were forms of both physical and mental torture. Present day David says he will leave Margaret and her daughter alone if she would just do a few more of these kindnesses for him. Tim Roth has never been so evil! The ending of the film will stick with you for the rest of the year! Do yourself a kindness and check out this thriller in rep cinemas or on streaming services when you can.