When TV shows and movies are life…
Dive into Lauren Bradshaw’s reviews on all of the films out of the Middleburg Film Festival each year! Real Festival reviews here first!
AMERICAN FICTION is one of the most critically-acclaimed films of the year, receiving five Critics Choice Award nominations, including best picture and best adapted screenplay for writer/director Cord Jefferson. Based on the novel Erasure by Percival Everett, the film centers around Monk (Jeffrey Wright), a frustrated novelist who is shocked when he finally finds success… Continue reading Interview: Writer/Director Cord Jefferson for American Fiction
MAY DECEMBER, written by Samy Burch and directed by the legendary Todd Haynes, is one of the most intoxicating movies of the year. A spectacularly shot rollercoaster ride, this riveting film is a vehicle for three incredible acting performances, and will demand conversation as you drive home from the theater. Its brilliant screenplay never lets… Continue reading Movie Review: May December
RUSTIN, directed by George C. Wolfe, is one of the most important and illuminating movies of the year, shining a spotlight on a little-known leader of the Civil Rights Movement, Bayard Rustin. An openly gay man, Rustin was the key architect of the 1963 March on Washington; yet because of who he loved, his legacy… Continue reading Movie Review/Interview: Rustin (Colman Domingo and George C. Wolfe)
NYAD, Netflix's latest crowdpleaser, is so much more than a biopic on record-breaking swimmer Diana Nyad (played by Annette Bening). It is a character study that is not afraid to show Nyad's prickly and problematic personality as she relentlessly attempts to achieve her dream of swimming from Cuba to Florida, despite being in her 60s.… Continue reading Interview: Nyad Screenwriter Julia Cox
I do not say this lightly. Netflix's MAESTRO is an absolute masterpiece, showcasing the best filmmaking of the year. From Bradley Cooper's stylistic direction, to Leonard Bernstein's music providing the score to show-stopping performances from Cooper and Carey Mulligan, this film is not to be missed. MAESTRO's intimate, emotional story grabs hold of you from… Continue reading Movie Review: Maestro
SPENCER, directed by Pablo Larraín (JACKIE), has been one of my most anticipated films since I first heard about it in the production process. Not only does it check all of the boxes of my interests (royals, a female lead, costumes, a haunting score, breathtaking cinematography), but it also has one of the strongest performances… Continue reading Movie Review: Spencer (Middleburg Film Festival)
Another year back in beautiful Middleburg, VA for the Middleburg Film Festival, an event that continues to grow and get better and better every year. This year's schedule is so strong, I was having my own Sophie's Choice over which movies to view at what time. But one thing was for sure, THE LOST DAUGHTER… Continue reading Movie Review: The Lost Daughter (Middleburg Film Festival)
I am a complete sucker for throwback romance films and SYLVIE'S LOVE is just the kind of movie I have been yearning for this year. I am so glad I was able to catch it virtually at the Middleburg Film Festival! Director Eugene Ashe builds the perfect 1950s/1960s atmosphere in Harlem, with dazzling (and well-researched)… Continue reading Movie Review: Sylvie’s Love
Despite COVID and social distancing, I was able to attend the *virtual* Middleburg Film Festival this year and I am happy to report that I did not see one bad movie. Bravo to all involved for making such compelling choices for the lineup. Believe me, those of us at home need the amazing content. And it… Continue reading Middleburg Film Festival Movie Review: Herself
**DISCLAIMER** I don't think a movie review can do LA LA LAND justice, but here's a quick look at why I am so obsessed with the film** LA LA LAND is not only the best movie of the year, it's in my top ten movies of all time. It has everything I love, music, dancing,… Continue reading Interview with Damien Chazelle and Movie Review of La La Land