Listsandwalls Reviews

Rose Plays Julie (2019)

Compelling & rewarding

[7 January 2022]

Well-crafted drama thriller. The acting is all-around stellar.

The twists were actual twists that I didn't see coming. I was a little worried there would be too many, and they'd just be twists for the sake of twists. But I think they were all beneficial. Their pacing was intelligently embedded in the plot and characters.

Excellent ending, too. I started off sarcastically thinking "way to be human" of Orla Brady's character. Then, ended up thinking "way to be human" of her character, but with all sincerity.

Markie in Milwaukee (2019)

Not tied up in a box & put on a shelf

[2 January 2022]

Markie said something to that effect in describing her life & the decisions she's come to make. I think this film captures her sentiment beautifully and respectfully.

The filmmakers portrayed Markie's story as objectively as I think could be possible, giving equal time to voices on either side of her choices.

It is not so easy to be objective with some of these choices. That is partially because Markie is who she is, but also because the filmmakers successfully told her story such that we feel we know her.

We want so much for her to be who she is without worrying about the judgment of others. Bravo to the filmmakers for not caving and offering more judgment.

None of us have walked in Markie's shoes. And some shoes don't tie or even fit on a shelf.

I sincerely hope all the negative reviewers experience a little self awareness in their lust for little tied up boxes. Humans are seldom such.