Today, we review a film that straddles the horror/suspense genre and highlights a Filipina actress in a central role, and then a comedy series that just won big at the re entry held Golden Globes Awards.
Nocebo (in cinemas Jan. 18) - Here’s a horror film directed by Lorcan Finnegan that opened globally in October of last year and quietly disappeared. Our TBA Studios opted to distribute the film and it gets a general release next Wednesday, January 18 on the strength of the fact that in the cast, playing a major role, is Filipina actress Chai Fonacier (who I remember for Patay Na Si Hesus). With principal photography in Dublin, Ireland; the film revolves around a fashion designer, played by Eva Green, who begins to experience a mysterious illness. Her character is married to a businessman played by Mark Strong, and they have a daughter. Nocebo refers to the negative effects a person may experience from a basically inert substance, this is complemented by the use of the term placebo, where the effect is positive.
After receiving a phone call that obviously disturbed our children wear designer, we cut to a few months later and how beset by this inexplicable ailment, a woman (Chai Fonacier) suddenly arrives at their doorstep, saying that she’s the domestic/nanny that the designer booked - of course, she has no recall of this hiring, but allows the woman to enter the house. It’s the use of folk medicine and magic that introduces distinct Filipino elements to the film. More about foreboding, and a sense of unease and what’s to come, rather than jump scares; here is a psychological drama that veers towards the horror and suspense territory smartly. The social commentary that exists has to do with sweat shops, and the rubber slipper Kentex factory fire of 2015 is an inspiration to what lies beneath this film.
Abbott Elementary (Disney+) - If like me, you became curious about why Abbott Elementary took home a bevy of Golden Globe Awards earlier this week - Best Musical or Comedy Series on Television, Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Series, and Best Supporting Actor in a Musical or Comedy Series; then you would have discovered that the two seasons of Abbott stream on Disney+, and you’d have been more than amply rewarded for said curiosity. It’s a wonderful, hilarious series that’s set up as a mockumentary that takes place in a Philadelphia inner-city public school, and our main narrator is the young African-American teacher portrayed by Quinta Brunson, who becomes our guide to the crazy, topsy-turvy world of the American education system, and foibles of the people who inhabit the system as teachers and administrators.
The cast is impeccably cast and you’ll immediately have your favorites - mine were the two older teachers. The ineffectual, narcissistic principal is a hoot! And when the children are utilized, they’re charmers. Thematically, the series talks seriously about public education, its systemic failure and coping with that, about racial identity and inclusivity, and about ambition and personal goals - but you’ll love how it does all that sprinkled with smart humor and extremely funny vignettes. The mockumentary format works like a dream, and you’ll easily think this is real school we’re covering. Brunson took home Best Actress for this, and Tyler James Williams, who plays the substitute teacher that stayed won Best Supporting Actor. The direction is crisp, with so much also happening via side glances and facial expressions. Truly a great series!