'A Film and a Movie': Talking About 'Safe' and 'She Dies Tomorrow'

I really enjoyed being on A Film and a Movie, a podcast (co-hosted by my old pal Alonso Duralde) in which the guest is invited to suggest two films (one older, one more recent) that have thematic similarities. I started with one of my all-time favorites, Safe, and then thought about what would be a good companion piece. And then it hit me: Amy Seimetz's terrific psychological horror film from last year. Lots of great analysis of both movies here. (And Alonso's story about the Safe premiere blew my mind.) Hope you enjoy.

The Grierson & Leitch Podcast: The End of the World, Pickles and 'La Llorona'

Been a busy week over here, so I'm just now posting Sunday's episode, which actually felt like a normal, pre-COVID movie weekend. We reviewed the psychological horror movie She Dies Tomorrow, the Seth Rogen comedy An American Pickle and the Guatemalan horror-drama La Llorona. Hear the whole thing down below.

The Ineffable Everyday Horror of 'She Dies Tomorrow'

As I've told anyone who will listen, She Dies Tomorrow is the last film I saw at a screening before the pandemic took hold. Did that affect my experience? You'd better believe it. For MEL, I wrote about a remarkable film.

SXSW 2020: 'She Dies Tomorrow' Review

So, funny story. Right now, I should be in Austin to cover South by Southwest. Then, coronavirus happened. But a few of the films are nonetheless screening to critics. I was very glad to see Amy Seimetz's new drama, which I think is pretty darn great. Also, it's weirdly perfect for our uncertain current moment. My review is up at Screen International.

'The Girlfriend Experience' Review

Based on Steven Soderbergh's 2009 film, Starz's series The Girlfriend Experience starts off as an entertaining, stylish look at a driven law student (payed by Riley Keough) who gets seduced by the world of upscale prostitution. Then, something changes, and I think the show gets even better. I reviewed the series for The Wrap.