In this week’s cinematic offerings, audiences are treated to three films that vary greatly in tone, theme, and era, but each taps into the core of human drama and survival. Whether it’s the grandeur of the Vatican’s power corridors, the timeless continuity of a single place, or the struggle for survival in unforgiving wilderness, these films promise to engage both the mind and the heart.
Conclave
Ralph Fiennes leads an exceptional cast in Conclave, a tightly woven thriller set within the Vatican. When Cardinal Thomas Lawrence convenes the conclave to elect a new pope, what should be a sacred gathering unravels into a tale of secrets and political maneuvering. Fiennes portrays Lawrence with an intense restraint, balancing authority with vulnerability as he learns more than he bargains for about the candidates vying for the papal position. Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini round out the cast, bringing a level of gravitas to roles that delve into issues as ancient as the Church itself. Director Edward Goldman crafts a narrative of suspense with restrained cinematography and precise pacing, lending the proceedings an aura of real-world gravity and moral ambiguity.
Here
From prehistoric creatures to modern-day lives, Here offers an expansive meditation on time and place. The film opens with a sweeping view of dinosaurs against a primordial landscape, followed by the slow advance of glaciers and then the arrival of the Lenni-Lenape people. But the heart of the story rests within a single house, built on this same land in the early 1900s. Tom Hanks and Robin Wright portray a married couple whose lives unfold within this home. As they age, the house bears silent witness to the ebb and flow of love, sorrow, and joy. Hanks and Wright deliver understated performances that evoke a lifetime of shared moments and unspoken understanding. Director Richard Longe’s direction merges a narrative of historical progression with intimate, personal scenes, creating a film that is at once grand in scope and profoundly tender.
Lost on a Mountain in Maine
Based on a harrowing true story, Lost on a Mountain in Maine follows young Donn as he is separated from his family during a storm while hiking Mount Katahdin. The film chronicles his nine-day ordeal, in which he must rely on his wits and determination to survive in the unforgiving Maine wilderness. While it might sound like a standard survival tale, Lost on a Mountain in Maine places the viewer in Donn’s shoes, capturing not only the physical struggle but the psychological journey of isolation, fear, and resilience. The film’s cinematography brings the rugged beauty of the Maine landscape into sharp relief, underscoring both the terror and wonder of nature’s untamed expanses.
Rising Hope: A Local Triumph
On a personal note, there’s something special about Rising Hope, a documentary that has garnered acclaim, winning Best Director and Best Documentary at the Golden Gate Film Festival. Directed by Theo Avgerinos, this grassroots passion project recently filled the seats at two encore screenings after an initial sold-out run. The film’s success highlights the power of community-driven stories and a message that resonates on a local level. I’ve been extended the opportunity to connect with Avgerinos to learn more about the journey behind the film and its impact.
For those interested in cinema that speaks to the soul—whether in the shadows of a Vatican election, the simplicity of a lifelong home, or the fight for survival on a mountain—this lineup offers rich material to contemplate and enjoy.
