husband. two men accompanying his target. By shifting the China brothers script from Virginia to this remote frontier, Dagg has forged a connection not only to film noir, but also to the lawlessness of the Western. If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, unlimited online access is. The cast is good, the settings are correct and even cinematography. There's a confounding simplicity to Sweet Virginia, making its characters the load-bearing creeps of the film. Sign up to receive the daily top stories from the National Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. New York City, New York Most Hallmark movies have similar plots or storylines. As with most slow-burn neo-noir movies, Sweet Virginia thrives on atmosphere. 10 Video Games That Need a Live Action Adaptation, 2023's Most Anticipated Sequels, Prequels, and Spin-offs. Hyper-portentous neo noir thats sturdily composed and moves at a hypnotically steady pace. 4 / 5 stars 57% 79% . My fiance and i sat here for like 5 minutes afterwards coming up with different endings that would have been betterdid the writer just give up? I was impressed with Jon Bernthal's blunt emotional performance as well as Christopher Abbot's take on playing a psychopath with a conscience. After the death of their father, two sisters and their mother come together for a week of tears, laughter, and adventure at the lake where they grew up. , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes. This is particularly easy since they were already having a quiet affair. The writing is naunced ,with little windows being left for each character ,to ask why? The film doesn't have much of a point, as its characters are reductive variables in an inevitable equation of carnage. The best music, movies, TV, books, comedy and more. Its central performance, by Abbott, is a harrowing, embarrassing adventure in mannerisms. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. All Rights Reserved. Sam then runs to the motel office to grab his grandfather's gun and tells Elwood to stay until the police arrive. This film tells the story of people connected with a motel called Sweet Virginia. I doubt I'll remember having watched it in a few years time but it certainly wasn't bad. Director: Jamie M. Dagg Writers: Benjamin China, Paul China Starring: Jon Bernthal, Imogen Poots, Christopher Abbott, Rosemarie DeWitt Release Date: Premiered at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival. Literally. The locations used for filming The Virginian were picturesque and relatable. Ugh. He has written for a host of other publications and resides in Brooklyn. Read Less. friend, Bernadette (Rosemary DeWitt). ex-rodeo star Sam (Jon Bernthal) hails. An early version of this moody, atmospheric At one Read critic reviews. When she confronts Elwood after the killing, she tells him You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off, I mean, he was only supposed to kill the one guy, and he explains to her how killing three guys made total sense because it made the whole thing look so random. Glenn Kenny was the chief film critic of Premiere magazine for almost half of its existence. Elwood chases Sam into an occupied motel room, shooting the tenant in the process. Imogen Poots is solid but underused. Take this bit of diner conversation between Sam, a onetime rodeo champ played by Jon Bernthal, and Elwood (no really), a contract killer played by Christopher Abbott. So. Sweet Virginia - Movies on Google Play A former rodeo star, with a small time life, unknowingly starts a rapport with a young man who is responsible for the violence that has suddenly gripped. Brings me back to many classics written with those cold mountains as the backdrop. We encountered an issue signing you up. When Crime goes wrong could be a different title. Sweet Virginia Release date: April 21, 2017 Country: Canada, Sweet Virginia is a 2017 Canada-English language movie, directed by Jamie M. Dagg and written by Paul China (as The China Brothers), Benjamin China (as The China Brothers). it holds a lot of power over me like its scary. He demands payment, and again she tells him she can get the money. You know what is going to happen. Only criticism for my ears was a lot of the communication was low key,and I had to turn it up a fair bit. Hes much tougher than he looks, and the only person he becomes close with during his stay is the exact opposite. viewer on the edge of his/her seat. They discuss whether Tom is in heaven or hell and Sam seems regretful of his relationship with Bernadette. Release Date (Theaters): Nov 17, 2017 limited Release Date (Streaming): Nov 17, 2017 Box Office (Gross USA): $8.4K Runtime: 1h 35m Distributor: IFC Films Cast & Crew Jon Bernthal Sam Rossi. Dark and gritty, well shot and perfectly paced with a handful of strong performances and a suitably ominous, understated score. to collect her husbands estate and pay him. He kills them. One too many falls. But as directed by Jamie M. Dagg, this story moves in fits and starts, with secondary characters (a noisy hotel guest, the town cop, Sams young coworker, etc.) Elwood searches the room but finds that Sam has escaped through the bathroom window. Sweet Virginia is a tense small town noir. Sam seems puzzled when Elwood tells him about his mother's death and how his father was absent due to incarceration. The image is an example of a ticket confirmation email that AMC sent you when you purchased your ticket. We linger on dread throughout Sweet Virginia, externalizing a movie whose strengths are all internal. Show All, 94mins Upon leaving the next morning, Bernadette picks up the picture Sam laid down. They are all somehow broken inside. 'Sweet Virginia' Sets A Gripping Noir In Remotest Alaska Keith Phipps November 14, 2017 There's not a lot of joy at the Sweet Virginia motel. It's still quite low and slow and far from out there. I rarely write reviews but came on here as I was shocked at the low scores. The assassin and manager strike an uneasy relationship. There were 12 other movies released on the same date, including The Star, Wonder and Zack Snyder's Justice League. Just so you know what you're getting into, Sweet Virginia isn't too sweet. A murderer-for-hire stews at a motel while he awaits payment for a job. Set in a remote corner of Alaska, this small-town, blue-collar thriller is surprisingly cast, exceptionally well acted (male leads Jon Bernthal and Christopher Abbott might have easily switched roles, though its far more effective in this arrangement), and executed potently enough to leave a lasting impression, like scar tissue after a serious burn. Read his answers to our Movie Love Questionnaire here. Sweet Virginia would clearly like to stake out some territory on the dark dramatic edges of the cinematic map, but ends up a little lost. It isnt. But Sweet Virginia is a dark batch of backwoods whiskey, as Dagg capably distills what works best in other genre movies (not just the Coens, obviously), recognizing atmosphere and psychology as this elixirs most vital ingredients. The story is not all that interesting and in the end I just did not care in the least what happened to anyone in the movie. That one even gets its own dream sequence, but ultimately adds no more to the story than does the scenic mountain backdrop. The action in the film is great and you'll be engaged, but you'll be wishing there was more character development to really pull things together. Their filming locations were top-notch. It was released on November 17, 2017, by IFC Films. A surprising late in the year gem reminiscent of Jeremy Saulnier. The specific setting of Alaska isnt relevant (in fact, the movie was filmed to I guess God acts crazy.. Meanwhile, the central theme of murder and its aftermath is interesting for as far as it goes, but thats not enough to carry the picture home. Mitchell's killer later approaches Sam at the motel and introduces himself as Elwood. The other grieving widow of note is Lila (Imogen Poots), who is astonished and more than a little angry to discover that her husband left her nothing but debts. In Lilas case, years of disrespect and misery have pushed her to ordering her husbands murder. Your AMC Ticket Confirmation# can be found in your order confirmation email. useless. Director Jamie M. Dagg Writers Paul China Benjamin China Stars Jon Bernthal Christopher Abbott Imogen Poots See production, box office & company info Watch on AMC+ with Prime Video Channels More watch options Add to Watchlist 101 User reviews 69 Critic reviews 72 Metascore I only new a couple. Chris Knight: The central theme of murder and its aftermath is interesting for as far as it goes, but thats not enough to carry the picture home. Truly a work of art. Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. As a Limited release, Sweet Virginia will only be shown in select movie theaters across major markets. Christmas Under Wraps and 12 Gifts of Christmas were also filmed in different parts of Utah, including Provo. has been hired by a young woman, Lila (Imogen Poots), to get rid of her Lets face it: Most Coen brothers knockoffs arent very good. An ex-rodeo rider strikes up a friendship with a young man who may be behind the violence occurring in their small town. Elwood asks Sam if he has a girlfriend, and Sam admits he does. Problem with small towns is everybody leaves 'em. So, let's answer the question. If you watch this film, be sure to have subtitles available because the actors constantly mumble their lines. Cinematography 7/10 and unassuming, she is anything but laid-back if the situation demands it. So, overall pretty unrealistic movie. And who is this monster, who brings violence to a community that needs guns only for hunting, changing the entire dynamic of a town so small that everyone (believes he) knows everyones business already? Its not so much that the story is complicated. In his 1956 essay On A Book Entitled Lolita, Vladimir Nabokov recounts both the imaginative origins of his groundbreaking novel and the difficulty he had finding a publisher for it in the United States. Read Less. View full post on Instagram headlights of a car that appears to be tracking her. Satisfied, he leaves and meets with Paul to enlist his services to do a job to which Paul agrees. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. A slow burn drama, with great cinematography and score. A former rodeo champ befriends a young man with a propensity for violence.A former rodeo champ befriends a young man with a propensity for violence.A former rodeo champ befriends a young man with a propensity for violence. The title Sweet Virginia refers to an earlier draft of the film set in the American south involving a cowboy killer and all the rest of it. Access all of our expanded, online-only, subscriber exclusive opinion writing. No doubt from a great story and script ,but the ,,,I guess casting choices. . A "multi-function" face cream from the French brand Clarins that addresses skin concerns such as radiance, firmness and plumpness. The bartender says, "We're closed." The photo is of a woman and a young girl. Wer einen dieser oder genau solche Filme mag, sollte auch dieses Kleinstadt-Thriller-Drama in Ordnung finden. The killer, a steely-eyed psychopath named Elwood (Christopher Abbott) during Sweet Virginia that keep the R (Language|Drug Use|Some Strong Sexuality|Violence), Mystery & thriller, The acting is superb and cinematography is profoundly impressive. Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! They won't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating. The scenes at Doc's clinic are reportedly filmed in an actual house in the historic Queen's Park of New Westminster, which was recently listed for $2.3 million. I understand - and appreciate - the unnatural darkness that some directors like to use to set the theme. From James White to Katie Says Goodbye, the Greenwich, CT native seems exclusively drawn to characters who could punch a wall at any moment you cant take your eyes off the guy, but its hard to shake the feeling that he picks his roles by imagining what might happen if Marlon Brandos Stanley Kowalski walked off the screen and started wandering through the modern indie landscape. thing surprising about Elwood is that hes accepting money for something he By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Later that night, on the way home from Bernadette's house, Lila is followed by Elwood but is able to evade him. Thus small town stories tend to be based on romanticized memories (be it good or bad) from the point of city slickers. Ultimately, its this strange alchemy the way that a terse script can leave so much unsaid, combined with such a talented ensembles ability to suggest all the details left either in silence or in darkness that makes Sweet Virginia such a haunting character study. Nothing worse than that ott ,,feel this now ,,base obviousness. He extends his stay at the motel and begins giving Sam praise as a famous bull rider. This can be interesting with the right story and good execution but that is what's missing here. Rather, theres a level of subtlety operating here that defies the genre. It oozes it from every frame. This movie is stocked with great actors and great plot ideas that just never come together. This movie sure was well worth my time. He asks about his payment, and Lila tells him she will have it by the end of the week after she meets with Mitchell's lawyer. Funny how some writers, and some audiences, still consider this kind of mush authentic, let alone powerful. And it's always good to see Jon Bernthal in a lengthy role. This movie is not flashy though. Even though the sense of menace grows so oppressive at times, you can hardly breathe for minutes on end, its the characters ever-evolving inner mechanics that fuel our engagement. Coming Soon. I might be blinded by my love for Christopher Abbott and Jon Bernthal, but I thought Sweet Virginia was a great thriller. Bernadette, ignoring Sam's earlier wish, wakes Sam in the middle of the night for sex to which he obliges. It is currently seeking U.S. distribution. A wasted opportunity because of the great cast. It's a simple plot, but sticks in your head after, very thought provoking. Regal He starts his morning at the motel by reading about the shootings in the paper and then responding to a disturbance in room 128. The movie showed a few different locations but it was ultimately filmed in Payson, Utah, according to Herald Extra . Sam recovers enough to go to Bernadette's home where he learns about the break-in. However, his condition prevents him from throwing a punch and he is then overpowered and left lying in the rain. This could be a romantic setting, if the two characters werent such icy sociopaths. Direction 7/10 (Jamie Dagg made a good dark Neo-Noir/Neo Western thriller) Just below that it reads "Ticket Confirmation#:" followed by a 10-digit number. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of serviceapply. Given its far-north location, Alaska is known for having extraordinarily long nights at certain times of year, and yet, that isnt the case here. Daggs direction creates the proper atmosphere, but Benjamin and Paul Chinas script fills it with nocturnal life. Contact Lori, VFO Locations Manager, with the particulars of your shoot. Drama, Mystery/Crime, Suspense Feature Film. One of those movies where the trailer looks so promising but then you are so disappointed when you watch the whole movie. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited. 22 August 2016 - 17 September 2016. EXCLUSIVE: Jon Bernthal (Daredevil), Christopher Abbott, Imogen Poots, Rosemarie DeWitt and Odessa Young have signed on for director Jamie Dagg's upcoming thriller Sweet Virginia, which was a Don't listen to the bad reviews. This movie joins in with shows like true detective. Ditto the secondary plot points, such as Sams history as a former rodeo rider. You were only supposed to blow the bloody doors off, Berlinale 2023 Highlights, Part Two: Reality, Manodrome, The Adults, Inside, Golda, Angela Bassett, Jamie Lee Curtis, Brendan Fraser, Cate Blanchett, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson Feted at SBIFF 2023, Revisiting Martin Scorsese's Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Tragically Common: Jamie Dack, Lily McInerny and Jonathan Tucker on Palm Trees and Power Lines. A few scenes after the killing, we learn what motivated it, as Elwood meets with Lila McCabe (Imogen Poots), the woman who hired him, on a scenic bridge. Like any good noir, all comes down to desire and absurd nihilism. Full Cast and Crew | Release Dates | Official Sites | Company Credits | Technical Specs. Sweet Virginia is a 2017 neo-noir thriller film directed by Jamie M. Dagg, written by Benjamin China and Paul China, and starring Jon Bernthal, Christopher Abbott, Imogen Poots, Rosemarie DeWitt, Odessa Young and Jared Abrahamson. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Rotten Tomatoes news! Filmed in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. with updates on movies, TV shows, Rotten Tomatoes podcast and more. The next issue of NP Posted will soon be in your inbox. I dare you to try that today. Sweet Virginia is And also, speak up!!! Its not about the violence, but what lies behind it, and the devastating impact left in its wake. It's a classic case of a little becoming a lot onscreen on the basis of boasting dark atmosphere, eerie score and superb performances. Nice movie. Usually meek We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Overlooked gem, one of the best movies of the year. The movie is a beautifully photographed, moody story that favors style over substance. Christopher Abbott 8/10 (Really convincing as a psycho character scary convincing!) A man (Christopher Abbott) walks into a bar and says. By what name was Sweet Virginia (2017) officially released in India in English? Violence & Gore Moderate 9 of 14 found this moderate A man pulls out a gun and shoots three men. Scenario 6/10 (Terse script, plain scenario not complicated, no plot holes but nothing that we haven't see before not much character analysis, covered by good acting though) A former rodeo champ befriends a young man with a propensity for violence. Was he bored too? During his sojourn, he rents a Fargo. Elwood takes the money from the safe and leaves. Just okay. We know what were supposed to be feelingand so we wait, armrests gripped tight. Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! They open a ton of threads about all of them in subtle, natural ways, plus relationships between some of them By what name was Sweet Virginia (2017) officially released in India in English? And yet, going deep is what makes Sweet Virginia great heck, more than great. Excuse my spelling. Sweet Virginia is an odd title for a movie set in Alaska. A former rodeo star, with a small time life, unknowingly starts a rapport with a young man who is responsible for the violence that has suddenly gripped his small town. Their humanity, along with Bernthals, puts the alien strangeness of Abbotts performance into stark relief. Like any good noir, all comes down to desire and absurd nihilism. The title has survived because one of the films central locations, a motel, is The movie is dictated by Lila (Imogen Poots) hiring Elwood (Christopher Abbott) to murder her husband, which he ended up killing two more people. More at An early version of this moody, atmospheric neo-noir thriller was located in the Appalachian Mountains; however, when director Jamie M. Dagg came on board, he moved the setting far to the north. the Terms and Policies, and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes. We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your account. The camera moves slow and methodically, often lingering on a frame for a second too long. Indie crime films tend to be missed by the masses, unlike indie comedy which can garner more interest. Watch| Sweet Virginia Full Movie Online (2017) - Movie Online Free, Movie with subtitle. murder. her sexual liaisons with Sam. The Virginia Film Office does not issue film permits; however, we're happy to help determine if you need one and who to talk to. Tom, Lou, and Mitchell are playing poker at Lou's bar. The China Brothers pay close attention to detail and focus in on unexpected, interesting camera angles throughout the film. an odd title for a movie set in Alaska. Rated R 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4. 10/10 and well deserved. Cons: There is no reason whatsoever to watch this snooze fest. After all, what is a retired rodeo hero if not a cowboy who has hung up his spurs? film noir, femme fatale, 1940s, thriller or intriguing cops, murder, thriller, detective or crime robbery, criminal, crime, heist or cops violence, action, guns, cops or killing gangster, crime, criminal, violence or ruthless By creating an account, you agree to the Elwood (Abbott), a sinister criminal from out of town, commits a crime that shakes the local community, then hangs around waiting to get paid off for his work. Christopher Abbot etabliert sich als beunruhigend-spannender Darsteller. (occasionally cutting to Lilas face). Dark movie. Watched it again the following day. This movie gripped me from start to finish. neo-noir thriller was located in the Appalachian Mountains; however, when room at the motel and befriends Sam, whom he recognizes from his rodeo days. she continues to talk to a man while he is kissing her body. It is beyond annoying. Our aged hero must face his relationships of past and present to come up against this unpredictable predator. Showing no remorse, he blames her for the circumstances because Mitchell didn't leave the bar as she said he would. It's a classic case of a little becoming a lot onscreen on the basis of boasting dark atmosphere, eerie score and superb performances. point: a scene in which Lila is driving across town when she suspects shes The villian is really the one you least expect and sympathy is garnered for the obvious ones. Just confirm how you got your ticket. Un Jardin a Cythere is inspired by the Greek island of Kythira. One of the dead men was married to Lilas character moments and tense, atmospheric filmmaking. With a svelte running time of about 90 minutes, this movie hits the sweet spot. Elwood refuses claiming that they are "square", a reference to him letting Bernadette live. Theres something far too squirrely in the siblings wickedly funny, regionally infused sensibility to be replicated, and nearly everyone who tries falls flat. The killer sets up stall in a motel run by a former rodeo star. Best part is ,,you don't see it coming. It was released on November 17, 2017, by IFC Films. All people are so sad all the time. Drama. We all act crazy, I guess. Email Locations. The film stars , , in the pivotal roles. "Sweet Virginia" premiered in the Spotlight Narrative section of the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival. Summaries. Sweet Virginia is an uncommonly dark movie. Lila meets the man who shot Mitchell, her husband, and asks why he killed Tom and Lou instead of only killing Mitchell as planned. You're almost there! The professional hit-man responsible has been hired by a local woman to wipe out her husband but two other men are killed in the process.