Owen Posnett

Leisure

A rousing ensemble cast elevates the script of The Woman King and gives the film its power

Despite some narrative and visual deficiencies, The Woman King succeeds in its dedication to painting a full picture of life in Dahomey.

By September 16, 2022

Halftime Leisure

Halftime Leisure’s favorite summer reads

Fight Night by Miriam Toews (2021) Miriam Toews’ books all cover very similar thematic ground, but each novel finds a new emotional angle to explore her cultural history. Toews was... Read more

By , , , , , , and September 11, 2022

Leisure

Fire Island puts the Pride in Pride and Prejudice, to generally successful results

Rejecting the author’s heteronormativity, Fire Island centers the titular vacation spot known for its celebration of gay life.

By June 3, 2022

Halftime Leisure

The Voice predicts the 2022 Oscars

I’m almost certain that Campion and Co. will make history on Sunday and walk home with (at least) a win for Best Picture.

By , , , and March 25, 2022

Leisure

Oscar contender The Worst Person in the World on how it feels to be alive

Something achingly beautiful happens halfway through The Worst Person in the World (2022), Joachim Trier’s latest romantic comedy-drama: Our protagonist Julie (Renate Reinsve) flicks a light switch in her boyfriend’s... Read more

By and March 5, 2022

Halftime Leisure

Being the Ricardos (2021) is emblematic of today’s awards season. Here’s why that needs to change

Being the Ricardos is so fast-paced, so thematically unfocused, and so unconcerned that it gives Lucy no dimensional backstory.

By February 5, 2022

Leisure

Spencer can be one-note, but is claustrophobically effective

Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales (Kristen Stewart), is facing away from the camera, alone. Her back is arched gracefully, not a hair on her head is out of place, and... Read more

By November 29, 2021

Movies

Julia Ducournau’s bold body horror Titane crosses the finish line with the strength of its performances

Content warning: gore, body horror There are two sides to Titane, Julia Ducournau’s Palme d’Or-winning body horror film. One is a family drama about assimilation, about the struggles to fit... Read more

By October 21, 2021

Movies

Malignant‘s brashness and audacity make it a twist-filled delight

As the lights came up at the end of Malignant (2021), James Wan’s demented new horror extravaganza, my friends and I took the opportunity during the credits to howl with... Read more

By September 21, 2021