At the Movies: Kajillionaire, Enola Holmes, The Way I See It
BY SCOTTIE KNOLLIN
Kajillionaire
Miranda July, director of modern cinephile film favorites like “Me and You and Everyone We Know” took Sundance by storm earlier this year with her new comedy/drama “Kajillionaire”. The film, which stars Evan Rachel Wood, Richard Jenkins, Debra Winger, and Gina Rodriguez, is produced by Brad Pitt and Youree Henley’s Plan B Productions with Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and Henley serving as producers.
“Kajillionaire” follows a woman (Wood) whose life is turned upside down when her criminal parents invite an outsider to join them on a major heist.
Filmed in 2018, “Kajillionaire” was originally set to release in June 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the film’s release date was adjusted to September, with a planned October video-on-demand release.
Critics have offered mostly positive reviews for the film, noting its refreshingly unique, albeit bizarre storytelling structure. NDFS’s Greg Carlson was one of the lucky ones to see the film at the Sundance Film Festival. Read his full review here.
Opening This Weekend in Bismarck and Grand Forks
Enola Holmes
Based on the first book of the series of the same name, “Enola Holmes” imagines the life of the teenage sister of famed detective Sherlock Holmes. The film, directed by Harry Bradbeer (most famous for his television work on “Fleabag” and “Killing Eve”), stars Millie Bobby Brown in the titular role, with supporting work by Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin, Adeel Akhtar, and Fiona Shaw. Helene Bonham Carter also shows up in the film.
“Enola Holmes” first entered development in February 2019, with Brown announced to star and produce. Filming began in July 2019 in London.
Warner Bros. was originally attached to distribute the film theatrically, but at the onslaught of the pandemic, Netflix acquired the rights. In April 2020, the Conan Doyle Estate filed a lawsuit against Netflix claiming the film violates copyright by depicting Sherlock Holmes (played by Cavill) as having emotions.
The film has been praised by critics, with particular focus on Brown’s performance in what’s sure to become a profitable franchise.
Streaming This Weekend on Netflix
The Last Shift
Andrew Cohn offers his narrative directing debut with the comedy “The Last Shift”, starring Richard Jenkins as an aged fast food worker completing his final day on the job. Shane Paul McGhie, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Allison Tolman, and Ed O’Neill costar.
Cohn wrote the screenplay and, in July 2019, officially began filming the production in Chicago. The film’s premiere was held at this year’s Sundance Film Festival where Sony Pictures Releasing acquired its distribution rights.
Opening This Weekend in Fargo
The Way I See It
Directed and produced by Dawn Porter, “The Way I See It” is one of the standout films from this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. The documentary follows the White House career of photographer Pete Souza, most famous for his slice-of-life photos of President Barack Obama. Laura Dern serves as a producer under her Jaywalker Pictures banner.
The film was first announced in November 2019. It features both old and new footage, including scenes from many of Souza’s sold-out speaking events where he shares famous photos and the stories behind them.
Originally set to premiere at the Telluride Film Festival, once that fest was canceled, it shifted to TIFF. It will also receive a broadcast screening on MSNBC in October.
Critics have given the film high marks for its engaging look at a political era much different than the current American climate.
Opening This Weekend in Grand Forks
