Three Films, Three Worlds: Firebrand, The Bikeriders, and Longlegs

A review of three films: Firebrand, a historical drama starring Alicia Vikander; The Bikeriders, a slow-burning exploration of motorcycle clubs in the 1960s; and Longlegs, a horror film that defies easy categorization.

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Firebrand: A Royal Affair

Alicia Vikander shines as Queen Katherine Parr in Karim Aïnouz’s historical drama, Firebrand. The film tells the story of Katherine’s marriage to King Henry VIII and her struggles to balance her own desires with the demands of her husband and the Church of England.

Alicia Vikander as Queen Katherine Parr

Vikander brings a sense of strength and vulnerability to the role, capturing the complexity of Katherine’s character. The film’s costume design and production values are also noteworthy, transporting the viewer to 16th century England.

However, the film’s pacing is slow, and the script struggles to balance Katherine’s story with the larger historical context. Jude Law’s portrayal of Henry VIII feels one-dimensional, and the film’s themes of politics and religion are not fully explored.

The Bikeriders: A Photographic Journey

Danny Lyon’s photography comes alive in The Bikeriders, a film that explores the world of motorcycle clubs in the 1960s. The film is a slow burn, building a sense of atmosphere and tension through its use of music and cinematography.

![A scene from The Bikeriders](_search_image motorcycle club 1960s) A scene from The Bikeriders

The film’s narrative is fragmented, told through a series of vignettes and interviews with the club members. This approach creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the viewer into the world of the bikers.

However, the film’s themes of rebellion and nonconformity feel somewhat shallow, and the characters are not fully developed. The film’s beauty lies in its visuals and atmosphere, rather than its narrative or characters.

Longlegs: A Horror Film Like No Other

Osgood Perkins’ Longlegs is a horror film that defies easy categorization. The film’s slow-burning tension and sense of unease are expertly crafted, building to a shocking and unsettling climax.

Nicolas Cage in Longlegs

Maika Monroe shines as FBI Agent Lee Harker, bringing a sense of quiet intensity to the role. The film’s production design and score are also noteworthy, creating a sense of dread and foreboding.

However, the film’s narrative is somewhat confusing, and the characters are not fully developed. The film’s themes of horror and the supernatural are not fully explored, leaving the viewer with more questions than answers.

Overall, Longlegs is a film that will appeal to fans of horror and the supernatural. Its slow-burning tension and sense of unease make it a compelling watch, even if its narrative and characters are somewhat flawed.