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The Last Year of Darkness (2023)

  Director: Ben Mullinkosson Genre: Documentary Runtime: 1 hour 32 minutes Languages: Chinese, English Release Date: March 15, 2024 (United States) Streaming Platform: MUBI Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) 🧭 Synopsis "The Last Year of Darkness" offers an intimate glimpse into Chengdu's underground nightlife, centering around Funky Town, a queer-friendly club nestled beneath the city's construction cranes. As urban development threatens its existence, the film follows a group of young ravers, performers, and lovers navigating moments of doubt, self-destruction, and epiphany.   🎭 Key Figures Yihao Yang: A drag performer grappling with childhood trauma and self-identity. 647: A skateboarder and food delivery worker, representing the city's gig economy. Kimberly & Xiao Long: A couple facing mental health challenges, seeking solace in Funky Town's embrace. Darkle & Gena: DJs pioneering Chengdu's queer music scene, exploring their...
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Jane Austen Wrecked My Life (2025)



 Director: Laura Piani

Starring: Camille Rutherford, Pablo Pauly, Charlie Anson, Annabelle Lengronne
Genre: Romantic Comedy / Drama
Runtime: 94 minutes
Languages: French & English
Release Dates: Premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2024; French release on January 22, 2025; U.S. release on May 23, 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)



🧭 Plot Overview

"Jane Austen Wrecked My Life" follows Agathe Robinson (Camille Rutherford), a Parisian bookseller at the iconic Shakespeare & Co. bookstore. Disillusioned with modern dating and struggling with writer's block, Agathe dreams of experiencing a love story akin to those penned by Jane Austen. Her life takes a turn when her best friend, Félix (Pablo Pauly), secures her a spot at a Jane Austen Writers' Residency in England.

At the residency, Agathe finds herself entangled in a romantic triangle reminiscent of Austen's narratives, caught between the charming Félix and the reserved Oliver (Charlie Anson), a literature professor. As she navigates this emotional landscape, Agathe confronts her insecurities, striving to achieve both her romantic and professional aspirations.

🎭 Performances

Camille Rutherford delivers a nuanced performance as Agathe, capturing the character's vulnerability and wit. Her portrayal resonates with audiences, presenting a protagonist who is both relatable and endearing. Pablo Pauly's Félix brings a playful energy to the film, while Charlie Anson's Oliver offers a stoic counterbalance, embodying the classic Austenian male lead.

The chemistry among the leads enhances the film's romantic tension, with Rutherford's interactions with both Pauly and Anson providing depth to Agathe's emotional journey.

🎬 Direction and Cinematography

In her directorial debut, Laura Piani crafts a film that seamlessly blends modern sensibilities with Austenian charm. The cinematography captures the contrasting settings of Paris and the English countryside, highlighting Agathe's transition from her familiar environment to the transformative residency.

Piani's direction emphasizes subtlety, using lingering glances and restrained gestures to convey romantic tension, a nod to the understated intimacy characteristic of Austen's works.

🎶 Music and Sound Design

The film's score, composed by Peter Von Poehl, complements the narrative's emotional beats, weaving together contemporary melodies with classical undertones. The music enhances the film's ambiance, supporting Agathe's journey without overpowering the storytelling.

📝 Writing and Themes

Piani's screenplay offers a meta-commentary on the influence of romantic literature on modern expectations of love. Agathe's internal struggle reflects the tension between idealized romance and real-world complexities. The film explores themes of self-discovery, creative fulfillment, and the courage to embrace vulnerability.

Critics have praised the film for its fresh perspective. The San Francisco Chronicle noted that the film "challenges Hollywood stereotypes with warmth and quiet humor," highlighting its balance between satire and homage. 

🏁 Conclusion

"Jane Austen Wrecked My Life" stands out as a thoughtful romantic comedy that pays tribute to its literary inspiration while carving its own path. With compelling performances, deft direction, and a resonant narrative, the film offers a satisfying exploration of love and self-realization.

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