SORT of Social Commentary: “Topside.” / “Burning Kentucky.” / “99 Homes.” / “Every Secret Thing.”

“Topside” (2020, Tubi) drama. In New York City, a mother and daughter live in abandoned subway tunnels underneath the city. When events force them elsewhere, they flee aboveground where they confront a difficult night in wintertime. Out of adventurous curiosity, I embedded myself in NY’s below-subway “slums” years ago to find out, for sure, what’s up with those movies that I saw when I was in the Philippines. So I am somehow familiar with this little movie’s premise.



       Lo-hi photography, single-cam close-ups. And sterling acting by co-writer and co-director Celine Held (with Logan George) as a mom caught in a dead-end. I do admire the filmmakers’ commitment to show us another side of the Big Apple. But that’s all there is to it. “Poverty porn.” Still manipulative in its portrayal of big city misery. 🎥💻📽


“Burning Kentucky” (2019, Tubi) Appalachian folklore thriller about a young woman dealing with a traumatic family event and a dark community secret in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. Written and directed by Bethany Brooke Anderson, this “hidden” gem is painfully well-done. And an ensemble cast of never-heard actors and actresses that deliver a kickass performance. 


       Although replete with “redneck” stereotypes or “white trash” cliches, the story could easily be an ordinary small town drama. But the drama in “Burning…” cuts through you deep and it stays. And remember these names: John Pyper-Ferguson, Nick McCallum, Nathan Sutton, and Augie Duke. And, of course, writer/director Bethany Brooke Anderson. 🎥👍📽


“99 Homes” (2014, Plex) drama set in Florida, during the Great Recession, the film follows a single father and his family as they are evicted from their home by a businessman.


       Director Ramin Bahrani's insightful and non-philosophizing handling of the script that he wrote with Amir Naderi makes this movie a must-see. Lead performers Andrew Garfield and Michael Shannon explored the controversial housing issue with depth, earnest, and wicked passion. 

       Mr Shannon deservedly earned nominations from major award-giving institutions for his intense portrayal of unfeeling real estate businessman Rick Carver. 🎥👍📽


“Every Secret Thing” (2014, Roku) crime film based on a 2004 novel of the same name written by Laura Lippman. When a three-year-old girl goes missing, a detective revisits a crime committed by two once underage perpetrators who were recently released from custody.


       Stellar acting, especially Danielle MacDonald as confused, defiant and deceptive Alice Manning. The material is apparently compelling and profound. But Amy J. Berg's management of Nicole Holofcener's script is scattered and sparse so that questions seem to stay as questions.

       Otherwise, this is a fine acting vehicle for all. 🎥💻📽

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