PSYCHOLOGICAL DRAMA. “The Dutchman.” / “The Card Counter.” / “We Have Always Lived in the Castle.” / “Surge.”

“The Dutchman” (2025, Paramount+) psychological thriller, based on Amiri Baraka's 1964 stage play. A successful black businessman unravels during a tense, surreal night in New York after encountering a seductive and sinister white woman named Lula. 

       Andre Holland and Kate Mara delivered strong presence. I haven’t read the source material but this reworking of the stage play is an incoherent sermon of cliches. I get what the movie is trying to say but it is either too contrived and pretentious or simply a soul-less lecture of the same lecture. You know what I mean? 🎥💻📽


“The Card Counter” (2021, Peacock) crime drama, directed by Paul Schrader. A U.S. veteran and former gambler takes a young friend on the World Series of Poker tour. 



       It is difficult to ignore Paul Schrader. The genius who wrote the screenplay of “Taxi Driver" (1976) and co-wrote “Raging Bull” (1980). He directed “American Gigolo” (1980), “Affliction” (1997), and “First Reformed” (2017). The good projects negate his awful projects (including 2013's eerie “The Canyons”). 

       Anyhow, regardless of generally positive reactions to this movie, it isn't a top 20 Schrader effort. As expected, Oscar Isaac delivered a masterful (controlled but intense) performance. But I find the entire premise or Oscar's William Tell's dealings with Tye Sheridan's young man Cirk bereft of plausible grounding or believable rationale. A storytelling flaw than a directorial fault. 🎥💻📽


“We Have Always Lived in the Castle” (2018, Plex) drama thriller, based on Shirley Jackson's 1962 horror novel. Eighteen-year-old Mary Katherine "Merricat" Blackwood lives in isolated seclusion with her agoraphobic sister Constance and their ailing Uncle Julian. Stars Taissa Farmiga and Alexandra Daddario. 



       Given that this movie is a Shirley Jackson story, this is supposed to be a horror thriller but it is not, really. This is more of a dramatic craft but restrained yet unsettling in a “good” way. Taissa Farmiga as Merricat Blackwood is a revelation. 🎥💻📽


“Surge” (2020, Plex) British psychological drama thriller. Joseph works a dull airport security job in London and lives an emotionally numb life. After a sudden, impulsive act of rebellion, he breaks free from his routine and goes on a bold, chaotic 24-hour journey through the city to discover what it feels like to truly be alive. Stars Ben Whishaw. 



       There's something in this movie that is hard to watch although not in the surreal gore area. Just a bit too insanely sad. But Ben Whishaw's astonishing performance keeps the interest sustained. 🎥💻📽


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