Advantageous (2015)

Title: Advantageous

Release Date: June 23, 2015

Director: Jennifer Phang

Writer: Jacqueline Kim, Jennifer Phang

Starring: Jacqueline Kim, Smantha Kim, James Urbaniak

Genre: Sci-fi, Drama

Wow, I'm really not one for films that sort of lean towards the touchy-feely family bonds bullshit, but this film did it so well. Characters were well developed and believable, story was methodical and smooth, and the sci-fi aspect was tasteful but hella effective. I'm not gonna say I was surprised by how much I liked it, but I am glad that I just went ahead and watched this with no forewarning or review reading or hype. This is a remarkable film from two remarkable people/women. 

I'll start with the editing and cinematography because, by George, it was spectacular. It was soooo clean. Like I feel like I don't need to take a shower level clean. The color correcting got a little crazy at times, but I'm just writing that because I have to say something bad. This film wasn't afraid to play with depth of focus, especially in the outside shots, and it made the entire thing seem even more cinematic. Also, it was edited by both Phang and Sean Gillane. Gillane worked as an editor on Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) and this film has the same attention to detail when it comes to human emotion that Beasts did, so, good on you Sean if you helped to create that. 

Oh yes yes lets talk about the acting. I will say the Gwen 2.0 didn't do anything for me but maybe that was purposeful? Creating an android sort of effect. But besides that, the chemistry between different characters was beautiful. Ugh, Jacqueline Kim is a dream. A fucking powerhouse. She is so nuanced and delightful while also having the powerful, stern air to her. And that way her and Samantha Kim(who was INCREDIBLE! this is her first feature film and I'm excited to see more from her) played off each other. So good. I was fucking moved by these mother-daughter scenes. Like tears welling up. 

Creating an entire universe is key in making a successful sci-fi film and this film did it seamlessly. From wardrobe to telephone numbers to holographs, they created an atmosphere that was accessible but foreign. Perfect. 

Just a really great film that is both family friendly without crossing over into that hallmark territory. Strong writing, beautiful imagery and subtle effects make this film a must see(now streaming on netflix, kiddies!!).

Feminist Filmmaker Corner:

Won the Special Jury Prize at Sundance: 

Collaborative Vision - "We are honoring two individuals for their unique collaborative vision. Two women that between them wrote, starred and co-edited a beautiful parable about a mother's love, sacrifice and society's worship of youth."