The Impossible (2012)

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Streaming on Netflix | imdb | trailer

Here is a drama based on the real-life 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that killed over 200,000 people. I watched this one shortly after it came out on my little iPod Touch during a flight. I remember appreciating it at the time, I rated it 8/10, but I was a little reluctant to recommend it here because of the small screen I viewed it on, and the heavy use of older CG. I just rewatched a bit of it on my current 4K TV and noted that the CG isn’t flawless, but it still looks convincing. I think The Impossible does an effective job at dealing with this disaster and does not fail to graphically show how grim it was. If you can handle the heavy subject matter, can endure some big-budget melodrama, and aren’t a CG snob, I think you will get into this.

I’d like to close this recommendation on a serious note. One of the victims of this tragedy was Swedish grindcore musician and producer Mieszko Talarczyk. His band Nasum is a personal favorite, and his production on the album “Murderworks” by Rotten Sound is arguably perfect. I know he is still missed by thousands of friends and fans. RIP Mieszko.

Available on Blu-ray from Lionsgate.

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All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (2022)

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Streaming on HBO Max | imdb | trailer

I’m breaking my rule about Criterion yet again, but this is a film I believe everyone should see. All the Beauty… is an excellent documentary on visual artist Nan Goldin and her fight against the family behind OxyContin. I once saw an interview with artist Anselm Kiefer where he was asked if art can cause meaningful change in the world. He said no. I love Kiefer’s work, but Nan proved him dead wrong.

Available on Blu-ray from Criterion.

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Street Trash (1987)

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Streaming on Amazon Prime, Kanopy, and Shudder | imdb | trailer

This is quite possibly my favorite horror comedy, and one of my most rewatched ’80s films of any genre. The story involves unhoused people that have their already fucked up lives disrupted by a batch of old cheap wine that makes anyone who dares drink it melt. When I say “melt” I mean ooze to death in some of the most extreme and graphic ways I’ve ever seen. Not only do you get some of the weirdest practical gore sequences committed to film, but this movie is genuinely funny, and has some great action as well. There’s no doubt the story was heavily influenced by The Toxic Avenger (and shares one actor), but honestly I like Street Trash more. In fact, it’s better than anything Troma ever released in my opinion. The version I checked out streaming is fine, but I highly recommend the Synapse Blu-ray. Their transfer looks excellent and there are tons of extras including an early short version of the film. There’s also a new 4k disc available from the UK. Anyway, if you like gory ‘80s horror, this is essential viewing.

Available on Blu-ray from Synapse.

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Ghost Elephants (2025)

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Streaming on Hulu | imdb | trailer

At first I was a little skeptical about the latest Werner Herzog documentary. It focuses on Steve Boyes’ search for the largest living species of elephant. At the beginning of the film I wondered how this strange scientist and his quest could possibly hold my attention for the run time. Naturally Herzog saw something that normal humans cannot, and by the end I was wishing the movie was longer. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I’ll just say if you watch, do it with caution. There is a bit of disturbing animal footage, including very graphic antique film of an elephant hunt. There’s also some flat out gross living nature moments that had me cringing. If that warning doesn’t scare you off, you’re in for a deeply moving cinematic experience.

Not available on Blu-ray.

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Update

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After a few failed attempts, I managed to get some text completed that I am happy with. If all goes well with this new artists’ book, I plan on getting back on my weekly movie recommendations here next Friday.

Thank you for your patience. -Jonathan 

Writing Hiatus

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Hello Anomalous Cinephiles,

I will be taking a few weeks off to work on a larger writing project relating to my visual art. If all goes well the end result will be an artists’ book / zine coming out later this year. 

The above video was made by my friend Doug Burns to document my exhibition “Carry On” from March. A few copies of the corresponding artists’ book are still available here: https://wakeless.studio/products/14

I will try to drop an update here from time to time.

Thank you. -Jonathan 

Act of Violence (1948)

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Streaming on HBO Max | imdb | trailer

Here’s an excellent film noir about a WWII vet seeking revenge against his double dealing commanding officer. It was rare for a movie so close to the end of the war to deal with the topic of combat damaged soldiers. This was directed by Fred Zinnemann who had a truly epic career (just look at his amazing credits). You also get to see the always impressive Robert Ryan in action, as well as a young Janet Leigh. If you like ‘40s crime thrillers and haven’t seen Act of Violence, get on it. It is one of my personal favorite noirs.

Available on Blu-ray from Warner Archive.

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Cul-de-sac (1966)

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Streaming on Amazon Prime | imdb | trailer

I avoid posting Criterion Collection films, but I rarely see this Polanski film get mentioned in the closet (or anywhere else). Two criminals decide to hide out in a castle owned by a very eccentric couple, and much like the later film Performance, things get way weird. This is a pretty surreal movie and manages to be legitimately funny as well. The stand out performance is by Donald Pleasance. I am die hard fan of his work, and here he really gets to go nuts, much to my delight. Give Cul-de-sac a try. You just might enjoy this Anomalous little gem as much as I did.

Available on Blu-ray from The Criterion Collection.

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Searching for Sugar Man (2012)

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Streaming on Hulu | imdb | trailer

Detroit singer songwriter Rodriguez put out two albums in the early ‘70s and then disappeared. His music never found an audience in the USA, but it turns out he was very popular in South Africa. Two die hard fans from there get together to track down this mysterious musician. Did he really kill himself on stage? If not, what made him stop performing? They find out, and it’s a fascinating journey. I was unfamiliar with Rodriquez until just recently, and I was pleasantly surprised at how truly good his music is. In spite of that, I don’t think you need to be a fan of edgy folk music to appreciate this documentary.

Available on Blu-ray from Sony.

If you are a fan of Anomalous Cinema, please consider supporting this site by donating any amount (even $1.00 is appreciated) via Venmo @vergeoflight or Paypal at this secure link. A Paypal account is not required. Thank you.