Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Cherry 2023, directed by the Russo Brothers, is a heart-wrenching masterpiece that takes viewers on a thrilling and emotional journey. Adapted from Nico Walker’s novel, this film immerses us in the life of its titular character, Cherry, portrayed brilliantly by Tom Holland. From start to finish, we are captivated by the raw intensity and compelling storytelling on display.
The plot revolves around Cherry’s transformation from a wide-eyed college student to an army medic suffering from PTSD, leading him down a dark path of addiction and crime. The narrative skillfully blends genres, seamlessly transitioning between romance, war drama, and crime thriller. While occasionally feeling disjointed due to its ambitious scope, the film successfully portrays the depths of despair and vulnerability experienced by its central character.
Tom Holland delivers an outstanding performance as Cherry. He showcases his versatility as an actor by portraying both innocence and desperation with equal conviction. His emotional depth during the most harrowing moments leaves a lasting impact on the audience. The supporting cast also shines brightly with standout performances by Ciara Bravo as Emily—Cherry’s love interest—and Jack Reynor as Pills and Coke—a charismatic but troubled friend.
The direction by the Russo Brothers is skillful and captivating throughout. Their mastery in building tension keeps audiences on edge, making each scene feel like a ticking time bomb ready to explode at any moment. The use of non-linear storytelling effectively adds intrigue while highlighting key turning points in Cherry’s life.
Daniel Pemberton’s haunting score underscores the film’s darkest moments with haunting melodies that amplify emotions felt on screen. Combined with seamless cinematography by Newton Thomas Sigel who captures both gritty realism and dreamlike sequences lends itself beautifully to the overall mood of each scene.
The production design stands out for authentically recreating different time periods, immersing viewers in the various settings. From the chaos and destruction of war zones to the seedy underbelly of drug dens, every environment is meticulously crafted, enhancing the film’s authenticity.
Special effects and practical makeup showcase a commitment to realism, immersing us in Cherry’s world. The intensity of battle scenes and the physical toll it takes on our protagonist are depicted with gut-wrenching accuracy. This attention to detail heightens the emotional connection we feel towards Cherry’s struggles.
Editing, while occasionally uneven, effectively captures Cherry’s frenetic lifestyle. Sharp cuts between moments of despair and hope create a sense of urgency that reflects his chaotic state of mind. The dialogue is raw and unfiltered, adding an additional layer of authenticity to Cherry’s story.
Cherry 2023 is not without its flaws. The pacing stumbles at times as it tries to balance multiple story arcs within its runtime. Additionally, some characters suffer from underdevelopment, leaving audiences craving more depth.
Ultimately, what makes Cherry 2023 truly resonate is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. It forces us to confront the darkest aspects of human nature while providing glimmers of hope and resilience. By tackling themes such as addiction, mental health issues, and trauma head-on, it serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility and strength within us all.
In conclusion, Cherry 2023 showcases directorial prowess alongside exceptional performances from its cast. It takes risks with its storytelling that pay off more often than not but falters when trying to juggle too many narrative threads. Despite these shortcomings, this gripping film leaves an indelible mark on viewers through its unflinching exploration of love, loss, and redemption—an emotional rollercoaster well worth experiencing.
Cherry 2023
Release : 2023-04-14
Genre : Drama
Runtime : 76
Home Page :
IMDb Page : https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12724040
Company : Cherry films, Monday Pictures, Manny Films
Cast : Alexandria Trewhitt as Cherry, Hannah Alline as Anna, Angela Nicholas as Carla, Darius Levanté as Quinton, Sandy Duarte as Dr. Amalia Garcia-Ortega
Tagline:
Overview : A driftless young woman discovers she’s 11 weeks pregnant and has only 24 hours to make a consequential decision. This charming and meditative film examines how softly life moves, even in our most urgent moments.
