With over 2000+ reviews here, I can share that the most frustrating films to review are the ones which -- like the lead character in this story -- never live up to their full potential. Similar to the story arc in another recent release -- THE SUBSTANCE 2024 -- BALESTRA 2024 is about a woman who is unhappy with the way her life has turned out. And will do anything -- literally! -- to fix that. The technicals are great, and the acting is solid. (Although Cush Jumbo was not the first pick for the role, there was a last minute change). The problem with the film is that the first 15 minutes, and the last 15 minutes, are of an entirely quality than the almost two hours of muddle in the middle. The film starts with a fascinating technical premise, a great set-up; and ends with an exciting fencing showdown so good that it could have come from a sports documentary. The middle, unfortunately, is just an old-fashioned love triangle with gaps and yawns that make you think you might be watching a different film. And that's a pity. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))
Balestra
2024
Drama / Fantasy / Sci-Fi / Sport / Thriller
Balestra
2024
Drama / Fantasy / Sci-Fi / Sport / Thriller
Plot summary
Joanna is a competitive fencer at the end of her career who is desperate to be the world’s best. In order to gain an edge, she pursues an experimental technology, allowing her to train via lucid dreaming, where she begins a tumultuous affair with her instructor that threatens her real world marriage and her pathway to Olympic gold.
Uploaded by: FREEMAN
September 28, 2024 at 05:27 PM