Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy
As always, the New York Time's film critics drop their lists, and I go scrambling to figure out what I've missed. This is one I've had on my radar for a little while, but Manhola Dargis's inclusion of this one in her top ten gave me that extra nudge. Thank goodness. This one is Certified Eric/E.T. Approved AND Certified Eric/E.T.'s Dad Approved.
The initial car scene where one woman describes the emotionally-intimate details of an encounter with a new love interest certainly had me wondering where this was going. But damn, its story of love, manipulation, and coincidence unfolds at the absolute perfect pace that keeps you engaged, provides great emotional resonance, and ultimately may just leave you in a state of contemplation. Did for me, big time. Each of the three individual stories here had similar affects, even as their approaches to love and romance differ.
Big reason I don't always like to write reviews: Who's the audience? How much are you trying to ruin their experience? Honestly, I just want more people to watch this film. Some of my favorites from 2021 saw wide release, like In the Heights and The Green Knight. Watch 'em if you want. But we need way more eyes on Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy. It's one with universal themes that I think far more people would enjoy than will ever hear about it. I do not say that about most art house/foreign films, I know they don't have large actual or potential audiences, especially in the West. But this thing. It's got romance, humor, honesty, and insights for days, and tells its stories in fascinating and somewhat unexpected ways. So see it.