December at the WV International Film Festival

By RealWV Staff,

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia International Film Festival has something for everyone this December, as they roll out the thrills, chills, and all your holiday favorites. There’s no better way to get ready for Santa Claus than with a great movie at the beautiful Floralee Hark Cohen Theatre, in the heart of downtown Charleston.

ANORA

DESCRIPTION: Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or winner ANORA is an audacious, thrilling, and comedic variation on a modern day Cinderella story. Mikey Madison (ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD) captivates as Ani, a young sex worker from Brooklyn whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets and impulsively marries Vanya, the impetuous son of a Russian billionaire. However, when Vanya’s parents catch wind of the union, they send their henchmen to annul the marriage, setting off a wild chase through the streets of New York.

WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING:

“At once a frenzied fairy tale and a tender-hearted character study, Anora is an intoxicating pairing of director and star. Baker’s unique, humanistic approach to filmmaking is as riveting and rewarding as ever.” – Beth Webb, Empire Magazine

“Anora” isn’t a fairy tale that plays by the rules of Prince Charmings and happy endings. Instead, it thankfully explores something more real: people just trying to get through the day with some sense of hope and human connection.” – Brian Truitt, USA Today

“In its relatively gigantic ambitions, nuanced texture, bifurcated structure, and ferocious performances, Anora is also a capstone for the director: a once-in-a-career triumph that exists on the back of everything else.” – Barry Hertz, Globe and Mail

Directed by Sean Baker, and staring Karren Karagulian, Mark Eydelshteyn, Mikey Madison, Vache Tovmasyan, and Yura Borisov, “Anora” screens Friday, December 13 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, December 14 and 21 at 4:30 p.m.

SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE

DESCRIPTION: “Small Things Like These” takes place over Christmas in 1985, when devoted father and coal merchant Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy) discovers startling secrets kept by the convent in his town, along with some shocking truths of his own. The film reveals truths about Ireland’s Magdalene laundries — horrific asylums run by Roman Catholic institutions from the 1820s until 1996, ostensibly to reform “fallen young women.” Adapted from the Booker Prize nominated novel by Claire Keegan.

WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING:

“It is Murphy’s sensitive and impeccable performance and Bill’s weathered countenance and those small yet significant gestures that make “Small Things Like These” such a quietly major film about extending a helping hand for those in need.” – Randy Myers San, Jose Mercury News

“With Cillian Murphy’s quiet, almost small and yet grand performance carrying the story every step of the way, “Small Things Like These” is quite possibly the best movie I’ve seen so far this year” – Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times

“I was so rapt, so caught up in this film, that I wasn’t aware that it was going to be the ending until the screen faded to black. It is an absorbing, committed drama.” – Peter Bradshaw, Guardian

Directed by Tim Mielants and staring Cillian Murphy, Eileen Walsh, Emily Watson, Michelle Fairley, and Zara Devlin, “Small Things Like These” screens Saturday, December 14 and 21 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 15 and 22 at 2:30 p.m.

HERETIC

DESCRIPTION: Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse.

WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING:

“Hugh Grant uses his charm for evil in this provocative cat-and-mouse game about the meaning, if any, of religion in a godless modern world. The romcom dreamboat of yore has been replaced by a diabolical presence eager to send us all to hell. What fun.” – Peter Travers, ABC News

“;Heretic’ excels on the strength of its performances: Grant’s charm offensive, Thatcher’s wary knowingness and East’s ability to couch Sister Paxton’s surprising strengths under her demure mannerisms.” – Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service

“Here [Scott Beck and Bryan Woods] have made a mini-masterpiece, with lean filmmaking and lots of surprises” – G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle

Directed by Bryan Woods and Scott Beck, and staring Chloe East, Elle Young, Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, and Topher Grace, “Heretic” screens Saturday, December 14 and 21 at 2:00 p.m.

THE INDELIBLE APPALACHIANS

DESCRIPTION: A powerful and poignant documentary that illuminates the rich and often overlooked experiences of Black Appalachians. This film takes viewers on an evocative journey through the mountains and valleys of Appalachia, capturing the stories of individuals dedicated to preserving their history, embracing their present, and shaping their future. This documentary delves into the complex interplay of race, identity, and geography, while celebrating the impact of Black Appalachians on the region’s cultural landscape. It challenges prevailing narratives and invites audiences to recognize and honor the vital role these communities play in the ongoing story of Appalachia. The Indelible Appalachians is not just a film; it is a tribute to the enduring spirit and unyielding determination of a people who, despite being overlooked, continue to leave an impressionable mark on the heart of Appalachia.

Directed by Frederick D. Murphy, “The Indelible Appalachians” screens Wednesday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m.

Coming Soon

DIE HARD

DESCRIPTION: Yippie ki-yay! SCPL is partnering with the WVIFF to host a FREE screening of the holiday classic, “Die Hard,” on December 19 at 6pm at The Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema at Taylor Books! Concessions are FREE! Join in on an 80’s action movie trivia contest to win a prize before the screening! Seating is limited to 30 and will be available on a first come, first served, basis.

FREE SCREENING Thursday, December 19 at 6:00 p.m.

BLACK CHRISTMAS

DESCRIPTION: Holiday movies are sentimental and uplifting, but surprisingly devoid of knife murders. BLACK CHRISTMAS—one of the most influential Hitchcockian slashers of all time—is here to help. When sorority sisters Olivia Hussey, Margot Kidder (SUPERMAN), and Andrea Martin find themselves under attack from a foul-mouthed killer, it’s up to police chief John Saxon (A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET) to even the odds. But what about Keir Dullea (2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY), the brooding art-school pianist? Could he have something to do with the mutilation rampage? BLACK CHRISTMAS is a terrifying and demented holiday tradition that gets everything right. We’d expect nothing less from Bob Clark, the pioneering director of A CHRISTMAS STORY.

“Black Christmas” screens Friday, December 20, at 9:45 p.m.

SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT

DESCRIPTION: Santa Claus is coming to town . . . and this time he’s got an axe! Community leaders tried to stop it. The P.T.A. fought to ban it. Now, one of the most controversial slasher films of all time is back in a new restoration from the original camera negative. SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT is the demented story of little Billy Chapman, traumatized by his parents’ Christmas Eve murder and then brutalized by sadistic nuns in an orphanage. When Billy grows up and dresses as Santa, he goes on a yuletide rampage to punish the naughty with extreme prejudice. Robert Brian Wilson and Linnea Quigley (NIGHT OF THE DEMONS) star in this harrowing horror classic that continues to ruffle the feathers of angry parents and stuffy critics over thirty years later.

“Silent Night, Deadly Night” screens Saturday, December 21 at 9:45 p.m.

The Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema is located beneath the art gallery in Taylor Books at 226 Capitol St, Charleston. For more information, visit wviff.org.