Serena

Vanilla goddess Serena, in a somewhat questionable portrayal by Jennifer Lawrence, only has two modes here (and I’m not talking about coitus). First, she leads Bradley Cooper’s lumberjack by the log, and then, after declaring eternal vegetative peace, she either freaks out or stares like a bark beetle. It’s no surprise, given that her husband now only uses his tongue for sealing envelopes with child support for his illegitimate offspring! Ron Rash's novel probably holds potential, but very little of it came through here. A film without identity, with repetitive, suggestive music full of melancholy, and characters that Lady Timbermacbeth fails to imbue with any significant emotions. However, after Bird Box, I'll give Second Chance Susanne Bier a third chance. (20.10.2022)

I was quite scared of the film, and I feel it was justified. The first shots of the beautiful landscape got me. Carolina is just divine and the forests are breathtaking. However, the story, despite its attempts at being dramatic, felt contrived and dull to me, focusing solely on the actors and their performances, which literally scream that someone wants an Oscar. No, thank you. (15.06.2015)