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Girl Power and Dark Comedy in 'Purgatory
Developing
In Short: A coming-of-age tale set in 1980s suburbia, 'Purgatory' explores the trials of a young girl navigating a broken home and toxic friendships.
Director Lindsay Lanzillotta's debut feature, 'Purgatory,' delves into the life of Beatrice, a 13-year-old girl whose world is turned upside down when her parents divorce. Set in the 1980s, the film captures the essence of a time when family secrets were often kept hidden. Lanzillotta, who also stars in the film, brings a unique perspective to the project, drawing from her own experiences to create a deeply personal and relatable narrative.
The film's ensemble cast, including J.K. Simmons, Jennifer Coolidge, and Derry Girls alum Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, brings a mix of humor and heart to the story. Simmons, in particular, stands out as a rival coach with her own girl group, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Lanzillotta's direction is complemented by the performances, which capture the nuances of a young girl's emotional journey.
Rebel Wilson, known for her comedic roles, directs and stars in 'Girl Group,' a musical comedy that blends heart and humor. Wilson's performance is both enjoyable and heartfelt, providing a fun and character-driven experience for audiences. The film's soundtrack, featuring songs like "Cups (When I'm Gone)," adds to the nostalgic and joyful atmosphere of the movie.
In 'Purgatory,' Lanzillotta explores the challenges of growing up in a small town where empathy has virtually disappeared. The film's protagonist, Beatrice, must navigate a world where her friends and their parents are heartless and even savage. However, there is a glimmer of hope in the form of a Catholic priest character, who becomes a mentor and a source of comfort for Beatrice. This mentorship highlights the importance of guidance and support during difficult times.
What's confirmed
- Rebel Wilson shared insight into her " girl power household" with her and wife Ramona Agruma's daughters Royce, 4, and Rose, 4 months, in an exclusive interview with E!
- News at the world premiere of her movie during the Toronto International Film Festival Sept.
What's still developing
- What’s a girl to do when your parents split up and leave your sheltered, suburban home and school life in ruins?
- Lanzillotta directed Purgatory from a screenplay by Christine Speer and looked to get into Beatrice’s head as, while naive as a coming-of-age tween, she’s also hyper-aware and traumatized by her disrupted home and school life.
- “It’s like when feelings are on top of your skin, everyone does feel a little fake around you and doesn’t feel what you’re feeling and you wonder, ‘Does anyone see how I’m feeling,’” the director explains.
- Here the director also puts her film’s audience in its own confessional chair, should their own dark secrets around familial divorce resonate.
- The Aniplex One Focus livestream event on Saturday revealed a trailer for the "Yoroshiku★Girl" story segment of Atsushi Nishigori 's original anime film Grotesqqque (previously titled Grotesque).
- CloverWorks producer Yūichi Fukushima and Wit Studio producer Tetsuya Nakatake are the representative directors of JOEN.
- Omos says his parents were scared for him when he told them he would be joining WWE, noting that he understood why.
- Julia is used to being one of the only girls (if not the only girl) in the room, something Byrne and cinematographer Antonio Calvache delight in showing us in repeated shots that still pack some of the film’s only real power.
Sources
- The Hollywood Reporterlink