2021 Chicago Critics Film Festival Preview | Festivals & Awards


Roger Ebert on “Thief”

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14th

12PM: “BELLE”

From the celebrated Academy Award®-nominated director Mamoru Hosoda and Studio Chizu, creators of “Mirai,” “Wolf Children,” “Summer Wars,” and more, comes a fantastical, heartfelt story of growing up in the age of social media. Suzu is a shy, everyday high school student living in a rural village. For years, she has only been a shadow of herself. But when she enters “U,” a massive virtual world, she escapes into her online persona as Belle, a gorgeous and globally-beloved singer. One day, her concert is interrupted by a monstrous creature chased by vigilantes. As their hunt escalates, Suzu embarks on an emotional and epic quest to uncover the identity of this mysterious “beast” and to discover her true self in a world where you can be anyone.

Scout Tafoya on “Belle

2:30PM: “PROCESSION”

Six midwestern men—all survivors of childhood sexual assault at the hands of Catholic priests and clergy—come together to direct a drama therapy-inspired experiment designed to collectively work through their trauma. As part of a radically collaborative filmmaking process, they create fictional scenes based on memories, dreams and experiences, meant to explore the church rituals, culture and hierarchies that enabled silence around their abuse. In the face of a failed legal system, we watch these men reclaim the spaces that allowed their assault, revealing the possibility for catharsis and redemption through a new-found fraternity.

Brian Tallerico on “Procession”

5:30PM: “JOCKEY”

With special guest Clifton Collins Jr.

An aging jockey (Clifton Collins Jr.), hopes to win one last title for his longtime trainer (Molly Parker), who has acquired what appears to be a championship horse. But the years—and injuries—have taken a toll on his body, throwing into question his ability to continue his lifelong passion. And the arrival of a young rookie rider (Moises Arias), who claims to be his son, and whom he takes under his wing, further complicates the path to fulfilling his dream.

Nick Allen on “Jockey”

8PM: “RED ROCKET”

The audacious new film from writer/director Sean Baker (“The Florida Project,” “Tangerine“), starring Simon Rex in a magnetic, live-wire performance, “Red Rocket” is a darkly funny, raw, and humane portrait of a uniquely American hustler and a hometown that barely tolerates him.

Ben Kenigsberg on “Red Rocket”

Tomris Laffly on “Red Rocket”

 

You can view the original article HERE.

Federal Officer Shoots Undocumented Migrant In Minneapolis
Federal Officer Shoots Undocumented Migrant In Minneapolis
Howard Bloom: Mapping the Mind of Humanity Through the Howard Bloom Institute
Howard Bloom: Mapping the Mind of Humanity Through the Howard Bloom Institute
Miley Cyrus Celebrates Three Years of Her Hit Song Flowers With Heartfelt Message
Miley Cyrus Celebrates Three Years of Her Hit Song Flowers With Heartfelt Message
Sean Penn lights up, Kylie Jenner gets A-list approval and 7 other moments you didn’t see at the Golden Globes
Sean Penn lights up, Kylie Jenner gets A-list approval and 7 other moments you didn’t see at the Golden Globes
“One Battle After Another,” “Hamnet” Win Big at 2026 Golden Globes | Festivals & Awards
“One Battle After Another,” “Hamnet” Win Big at 2026 Golden Globes | Festivals & Awards
The Thrills Can’t Be Stopped in “Hijack” Season 2 | TV/Streaming
The Thrills Can’t Be Stopped in “Hijack” Season 2 | TV/Streaming
HBO’s “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” Is The Best Fantasy Adaptation of the Decade  | TV/Streaming
HBO’s “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” Is The Best Fantasy Adaptation of the Decade  | TV/Streaming
The Many Reasons Women Are Watching “Heated Rivalry” | TV/Streaming
The Many Reasons Women Are Watching “Heated Rivalry” | TV/Streaming
Robyn says she hated Elon Musk “way before it was cool”
Robyn says she hated Elon Musk “way before it was cool”
‘High School Musical’ actor Matt Prokop arrested on child pornography charges
‘High School Musical’ actor Matt Prokop arrested on child pornography charges
sweet and silly Thrones prequel
sweet and silly Thrones prequel
FCUKERS announce long-awaited debut album ‘Ö’ with club-ready single ‘L.U.C.K.Y’
FCUKERS announce long-awaited debut album ‘Ö’ with club-ready single ‘L.U.C.K.Y’
Thunder pick up 1st win against Spurs in 4 meetings
Thunder pick up 1st win against Spurs in 4 meetings
Report: Mets offer Tucker M per year on short-term deal
Report: Mets offer Tucker $50M per year on short-term deal
Rodgers won’t make ’emotional decisions’ about future, backs Tomlin
Rodgers won’t make ’emotional decisions’ about future, backs Tomlin
Mahjong Visual Elements And Their Role In Online Slot Design
Mahjong Visual Elements And Their Role In Online Slot Design
Chicago PD Season 13 Episode 9 Spotlights Trudy Platt In a Powerful, Bleak Hour
Chicago PD Season 13 Episode 9 Spotlights Trudy Platt In a Powerful, Bleak Hour
Doc Post-Mortem: Emma Pfitzer Price Unpacks Hannah’s Emotionally Challenging Hour
Doc Post-Mortem: Emma Pfitzer Price Unpacks Hannah’s Emotionally Challenging Hour
The Rookie Season 8 Episode 2 Recap: Fast Andy
The Rookie Season 8 Episode 2 Recap: Fast Andy
Doc’s Emma Pfitzer Price Previews Hannah’s World Closing In and Her Complicated Amy Bond
Doc’s Emma Pfitzer Price Previews Hannah’s World Closing In and Her Complicated Amy Bond
Can You Guess Who Is the New Face of Kérastase?
Can You Guess Who Is the New Face of Kérastase?
Chiara Ferragni Found Not Guilty in Children’s Hospital Fraud Case
Chiara Ferragni Found Not Guilty in Children’s Hospital Fraud Case
Saks Appears to Be All Set to File Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Saks Appears to Be All Set to File Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
2026 Trends in Eyelash Extensions: More Individuality, Fewer Templates
2026 Trends in Eyelash Extensions: More Individuality, Fewer Templates