2021 Chicago Critics Film Festival Preview | Festivals & Awards

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.