Bad Behaviour

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"Bad Behaviour boasts an all-in, powerful performance from Jennifer Connelly, but it's too messy, tonally unbalanced, and narratively all-over-the-place to connect with. It wastes too much time being nonsensical before the mother-daughter relationship gets interesting. Disappointing.

I'm unaware of how much of a personal project this is or even if it's personal at all. Still, Bad Behaviour is one of those films I just couldn't connect with in any shape or form. There's a layer of exaggeration and overdramatization that makes it all feel fictional and less grounded. And that, to me, turns into a massive obstacle to overcome. I hope others can feel the opposite."

Rating: D+

Jennifer Connelly and Ben Wishaw both give great performances in a film that is just unfortunately too unfocused. Alice Englert (who also stars as Dylan in the film) makes her directorial debut here with a lot of style. The camerawork was very unique and interesting. The comedy at times I think works quite well and I actually think the film could have benefited from having more of it. The problem is I couldn't tell what the film wanted to be. Serious character study or comedy? It seems that she wanted both but fell short in both avenues. I think her heart was in the right place while making this and it even felt like it was probably personal to her. It's just a shame that I felt at arms length throughout the runtime and could never fully connect with the characters.

Starts out as a subtle, but very efficient witty satire about people trying to heal themselves in a meditative retreat weekend, but then suddenly half way through (just as I was wondering if anything dramatic would happen) things turn bleak with an out of wack violent plot turn that I really hadnt seen coming.

The good: a truly brilliant acting performance by Jennifer Connelly, whom we all know from her pretty face roles in the nineties and on (Top Gun), but Top Gun fans stay away from this movie, because this is serious hardhitting drama and no fluffy action romance.

Jennifer Connelly now shows her real acting capabilities with a devestating performance as a mother, who is "DEAD INSIDE" and cant stand to live in her own skin and who has passed her mental pain on to her daughter with a lot of soul wrecking negative fallout. And that is the core of this subtle, bleak drama.

Art house movie fans beware, this is one solid acting gem, with long unedited takes, beautiful photography and sound. I truly applaud the direction by Alice Englert!

Slow, but gripping. Bleak, yet still warm and endearing. Cold, but so humanlike. I am impressed!

It had some really funny and heartwarming moments. There were a couple of scenes, towards the end, that felt very authentic and emotional. I think that the script brought up some lesser explored themes that I connected with. Jennifer Connelly is superb as always. I felt like the story could have been told a little bit more cohesively. But I think that Alice Englert, who also wrote and co-starred in it, did a great job for her directorial debut. Jennifer's clothing aesthetic comforted me and I will love her character for a long time. She has great comedic abilities even if she's often been typecasted to darker roles. There were some beautiful shots, especially the one at the end... that was absolutely stunning.

An intriguing, challenging, at times brilliant, sometimes veering off track exploration of mental health, mother/daughter relationships, finding direction and so much more. I won't pretend to have completely made my mind up about this film, or claim to have fully delved into trying to understand every aspect. It is one of those films that is due discussion, and raises questions and self reflection.

I totally understand this is definitely not a film for the majority/masses who like big blockbusters. But I think if you appreciate indie films, and those that look at personal experiences and the impact these have upon one's reactions and perception, relationships and sense of self ,then youll find there is a lot to appreciate.

Jennifer connelly is outstanding, of course. But so too are Ben Whishaw, and in particular, the actress who plays her daughter. There is much to admire and credit this film for. There are scenes that I think are incredible and it is (sorry to use this term but it is the best descriptor) brave. The characters are flawed and we constantly observe them unflinchingly. It can be uncomfortable and frustrating.

With all the above said, the 'star rating' feels inadequate, but I just feel it was a very cold watch, which at times lost its flow and almost tried too hard, too it's detriment. Saying that, it's packed with talent and despite a lot of darkness/the cold I felt, it is streaked with black humour and I'd definitely call it a 'dark comedy'.