Br007

Watched Anora again last night. First, I can't believe a film that looks like that cost only $6 million to make. Sean Baker, not Elon Musk, should be in charge of DOGE.

Second, while I always thought Mikey Madison deserved the Best Actress Oscar, rewatching the film I was even more impressed. Demi Moore was the sentimental favorite for her role in The Substance, and she was good. But Mikey Madison's performance went to a whole other level. All those Demi Moore fans came in here to downrate this terrific film. Don't be fooled.

Madison carries this movie, is in almost scene, goes from happy-go-lucky to hopeful glee to fear and rage to smoldering anger to acceptance and sobbing misery. I wouldn't call it an acting clinic but, if you're an actor, she hits every emotion you'll ever need to do on screen. She also nails the Brooklyn accent and the attitude of her character, occupation and upbringing. Moore's arc is from frustration to fear and anger. That's about it. She's only in part of the film. Margaret Qualley handles the rest. Madison pretty much fulfills both parts.

Anora works on a lot of levels. It may seem like a simple story on the surface, even comical at times, but it goes deep. Ironically, The Substance doesn't have near as much substance. Neither do the acting parts. I was moved, struck by Mikey's character. She made me think about what she was feeling during and after. I want to see more of her, what happens to her. It sticks with you. The Substance was one and done for me. I'm sure I'll watch Anora again.

Apple shows seem to all follow the same path. Episode one sets up the premise. Episodes two through nine go absolutely nowhere, like a recording on an endless loop; repeat, repeat, repeat. Episode ten answers barely answers one question and then sends you to search online reviews to see if anyone else actually learned anything at all.

Here's what I've learned. Nothing satisfying ever happens. It's as if everyone in the post "Lost" world studied at the J. J. Abrams school of ever expanding universes that never resolving a thing.

There's a reason "The Sopranos" is the greatest show of all time. Or "The Wire" or "Breaking Bad" if you prefer. Each episode was like a self contained film with a set up and resolution. Each season did the same. And so did the entire series. Sure, there were through lines that took years to get resolved but at least something happened every season, every episode even.

But now we get the ever expanding storylines that never go anywhere except into hibernation for another 12 months.

Look, Silo is not a bad show. There are some compelling characters and some moments of drama. But overall you're no better off after ten episodes than you were after one.

Less filling than a Miller Lite.