She Monkeys
Directed by Lisa Aschan
Written by Lisa Aschan and Josefine Adolfsson
Sweden, 2011
Oscar Levant once said, “There’s a fine line between genius and insanity”. Perhaps Levant was a genius (or perhaps he was insane), but the truth within his aphorism is both pithy and well documented. In cinema, the most notable auteurs have always been avant-garde, pushing the boundaries of our sensibilities with purposed provocation, and although Lisa Aschan’s She Monkeys isn’t nearly as groundbreaking as its influential predecessors, it nevertheless straddles the precarious equilibrium of genius and insanity.
When Emma (Mathilda Paradeiser), a girl of unflinching earnestness, resolves to join an equestrian acrobatics team, she encounters Cassandra (Linda Molin), her enigmatic teammate with a piercingly frigid persona. As they begin to bond, their relationship escalates with sudden intensity, resulting in a smorgasbord narrative of desire, love, rivalry, and power.
Initially, and ironically, the film...
Directed by Lisa Aschan
Written by Lisa Aschan and Josefine Adolfsson
Sweden, 2011
Oscar Levant once said, “There’s a fine line between genius and insanity”. Perhaps Levant was a genius (or perhaps he was insane), but the truth within his aphorism is both pithy and well documented. In cinema, the most notable auteurs have always been avant-garde, pushing the boundaries of our sensibilities with purposed provocation, and although Lisa Aschan’s She Monkeys isn’t nearly as groundbreaking as its influential predecessors, it nevertheless straddles the precarious equilibrium of genius and insanity.
When Emma (Mathilda Paradeiser), a girl of unflinching earnestness, resolves to join an equestrian acrobatics team, she encounters Cassandra (Linda Molin), her enigmatic teammate with a piercingly frigid persona. As they begin to bond, their relationship escalates with sudden intensity, resulting in a smorgasbord narrative of desire, love, rivalry, and power.
Initially, and ironically, the film...
- 5/25/2012
- by Justin Li
- SoundOnSight
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(Larry Charles, 2012, Us) Sacha Baron Cohen, Anna Faris, Jason Mantzoukas, Ben Kingsley, John C Reilly. 83 mins
Having run out of unsuspecting Americans to prank, Sacha Baron Cohen takes the conventional fish-out-of-water route this time, as his Arab tyrant comes to terms with western democracy. But if the story plays it safe, the comedy treads a risky line between lampooning Islamophobia and fuelling it. The high gag rate, animated performance and general broad-spectrum offensiveness help him get away with murder, and worse.
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(Gareth Evans, 2011, Indon/Us) Iko Uwais, Joe Taslim, Yayan Ruhian. 101 mins
Throwing more punches than every other movie this year combined, this single-minded Indonesian martial arts epic doesn't let up until everyone in its baddy-infested apartment block, and the auditorium, is pummelled into submission. Pacifists, look away now.
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- 5/18/2012
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
I was struggling to figure out the literal and/or metaphoric reason for the tumbleweeds -- yes, actual tumbleweeds -- that roll lazily more than once through She Monkeys (in the original Swedish, Apflickorna). Are they reflections -- if strained and preposterous ones -- of the emotional desolation of its characters? And then I learned that writer (with Josefine Adolfsson) and director Lisa Aschan sees this as a modern Western. I don’t see a Western here -- the tumbleweeds still seem ridiculous -- and I’m still struggling to find reasons to do more than merely coolly appreciate, from an emotional distance, the disagreeably detached dissection of young girls’ sexuality on offer. Teen Emma (Mathilda Paradeiser) and her new acquaintance Cassandra (Linda Molin), members of an equestrian gymnastics team, are engaging an ugly push-and-pull of love and hate, dominance and submission, attraction and revulsion. Meanwhile, Emma’s little sister,...
- 5/18/2012
- by MaryAnn Johanson
- www.flickfilosopher.com
★★★★☆ Swedish director Lisa Aschan's remarkably assured debut feature She Monkeys (2011) is a hormonally-charged, coming-of-age drama, depicting the conflict between two competitive teenage girls, and stars Mathilda Paradeiser, Linda Molin and Isabella Lindquist.
On the cusp of maturity, 15-year-old Emma (Paradeiser) lives with her younger sister Sara (Lindquist) and their farther Ivan (Sergej Merkusjev). She's about to embark on a series of fascinating encounters that will ultimately mould her into the sort of woman she'll become. She Monkeys opens with this staunch, empowered adolescent training her obedient Border Collie using a clicker. She barely says a word other than sharp, harsh commands towards her incredibly compliant, four legged companion but instantly we can see that Emma is a girl who positively revels in being in control.
Emma meets Cassandra (Molin), a confident, beautiful and incredibly nubile girl whilst trying out for the local equestrian gymnastic team. The two quickly bond...
On the cusp of maturity, 15-year-old Emma (Paradeiser) lives with her younger sister Sara (Lindquist) and their farther Ivan (Sergej Merkusjev). She's about to embark on a series of fascinating encounters that will ultimately mould her into the sort of woman she'll become. She Monkeys opens with this staunch, empowered adolescent training her obedient Border Collie using a clicker. She barely says a word other than sharp, harsh commands towards her incredibly compliant, four legged companion but instantly we can see that Emma is a girl who positively revels in being in control.
Emma meets Cassandra (Molin), a confident, beautiful and incredibly nubile girl whilst trying out for the local equestrian gymnastic team. The two quickly bond...
- 10/15/2011
- by Daniel Green
- CineVue
She-Monkeys
Director: Lisa Aschan
Writers: Lisa Aschan, Josefine Adolfsson
In Spartacus, Crassus and Antoninus coyly discuss sexual preferences in terms of snails and oysters. When it comes to Sapphic teen dramas centred on the world of sport, it might simply boil down to a choice between synchronised swimming and equestrian vaulting. While Céline Sciamma’s Water Lilies was all lingering poolside gazes and hypnotic synthesisers, Lisa Aschan’s equally impressive She-Monkeys treads a much darker line between desire and athletic rivalry.
She-Monkeys begins with Emma (Mathilda Paradeiser) trying out for the vaulting team on which Cassandra (Linda Molin) is the undoubted star. Blonde, poised and supremely confident, Cassandra initiates the new recruit into this highly competitive world and helps with her training. But their growing intimacy is undercut with both recklessness and cruelty. Meanwhile, single dad Ivan (Sergej Merkusjev) has his own problems dealing with the burgeoning sexuality of Emma’s younger sister,...
Director: Lisa Aschan
Writers: Lisa Aschan, Josefine Adolfsson
In Spartacus, Crassus and Antoninus coyly discuss sexual preferences in terms of snails and oysters. When it comes to Sapphic teen dramas centred on the world of sport, it might simply boil down to a choice between synchronised swimming and equestrian vaulting. While Céline Sciamma’s Water Lilies was all lingering poolside gazes and hypnotic synthesisers, Lisa Aschan’s equally impressive She-Monkeys treads a much darker line between desire and athletic rivalry.
She-Monkeys begins with Emma (Mathilda Paradeiser) trying out for the vaulting team on which Cassandra (Linda Molin) is the undoubted star. Blonde, poised and supremely confident, Cassandra initiates the new recruit into this highly competitive world and helps with her training. But their growing intimacy is undercut with both recklessness and cruelty. Meanwhile, single dad Ivan (Sergej Merkusjev) has his own problems dealing with the burgeoning sexuality of Emma’s younger sister,...
- 10/13/2011
- by Susannah
- SoundOnSight
She Monkeys / Apflickorna Trailer. Lisa Aschan‘s She Monkeys / Apflickorna (2011) movie stars Mathilda Paradeiser, Linda Molin, Isabella Lindquist, Sergej Merkusjev, and Adam Lundgren. She Monkeys / Apflickorna‘s plot synopsis: “When Emma meets Cassandra, they initiate a relationship filled with physical and psychological challenges. Emma does whatever it takes to master the rules of the game. Lines are crossed and the stakes get higher and higher. Despite this, Emma can’t resist the intoxicating feeling of total control.”
The fact that both of the girls are in competition with each other yet one girl seems to hate and like the other girl at the same time will make for a cool dynamic on screen.
I found the tone of the film to be far closer to Celine Schiamma’s Water Lilies than that of Moodysson’s Fukcing Amal (Show Me Love). It’s tightly wound 80 minutes is centered around the budding...
The fact that both of the girls are in competition with each other yet one girl seems to hate and like the other girl at the same time will make for a cool dynamic on screen.
I found the tone of the film to be far closer to Celine Schiamma’s Water Lilies than that of Moodysson’s Fukcing Amal (Show Me Love). It’s tightly wound 80 minutes is centered around the budding...
- 8/9/2011
- by filmbook
- Film-Book
She Monkeys
Directed by Lisa Aschan
Sweden, 2011
Written by Lisa Aschan & Josefine Adolfsson
Director Lisa Aschan propels into the limelight with a debut film that is light on dialogue and action, yet delivers a mighty punch with its story and atmosphere. She Monkeys tells the story of fifteen year old Emma as she lands a competitive spot on an equestrian acrobatic team. As she is taken under the wing of her older peer Cassandra, obsession and desire takes control as both girls fight for the top position. In the vein of such films as Single White Female, The Roommate, and most recently Black Swan, Aschan does an extraordinary job in creating a horrific film without being over-the-top terrifying. Consistently slow paced, She Monkeys rides the line of suspense without giving the audience the satisfaction of a scare.
She Monkeys is fundamentally a horror film at its core, yet it’s also much more.
Directed by Lisa Aschan
Sweden, 2011
Written by Lisa Aschan & Josefine Adolfsson
Director Lisa Aschan propels into the limelight with a debut film that is light on dialogue and action, yet delivers a mighty punch with its story and atmosphere. She Monkeys tells the story of fifteen year old Emma as she lands a competitive spot on an equestrian acrobatic team. As she is taken under the wing of her older peer Cassandra, obsession and desire takes control as both girls fight for the top position. In the vein of such films as Single White Female, The Roommate, and most recently Black Swan, Aschan does an extraordinary job in creating a horrific film without being over-the-top terrifying. Consistently slow paced, She Monkeys rides the line of suspense without giving the audience the satisfaction of a scare.
She Monkeys is fundamentally a horror film at its core, yet it’s also much more.
- 5/12/2011
- by Christopher Clemente
- SoundOnSight
-
1. She Monkeys
When 15-year-old Emma lands a competitive spot on a young women’s equestrian acrobatics team, she is taken under the wing of her slightly older peer Cassandra. Obsessed with strength and control, Emma covets Cassandra’s natural grace and poise, while Cassandra in turn silently desires more than just Emma’s discipline. The psychological stakes of their friendship intensify as the two jockey for top position, and loyalty is traded for unbridled power. Meanwhile, Emma’s curious and innocent eight-year-old sister (in a remarkably complex performance delivered by rising star Isabella Lindquist) is prematurely spurred to confront the treacherous frontiers of sexuality and womanhood on her own.
Lisa Aschan’s award-winning directorial debut digs between the cracks of human behavior to reveal the seemingly naïve experience of girlhood as a feeding ground for underhanded brutality and rivalry. Using naturalistic direction, evocative imagery, and engrossing performances, Aschan smartly...
1. She Monkeys
When 15-year-old Emma lands a competitive spot on a young women’s equestrian acrobatics team, she is taken under the wing of her slightly older peer Cassandra. Obsessed with strength and control, Emma covets Cassandra’s natural grace and poise, while Cassandra in turn silently desires more than just Emma’s discipline. The psychological stakes of their friendship intensify as the two jockey for top position, and loyalty is traded for unbridled power. Meanwhile, Emma’s curious and innocent eight-year-old sister (in a remarkably complex performance delivered by rising star Isabella Lindquist) is prematurely spurred to confront the treacherous frontiers of sexuality and womanhood on her own.
Lisa Aschan’s award-winning directorial debut digs between the cracks of human behavior to reveal the seemingly naïve experience of girlhood as a feeding ground for underhanded brutality and rivalry. Using naturalistic direction, evocative imagery, and engrossing performances, Aschan smartly...
- 5/10/2011
- by Christopher Clemente
- SoundOnSight
Director: Lisa Aschan Writers: Lisa Aschan, Josefine Adolfsson Starring: Mathilda Paradeiser, Linda Molin, Isabella Lindquist Our initial introduction to Emma (Mathilda Paradeiser), as she trains her dog with a clicker, showcases her intense desire for power and control. Emma's life philosophy -- which she attempts to pass along to her younger sister, Sara (Isabella Lindquist) -- is to never let anyone see her emotions; and she does not talk much either. Later, when we watch Emma as she auditions for an equestrian gymnastics team (essentially, yoga on horseback), it becomes immediately apparent that Emma is prepared in terms of technique and strength, but her frigid personality will be a severe hindrance when it comes time to perform for an audience. Emma is essentially like a robot, her movements and actions appear to be overtly precise and calculated; she has an incredibly intense personality with an unwavering vision. Emma is chosen...
- 4/28/2011
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
Reviewed by Randee Dawn
(April 2011, screening at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festivl)
Directed by: Lisa Aschan
Written by: Josefine Adolfsson and Lisa Aschan
Starring: Mathilda Paradeiser, Linda Molin, Isabella Lindquist, Sergej Merkusjev, Adam Lundgren and Sigmund Hovind
Sugar and spice and everything nice? If that’s the image you have of best girlfriends, “She Monkeys” will set you straight. A stark look into the world of two teen girls in Sweden experimenting in just about all ways possible with power, sexuality and morals, “She Monkeys” draws audiences into this mysterious relationship — which can seem more like frenemies than friends.
Enigmatic Emma (Mathilda Paradeiser, resembling a younger Chloë Sevigny) meets the slightly older and conventionally prettier Cassandra (Linda Molin) at the equestrian acrobatics club. (Indie film 101: Be sure to include an obscure, metaphorical hobby for your leads.) The two are natural competitors but quickly forge a strange and almost too-close friendship:...
(April 2011, screening at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festivl)
Directed by: Lisa Aschan
Written by: Josefine Adolfsson and Lisa Aschan
Starring: Mathilda Paradeiser, Linda Molin, Isabella Lindquist, Sergej Merkusjev, Adam Lundgren and Sigmund Hovind
Sugar and spice and everything nice? If that’s the image you have of best girlfriends, “She Monkeys” will set you straight. A stark look into the world of two teen girls in Sweden experimenting in just about all ways possible with power, sexuality and morals, “She Monkeys” draws audiences into this mysterious relationship — which can seem more like frenemies than friends.
Enigmatic Emma (Mathilda Paradeiser, resembling a younger Chloë Sevigny) meets the slightly older and conventionally prettier Cassandra (Linda Molin) at the equestrian acrobatics club. (Indie film 101: Be sure to include an obscure, metaphorical hobby for your leads.) The two are natural competitors but quickly forge a strange and almost too-close friendship:...
- 4/17/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Magazine
Reviewed by Randee Dawn
(April 2011, screening at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festivl)
Directed by: Lisa Aschan
Written by: Josefine Adolfsson and Lisa Aschan
Starring: Mathilda Paradeiser, Linda Molin, Isabella Lindquist, Sergej Merkusjev, Adam Lundgren and Sigmund Hovind
Sugar and spice and everything nice? If that’s the image you have of best girlfriends, “She Monkeys” will set you straight. A stark look into the world of two teen girls in Sweden experimenting in just about all ways possible with power, sexuality and morals, “She Monkeys” draws audiences into this mysterious relationship — which can seem more like frenemies than friends.
Enigmatic Emma (Mathilda Paradeiser, resembling a younger Chloë Sevigny) meets the slightly older and conventionally prettier Cassandra (Linda Molin) at the equestrian acrobatics club. (Indie film 101: Be sure to include an obscure, metaphorical hobby for your leads.) The two are natural competitors but quickly forge a strange and almost too-close friendship:...
(April 2011, screening at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festivl)
Directed by: Lisa Aschan
Written by: Josefine Adolfsson and Lisa Aschan
Starring: Mathilda Paradeiser, Linda Molin, Isabella Lindquist, Sergej Merkusjev, Adam Lundgren and Sigmund Hovind
Sugar and spice and everything nice? If that’s the image you have of best girlfriends, “She Monkeys” will set you straight. A stark look into the world of two teen girls in Sweden experimenting in just about all ways possible with power, sexuality and morals, “She Monkeys” draws audiences into this mysterious relationship — which can seem more like frenemies than friends.
Enigmatic Emma (Mathilda Paradeiser, resembling a younger Chloë Sevigny) meets the slightly older and conventionally prettier Cassandra (Linda Molin) at the equestrian acrobatics club. (Indie film 101: Be sure to include an obscure, metaphorical hobby for your leads.) The two are natural competitors but quickly forge a strange and almost too-close friendship:...
- 4/17/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
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