What to Watch at the State Theatre This Week

As we head into the holiday season, here are a couple of the mustsee movies playing at the State Theater. 

Till

This film directed by Nigerian born Chinonye Chukwu and produced by Whoopie Goldberg, is the true story of Emmett Till, a 14-year-old Chicago boy who was lynched while visiting Mississippi in 1955.

His mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, travels to Mississippi after her son’s murder to seek justice. The first half of the film carefully traces the days leading up to Emmett’s trip from his home in Chicago to visit his cousins.

Emmett is a vibrant, outgoing teen raised in Chicago who doesn’t fully grasp his mother’s warning about the south until it’s too late. His mother knows the danger and tries to warn her teenager, but nothing could have prepared her for what happens to her son when a white woman accuses Emmett of impropriety after he whistles at and offends her. The film’s second half focuses on Mamie as she bravely testifies on her son’s behalf, confronting his accusers. 

The film is accurate in its depiction of the events and one thing is resoundingly unanimous — the knockout performance by relative newcomer Danielle Deadwyler as Mamie, Emmett’s mother, is destined for a best-actress nomination. 

Film reviewer Dwight Brown said, “Deadwyler’s angst-filled and gutsy performance pulls you into Mamie’s full range of emotions — happy protective mother, fearful parent, enraged guardian, fierce advocate. Deadwyler’s display of sorrow is so deep and expressive it deserves an Oscar® Award. Sometimes the love between a mother and son is so strong it doesn’t die, even after death. That’s what audiences will see here. That’s what they will take away. A love and strength that endures.” 

Till is now playing at the State Theatre.

Tár

Written and directed by Todd Field, Tár stars Cate Blanchett as fictional Lydia Tár, a woman at the height of her career as an acclaimed conductor and composer who seems untouchable in her field until she isn’t. 

After a former student with ties to Tár commits suicide, the fortress she’s built around her career and reputation starts to crumble.

The film deals with cancel culture but refrains from giving the audience any easy answers or telling them what to think. 

Blanchett’s performance is sure to be another highlight of the year. 

Tár is now playing at the State Theatre.

Ticket to Paradise

Led by stars George Clooney and Julia Roberts, this film follows the story of a divorced couple who head to Bali in the hope of stopping their daughter from rushing into a marriage, a mistake which they believe they made themselves. 

The film is directed by Ol Parker and written by Parker and Daniel Pipski.

This story delves into the prospect of second chances under the genre of a romantic comedy.

It has so far received mixed reviews from critics, however, many comment on the undeniable charm of the leads. 

Ticket to Paradise is now playing at the State Theatre.

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