Joy of Horses - Touching Tale of Growing Up and Overcoming Grief

Growing up is never easy, no matter where that process takes place or who it involves. But, sometimes, the life of a soon-to-be adult can become even more challenging, especially when that includes the loss of a loved one. Joy of Horses is a coming-of-age drama that deals with a story just like that and does it in a beautiful, emotional manner that will resonate with many. Here is how the film describes itself:

    After losing someone close, Joy's life is turned upside down. She seeks a fresh start and moves to a new state to live with her grandfather. In this unfamiliar place, she is forced to encounter new people and experiences, which is initially overwhelming. As she navigates her new life, Joy discovers a deep love and connection to horses, which brings her peace and joy. However, her journey takes a turn when she unexpectedly reunites with someone from her past. This reunion leads to a new challenge: finding herself in a complicated love triangle, again testing her resilience.

 

The connection that human beings and horses can establish has often been portrayed in art, but this film takes that approach and sets it in a very contemporary tale of a young person suddenly finding herself outside of her environment. But here, Joy is able to understand her life in a new perspective, but also, just as importantly, try to find a way to heal and overcome her terrible loss.

The film is perfectly shot, using most of the pastoral landscapes and the grace and beauty that horses bring. Through these, the shots in the film seem to radiate with light and unspoken hope. This fits ideally with the story and its main characters, showing, in a way, how all of them change and mature into adults, but also find meaningful connections through that process.

The film Joy of Horses is a must-watch for not only young people who might be struggling to find their bearing in life, but anyone ready for an honest and emotional tale of stepping into adulthood. If you'd like to watch the film, it is avalable on a range of online spots. That is why you can find and watch it right now on Roku, Tubi, Plex, Prime video, Amazon DVD, Fandango, Hoopla, and YouTube.

Film Review: Oddity (2024)

The power of Oddity as a very fresh and atypical horror is seen literally in the first five minutes of the film. That is the moment in the film when a brilliant and chilling conversation takes place between a woman, locked in an old Irish mansion, and a stranger on the other side of the door. In that short but impactful vignette, the film and its director Damian Mc Carthy showcase just how well they manage tension, expectation, and the bleak visual environment where both take place. In that space, we as a viewer cannot help but look for danger and threats in every dark doorway or dimly lit corner.

The same skill set propels Oddity to the very top of modern horror, especially when keeping in mind that it is coming from a European indie production. But, through the smart use of simple props and excellent storytelling, Oddity compensates for any lack of production values. Instead, it proves a deeply disturbing tale that is still very plausible and ultimately a very down-to-earth matter. Similarly to Late Night with the Devil, the film’s premise begins in an outlandish manner but becomes more and more personal and thus possible as time goes by.

With that strong and grounded setup, the tale of a blind woman and a medium, going on the quest to find out who really murdered her twin sister becomes something extraordinary. The acting cast understood that as well, which is why Carolyn Bracken and Caroline Menton do a great job, followed closely by Tadhg Murphy, Steve Wall, and Gwilym Lee. All of them attain amazing results without any apparent extraordinary effort. In a similar way, Oddity effortlessly shows that horror films are at the cutting edge of the present independent film industry.

Contrasting Narratives: A Deep Dive into "Tokunbo" vs. "Sambala: The Cost of Freedom"

"Tokunbo" and "Sambala: The Cost of Freedom" are two notable Nigerian films released in 2024, each offering distinct narratives and themes.

"Tokunbo"

Directed by Ramsey Nouah, "Tokunbo" is an action drama that follows an ex-car smuggler tasked with delivering a government official's daughter to her captor within three hours to prevent harm to his family. The film delves into themes of desperation and moral dilemmas. It premiered on Netflix on August 23, 2024, and features performances by Gideon Okeke, Chidi Mokeme, and Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi.

"Sambala: The Cost of Freedom"

Directed by Kole Akintujoye, "Sambala: The Cost of Freedom" is a gripping drama set in a remote African village. The story centers on a young girl forced into an arranged marriage with a tyrant, leading her to spearhead a fight for freedom against oppressive forces. The film explores themes of resilience and the struggle for liberation. It has garnered attention for its powerful storytelling and cultural significance.

Comparative Overview

While both films are rooted in Nigerian cinema, they offer contrasting narratives:

Genre and Themes: "Tokunbo" is an action-packed thriller focusing on crime and personal sacrifice, whereas "Sambala" is a drama highlighting societal oppression and the quest for freedom.

Setting: "Tokunbo" is set in urban Nigeria, reflecting the complexities of city life and crime, while "Sambala" takes place in a rural village, emphasizing traditional practices and communal struggles.

Character Focus: "Tokunbo" centers on a male protagonist entangled in criminal activities, whereas "Sambala" features a female lead challenging societal norms and fighting for emancipation.

Where to Watch

"Tokunbo" is available for streaming on Netflix. As of now, "Sambala: The Cost of Freedom" has been showcased at film festivals and is anticipated to be available for wider viewing soon.

Trailers

You can watch the trailers for both films here:

Tokunbo Official Teaser

Sambala: The Cost of Freedom Official Trailer

Devil's Knight (2024) - Action Horror Fantasy

There can never be too many movies set in the medieval fantasy period, especially if they're based on a blend of action and horror. Simply put, the same mix of genres always provides a level of fun and thrills that nearly guarantees a good time for cinephiles of these types of films. Devil's Knight is one such film, and this title only recently came out. Here's how the film describes itself:

In the realm of Veroka, an elite group of global monster hunters is summoned by King Samuel to vanquish the ancient Bone Devil, whose reign of terror threatens the Kingdom of Remény.

 

The movie is directed by Adam Werth and stars John Wells, Kevin Sorbo, Angie Everhart, and Daniel Baldwin. It also features the legendary Eric Roberts. It was written by Vincent V. Gelsomino and Adam Werth. Devil's Knight is produced by Michael Mahal and Sonny Mahal of Mahal Empire Productions.

For more information, check out the Devil's Knight IMDb page!