Explore the 2025 Venice Film Festival: Highlights of ‘The Smashing Machine’, Kim Novak’s ‘Vertigo’, ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’, and More!

In the classic film “Pierrot le Fou,” there’s a famous scene where Belmondo asks Sam Fuller, a bold filmmaker, to define cinema. Fuller responds, “Film is like a battleground … It’s love, hate, action, violence, death. In one word, emotions!” The four films I’ll discuss here might seem very different at first glance, but they all dive deep into powerful emotions: the highs and lows, the turmoil, and the buried feelings.

Dwayne Johnson stars in “The Smashing Machine,” directed by Benny Safdie. He plays Mark Kerr, a real mixed martial arts pioneer. The film captures his thrilling rise in the sport, with bouts taking place in exciting locations like Japan. With the support of his girlfriend Dawn (Emily Blunt) and colleague Mark Coleman (Ryan Bader), Kerr is driven by an intense desire to win. “Winning is the greatest feeling in the world,” he shouts, blood still on his lips after a victory. But what happens when he finally faces defeat? This is where the film truly shines, revealing Mark’s struggles with confidence and direction. Johnson proves he’s not just an action star; he can deliver a powerful performance filled with raw emotion.

Next is “Kim Novak’s Vertigo,” a documentary directed by Alexandre O. Philipe. At 92, Kim Novak, a Hollywood icon, reflects on her life and career. Although the film primarily centers on her iconic role in “Vertigo,” it explores her entire journey in the world of filmmaking. It’s a treat to hear Novak share her thoughts on her experiences and her love for director Alfred Hitchcock. The documentary also highlights her passion for painting, showing a different side of this complex woman who once ruled the silver screen.

Now let’s look at “The Testament of Ann Lee,” directed by Mona Fastvold. This film tells the story of Ann Lee, the founder of the Shaker movement, set against the backdrop of Revolutionary War America. Amanda Seyfried portrays Lee with fierce dedication, bringing her emotional depth to life. The film includes song as part of the Shaker practice, blending elements of musical storytelling. It powerfully illustrates how faith and emotion intertwine in Lee’s journey, reflecting a time when expressing feelings was both a personal and communal experience.

Finally, there’s “Father Mother Sister Brother,” by Jim Jarmusch. This film presents repressed emotions within families, exploring awkward connections and deep-rooted conflicts. The first story follows Adam Driver and Mayim Bialik visiting their estranged father, played by Tom Waits. The second features Vicky Krieps and Cate Blanchett as sisters struggling to communicate with their mother. Only in the last segment, focusing on twins Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat, do we see genuine warmth and connection. While Jarmusch’s earlier films leaned toward humor, this one takes a more challenging approach but is still rewarding for viewers willing to engage with its themes.

Overall, these films remind us that emotions are at the heart of storytelling. Whether through victory, loss, reflection, or connection, they capture what it means to be human.

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