The Whistlers opens at the Music Box Theater on March 27
Welcome to TAKE 2, our monthly feature where we highlight recent Chicago International Film Festival selections that are now playing in theaters or on streaming platforms in case you missed them at the Festival! Take a look below for the best of #ChiFilmFest to watch this month.
In Theaters
DEERSKIN
Director: Quentin Dupieux
After Dark, 55th Chicago International Film Festival
After bearded loner Georges acquires a new suede jacket, he becomes so infatuated with the garment that he sets off on an oddball crusade—to eliminate all other jackets—that quickly takes a murderous turn. Along the way, he enlists amateur cineaste and bartender Denise to document his quest. At the heart of this wickedly deadpan black comedy is a committed performance from The Artist’s Jean Dujardin, who plays Georges with unabashedly deranged glee.
Screening Details:
In select theaters March 20
THE WHISTLERS
Director: Corneliu Porumboiu
Global Currents, 55th Chicago International Film Festival
In this wildly offbeat heist movie, Cristi, a corrupt middle-aged cop, travels from Bucharest to the Canary Islands to study an ancient Aboriginal whistling language that allows criminals to communicate without fear of detection. Soon, though, he is caught in a classic film noir set up—at odds with gangsters and in love with femme fatale Gilda. Porumboiu’s trademark deadpan wit keeps the proceedings moving apace, crafting a slick and surprising caper flick.
Screening Details:
Opens March 27, visit website for showtimes
Music Box Theater, 3733 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
On Streaming
TOO LATE TO DIE YOUNG
Director: Dominga Sotomayor Castillo
International Competition, 54th Chicago International Film Festival
Summer 1990. The dawn of a new, post-dictatorship era in Chile. In the mountains, a commune of idealists is determined to live off the land. But the outside world encroaches. Sofia, on the verge of adulthood, longs to be independent, in love, and living in the city with her singer mother. This atmospheric drama evokes the tumultuous emotions of growing up and the ephemeral promise of childhood and utopia.
Streaming Details:
Too Late to Die Young is available to stream on The Criterion Channel starting March 1.
A HIDDEN LIFE
Director: Terrence Malick
Special Presentation, 55th Chicago International Film Festival
Based on real events, from visionary writer-director Terrence Malick, A Hidden Life is the story of an unsung hero, Franz Jägerstätter, who refused to fight for the Nazis in World War II. When the Austrian peasant farmer is faced with the threat of execution for treason, it is his unwavering faith and his love for his wife Fani and children that keeps his spirit alive.
Streaming Details:
A Hidden Life is available to buy on iTunes, Google Play, and more digital services starting March 3.
KNIVES AND SKIN
Director: Jennifer Reeder
After Dark, 55th Chicago International Film Festival
In this mystical Twin Peaks-ian teen noir, the disappearance of a high school student points to dark forces at work in a sleepy Illinois town. Although friends, neighbors, and family search for Carolyn Harper, the case remains unsolved. Unmoored and adrift, the rural community— from the mother of the missing girl to her fellow choir members—tries to soldier on. Surreal, sly, and shocking, Jennifer Reeder’s coming-of-age tale has a fiercely feminist heart.
Streaming Details:
Knives and Skin is available to stream on Hulu starting March 6.
ART PAUL OF PLAYBOY: THE MAN BEHIND THE BUNNY
Director: Jennifer Hou Kwong
Tribute to Art Paul, 54th Chicago International Film Festival
A feature-length documentary film on the life and impact of Art Paul, the founding art director of Playboy magazine, creator of the iconic bunny logo and prolific artist,who blurred the lines between commercial and fine art.
Streaming Details:
Art Paul of Playboy: The Man Behind the Bunny is available to stream on Amazon Prime.
212 W Van Buren St., Suite 400
