Cook review: A24 fans should see ‘Problemista’ ASAP

Oh, A24, seldom do you disappoint.  And here you are with “Problemisa,” a hopeful, impossible-to-classify trippy flick that’s bound to make audiences smile.

‘Problemista’ (IMDb)

In case you’re not familiar with the studio, A24 is a film company known for its innovative, outside-the-box movies like “Moonlight,” “Past Lives” and “Everything Everywhere All At Once.”

Here’s another one.

“Problemista” stars Julio Torres (“Los Espookys”) as Alejandro, a bewildered young man who dreams of being a toy developer for Hasbro.

That doesn’t pan out as he had imagined, though, so he ends up being a sort of custodian for the cryogenically frozen body of an artist (RZA) whose paintings all focused on images of eggs.

The wonderful Tilda Swinton (“The Killer”) stars as Elizabeth, an art critic who wants to sell her husband’s paintings so she can keep him frozen.

Alejandro, who is in the United States on a work visa, is awkward, apologetic and quiet. Elizabeth is manic, loud and demanding.

Naturally, Alejandro eventually becomes her assistant … or should I say Elizabeth holds him hostage?… as she tries to set up an exhibition that will allow her to sell the artworks.

Both the characters are fascinating. I love Elizabeth’s wild look and hair-trigger temper that make her an unstable force to be reckoned with. Alejandro always appears bewildered and tentative – watch the way his character walks.

I love its themes about immigration, governmental red tape, pursuing one’s dreams, and standing up for yourself.

This movie is purposefully weird. It’s not a tale told in a straightforward fashion, so it’s more for audiences who enjoy the oddball atmosphere of films like “Beau is Afraid.”

It’s well worth seeing on the big screen. It won’t be around long, so catch it while you have the chance.

3 ½ stars

Rated: R for foul language and sexual situations.

Running time: 104 minutes.

At The Last Picture House, Davenport.

Watch the trailer here.

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