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Up To Date

Up To Date's Indie, Foreign & Doc Critics' 'Three To See,' November 24-26

Sony Pictures Classics
Maggie Betts' full-length directorial debut, 'Novitiate,' recounts a monasterial struggle between an autocratic reverend mother and her modernizing archbishop and institution.

After the turkey day hubbub settles down (but before heading back in to work on Monday), get back in the swing of things with a movie. Up To Date's indie, foreign and documentary Film Critics each have three suggestions for your weekend. They may not include dangerous car chases, big explosions or political intrigue but — hey! — didn't you get enough of that during Thanksgiving?

Cynthia Haines

Lady Bird, R

  • Greta Gerwig's first solo effort as writer/director is a heartfelt dedication to her NorCal hometown, and a masterful, funny examination of the mercurial relationship between a mother and her high school-aged daughter.

Wonderstruck, PG

Loving Vincent, PG-13

  • A creative interpretation of the life and allegedly mysterious death of Vincent Van Gogh, depicted in more than 65,000 oil-painted animations that mirror the artist's own style.

Steve Walker

Novitiate, R

  • Melissa Leo gives a ferocious performance as a stern and rigid Reverend Mother fighting the progressive ideas of Vatican II in a convent she rules like a dictator circa 1964.

The Square, R

  • An ill-advised media campaign about a new art installation is at the center of Ruben Ostlund’s ambitious movie, which won the Palme d'Or at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, about how the contemporary art scene in Sweden addresses class inequality, and political correctness.

Lady Bird, R

  • This sublime, tart comedy, written and directed by Greta Gerwig, features flawless performances from Laurie Metcalf as a stressed-out mom and Saoirse Ronan as a bohemian high school senior circa 2002 wishing she was anywhere but Sacramento.
Since 1998, Steve Walker has contributed stories and interviews about theater, visual arts, and music as an arts reporter at KCUR. He's also one of Up to Date's regular trio of critics who discuss the latest in art, independent and documentary films playing on area screens.
As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.
As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.