GEMINI (2018)

Written, Edited & Directed By: Aaron Katz 
Cinematography By: Andrew Reed 


Cast: Lola Kirke, Zoe Kravitz, John Cho, Greta Lee, Ricki Lake, Michelle Forbes, Reeve Carney, Jessica Parker Kennedy, James Ransone, Todd Louiso, Nelson Franklin 


A heinous crime tests the complex relationship between a tenacious personal assistant and her Hollywood starlet boss. As the assistant travels across Los Angeles to unravel the mystery, she must stay one step ahead of a determined policeman and confront her own understanding of friendship, truth and celebrity.


The film is impressively stylish and sharp throughout especially visually. Unfortunately the same can’t be said of the story or script. Which seemed aimed but unfocused and misses whatever the target was.

Zoe Kravitz makes an intriguing femme fatale at first while she seems fragile, mysterious and enchanting until she becomes rather whiny and comes off more spoiled. Which works of the film is trying to change or mess with the perceptions of the audience. Though it feels like that is what is being attempted not only with her character but with the whole film. It never truly becomes that way. As it seems to only be used here and there. While the rest of the film just seems more about appearance and expecting the audience to fill in any Interpretation.

The film seems to give more mood than is necessary and for no real reason. Even as it never becomes as exciting as it seems to be head by towards. Instead it stays more deadpan and a bit humorous with a witty offbeat humor. That seems to be try by for a THE LONG GOODBYE type of attitude.

Like Hollywood the film is full Forrest promise but can feel empty while searching for something great. It all depends on how you watch it.

You get to know more who or what certain characters are about as the story goes along. So like the protagonist we come into the film blind to a degree or only know face value (which would have been a great title for the film) then They reveal their depth or purpose later on in the story.

Probably more guilty of holding the movie up to great promise. When it ideally want to be itself and have it’s own identity as a nifty mystery. As the main character in investigating her friends death finds out more not only about her friend but the people around her. Some show surprising amounts of depth while other show themselves to be self serving and shallow. While she gets to know herself and what she is worth to herself and others. Like the gemini of the title allowing to show a duality.

It's Hard to feel much when the film and it’s characters seem to go out of their way to keep and stay cool throughout.

One had high hopes for this film with it’s attractive and likable cast. Even enjoyed the directors Aaron Katz previous film and low-key mystery COLD WEATHER.

The film has the style that recent efforts at detective mysteries have lacked but those other films had stronger stories and material which this film sorely lacked. If only they both met halfway. As like some of those films this film comes off as a bit more quirky at least as far as characters. As the visuals stay rich and luscious and provide the depth that the film ultimately lacks.

The film ultimately comes off as David lynch lite. With a conclusion like a Miami Vice episode with a richness of mood and visuals yet the story seems simplest and much ado about nothing.


GRADE: C+