CHERRY: a review that no-one wanted but I had feelings 💕✨
I tried to be really calm in this review and not get too ✨ passionate ✨
Not that it matters, but I have a film degree and hope I managed to bring forth some insight into elements of the film but also I know nothing lol please enjoy my 1k ramble xo
My whole experience to this film prior to it’s release was a rollercoaster. There was the initial excitement of such a challenging and demanding role for Tom, which was always going to be something I was going to be eager for – but I must admit, reading the critics reviews of the film mixed with Tom speaking so highly of it and interviews alike caused me a lot of confliction and my excitement turned to nerves knowing how much the cast and crew alike felt personally connected to this film.
Needless to say, I was completely unprepared for the film that followed.
Cherry is a visual experience. Whilst initially curious to see how the chapters of Cherry’s life would work on screen, wondering if they would they feel either disconnected or disjointed from one another, I was so surprised at how seamlessly they managed to merge into each other. Personally, it was never too much of one thing and not enough of another – each chapter illustrated the trauma constantly added to Cherry’s life and I understood why they were highlighted in the ways that they were.
Whilst I agree not all the stylistic elements were necessarily needed, I didn’t think it damaged the film in any way having them in there. I just don’t think it impacted or heightened it in anyway either. The use of the 4th wall and its constant breakage as a form of narration, I thought, was used brilliantly – it made sense, it added further life and character from Cherry that dispersed him from being this idea of ‘could be anyone’ and made him more of an individualised character which I think is important in a film which is trying to express the idea that Cherry could be anybody, as it still gives you someone to hold onto throughout.
Also, I have to talk about the use of the cinematography within this film. Newton Thomas Sigel does an absolutely incredible job with how this film looks, especially considering there are six different cinematic styles to get right. From the quieter shots that really struck me, such as the church shot – to a lot of the bigger landscaped scenes, I really found myself being mesmerised by the camera work and generalised look of the film in itself, from lighting, filtration, angles, lenses – it was beautifully done, and excelled in its own storytelling.
What I will say, is without Tom and Ciara I don’t think I personally could’ve rated this film the score that it’s been given. I firmly believe they carry a lot of the weight, and of course sell it too.
I have seen many critic responses, some even highlighting that they simply couldn’t see past the ‘Peter Parker’ image – my response to that would be if you’re looking for Spiderman then all you will see is Spiderman. Not because of Tom’s performance, but because that is what you want to see. I think Cherry is miles away from Peter Parker, and whilst even I was concerned that he wouldn’t be able to shake that image, what he manages to do in this film is frankly, for me, indicative of what kind of potential he truly can reach regarding his versatility in further roles. You can see the levels in which Tom pushes this character to his very limits – shedding skin in every chapter to eventually reveal such raw brokenness. There were moments that truly took my breath away, and I can understand why there would be some Oscar buzz surrounding this particular performance and I can only hope that he gets further roles that allow him to play such conflicting, raw and real characters in the future.
Ciara is also an absolute force to be reckoned with in this film. There was one thing pulling her back from truly reaching the peak of her character, which I did see a couple of glimpses of, specifically when her character turns to addiction herself. However, the underdevelopment of Emily and her storyline as a standalone aspect to this film stopped her fullest potential being reached, which is frustrating in a film that is supposed to have a focus on addiction and how life consuming it can be for anyone in any circumstance. There were too many times where Emily became an extension of Cherry instead of her own person, which fell flat for me – especially in a script written by women. But by all means, Ciara’s performance was brilliant and I truly felt the pain for the character when it was given – I just wish I could’ve seen more of her. The chemistry between Cherry and Emily, ergo Tom and Ciara were also 10/10 – a little more push and pull here and there would’ve been preferable (but this is definitely more of a director’s element than on Tom and Ciara themselves, with the material in front of them – I genuinely think that they did a phenomenal job) but altogether, some extraordinary performances, perhaps some of my favourite in cinema.
I could speak so much more on this film (and probably will) and would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on it. Also, I did not read the book prior to watching the film – but I would like to say that I’ve heard a lot of people saying they have issues with the adaptation, but please remember that adaptation is always difficult to get right. Unless it is a biopic or biographical film, which I always think should be as accurate as possible. I’m always intrigued to see what resonates with screenwriters and what aspects of the novel they want to take inspiration from the most.
Please remember that filmmaking is art. And art is entirely subjective ❤️
