Haven’t fans of movie musicals suffered enough in one year what with the dreadful likes of A Star is Born and Bohemian Rhapsody? It’s easy to see why Natalie Portman chose to star as the adult victim of a high school shooting who channels her personal tragedy into a successful career as a rock icon. It’s a reel or so before she appears, but once onscreen, everything evolves from her character. Everything save for silly stuff like plot motivation, character development, entertainment value, etc. That’s where writer-director Brady Corbet’s disappoints. It’s rare that Natalie Portman lets you down, but when she does, it painful. Ever wonder what it would be like watching Portman channel Frankenstein’s bride — the Shinola’ed temple gave her away — Katy Perry, and TV’s Fran Drescher? If the answer is yes, you had better hurry, because this probably won’t last the week. It’s narrator Willem Dafoe, delivering much needed exposition and added layers of social commentary, who is assigned most of the grunt work. (2019) — Scott Marks
This movie is not currently in theaters.