Review of Beatriz at Dinner (2017) by Brent_Marchant — 22 Jun 2017

At times brilliant, at times frustrating, this dark, sociopolitical satire gives viewers much to ponder both practically and metaphysically, a rare fusion for a film these days. It also manages to maintain a fair amount of suspense at an event -- a dinner party -- that would seem an unlikely setting for such a narrative quality.

Salma Hayek gives one of the year's best performances thus far, more than adequately backed by a superb ensemble of supporting players. Admittedly, it's a little disappointing that the film draws upon a plot device that's been used before to wrap things up, even if it's employed in a way not seen before.

But, this disappointment aside, "Beatriz at Dinner" gives us much to think about at a critical juncture in our country's -- and our reality's -- history.