Review of The Tale (2018) by Lok T — 21 Sep 2018
Traumatic events are suppressed; that's not new. But what Jennifer Fox and The Tale has bravely done is demonstrate how Jenny Fox (Laura Dern) finally attacks this scar from all facets to determine its root cause.
Memories of the beautiful become tainted and monstrous, but all this provides closure and understanding of why she is the adult she is today. I applaude Fox for facing and living up to her truths, and by making and releasing this movie to millions, she will empower many to tell Their Tale in real time (read: as soon as it happens).
As Olivier Assaya's Double Vies would suggest, most fiction is auto[biographical]-fiction. Had she not been writing at the time, the scar of The Tale might have been brushed off as of unknown origin forever.
The manner in which Fox narrates her investigative thoughts as a child and adult, effectively travelling through space, time, and the fourth wall, is seamlessly interwoven into the investigation. Isabelle Nélisse and Ellen Burstyn provide strong support for Dern as child Jenny Fox and her mother, respectively.
Elizabeth Debicki is hauntingly convincing as the elusive younger Mrs. G. The Tale is a compelling watch wherein the viewer will have to use their smarts, but be prepared for repetitive scenes with inappropriate, unsettling imagery.
This review of The Tale (2018) was written by Lok T on 21 Sep 2018.
The Tale has generally received very positive reviews.
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