A boy sorts out the reality of the world in Armageddon Time, the latest from writer/director James Gray.
Inspired by Gray’s own childhood, the film follows Paul, a sixth grader in New York City as the ’70s give way to the ’80s. He’s surrounded by his well-to-do family and all the promise that entails, and he’s just at the age where he could begin to stray from it. The first alarm goes off when he befriends a Black boy and is confronted forcefully with the racism inherent in American society. As his family and other mentors bestow advice for his future, he must sort out which he will follow and which he will abandon.
This looks to be less cheery than the average look back at childhood, but as with all of Gray’s films, it should be beautiful despite the tone. The director of Ad Astra, The Immigrant, and The Lost City of Z once again pairs with ace cinematographer Darius Khondji to achieve the effect, which is almost enough to recommend it alone.
Adding to the prestige of the project is the impressive lineup of actors, which includes Anne Hathaway, Jeremy Strong, and Anthony Hopkins as the boy’s family. The boy himself is played by relative newcomer Banks Repeta, who is a key unknown.
Reviews from its festival run have been strong, so keep an eye out for this one.
Armageddon Time is directed by James Gray and stars Banks Repeta, Anne Hathaway, Jeremy Strong, and Anthony Hopkins. It will be released in the US on November 11th. For international release dates, click here.
Will you check this one out? Let us know in the comments!
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