“I Spit on Your Grave” Meets “The Handmaid’s Tale” When “The Nightingale” Sings
There are certain films in the past where the reviewer has been asked not to reveal a pivotal plot point. Neil Jordan’s The Crying Game from 1992 pops to mind. What happens? Well, let’s just say that Miramax and Harvey Weinstein had mixed feelings about their star Jaye Davison receiving a Best Supporting Actor nomination because . . . . I still don’t feel comfortable telling you.
Similarly, The Nightingale arrives with its press notes containing a rather lengthy request in red ink. Please, let there be no mention in your review of what occurs in the beginning of the heroine’s journey we are beseeched.
There are apparently “trigger acts” of violence towards everyone of every age who are either black or white. Homosexuals, Hispanics, and Inuits are spared because there are no characters of their ilk in the script except for one closeted gay man, and if he’s actually a closeted Sodomite, why waste a good spear? Right, God? However, if I recall correctly, a baby kangaroo doesn’t fare that well.
The notes also caution in the aforementioned red ink that this feature “can . . . inspire reflection on…