Page 6 May 3, 2018 EL SEGUNDO HERALD
Entertainment
Check It Out Film Review
Inheriting Edith by Zoe Fishman
Reviewed by Kristina Kora-Beckman,
Librarian I, El Segundo Public Library
Zoe Fishman’s latest novel centers around
single mother Maggie Sheets, who unexpectedly
inherits a beach house from a former
friend and employer, Liza. But there’s a catch:
the previous owner’s mother, Edith, still lives
in the house and providing for her care is part
Inheriting Edith by Zoe Fishman.
of the arrangement. Adding to the complication
is Edith’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, as she
progressively needs assistance but struggles
with letting a stranger into her home -- yet
alone help her with day-to-day tasks.
Maggie has her own challenges, caring
for a precocious toddler and finding her way
in new surroundings while still haunted by
demons from her past. Edith too carries the
weight of long-ago secrets and regret, but
eventually both women find a way to make
peace with their pasts and create a way
forward together.
An engaging, fast read that deftly covers
difficult topics like suicide and mental illness,
I liked how Fishman explored themes of
trust, self-discovery, grief and redefining what
family means. Her characters are complex,
but relatable and the story exudes warmth
and hope sprinkled with dashes of humor.
For more fabulous fiction finds, check out
our paperback section, located across from
the movies and audiobooks. We have titles
spanning most fiction genres including romance,
mystery, sci-fi and classics. To check
out Inheriting Edith, or any other titles on
your to-read list, please visit the library to
apply for your free library card. •
Kristina Kora-Beckman.
“The habit of reading is the only enjoyment in which there
is no alloy; it lasts when all other pleasures fade.”
– Anthony Trollope
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Highlights from
the Tribeca Film Festival
Morgan Rojas for www.cinemacy.com
Cinemacy returned from the Tribeca
Film Festival last week and after five red
carpets, one exclusive interview and countless
screenings, we are feeling a bit exhausted
but more excited than ever. The festival,
started by Robert De Niro in 2002, is a
showcase of eclectic independent films
and is held in the Tribeca neighborhood of
Manhattan, NY. I hope you enjoy some of
our highlights from this year’s festival! To
see more, including our red carpet interviews
with Zoe’s Matthew Gray Gubler and Drake
Doremus, visit www.cinemacy.com.
Songwriter
Ed Sheeran fans rejoice: the English singersongwriter
is getting candid by inviting viewers
to take an intimate look into his artistic process
in the documentary Songwriter. Directed by
his cousin Murray Cummings, the doc follows
Sheeran throughout the creation of his charttopping
album “÷” (divide) which, after just
one week on sale, became the biggest-selling
album of 2017. From early jam sessions in his
tour van to brainstorming lyrics and chords
with friends in Malibu, Songwriter plays like
a private acoustic concert for an hour and a
half. Sheeran’s talent is undeniable. his soothing
and uplifting voice is always on point
-- even when dressed in a green t-shirt, blue
plaid pajama pants and fuzzy moccasins -- a
juxtaposition that makes for some (perhaps
unintentionally) funny moments. Songwriter is
the ultimate film for Sheeran groupies, music
fans and anyone pursuing a creative passion.
It was acquired by Apple in a seven-figure
deal for worldwide distribution.
Maine
Fleeting love and missed connections are
all-too-familiar situations that happen in
everyday life, yet the number of films
that successfully tackle these complex and
heartbreaking feelings are very few. In
Maine, director Matthew Brown embraces
the romance of nature and creates a love
story that may be devoid of a stereotypical
happy ending, but does not shortchange
on emotional satisfaction. Laia Costa and
Thomas Mann play Bluebird and Lake,
two hikers on a journey -- both literally and
figuratively -- who cross paths while on the
Appalachian Trail. Each of them is saddled
with personal baggage. The intimacy of the
environment and their growing bond comes
to a head when, after getting caught up in
the moment, they kiss. Even though the affection
is mutual, Bluebird makes it clear
that she cannot continue to put herself in this
position with Lake. She is married, after all.
Understanding but obviously disappointed,
Lake does the best he can to get through the
next couple of days until Bluebird leaves the
trail for home. Under different circumstances,
it seems like this relationship could have
thrived, but the reality is that not everything
that seems meant to be will be. This makes
one question: Can the heart make a mistake?
Zoe
Drake Doremus has done it again. The
independent film director takes the familiar
theme of love in modern relationships and
adds an exciting new sci-fi element to his
latest romantic drama, Zoe. Starring Ewan
McGregor as an entrepreneur computer
scientist and Léa Seydoux as his research
assistant, Zoe is a beautiful and heartbreaking
look at the complexities of love and the
lengths one is willing to go to in order to
hold onto it. Set in an undisclosed time in the
future, Cole (McGregor) is at the forefront
of revolutionizing romantic relationships. He
has developed technology that determines
the compatibility and likelihood of longterm
success for couples looking to take
that next step in their relationship. Cole
has also been working on creating an ideal
physical partner for singletons unlucky in
love. “Synthetics,” as they’re called, are programmed
to be completely compatible with,
and never betray, their partner -- qualities that
real humans struggle with in reality. While
working closely with Cole, Zoe (Seydoux)
becomes increasingly overwhelmed with
romantic feelings for him. When no one is
looking, she runs a compatibility test with
him and finds shocking results that reflect
a 0.00 percent success rate. Dumbfounded,
Zoe can’t help but be honest with Cole
about her discovery and his explanation as
to why their relationship could never work
out despite their mutual attraction and it
leaves Zoe questioning her entire existence.
Zoe had been acquired by Amazon Prime
for a summer release. •
Tribeca Film Festival Hub at Spring Studios. Courtesy of CNET.
Morgan Rojas.
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