Watch Planetarium

In 2016, director Rebecca Zlotowski released Planetarium, a drama with fantasy elements set in Paris during the late 1930s. The film follows two American sisters, Laura (Natalie Portman) and Kate (Lily-Rose Depp), who claim to have the ability to communicate with ghosts. They become involved with André Korben (Emmanuel Salinger), a film producer who is interested in casting the sisters for his next project. Initially skeptical, Korben becomes convinced of their talents after witnessing a seance they conduct.

Despite their newfound fame, Laura and Kate are both struggling with personal issues. Laura is mourning the loss of a loved one and grappling with her own mortality, while Kate feels trapped in the shadow of her older sister. As they navigate their relationships with Korben and each other, the sisters' abilities are put to the test when they encounter a young woman who may be possessed.

Although the film deals with paranormal themes, it is primarily a character study of the three main characters. Zlotowski uses dreamlike sequences and chiaroscuro lighting to create a sense of unease and mystery, while the performances by Portman, Depp, and Salinger add emotional depth to the story.

Portman, in particular, delivers a powerful performance as Laura. Her character is complex and haunted, struggling with her own mortality and dealing with her grief in unconventional ways. Portman brings an intensity to the role that is both captivating and heartbreaking, making Laura one of the most memorable characters in recent cinema.

Depp, meanwhile, shines in her role as the younger sister. Kate is a character who is often overlooked and underestimated, but Depp brings a vulnerability and quiet strength to the role that makes her an integral part of the story.

Salinger rounds out the cast as Korben, a man who is simultaneously fascinated and afraid of the sisters' abilities. Although his character is not as fleshed out as the sisters', Salinger delivers a nuanced performance that is both sympathetic and unsettling.

The film's period setting is also worth noting. Zlotowski does an excellent job of immersing the audience in 1930s Paris, capturing both the glamour and the turmoil of the era. The film's attention to detail is impressive, from the art deco interiors to the vintage cameras used by Korben and his crew.

Overall, Planetarium is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores complex themes such as grief, sisterhood, and the supernatural. It may not be for everyone - the dreamlike sequences and nonlinear storytelling may be off-putting to some - but for those who appreciate a well-crafted character study, it is well worth a watch.

Planetarium is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6 and a MetaScore of 44.