Capsule reviews for March 8

Gloria Bell

As you’d expect, Julianne Moore shines in the title role of this character study about middle-aged romance from director Sebastian Lelio (A Fantastic Woman). Gloria is a divorced insurance agent who discovers her free-spirited side during frequent visits to Los Angeles dance clubs. That’s where she meets a recent divorcee (John Turturro) likewise trying to start over but carrying baggage from previous relationships. Moore expertly balances strength and vulnerability in her committed portrayal, while Lelio’s quietly perceptive screenplay — reworking his own 2013 Chilean film — navigates familiar territory with a vibrant sense of authenticity and emotional urgency. Plus, the soundtrack filled with 1980s anthems is, well, glorious. (Rated R, 102 minutes).

The Kid

An excellent cast rides through some predictable paces in this latest Western to tackle the Billy the Kid legend. It does take a slightly different path, centering on a youngster named Rio (Jake Schur), who’s fleeing after an episode of family violence in the Old West when he has a chance encounter with the aforementioned outlaw (Dane DeHaan), acting almost a sidekick during the buildup to his famed showdown by lawman Pat Garrett (Ethan Hawke). Meanwhile, Rio himself is destined for a standoff with his vengeful uncle (Chris Pratt). Actor-turned-director Vincent D’Onofrio stages some effective moments, but too often the ultraviolent film feels meandering and tedious. (Rated R, 99 minutes).

Three Faces

Quietly bemusing and subtly provocative, the latest from Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi (The White Balloon) is a more self-reflexive glimpse at familiar themes regarding gender and socioeconomic oppression in his home country. Specifically, it visits three actresses at different points in their careers. One of them (Behnaz Jafari) is sent a video from a suicidal young fan whose family is denying her opportunity to study at a drama conservatory in Iran. So Panahi (playing himself) drives Jafari to the girl’s small town to search for answers, encountering eccentric characters along the way. The modest low-budget film strikes an appropriate balance between levity and social commentary. (Not rated, 101 minutes).