Capsule reviews for Dec. 17

Last Words

A muddled if heartfelt celebration of the enduring power of cinema, this post-apocalyptic drama stumbles when trying to connect its tale of memories and mortality on a deeper emotional level. In the year 2085, after most of the planet has been wiped out by unknown circumstances, an African immigrant (Kalipha Touray) leaves Paris on foot to find other survivors. Among them is a recluse (Nick Nolte) who maintains a remarkable library of classic movies, prompting the duo to see what else is out there. The screenplay by director Jonathan Nossiter (Mondovino) tries to find hope amid the despair, but lacks the conviction to fulfill its ambitions. (Not rated, 126 minutes).

Margrete: Queen of the North

Offering a compelling glimpse into an obscure episode in Nordic lore, this handsomely mounted period drama argues that its titular royalty shouldn’t be relegated to a historical footnote. In the early 15th century, Margrete (Trine Dyrholm) has achieved peace in Scandinavia through a fragile diplomatic union overseen by her adopted son (Morten Hee Andersen). As she tries to stabilize the region further, Margrete’s leadership is undermined by a potential scandal with personal and political ramifications. Although the screenplay co-written by Danish director Charlotte Sieling too often lacks urgency considering the high-stakes subject matter, a nuanced performance by Dyrholm (Love Is All You Need) brings emotional depth. (Not rated, 121 minutes).

Mother/Android

It could have been a provocative cautionary tale about technology run amok, but this dystopian survival thriller instead is a messy combination of video game-style action sequences and strained human melodrama. In the near future, Sam (Algee Smith) and his pregnant girlfriend, Georgia (Chloe Grace Moretz) become caught up in a rebellion among androids built for domestic roles, who suddenly and collectively turn into vicious killers. As the danger intensifies, so does the desperation to escape. Both lead performances are solid. However, as the directorial debut of screenwriter Mattson Tomlin (Project Power) focuses more on the expectant mother, her resilience doesn’t yield the intended emotional resonance. (Rated R, 110 minutes).

The Novice

Any underdog, crowd-pleasing cliches you typically associate with sports movies are dispatched immediately in this deeply felt and psychologically intense character study about obsession and self-discovery. Alex (Isabelle Fuhrman) is a hard-charging college freshman whose decision to join the rowing team turns into an all-encompassing quest for perfection, even if it means jeopardizing her social life, academics, and physical and mental health. Fuhrman’s fully committed portrayal, combined with a ferocious screenplay by rookie director Lauren Hadaway, create an uneven yet perceptive glimpse into the extreme demands of the college experience, especially for athletes. It’s a challenging and rewarding look at isolation and suffering without easy catharsis. (Rated R, 97 minutes).

Rumble

The script for the average professional wrestling match is more sophisticated and less predictable than the one for this silly animated comedy, for which the target demographic might not mind the use of narrative brute force. It’s set in a fantasy world where monster wrestling has a worldwide fanbase and sells out stadiums, and naturally attracts greed and corruption. Steve (voiced by Will Arnett) is a washed-up creature who partners with a teenage coach (Geraldine Viswanathan) for an underdog quest to save her father’s wrestling empire from a rival promoter (Tony Shalhoub). Kids might appreciate the innocuous story and colorful animation while non-fans feel mentally body-slammed. (Rated PG, 94 minutes).