Capsule reviews for July 8

Dreaming Walls: Inside the Chelsea Hotel

Even for those less familiar with the Manhattan landmark, this elegiac documentary is a haunting tribute to the cultural significance of a once bustling haven for generations of artists and musicians. As it recalls the vibrant bohemian legacy of the 140-year-old high-rise through archival footage and anecdotes, it also ponders an uncertain future due to ongoing renovations. The film salutes the dwindling number of elderly eccentrics who still populate the building in a fascinating convergence of artistry and commerce playing out in real time. More context would be nice, but perhaps appropriately, this compelling portrait of the Chelsea’s historical relevance is more impressionistic than finely detailed. (Not rated, 80 minutes).

Fire of Love

Running throughout this captivating documentary’s majestic shots of scenic mountain vistas and harrowing volcanic eruptions is a touching romance. It recalls French scientists Maurice and Katia Krafft, whose marriage revolved around their shared passion for volcanoes, ultimately resulting in their tragic death at the hands of Mother Nature. That revelation doesn’t detract either from their love story that shapes the heart of the film, or from an appreciation for their groundbreaking and audacious research into tectonic volatility. Along the way, director Sara Dosa incorporates an impressive collection of photographs and archival footage so vivid you can practically feel the heat. Narrated by Miranda July. (Rated PG, 93 minutes).

Murina

Familiar coming-of-age themes are given fresh cultural perspective in this compelling Croatian drama that intimately and incisively explores toxic masculinity and fractured family dynamics. It’s set amid a sunny seaside backdrop that conceals turmoil surrounding Julija (Gracija Filipovic), a strong-willed teenager living with her domineering father (Leon Lucev) and passively devoted mother (Danica Curcic). When a wealthy developer (Cliff Curtis) visits with a business proposition, Julija sees an opportunity to escape and achieve her dreams. Rookie director Antoneta Alamat Kusijanovic escalates the tension in the second half to support a richly textured portrayal by newcomer Filipovic, whose brooding and impulsive character generates hard-earned sympathy. (Not rated, 96 minutes).

The Road to Galena

It’s a well-worn path littered with cliches and predictability, as this heavy-handed melodrama drives home the virtues of rural wholesomeness over big-city corruption. That point is emphasized earnestly and repeatedly as we watch Cole (Ben Winchell) leave the family farm to attend college and become a lawyer, only to discover years later that he yearns to ditch the corporate life and follow his sweetheart (Aimee Teegarden) back to the country. The film paints an idyllic picture of rural America both visually and dramatically, and while it’s heartfelt, the screenplay by rookie director Joe Hall lacks the subtlety and surprise to make a deeper emotional impact. (Rated R, 113 minutes).

Take the Night

Given the lack of sympathy and common sense for the characters in this low-budget thriller, it’s almost impossible to muster any emotional investment in the outcome. On one hand, you have a frazzled young CEO (Sam Song Li) whose resentful brother (Roy Huang) organizes to have him kidnapped for a surprise birthday party. Of course, the plan backfires when the unscrupulous perpetrators defy the agreement while devising their own scheme to steal the family fortune. As the preposterous twists accumulate, the screenplay by rookie director Seth McTigue, who also plays the chief heavy, struggles to generate much suspense alongside the earnest performances and headache-inducing score. (Rated PG-13, 82 minutes).