Capsule reviews for Oct. 21

Aftersun

With two masterfully understated performances and a rich visual texture, this incisive two-hander explores subtle father-daughter dynamics and the fragility of generational bonds with tenderness and offbeat charm. Told in flashback, it chronicles the vivid recollections of a weeklong trip to a sun-drenched Turkish beach resort for precocious Scottish preteen Sophie (Frankie Corio) and her estranged father (Paul Mescal) who wants to reconnect. Beneath the surface bonding, internal and external forces are pushing them apart as Sophie yearns for independence. The quietly perceptive script by rookie director Charlotte Wells examines familiar themes in fresh ways by examining the very nature of how childhood memories shape adulthood. (Rated R, 96 minutes).

All That Breathes

Human and avian subjects share the spotlight in this stylish ecological documentary that’s both insightful and inspiring. Set in New Delhi, it chronicles the persistent efforts of two brothers to care for a swooping bird species known as the kite, which is popular in the urban streetscapes — where its aggressiveness toward people leads to some branding it a nuisance — even as its survival is threatened by smog and political unrest. Capturing the essence of the connection between humans and birds, which director Shaunak Sen illustrates using some striking imagery, the film benefits from the charming presence of the siblings whose dedication to their cause is admirable. (Not rated, 97 minutes).

American Murderer

With formulaic execution to match its generic title, this unfocused crime thriller squanders some potentially provocative true-life source material. It follows Jason Brown (Tom Pelphrey), a career con man trying to get rich by begging, borrowing, and stealing. As his debt climbs, Jason becomes a target, prompting an ill-conceived heist that makes him a high-profile fugitive on the run from a persistent FBI agent (Ryan Phillippe). The screenplay by rookie director Matthew Gentile lacks conviction as a glimpse into the criminal psyche and as a cat-and-mouse procedural, compromising any meaningful suspense along the way. The cast includes Idina Menzel, Moises Arias, and Jacki Weaver. (Rated R, 101 minutes).

Raymond and Ray

Narrative contrivances spoil a showcase for a fine cast in this character-driven dark comedy about grief, regret, and fractured families. It begins with sensitive repairman Raymond (Ewan McGregor) convincing his half-brother, brash musician Ray (Ethan Hawke), to carpool to their estranged father’s funeral to find closure. As old grudges and lingering hostilities rise to the surface, secrets are revealed that cloud their memories in different ways. Yet the trip also provides an opportunity at a fresh start. The heartfelt screenplay by director Rodrigo Garcia (Albert Nobbs) generates some sharp dialogue and intriguing character dynamics, but feels too quirky and calculated to generate the desired emotional payoff. (Rated R, 106 minutes).

The Return of Tanya Tucker

What happens when our beloved celebrity idols start to fade from the spotlight? The efforts of musician Brandi Carlile to resurrect the career of the country-music pioneer are the focus of this inspiring and crowd-pleasing documentary. While recalling her chart-topping success beginning as a teenager in the 1970s, the film is primarily focused on Tucker’s life today, and her attempt to overcome her fears about reaching a new audience with a new sound. The encouragement comes from Carlile, who wrote an entire album specifically for Tucker. Regardless of your musical tastes, the film offers a poignant glimpse into fame and sisterhood that finds an appealing rhythm. (Rated R, 108 minutes).

Slash/Back

Like its teenage protagonists, this breezy and evocative coming-of-age horror saga is rough around the edges but relies on feisty resilience and DIY charm. It’s set in far northern Canada, where Maika (Tasiana Shirley) and her friends lament the doldrums of daily life in their fishing village until they discover evidence of an alien invasion. That prompts the ragtag youngsters to investigate, armed with movie knowledge and some makeshift weaponry. Rookie director Nyla Innuksuk offers a fresh perspective by immersing moviegoers in indigenous culture and customs, even if the screenplay is too eager to indulge in the same genre tropes it aspires to playfully tweak. (Not rated, 86 minutes).