Amy (2015) — Riley Cross Reviews

The Night In Pick

I spent six years behind that blue door at Blockbuster. I saw every VHS case cleaned out and every projector bulb smoked out during a *Die Hard* marathon. Sometimes, though? You trade the late-night drama for the safety of your couch. That’s what makes Amy perfect for your night in. This isn't a movie you watch to escape reality; it’s the kind of heavy lifting you do on a Friday night to purge the week.

Most docs try to dazzle you with CGI or sanitized reenactments, but Asif Kapadia didn't bother. He just threw you into the mess and didn't let go. It’s loud, messy, tragic, and beautiful. You’re watching a genius lose that spark right before your eyes, but through grainy handhelds and interviews, you feel like you’re sitting in the room with her. I won't spoil the heavy stuff, but there comes a moment during a candid chat where she looks at the camera, tired and raw, and you can actually see the exhaustion in her laugh. It’s heartbreaking because she was the only one trying to save herself while the world just watched her disappear.

This is best for a Friday when you’ve had a long week and just want to cry into a mattress without having to find a partner for it. You need the sort of emotional release that manual labor or a cheap bottle of wine just can’t provide. It’s gritty, it’s real, and packing these 135 minutes demands commitment. Turn your phone off, burn some muted candles, and let it hit you.

Bottom line: It is the perfect, gut-punch worthy antidote to a stressful week.