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5.4/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.4/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. New Morals for Old remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you like old-school family dramas that don't try to sugarcoat the frustration of parenting, you’ll probably find something to latch onto here. If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller, look elsewhere. This one moves at the speed of a kitchen table conversation that you really wish would just end already.
Myrna Loy is in this, which is usually enough of a reason for me to hit play. She brings this sharp edge to the screen that makes you wonder why the other characters can't just see what she sees. But, of course, they never do.
The mother is trying her best. We’ve all seen this character a million times, but here she feels a bit more tired. Like, actually tired. You can see it in how she holds her tea or waits for a response that doesn't come.
The kids? They’re exactly as frustrating as you’d expect. They treat her wisdom like it's some dusty antique they don't have room for in their apartment. It’s infuriating, honestly.
It’s not as polished as Half an Hour, but that’s kind of the point. It feels like a rough draft of a life. Sometimes the movie stops moving for five minutes while people just stare at each other. I didn't mind it. It felt real.
The lighting in the living room scenes is weirdly moody. It makes the whole family look like they’re hiding something even when they’re just talking about breakfast. Classic, right?
I think people who hate this movie are the ones who want characters to be likable. None of these people are likable. They’re just people making the same mistakes their parents made, just with different clothes on. It’s a bit depressing, but in a way that feels honest. 🤷♂️
Don't expect some grand conclusion. It just kind of… stops. Which is fine. Life usually does too.