THE PAINTER AND THE THIEF is a true crime documentary without the lurid exploitation or an unresolved ending. Intimate to an astonishing degree, crafted with a fine art aesthetic, and illuminating in what draws humans together, the film allows interpretation for motives, forgiveness and what the future may bring for it's subjects.

It sure is fun watching a greasy horror movie with wild visuals, tonal shifts, allegorical subtext and fully committed performances.

There was a moment while watching Midsommar where i wondered if this was what it was like for audiences that got to experience a new piece by Mozart first hand.

Ari Aster is a virtuoso — a filmmaker in complete control of theme, technique, narrative and performance. His attention to detail results in a fully realized world that he deftly fucks with from scene to scene, shot to shot. 

He brings a sense of wonder back to the horror genre.