Movies

Michelle Trachtenberg, ‘Buffy’ and ‘Gossip Girl’ Star, Dies at 39

BBG News

Among the notable actors from the hit series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and a well-known figure in ’90s cinema and television productions, has passed away.

According to the New York Post, Michelle Trachtenberg, known for playing Buffy’s sister Dawn on ‘Buffy’ for three seasons and also starring in the initial version of ‘Gossip Girl’, has passed away. The New York Post states, based on police sources, that her death is not being treated as a mystery or suspicious incident. However, TMZ reports that the cause of her death remains unclear at this time.

Trachtenberg was only 39 years old.

1985 saw the birth of Trachtenberg. She made her debut on the Nickelodeon sitcom The Adventures of Pete & Pete, and also starred in various commercials. However, it was her breakthrough role as the lead character in Harriet the Spy that truly put her on the map. This film, an adaptation of Louise Fitzhugh’s children’s novel, went on to become a cult classic and marked Nickelodeon Movies’ first release.

In the year 2000, Michelle Trachtenberg made her debut as a cast member in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, starting from its fifth season. The premiere episode of Season 5, titled “Buffy vs. Dracula,” introduced a surprise for Buffy: a new sister named Dawn, who had never been mentioned or seen before in any previous seasons. The show’s plot unfolded with the intrigue surrounding Dawn’s real origin and the reasons behind her unexpected appearance, which remained a central theme throughout the series.

A few years following the end of Buffy, Trachtenberg frequently appeared as a guest star on the original Gossip Girl series, portraying the cunning character Georgina. (She also took on this role again in the latest Gossip Girl reboot.)

Following “Gossip Girl”, Trachtenberg has been a part of shows such as “Criminal Minds”, “NCIS: Los Angeles”, and “Sleepy Hollow”, and more recently, she has hosted the true crime series on Tubi titled “Meet, Marry, Murder”.

According to a report by TMZ, there have been concerning social media updates from the late actress Trachtenberg in recent times, showing signs of being thin and weak. However, Trachtenberg herself denied any health issues and claimed to be content and well in other posts.

Regardless of the reasons behind her passing, it’s incredibly shocking. It’s far too soon for someone at just 39 years old to be gone.

The Best Movies of 2024

20. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

In terms of a medium that perfectly illustrates the perils of uncontrolled artificial intelligence, nothing beats a film crafted meticulously with stop-motion animation. The latest installment of the beloved Wallace & Gromit series not only aligns smartly with its theme but also delivers the humor, visual creativity, and heart that we’ve grown accustomed to from this resilient franchise. It’s reassuring in our increasingly digital era to know that some traditional methods continue to function flawlessly.

19. Close Your Eyes

In this new film by Spanish director Víctor Erice, after a 30-year hiatus, we find ourselves in the realm of mystery movies. Instead of a traditional detective, we have a filmmaker searching for a lost actor. This movie not only explores the process of finding someone, but also delves into how films can aid us in discovering aspects of ourselves. The movie, titled Close Your Eyes, is deliberately slow-paced and spans nearly three hours. However, it certainly repays your patience.

18. Nosferatu

As a dedicated cinephile, I can confidently say that Robert Eggers has once again proven his prowess as a contemporary maestro of classic horror. This time around, he’s given us a fresh take on the 1922 German silent horror masterpiece, Nosferatu. Instead of merely modernizing the content, he’s enriched it with an abundance: more vivid gore, more striking metaphors, and more (or should I say any) genuinely spine-chilling sound effects. (The noises Count Orlock, played brilliantly by Bill Skarsgård, makes as he sips his victims’ blood, they’re reminiscent of a Capri-Sun pouch being squeezed.)

What particularly resonated with me was a moment when Willem Dafoe’s character calls Nosferatu “The Night Demon.” This was a nickname I used for my eldest daughter during her colicky newborn days. Every sunset, she’d become restless and refuse to sleep. It added a whole new layer of meaning to the narrative for me. We all need to be cautious around The Night Demon.

17. The Wild Robot

It’s hardly conceivable that a parent wouldn’t feel tears well up at least once (or even multiple times) while watching “The Wild Robot,” a stunning and emotionally charged animated tale from DreamWorks. This story revolves around a robot, voiced by Lupita Nyong’o, who finds itself on an island populated by animals. In its quest to follow its programming instructions, it takes on the role of mother to a lost gosling. As for me, I definitely shed some tears.

16. Black Box Diaries

In this compelling fusion of journalism and personal video narrative, Shiori Ito, the film’s central figure, serves as its director. When her repeated efforts to press rape charges against a high-profile Japanese media figure were continuously thwarted by the police, she embarked on her own investigation regarding her case. The documentary titled “Black Box Diaries” chronicles Ito’s journey in pursuit of justice. Its distinctive combination of investigative journalism (tracing leads and interviewing possible witnesses) and introspective segments (featuring selfie videos that Ito captured during her most difficult times) sets it apart as one of the most notable documentaries of the year.

15. A Real Pain

As a film enthusiast, I can confidently say that Jesse Eisenberg has undeniably marked himself as an up-and-coming director with his heartfelt masterpiece, “A Real Pain.” Not only did he pen the script, but he also starred in it alongside the talented Kieran Culkin. The story revolves around our characters, cousins who embark on a poignant journey across Poland to honor their late grandmother, a Holocaust survivor who immigrated from Poland to the U.S.

The film is a captivating blend of humor and sorrow, with moments that will make you laugh out loud and others that will tug at your heartstrings. Clocking in at a crisp 90 minutes, it’s a beautifully crafted short story that I found incredibly impactful. The movie masterfully illustrates the turmoil of being a ‘David’, my character, as I yearn to be more like ‘Benji’, played by Culkin. However, I soon discover that even the pursuit of being a ‘Benji’ can bring its own share of agony.

14. Juror #2

“I don’t possess any exclusive insights regarding why Warner Bros. didn’t put more effort into the cinema release of Clint Eastwood’s ‘Juror #2.’ However, I can confirm that it was one of my favorite films of the year to watch in a theater, offering a classic blend of entertainment and subtle themes that were common in multiplexes several decades ago but seem rare now. If ‘Juror #2’ turns out to be Eastwood’s last film, it certainly made for an impressive farewell performance. I’ve heard from others that they enjoyed it as well, with many expressing positive reviews after watching it in a theater.”

13. I Saw the TV Glow

In this film, although it may not be its primary theme, I was astonished by the striking accuracy of “I Saw the TV Glow” in depicting the pervasive loneliness of ’90s and early 2000s suburban life: Coexisting with parents, frequenting deserted movie theaters and entertainment centers, staying up late to watch eccentric television shows that seemed as if no one else on Earth was watching.

The movie’s visuals at times resemble a blend of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” if they were directed by David Lynch, becoming increasingly eerie and surreal. Yet, some scenes could almost be mistaken for a documentary from that era and location. This delicate balance is challenging to achieve, but director Jane Schoenbrun handles it effortlessly.

12. Love Lies Bleeding

In this captivating crime film directed by Rose Glass, a fitness center manager (Kristen Stewart) develops feelings for a new bodybuilder in town (Katy O’Brian, delivering an outstanding performance). However, just as you might think “This seems familiar,” the movie Love Lies Bleeding transforms into something completely unexpected. If David Cronenberg had directed Pumping Iron and infused the script with a mix that was equal parts Fargo and Showgirls, it could have resembled this darkly humorous thriller.

11. Hit Man

Title’s irony is heartrending, as this film seemingly destined for box-office triumph ended up exclusively on Netflix. Nevertheless, Richard Linklater’s latest comedy doesn’t lose its charm due to the straight-to-streaming release – quite the contrary. In fact, watching “Hit Man” on Netflix has its benefits, such as the ability to rewatch it multiple times, given its high rewatchability factor.

Glen Powell, a captivating actor, plays a psychology teacher who moonlights as an impersonator of hit men for the New Orleans Police Department. However, he unexpectedly develops feelings for one of his clients. “Hit Man” is humorous, sensual, unpredictable, and insightful about our flexible self-images. Don’t let this gem get buried deep within the Netflix streaming library!

10. Rebel Ridge

Discussing films that might slip under the radar on Netflix: Last September, Aaron Pierre’s remarkable performance as an honest Marine entangled with corrupt cops in “Rebel Ridge” should have been a buzzworthy topic in the film industry. However, amidst the dozen new movies Netflix released that month, it seems Pierre’s talent didn’t quite grab the attention it deserved.

This doesn’t imply that Pierre wasn’t exceptional, or that director Jeremy Saulnier, known for his films like “Blue Ruin” and “Green Room”, didn’t deliver another top-notch action movie. In fact, it was a film reminiscent of the original “First Blood,” but viewed through the fractured lens of our contemporary world.

9. Anora

In essence, the film ‘Anora’ initially follows a similar trajectory to ‘Pretty Woman’, where a prostitute takes on the role of a wealthy man’s girlfriend for a week and feelings develop. However, writer/director Sean Baker didn’t realize the resemblance until mid-production. Interestingly, it’s around halfway through ‘Anora’ that the movie deviates significantly from the ‘Pretty Woman’ formula and becomes intriguing. This is also when Baker starts to emphasize the tender approach he used in his previous works like ‘Tangerine’ and ‘The Florida Project’, which both explored the lives of sex workers. What sets ‘Anora’ apart is its extraordinary cast, particularly Mikey Madison in the lead role, and its unique combination of tones, as scenes transition rapidly from comedic to tragic.

8. The Substance

This Cronenbergian blend of horror and comedy tells the story of an aging TV star (played by Demi Moore, in one of her most captivating roles in years) who experiments with a bizarre drug called “The Substance.” This drug causes her to transform into a youthful double (Margaret Qualley), providing a fresh start for her acting career on-screen.

I’m confident that this thrilling movie will be a hit on Blu-ray or streaming platforms. However, if you didn’t catch it in theaters, you really missed out. Watching it with an audience as we all collectively uncovered just how far director Coralie Fargeat was prepared to push her metaphor about the absurd beauty standards in the entertainment industry was a truly remarkable experience. (Spoiler alert: She took it incredibly far.)

7. The Fall Guy

In a similar vein, just like an aging muscle car with faulty brakes, once “The Fall Guy” gains momentum, it never seems to slow down. Its peak moments are filled with the same exhilarating spirit as an old-time Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland musical about putting on a show. It’s such a heartfelt tribute to the enchantment of cinema that it leaves you yearning to create your own film, or at least watch one.

However, let’s clarify that “movie magic” is somewhat of a misnomer. To the viewers, when a movie captivates like “The Fall Guy,” it feels magical. Behind the scenes, however, creating this magic involves a blend of illusion and tireless effort, much of which is performed by the unsung heroes behind the camera – the craftspeople that “The Fall Guy” honors. At one point, Emily Blunt’s character Jody Moreno tells Ryan Gosling’s character Colt Seavers that she wants their action scenes to evoke the question, “How far would you go for the one you love?” If we imagine “the one” as not a person but the euphoria of exceptional cinema, then we have the driving force behind this engaging and enjoyable film.

6. Dune: Part Two

Denis Villeneuve skillfully reunited his cast and crew to bring the concluding chapter of his Dune adaptation. Reflecting on my initial review, I can say that all the praise heaped upon the original – “the future it portrays feels so complete and tangible that certain scenes resemble a documentary of the future,” “it’s clear in its purpose, politics, and epic sci-fi narrative,” “it possesses the grandeur of vision that Dune fans claim makes the source material unique” – can be applied to Part Two just as well. This science fiction film series is one of the most ambitious of the century, and we’re fortunate to have both parts despite the challenges posed by a pandemic and the uncertain financial landscape of Hollywood.

5. His Three Daughters

In a personal revelation, I’ve discovered that the emotions I harbor towards Azazel Jacobs’ film “His Three Daughters” are intertwined with a significant event from earlier this year—the loss of a loved one. I haven’t discussed this much, but the way cinema, particularly this film, portrays death from the perspective of those who witness it (in this instance, skillfully portrayed by Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen, and Natasha Lyonne) has struck a deep chord within me.

I’m not entirely convinced that the argument presented by these characters—that the most authentic way to depict death on screen is through its omission—resonates with me. However, the final 20 minutes of Jacobs’ intimate family drama leave me in pieces every time I watch it.

4. Hard Truths

In this film, Mike Leigh’s “Hard Truths,” Marianne Jean-Baptiste delivers an exceptional performance as the fiercely angry character, Pansy. Somehow, she manages to transform this seemingly unapproachable woman into a figure who evokes deep compassion, even though the script does not fully reveal the roots of Pansy’s pain and fury. Interestingly, her sister Chantelle, played by Michele Austin, appears remarkably composed despite their shared tumultuous childhood with an challenging mother.

The power of Jean-Baptiste’s portrayal lies not in the words she uses during her outbursts at the grocery store clerk, dental hygienist, or her husband when he orders chicken (which she despises). Instead, it’s in the subtle, poignant moments between the tantrums, where Pansy is left alone with Leigh’s camera. In these instances, Jean-Baptiste allows us a glimpse into Pansy’s inner world through sideways glances or minor changes of expression, offering insights that resonate deeply with the audience.

3. The Brutalist

It’s delightful to find that movies like “The Brutalist”, a profound and visually appealing four-hour American saga, can still be crafted. Unlike stories centered around alien civilizations or magical stones, this film explores the interconnected journeys of two individuals uniting to create something. Interestingly, it also delves into the challenges faced in bringing such deeply personal artistic projects to life – a struggle that often depends on the unpredictable whims of financiers. Prepare for much discussion about Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce (portraying the artist and the patron) in the coming months. Their performances are certainly worthy of all the attention they will receive.

2. Challengers

In 2024, two of my top ten favorite films, namely “Challengers”, have something in common: Outstanding performances by Zendaya portraying a woman caught between two gifted yet complicated men. In this movie, she essentially juggles two talented, yet chaotic, individuals, skillfully played by Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor. However, it is Zendaya who takes on the role of a referee, managing the rivalry and romance between these two tennis stars.

“Challengers” also boasts impressive cinematography and editing, captivating tennis scenes, and a script penned by Justin Kuritzkes. What intrigued me was discovering that this movie was written by Celine Song’s husband, who, in the past two years, has produced not one but two films centered around complex love triangles, where a talented and beautiful woman questions her choice of partner. This revelation left me quite astounded.

1. Nickel Boys

In this profession, I often come across numerous good and exceptional films. However, it’s rare to encounter one that feels uniquely fresh, a film that ventures into unexplored cinematic territories. Finally, a gem like “Nickel Boys” arrives. This is an original work, a bold creation, a piece with a distinctive perspective – or in this case, two perspectives.

This stands out because co-screenwriter and director RaMell Ross took a daring step by almost exclusively shooting his adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel from the viewpoints of its principal characters. Alongside cinematographer Jomo Fray, Ross’ ingenious point-of-view camerawork places the audience inside the minds and experiences of two young men enduring a Florida reform school in the 1960s. If mishandled, this technique might become a distracting novelty. In Ross’ capable hands, it feels like we’ve experienced the world in a new light. Perhaps we’ve even glimpsed the future of cinema.

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2025-02-26 21:25

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