Marvelous & The Black Hole Review: A Charming, Whimsical Coming-Of-Age Story

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There is a quiet eccentricity to writer-director Kate Tsang’s debut feature, Marvelous and the Black Hole, that helps the story stand out from other coming-of-age tales. It’s a small, intimate affair that balances the raw reality of a young person dealing with grief, paired with a story about an older magician bringing light and joy into a young person's life. Tsang’s film takes on teen rage in an endearing, heartfelt, and amusing coming-of-age story that is simple, effective, and demands to be seen.

Sammy (Miya Cech) is reeling from the loss of her mother and acting out in the face of change as her father and sister move on with their lives. Her father Angus (Leonardo Nam) has entered into a new romantic relationship, which has caused a strain on his relationship with his daughter. Sammy’s sister Patricia (Kannon Omachi), meanwhile, has found her own means of coping through fantasy RPG games and role play. Sammy’s teenage rebellion is enough to get her father to consider sending her to a camp for angsty teens, but he opts to send her to a community college instead. Whilst in the midst of skipping class and tattooing herself in the bathroom, she meets Margot (Rhea Perlman), a wise-cracking magician who takes Sammy under her wing.

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Marvelous and the Black Hole is an instant must-watch. Miya Cech is a darling young actress who commands the screen with her presence. Despite playing a character who tries hard to be tough and devoid of emotion, Cech’s innate charisma shines bright. Tsang’s script also allows Cech to occupy a wonderfully realized reality, and pairing her angsty teen with a whimsical magician gives the film's performers