Making an original film with a period backing with unusual if not eccentric characters can either work gloriously or become hit-or-miss scenario depending on the beats the story takes. "Amsterdam", a new faux comedy from writer/director David O. Russell, is particular in many ways that always populate his films. However it depends on certain edge points.

"Pearl" brims with lead Mia Goth's energy. The character has so many demons but simply the chemistry in her is wrong and Goth gets that right. It is an interesting irony. Pearl wants so hard to please but her instinct tells her all the wrong things to do.