RICKY follows the namesake 30-year-old, out on parole after 15 years in jail, trying to adopt to life on the outside. Despite the story’s familiarity, it is an intense and rewarding watch thanks to terrific performances from Stephan James as Ricky and Sheryl Lee Ralph as his parole officer Joanne and debut director Rashad Frett’s […]
By Design – Sundance 2025
If you’re familiar with Amanda Kramer’s films, BY DESIGN is exactly what you’d expect after reading the synopsis of a woman swapping bodies with a chair. I’m not sure whether it is a good thing or not. Fans of her experimental and outlandish work will likely be happy. Anyone who watches the film because of […]
East of Wall – Sundance 2025
The concept of Kate Beecroft’s docufiction EAST OF WALL closely resembles Chloé Zhao’s The Rider and the film has some of the similar gorgeous and serene South Dakota scenery on display. The non-professional cast of mostly family members is much larger and they do a fine job. They are more or less playing themselves, but […]
Sukkwan Island – Sundance 2025
Vladimir de Fontenay’s SUKKWAN ISLAND with Swann Arlaud, young actor Woody Norman from C’mon C’mon, and Alma Pöysti would have been a fine father-son survival drama if it was not for its confusing structure that utilizes misdirection. You spend the last fifteen minutes of the film wondering what the heck is going on and you […]
Bunnylovr – Sundance 2025
Writer/director/actor/producer Katarina Zhu’s Bunnylovr, which had its premiere at Sundance Film Festival, is a personal film about being young and lonely in the city. Her performance as Rebecca and her direction are excellent. I wish the story was a little less predictable. Rachel Sennott was her bubbly self as the best friend. It was also […]
Jazzy
Films about childhood don’t get any more heartwarming than Morrisa Maltz’s coming-of-age drama JAZZY, which is nominated for the John Cassavetes Award and Best Editing at this year’s Film Independent Spirit Awards. We were first introduced to Jasmine in Maltz’s previous film The Unknown Country as a member of Lily Gladstone’s character’s extended family. Here […]
The Damned
Thordur Palsson’s Tribeca Festival selection THE DAMNED is now in theaters and should be of interest to folk horror fans. In a 19th century Icelandic fishing community, the residents’ inability or even willingness to rescue the survivors of a sinking ship puts a curse on them. Odessa Young is perfectly cast as the widow, the […]
The Last Showgirl
Pamela Anderson shines alongside an exceptional supporting cast that includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Bautista, Kiernan Shipka, and Billie Lourd in Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl. The realistic indie drama does not dig too deep, but at 85 minutes, it does not wear out its welcome either. Autumn Durald’s unique photography works better here compared […]
I’m Still Here
Walter Salles tells the true story of a family to show the atrocities committed by the Brazilian dictatorship in I’m Still Here. What a powerful and moving film this is! Fernanda Torres’ performance is one for the ages. Loved Salles’ use of Super 8 and family photos, and the stunning look of the film overall. […]
2024 Favorites
These are some of my favorite films I have seen in 2024. The Brutalist Anora Challengers Hard Truths I’m Still Here Love Lies Bleeding When the Light Breaks Jazzy Daughters Queer His Three Daughters The Seed of the Sacred Fig A Real Pain All We Imagine as Light Sacramento Crossing Misericordia Babygirl Exhibiting Forgiveness A […]