Pablo Larraín, the director behind the American biopics Jackie and Spencer, is back in his native Chile to poke at the horrendous dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. The infamous man ruled ruthlessly from 1973 to 1989. As seen in his Oscar-nominated docudrama No, Larraín is not afraid of looking back into his country's troubled past. Even … Continue reading Film Review: ‘El Conde’ – A Fascist Vampire Still Living On Blood And Death
Review: ‘R. M. N.’ – A Distressing Look into Socioeconomic Tensions
Most people just want to make a buck and live in peace. The statement is socioeconomics in its most basic and ideal form, stripped away of any complications. The sentiment first echoed in the walls of a classroom many years ago and has reverberated in my head ever since. The ideology behind the simple approach … Continue reading Review: ‘R. M. N.’ – A Distressing Look into Socioeconomic Tensions
Review: ‘Love Life’ – Koji Fukada Delivers Stunning Emotional Subtlety and Nuance
The internal struggle one faces when confronted by grief manifests in many ways. Some collapse under the emotional weight of their dilemma. Others may push away the help of those who love them. Yet, ultimately, working through the emotional scars of a tragedy varies drastically for every person. While the saying "time heals all wounds" … Continue reading Review: ‘Love Life’ – Koji Fukada Delivers Stunning Emotional Subtlety and Nuance
Review: ‘Passages’ Digs Into the Complexities of Sexuality and Lust
Few directors find their way into unique human conditions like Ira Sachs. He's made a name for himself over the past decade as a humanist director, and as he explores the complexities of relationships, he finds incredible nuance. Coming off consecutive triumphs, Sachs once again digs into the inner workings of complicated people, allowing Franz … Continue reading Review: ‘Passages’ Digs Into the Complexities of Sexuality and Lust
Fantasia 2023 Catch-Up: ‘Femme,’ ‘Deep Sea,’ ‘A Disturbance in the Force’ & Festival Favorites
With so many great flicks at Fantasia 2023, we wanted to do some quick hits. Below are several films to watch in the next year as they continue to break out in the mainstream. Among them is an incredible movie about LGBTQ+ revenge, a gorgeous animated fantasy, and a look back at Star Wars' deep … Continue reading Fantasia 2023 Catch-Up: ‘Femme,’ ‘Deep Sea,’ ‘A Disturbance in the Force’ & Festival Favorites
Fantasia 2023: ‘Mami Wata’ Delivers Gorgeous Visuals and Brilliant Heartbreak
Clashes between modernity and established ways of life rarely end happily. While some will always push progress, others will find comfort in tradition. Most films that tackle this divide focus on the dangers of holding onto custom and a life beyond what was known. Yet Mami Wata, a stunning return for C.J. “Fiery” Obasi, proves … Continue reading Fantasia 2023: ‘Mami Wata’ Delivers Gorgeous Visuals and Brilliant Heartbreak
Review: ‘Afire’ Sparks With the Subdued Emotion
Directors like Christian Petzold operate on another level of human connectivity. Petzold’s Transit and Phoenix remain two masterful showcases about the depth of human connection. In many ways, Afire continues Petzold’s impeccable run. While some may struggle with Afire due to its impeccable subtlety, the powerful conclusion leaves the audience gasping for air. Struggling author … Continue reading Review: ‘Afire’ Sparks With the Subdued Emotion
Review: “Carmen” – Fighting Back With Flamenco Dancing…But Failing
In the isolation of Northern Mexico and the lengthy border with the United States, a young woman named Carmen (Melissa Barrera) heads for refuge in Los Angeles after her mother is killed. On the way, she gets caught in a deadly shootout. A border patrol agent, the war-weary soldier Aidan (Paul Mescal), saves her after … Continue reading Review: “Carmen” – Fighting Back With Flamenco Dancing…But Failing
2023 Florida Film Festival: ‘Simón’ – A Powerful Story of Venezuelan Dissident
Over the past decade, the people of Venezuela have fought for freedom. While Chavez died many years ago, fights between Nicolás Maduro and Juan Guaidó defined much of the last decade. Director Diego Vicentini's debut feature Simón captures the struggles of an asylum-seeking dissident. Drawing heavily on the concept of survivor's guilt, Simón delivers a … Continue reading 2023 Florida Film Festival: ‘Simón’ – A Powerful Story of Venezuelan Dissident
Make Believe 2023: ‘Smoking Causes Coughing’ is a Wacky Horror Experience
Few filmmakers have an imagination like Quentin Dupieux. The director of Mandibles and Rubber often pushes the limits of filmmaking for the benefit of the art form. He embraces a sense of parody while asking you to stretch your mind as far as he does. Not everyone can get on his wavelength, but for a … Continue reading Make Believe 2023: ‘Smoking Causes Coughing’ is a Wacky Horror Experience