director Daniel Banderia pours frustrations with capitalism, colonialism, and misogyny into a blender. The resulting thriller mostly works and creates a contentious battle between populism and morality.
Review: IMMACULATE – The Horror of Faith vs. Agency Clash In a Bloody Delight
The church has never been far from the minds of horror directors. Yet, the last few years have seen a revival in horror based around Catholicism. While Benededetta occupies the sexual thriller space, Agnes, Saint Maud, and The Nun all found an audience. Immaculate, a new horror flick from Michael Mohan, adds to that legacy. … Continue reading Review: IMMACULATE – The Horror of Faith vs. Agency Clash In a Bloody Delight
Make Believe 2024: THE LONELY MAN WITH THE GHOST MACHINE – A Personal, But Hypnotic Horror Flick
Skipper proves that his vision is not lacking in any way throughout The Lonely Man with the Ghost Machine. He succeeds in many ways where others would not. Unfortunately, a lower budget holds back some aspects of the creature feature.
SXSW 2024: HUNTING DAZE – An Intense But Imperfect Thriller
While Hunting Daze cannot quite outshine similar movies on theme, it's a visual splendor. That alone will make it a fun watch for most audiences. We rarely see showcase thrillers in this vein, especially one this well-made.
SXSW 2024: LIONS OF MESOPOTAMIA – A Beautiful and Heart-wrenching Sports Doc
Even before the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, the country faced severe problems. Sadam Hussain and his sons ruled with a tyrannical fist. Fear and anger within the country were simmering. Yet in 2000, the Iraqi AFC U-20 team shocked the world and took home the top prize. With a young core, their future … Continue reading SXSW 2024: LIONS OF MESOPOTAMIA – A Beautiful and Heart-wrenching Sports Doc
SXSW 2024: KRYPTIC – Oozy Spectacle Squanders a Committed Performance by Chloe Pirrie
Now that SXSW 2024 has wrapped, the distinction for most disappointing and frustrating film of this year’s festival belongs to Kryptic. A compelling story, unique visuals, and a committed performance fail to offer anything of substance. That is unless one counts the buckets of mucous that were persistently promised as "a substance." Kryptic begins on … Continue reading SXSW 2024: KRYPTIC – Oozy Spectacle Squanders a Committed Performance by Chloe Pirrie
SXSW 2024: THE BLACK KEYS, SHE LOOKS LIKE ME, BRANDY HELLVILLE & More
Here’s our second round of capsule reviews from SXSW 2024. With documentaries ruling the fest, here are some to check out at future fests. We highlight This is a Film About the Black Keys, A House is Not a Disco, She Looks Like Me, Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion, and My Sextortion … Continue reading SXSW 2024: THE BLACK KEYS, SHE LOOKS LIKE ME, BRANDY HELLVILLE & More
SXSW 2024: TIMESTALKER – A Slapstick Tale of Life & Death
British comedy pushes boundaries in ways American comedy does not. The suspension of belief and oddball sense of humor plays, in part, because of the total commitment to the bits. This allows melodrama to seep into the humor and create unique situations. Timestalker - from director and actress Alice Lowe - showcases a zany, one-sided … Continue reading SXSW 2024: TIMESTALKER – A Slapstick Tale of Life & Death
SXSW 2024: MAMÍFERA – María Rodriguez Soto Gives a Commanding Performance in Motherhood Reflection
Even today, societal expectations see women realizing their full potential only when they become mothers. As women’s place in society has evolved, the idea that motherhood is the ultimate purpose for women is still a topic steadily holding its roots in archaic thought. With Mamífera, director and writer Liliana Torres tackles these expectations head-on. The … Continue reading SXSW 2024: MAMÍFERA – María Rodriguez Soto Gives a Commanding Performance in Motherhood Reflection
SXSW 2024: MY DEAD FRIEND ZOE – Martin-Green and Morales Shine as an Unlikely Duo in the Veteran Dramedy
The buddy film is as old as Hollywood itself. The positive responses elicited from this subgenre have made it a storytelling device mainstay. My Dead Friend Zoe is the latest entry in the category, offering a unique take on the tried-and-true formula. If the title did not already spoil the film, Zoe (Natalie Morales) is … Continue reading SXSW 2024: MY DEAD FRIEND ZOE – Martin-Green and Morales Shine as an Unlikely Duo in the Veteran Dramedy