For her directorial debut, Chloe Dumont dissects the intricacies at play of one couple’s power struggle. Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) and Luke (Alden Ehrenreich) are the recently engaged pair at the center of Fair Play. The two are employed at the same hedge fund management firm, where their relationship is kept secret, since it is at … Continue reading Review: ‘Fair Play’ – Sex, Power, and Mayhem
Review: ‘Brightwood’ – A Creepy Tale of Getting Lost in the Woods
Setting a horror film in well-wore territory can create diminishing returns. Yet finding a unique way to channel those settings into darker visions can yield interesting perspectives. The woods have long stood in for the idea of creepy, if not actively dangerous, locations. Yet in Brightwood, getting lost in the woods is only half the … Continue reading Review: ‘Brightwood’ – A Creepy Tale of Getting Lost in the Woods
Tribeca 2023: ‘Somewhere Quiet’ Explores the Life of a Final Girl After the Tragedy
The horror and thriller genres push audiences to witness the darkest sides of humanity. Yet as they do, we rarely follow up with life after death and violence. While sequels often focus on the killer, fewer series return to their lead women (outside of Scream and Halloween). This makes Somewhere Quiet an interesting experience. Rather … Continue reading Tribeca 2023: ‘Somewhere Quiet’ Explores the Life of a Final Girl After the Tragedy
Review: ‘Motion Detected’ Fails to Deliver the Scares
The era of smart tech is upon us in horror films. Scream (2022) showed a character fighting off her attacker with a smart lock. Video surveillance in Paranormal Activity led to truly grueling scares. Meg3n embraced a killer AI doll and seems poised for sequels. The fears of AI and a digital world are primed … Continue reading Review: ‘Motion Detected’ Fails to Deliver the Scares
Review: ‘Influencer’ – A Follower From Hell Thriller
The world of social media mints and reshapes celebrities daily. Some find their fifteen minutes, while others launch long-term brand collaborations. Yet this also opens the door for parasocial relationships. A new Shudder thriller, Influencer seeks to capitalize on this idea. Set around social media, Influencer serves as a fun thriller. While it has little … Continue reading Review: ‘Influencer’ – A Follower From Hell Thriller
“Bones and All” is NOT an Instant Classic from Luca Guadagnino
After having worked together on 2017’s Call Me By Your Name Luca Guadagnino and Timothee Chalamet pair up once more for Bones and All. Both movies tell the story of outcast lovers trying to find their place in the world. Both movies take place during the 1980s and are shot immaculately against stunning but different … Continue reading “Bones and All” is NOT an Instant Classic from Luca Guadagnino
Review: ‘The Menu’ Surprises with the Best Ensemble of the Year with Killer Commentary
The restaurant world has changed immensely in the past decade. While there have always been celebrity chefs, social media has boosted seemingly unknown talents to superstardom. Creating foods that go viral on TikTok became as important as a good meal. The experiential platform of restaurants has become a sought-after commodity. What was once a mystery … Continue reading Review: ‘The Menu’ Surprises with the Best Ensemble of the Year with Killer Commentary
Review: ‘Bones and All’ is an Instant Classic from Luca Guadagnino
One of the most unique filmmakers working today, Luca Guadagnino can traverse nearly any genre on paper. The man was once known for his showy visuals, most prominently in I Am Love and Call Me By Your Name. However, each of those films featured undeniable power from the lead performers, marrying unique imagery with a … Continue reading Review: ‘Bones and All’ is an Instant Classic from Luca Guadagnino
Review: ‘The Retaliators’ Brings Horror Vibes to a Classic Revenge Tale
We often imagine the line between good and evil. However, we rarely acknowledge how easy it might be to cross that threshold. Whether someone looks to steal our power out of our hands or harm someone we love, we all can create true violence. After making some noise on the independent circuit, horror/thriller The Retaliators … Continue reading Review: ‘The Retaliators’ Brings Horror Vibes to a Classic Revenge Tale
Review: ‘Into the Deep’ Struggles to Hold Your Attention
While trauma can certainly change a person, Hollywood continues to make it the motivation de jour. When the industry overuses a concept, it becomes much easier to spot the films that struggle to tell authentic stories. The latest Lionsgate film, Into the Deep, truly believes in its story. However, with poorly written exchanges, questionable performances, … Continue reading Review: ‘Into the Deep’ Struggles to Hold Your Attention