Strange Darling
Right up until practically the end of the film, Strange Darling features two mysterious characters who are trying to measure each other up.
Between the Temples
By: Trevor Chartrand The notoriously quirky Jason Schwartzman (The Overnight) stars in Between the Temples as – brace yourself – an odd-ball character. Shocking, right? In all seriousness though, Nathan Silver’s offbeat film does ultimately prove to be a relatively serviceable, if tired, indie-style dramedy. To the movie’s credit, Silver explores an otherwise formulaic narrative with a character-focused vulnerability that truly enhances the material.
The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat
The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat makes a strong case on the importance of compatibility. Not just within a production, but also regarding the bond between characters.
Close to You
Close to You is stark with vulnerability, living within the vacuum of anxiety from the personal perspective of a trans man.
Paul & Tricia: The Art of Fluidity
Already an established painter whose work had been previously featured as album covers for Genesis, British artist Paul Whitehead decided to expand his portfolio by exploring his own personality. Whitehead’s personal journey led him towards drag, and resulting in the artist developing a transfluid alter ego, Tricia Van Cleef.
Kneecap
By: Trevor Chartrand Rich Peppiatt’s Kneecap takes a fresh take on music biopics – a welcome approach to an otherwise tired genre. Unapologetically grimy and raw, music is the beating heart of this surprising and enticing gem. The movie chronicles the dramaticized origin of Kneecap, the titular hip-hop band from Northern Ireland. Comprised of Irish rappers Naoise Ó Cairealláin (stage name: Móglaí Bap), Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh (Mo Chara) and their mixer JJ Ó…
The Fabulous Four
The Fabulous Four is a photocopy of a photocopy. If you think I’ve used that criticism before, it’s because I have. However, the filmmakers behind this contrived Floridian comedy had no problem recycling other material, including their own stuff. So, you know what they say – “when in Key West…”
Oddity
Oddity is a decent horror endeavour where the scares are more memorable than the film itself. This ghost story, about a clairvoyant’s mission to find out the truth behind the death of her sister, is a haunting slow burn that loves to steep itself in atmospheric chills. But also, the production can’t help itself when given the opportunity for shriek-worthy jump scares. Writer/director Damian McCarthy (Caveat) shows plenty of skillful competence for building tension. Even…
Crossing
Levan Akin’s Crossing doesn’t take long to get going, but it takes a while for it to truly set in. Akin’s film, which he wrote and directed as well as co-edited, is about personal connections. As vague as that sounds, the concept explains itself as more characters intersect with each other.