When Kirill Serebrennikov’s Leto first premiered last year at Cannes, it was overshadowed by the director’s recent house arrest under accusations of embezzlement against the state. The film world reacted with outraged scorn, seeing his imprisonment as blatant retaliation by…
Asako I & II Movie Review: A stunning and dreamy relationship drama
Based on the novel by Tomoka Shibasaki, Asako I & II asks a lot of its audience, specifically a wealth of compassion to give willingly to a character who at first glance is too self-serving to be worth the sympathy.…
After Movie Review: A redundant and dull entry to the romance genre
EL James created a monster. Her re-animated erotic Twilight fan fiction not only managed to spawn a full theatrical trilogy that went on long after the novelty wore off but has now created its own subgenre, leading us to After,…
Cold Pursuit Movie Review: Liam Neeson freezes hollow remake
Liam Neeson is done. He’s older, he’s tired, he’s bored, he’s just not trying anymore. His career reinvention that kicked off over a decade ago with Taken has officially exhausted itself, but he can’t leave the money pit of being…
Arctic Movie Review: Survival story as sadism
In its starting moments, and for most of the first half, Arctic comes across exactly as it’s obviously meant to, which is a lean, suspenseful tale of survival. It’s mostly a showcase for the quiet power of Mads Mikkelsen, who…
Adult Life Skills Movie Review: Endearing Jodie Whittaker comedy is almost too quirky for its own good
Paying bills — and on time, every month, without fail. Grocery shopping — for more than just Double-Stuf Oreos, dill pickles, cheap wine, two loaves of bread, and one (1) vegetable. Staying on top of your health insurance — and…
Destroyer Movie Review: Director Karyn Kusama can’t save an unfocused script
Karyn Kusama, a formidable master of atmosphere, is no stranger to warring tones. Jennifer’s Body married comedy, scares and a before its time message of a teen girls ability to weaponize her sexuality to reclaim her agency; The Invitation played with slash and dash…