2018

CRYSTAL SWAN: A Charming If Downtrodden Tale Of Seeking The American Dream In Post-Soviet Belarus
CRYSTAL SWAN: A Charming If Downtrodden Tale Of Seeking The American Dream In Post-Soviet Belarus

Crystal Swan is about the murky foundation that the American Dream is built on, but the persistence it instills on those who are willing to fight for it.

IMPETUS: Ambitious Hybrid On Loss & Letting Go
IMPETUS: Ambitious Hybrid On Loss & Letting Go

Impetus is a film for those dedicated to the filmmaking craft, and the unconventional ways it can be molded to create unique means of storytelling.

Staff Inquiry: Top 10 Films Of 2018
Staff Inquiry: Top 10 Films Of 2018

It’s that time again! The Film Inquiry team counts down their favorite films of 2018, describing in detail their #1 picks.

THE STANDOFF AT SPARROW CREEK: Militia Men Stuck In A Who-Dun-It
THE STANDOFF AT SPARROW CREEK: Militia Men Stuck In A Who-Dun-It

The Standoff at Sparrow Creek is a shadowy, overly serious affair, and every element of its narrative and craft reflects the film’s white-knuckle grip.

ON THE BASIS OF SEX: A By-The-Numbers Biopic That Services A Very Specific And Unaware Crowd
ON THE BASIS OF SEX: A By-The-Numbers Biopic

On the Basis of Sex is not likely to plant the seed of determination in the next RBG, as they don’t need pop feminist representations of even the most laudable of figures.

PATRICK: A Twee Rom-Com With No Reason To Exist
PATRICK: A Twee Rom-Com With No Reason To Exist

Patrick takes a currently successful formula and twists it into an unbearably cutesy mess, created for shallow monetary gain from an indifferent public.

GODZILLA - THE PLANET EATER: A Big Monster With a Small Bite
GODZILLA: THE PLANET EATER: A Big Monster With A Small Bite

The conclusion to the animated trilogy, Godzilla: The Planet Eater, is as flawed and unsatisfying as the previous entries – and it might be the dullest of the bunch too.

Hurry Slowly: A Low Stakes Slice of Life for a Fast-Paced World
HURRY SLOWLY: A Low Stakes Slice Of Life For A Fast-Paced World

The Norwegian drama Hurry Slowly is a peaceful, slow paced family drama which remains inviting despite its low narrative stakes.

AND BREATHE NORMALLY: An Intelligent, Low-key Drama
AND BREATHE NORMALLY: An Intelligent, Low-key Drama

A film that is extremely competently made, it’s easy to understand why And Breathe Normally was praised so highly at Sundance

BUFFALO BOYS: The Western Meets the Far East, With Mixed Results

With Buffalo Boys, Wiluan succeeds in his mission of taking an important piece of his people’s history and rendering it into an entertaining film with international appeal.

MURDER MOUNTAIN: Netflix’s Documentary Domination Continues
MURDER MOUNTAIN: Netflix’s Documentary Domination Continues

Murder Mountain is a fascinating insight into unique communities, unexplored lands, and disenfranchised voices – and isn’t that the point of a documentary in the first place?

BACKTRACE: The Cinematic Equivalent Of A Headache
BACKTRACE: The Cinematic Equivalent Of A Headache

Backtrace is too ridiculous and underwritten to be a full-fledged crime thriller and too self-serious to be an enjoyable B-movie.

THE BASTARD SWORD: Inspiring For Micro-Budget Feature Filmmakers
THE BASTARD SWORD: Inspiring For Micro-Budget Feature Filmmakers

It’s undeniably flawed, but considering its mindbogglingly low £2,000 budget, The Bastard Sword is an impressive achievement.

STORM BOY: A Flash From the Past
STORM BOY: A Flash From The Past

Storm Boy, an adaptation of a beloved 70’s Australian children’s book, succumbs to the powers of its own nostalgia.

THE PINCH: A Commendable Low Budget Effort That Falls Somewhat Short
THE PINCH: A Commendable Low Budget Effort That Falls Short

The Pinch is occasionally funny, occasionally violent, and occasionally surprising, which makes for a just about passable watch.