grief

COUNTERFEITERS: An Auspicious Debut From Bryce Hirschberg
COUNTERFEITERS: An Auspicious Debut From Bryce Hirschberg

Sometimes a film’s low budget can get in the way of its narrative, cohesiveness, and overall watchability. However, viewers won’t be disappointed with Counterfeiters and its quality.

PYEWACKET: Low-Key Folk Horror Serves Up Tension, Atmosphere & Chills
PYEWACKET: Low-Key Folk Horror Serves Up Tension, Atmosphere & Chills

Director Adam MacDonald mostly succeeds with Pyewacket being a simple, heartfelt tale focusing on the disintegration of a mother/daughter bond, without too much background noise as a distraction.

The Beginner's Guide: Alexander Payne, Director
The Beginner’s Guide: Alexander Payne, Director

Alexander Payne’s films are diverse yet also share similar directorial trademarks, including the focus on middle-aged, neurotic protagonists, loss of a loved one, existential crises, and more; here is a rundown of his more than two decades in the industry.

IN THE FADE: Diane Kruger’s Descent Into Darkness
IN THE FADE: Diane Kruger’s Descent Into Darkness

Diane Kruger carries In the Fade on her leather-clad shoulders and ensures that you’ll walk away from the film feeling absolutely rattled.

THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI: Brutal, Hilarious & Morally Complex
THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI: Brutal, Hilarious & Morally Complex

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is a funny yet brutal film, presenting complex quandaries of grief, violence, and rage.

KINGDOM OF US: Powerful, Unflinching, Necessary Viewing
KINGDOM OF US: Powerful, Unflinching, Necessary Viewing

Maybe it’s slightly too long and loses focus on a handful of occasions, but Kingdom of Us is a vital watch, carrying a real sense of urgency.

THE BACHELORS: A Thoughtful, Timely Gem That Normalizes Mental Health Treatment
THE BACHELORS: A Thoughtful, Timely Gem That Normalizes Mental Health Treatment

The Bachelors is a scarcity of a film, one that transcends several genres to create an affecting orotundity through its singular voice.

LAST FLAG FLYING: Momentarily Enjoyable, But Ultimately Forgettable
LAST FLAG FLYING: Momentarily Enjoyable, But Ultimately Forgettable

Last Flag Flying is an experience that likely won’t stay with you for long, but it is pleasant enough viewing to recommend a watch.

SAW III: Too Many Flaws To Warrant Forgiveness
SAW III: Too Many Flaws To Warrant Forgiveness

Despite its great practical effects, the once compelling twists have now become overdone in Saw III and are not as shocking as they once were.

A GHOST STORY: A Work Of Gothic Wonder
A GHOST STORY: A Work Of Gothic Wonder

As given by its name, A Ghost Story is a supernatural tale, yet it touches on themes of love and grief in a uniquely beautiful way.

AFTERMATH: A Shallow Dive Into Grief And Guilt
AFTERMATH: A Shallow Dive Into Grief & Guilt

Elliott Lester had juicy, absorbing material to work with. Unfortunately, he turns Aftermath into an underwhelming and empty endeavor.

THE LEVELLING: An Emotional Rollercoaster Of A Debut
THE LEVELLING: An Emotional Rollercoaster Of A Debut

Hope Dickson Leach’s debut The Levelling is a familiar story of grief, told with an emotional incisiveness by brand new talent, and reminds us the British film industry is alive and well.

BEFORE I WAKE: An Emotional Disaster
BEFORE I WAKE: An Emotional Disaster

Before I Wake feels like a parody of director Mike Flanagan’s more successful work, prioritising emotional manipulation over story and scares.

GOODNIGHT MOMMY: Hello Nightmares
GOODNIGHT MOMMY: Hello Nightmares

Though with a contrived ending, Goodnight Mommy is a mostly intriguing Austrian horror film that plays on inborn, relatable fears.

BROADCAST SIGNAL INTRUSION: A Tale Of Obsession
BROADCAST SIGNAL INTRUSION: A Tale Of Obsession

In Broadcast Signal Intrusion, a psychological horror short film, a grief-stricken video archivist becomes increasingly obsessed with the meaning behind a sinister television signal hijacking.