masculinity
Despite some technical hiccups and the extremely low budget, Hunter’s Weekend is a well-made movie with a fascinating and very current angle on masculinity.
The Lego Movie 2 is a perfectly crafted sequel that expands on the world of its predecessor, but stands firmly on its own little Lego-legs.
The American Western is a worthy way to gaze at the past in reference to our present; seen from the early days of the genre to more recent revisionist entries.
Inka Achté’s documentary BOYS WHO LIKE GIRLS chronicles the efforts of an organization in India to educate boys and men on pressing gender-based issues.
Western is Valeska Grisebach’s homage to the classic genre, focusing on a group of German construction workers in Bulgaria while playing with themes of overt masculinity and identity.
The narrative debut of director Miranda Bailey, You Can Choose Your Family, is a misjudged dark comedy that earns enough goodwill through the committed performances from its ensemble.
The Last Jedi is a polarizing film, but looking deeper into Rian Johnson’s vision you will find some potent themes, including the failures of masculinity.
Upon first viewing, Phantom Thread is utterly irresistible, but the dense themes and examinations of inter-character relationships means that it is the rare Anderson effort that will only be upgraded to masterpiece status once it has fully been processed after multiple viewings.
Featuring one of the coldest mother-child relationships of the year, the harrowing but heavy handed Loveless truly lives up to its title.
Walking Out, by the Smith twins, is an unrelenting and beautifully shot story of a father and son surviving in the brutal Montana wilderness.
War Dogs is a hyper-masculine film that, offensively but not surprisingly, uses its main female character simply as a plot device.
Beach Rats may have a lot of superficial similarities with Moonlight, but director Eliza Hittman’s film is a triumph in its own right.
Second Nature is a feel good goofy date night comedy that takes a poke at gender roles and has a fun cast of characters running the show.
The Work is an essential piece of filmmaking that’s powerful in its observation and packs a strong emotional punch.