Shortcomings is a funny, witty that uses cliched rom-com moments to tell a larger story of growth while traversing relationships in search of connections.
Fancy Dance Uses Fiction to Highlight Love, Loss and MMIW
Fancy Dance is a tragic yet beautiful story that highlights the traditions of Indigenous community with the harm that comes from societal abandonment.
The Persian Version: A Lighthearted Dramedy That Comes Full Circle
The Persian Version takes a heavier topic of identity and generational conflict and imbues it with the magic of culture, comedy, and music. A joy to watch.
Magazine Dreams: Jonathan Majors is Amazing as a Bodybuilder With Demons
Elijah Bynum’s Magazine Dreams is an outstanding drama about struggle, rage and grief. Jonathan Majors’s nuanced, electrifying performance is Oscar-worthy.
Old Flame Has Potential In It But Fizzles Out [Brooklyn Horror Film Festival]
Old Flame shows promise through its lean three-act structure, and compelling cast but ultimately abandons something more for the same ole same ole.
The Domestic Brings A Unique Spin To Common Story [Screamfest]
The Domestic merges supernatural horror with wealthy people’s fear that the hired help is out to get them, building dread and claustrophobia with each scene.
Shaky Shivers Emerges As Hysterical Love Letter To The ’80s [Screamfest]
Sung Kang’s Shaky Shivers shines with zany humor. With an oddball cast, plot and music this wacky film is an outlandish send up for ’80s-loving adults.
V/H/S/99 Is A Frightening, Devilish Joyride Into The Depths Of Hell [Brooklyn Horror Festival]
V/H/S/99 delivers a roller coaster of hellbent mayhem with five tales of paranormal, satanic, monstrous delight. A fun lights-off watch for the spooky season.
Deer Camp ’86 Slogs Along In A Muddled Mess [Screamfest]
Deer Camp ‘86, directed by L. VanDyke Sibouotszen and written by Bo Hansen and Riley Taurus, playing at Screamfest, follows a set of men on a great outdoors trip for hunting season. Their journey turns into a fight for survival against a supernatural assailant. With dreadful acting and abrupt tonal shifts, the movie is akin to Pumpkinhead without the entertainment. Deer Camp ‘86 is a tortuous viewing experience despite its short 85–minute runtime.
Nightsiren Is A Strong Look At Small Town Oppression [Fantastic Fest]
Nightsiren, playing at Fantastic Fest, is a folk horror gem surrounding a young woman’s return to a small village she fled as a child. Directed by Teresa Nvotová and written by Nvotová and Barbora Namerova, the film is another slow-burn style, filled with analysis of patriarchal oppression. Filled with atmospheric suspense and tense acting, Nightsiren keeps you on your toes as to what is real and what is superstition.