film reviews
Explore a range of experiences, from Hollywood blockbusters to art and indie films. We offer thoughtful insights, in-depth analysis, and suggestions to help you discover both new favorites and timeless classics.
Review by Aaron Jones | Apr 12, 2025
When I saw Soderbergh's last film Presence I was surprised how amateur it felt and with little to no substance, its wooden acting and bad writing and overall flat approach. It was unfortunately one of the worst films I have seen this year. Having no interest in seeing Black Bag because Presence just felt failed on so many levels for me, I slowly began to perk up to its potential after reading and hearing so much praise for his rapidly approaching follow-up.
Review by James Carneiro | Apr 03, 2025
The story follows a teenage girl (Lyonne) struggling to grow up in 1976 in a lower-middle-class nomadic Jewish family that relocates every few months. The film is loosely based on writer-director Tamara Jenkins' experiences as a youth moving around different apartments in the Beverly Hills area with her lower-middle-class family. Many reviewers have praised the 1970s production design, the humor, and the acting as "dead-on".
Review by James Carneiro | Mar 24, 2025
The film is set in the Broward and Dade Counties of Florida, between Miami and the Everglades (nicknamed "the River of Grass"). The story concerns a local couple who attempt to flee South Florida after their involvement in a shooting incident, but lack the money to get away. It was selected for the Sundance Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival, and was nominated for the Sundance Grand Jury Prize and four Independent Spirit Awards.
Review by Aaron Jones | Mar 12, 2025
William Lee, an American expat in Mexico City, spends his days almost entirely alone, except for a few contacts with other members of the small American community. His encounter with Eugene Allerton, an expat former soldier, new to the city, shows him, for the first time, that it might be finally possible to establish an intimate connection with somebody. The film has received generally positive reviews from critics and was named one of the Top Ten Films of 2024 by the National Board of Review.
Review by James Carneiro | Mar 01, 2025
Set in Turin at the end of the 19th century, it stars Marcello Mastroianni as a labor activist who becomes involved with a group of textile factory workers who go on strike. The film had its premiere at the 35th Congress of the Italian Socialist Party. The script was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 37th Academy Awards.
Review by James Carneiro | Feb 23, 2025
When Isabelle and Theo invite Matthew to stay with them, what begins as a casual friendship ripens into a sensual voyage of discovery and desire in which nothing is off limits and everything is possible. It is set against the backdrop of the 1968 Paris student riots. The film makes several references to various movies of classical and French New Wave cinema, incorporating clips from films that are often imitated by the actors in particular scenes.
Review by James Carneiro | Feb 14, 2025
Miso lives from day to day by housekeeping. Cigarettes and whiskey are the two things that get her through the day. As cigarette prices and rent start to rise, Miso decides to give up her house for cigarettes and whiskey, leading her to couch surf with old friends while reconsidering her place in life. Microhabitat is Jeon's feature debut, and it was produced independently by Jeon herself.
Review by Aaron Jones | Feb 06, 2025
Just out of jail, crumpled English archaeologist Arthur reconnects with his wayward crew of tombaroli accomplices – a happy-go-lucky collective of itinerant grave-robbers who survive by looting Etruscan tombs and fencing the ancient treasures they dig up. La chimera was selected to compete for the Palme d'Or at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. The film received positive reviews from critics, and is considered as one of the best Italian films.
Review by James Carneiro | Jan 26, 2025
High school seniors and best friends, Sonny and Duane, live in a dying Texas town. The handsome Duane is dating a local beauty, while Sonny is having an affair with the coach’s wife. As graduation nears and both boys contemplate their futures, Duane eyes the army and Sonny takes over a local business. Each struggles to figure out if he can escape this dead-end town and build a better life somewhere else.
Review by Aaron Jones | Jan 18, 2025
In the near future where emotions have become a threat, Gabrielle finally decides to purify her DNA in a machine that will immerse her in her past lives and rid her of any strong feelings. She then meets Louis and feels a powerful connection, as if she had known him forever. The Beast had its world premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival as part of the official competition.