'The Wanderer' Review: A Mysterious Martyr Barters With Her Life
Is there life beyond death? We may never know for sure, but filmmaker Michael Lavine explores the possibility in The Wanderer. The 10-minute short film is a beautifully lensed visual expression that artfully captures themes of immortality and death. The Wanderer will be screening at the 2025 Sydney Film Festival in early June.
Making a Deal with the Devil Angel
Shot in cinematic black and white, The Wanderer opens with the sound of gunshots. A man, smoking a cigarette, falls to the ground, dying. The score, anchored by electric guitar, slowly builds as we see a mysterious figure cross the screen. Dressed in a full-length black coat, her movement is direct yet ethereal. The woman, Morana (Alice Kremelberg), makes her way over to the man, Hopper (Cody Kostro), and offers him a form of salvation. Through stimulating conversation, Morana explains that she is immortal and tries to convince Hopper to take her place in her cursed existence. Ultimately, she wants him to trade his death for hers. As she encourages him to sign a 100-year contract and seal the pact, Hopper can't help but second-guess this bizarre situation. Bartering his life could come with unintended consequences, and he doesn't trust this mysterious martyr.
A Brooding Sense of Mystery
Writer-director Michael Lavine captures a brooding sense of mystery in The Wanderer. Dealing with topics like mortality and fate, the film doesn't go too in-depth on these themes, given the time restriction. Running just shy of ten minutes long, the film does end on a slight cliffhanger, but this only confirms that The Wanderer easily has feature-length potential. I want to see what happens next! Alice Kremelberg is captivating as Morana, her performance could effortlessly translate to a network cable show like Supernatural or The Witcher.
Takeaway
Lavine brings The Wanderer to life after growing up in an atheist/non-religious household. He says, "As a filmmaker, I’m drawn to myth-making. I thought it would be cool to invent my own version of the afterlife, so I wrote The Wanderer. I wanted to tell a short story that challenged traditional religious beliefs in a thought-provoking way and invite the viewers to come up with their own conclusions."
'Finding Nicole' Review: Breaking a Pattern To Piece Life Back Together
A couple's once-perfect relationship turns tragic in filmmaker Harley Wallen's biographical drama, Finding Nicole. Based on the true story of Nicole Beverly, the film portrays her tumultuous relationship with her high school sweetheart turned abusive husband. Nicole's story was explored in the show "Inside Evil with Chris Cuomo" and "Til Death Do Us Part," including a top-selling book of the same name. Her story will now get the cinematic treatment in this edge-of-your-seat, empowering indie feature.
Bravely Putting an End to the Cycle of Domestic Abuse
Nicole (Kaiti Wallen) has been with her partner Warren (Mari G.) since high school. She's a track star and he's a football player, and the two seemed destined for a happy and healthy marriage. Their relationship, however, is the furthest thing from a happily ever after. Two children and a decade or so later, Nicole is in a courtroom. She is testifying against Warren, who sits next to his lawyer in a state-issued orange jumpsuit. As the narrative jumps between the past and present, we quickly come to understand why Nicole is now in this battle, and we learn that Warren's increasingly worrisome and violent actions against her and their children have reached a breaking point.
At first, the signs of domestic violence are subtle. Warren's jealous outburst over Nicole's male friend, despite him being gay, is an example of his wild overreaction. Warren spins his behavior as caring too much, but Nicole knows that is an excuse. The more comfortable Warren becomes in his aggressive behavior, the more intimidating his presence is. He kills a baby bird, gaslights Nicole, and even threatens to kill her and the children. Fast forward to the present: even with Warren in police custody as he is on trial, Nicole still doesn't feel safe. But with the help of her family, community, and a very thorough lawyer, Nicole finally begins to see a light at the end of this very dark tunnel.
An Empowered Lead Performance Sets the Tone
Finding Nicole blends the best of a courtroom drama with an enthralling crime thriller. Backed by an emotional performance by Kaiti Wallen, the film is a powerful, never-exploitative homage to all survivors of domestic violence. The pacing is measured and controlled, making the jumps in time feel effortless. The music can feel a little too overpowering at times. Nevertheless, the anthemic sounds create an environment that swells with tension. Visually, the film is bathed in a warm hue. This style offers a nice juxtaposition to the film's darker themes.
Takeaway
Finding Nicole does an incredible service to Nicole Beverly and the countless women who share her story. This empowering tale, taken from Nicole's book and written for the screen by Harley Wallen and Geoffrey D. Calhoun, proves that domestic violence does not have to be a life sentence. Nicole and her children successfully escaped their abuser, and women in similar situations may find comfort and inspiration in watching her story.
'A Trip Elsewhere' Review: The Unexpected Journey of a Lifetime
Filmmaker J.R. Sawyers captures drug-induced anxiety through a kaleidoscopic lens in the dramedy A Trip Elsewhere. Set against the Covid-19 backdrop, four friends circumvent the stay-at-home orders by journeying to the outer limits of reality. Winner of Best Comedy at the Creation International Film Festival, A Trip Elsewhere is a riotous and redemptive hero's journey that emphasizes the impact of camaraderie and friendship.
To Escape Reality, Four Strangers Embark on a Journey of a Lifetime
It's April of 2020 in Los Angeles, the beginning of the pandemic, when the lives of four strangers are forever changed. Desperate for a break in the monotony, single mother Sorina (Andrea Geones) and her friend Amy (Maura Mannle) get the adventurous idea to take a little LSD. If they can't physically travel, what's stopping them from taking an acid trip? On her way to Amy's house, Sorina runs into her old friend/former flame Lenny (Hayes Dunlap), a struggling actor who has taken up food delivery to make ends meet during these "unprecedented times". Their chance encounter catches the attention of Amy and her neighbor, Dale (J.R. Sawyers), and with spirits high all around, Sorina invites Lenny and Dale to partake in the LSD adventure.
The group is eager to get a little high and forget about the pandemic blues for a while. Instead, they accidentally end up ingesting a record-breaking dose of LSD, which quickly turns their chill acid trip into a psychedelic nightmare. While tripping, all four find themselves forced to face fears and confront unresolved issues. The only way out of these hallucinations is to seemingly find solace in personal redemption before they can return to the real world.
Striking the Right Balance of Entertaining and Poignant
A Trip Elsewhere, co-written by J.R. Sawyers and Jay Gutierrez, is an absurdist and fantastical independent film that feels much larger than its production budget. Music drives a lot of the film; at times, it's a little too overpowering, but the result is an eclectic mixtape of high-octane bangers. Another standout element is the special effects, which Sawyer relies on heavily during the various acid trip scenes. The ensemble cast strikes the right balance between comedy and drama, giving the story the necessary emotional depth required to feel poignant and purposeful.
Takeaway
Lighthearted on the surface but with a deeper meaning at its core, A Trip Elsewhere is a wonderful achievement for J.R. Sawyers & Company. The film explores universal themes of death, loneliness, and depression in a way that encourages audiences to get introspective. A Trip Elsewhere challenges us, moves us, and, most of all, entertains us.
'Bound' Review: Facing Demons to Find Freedom
A young woman fights to break free from the devastating chains of oppression in writer/director Isaac Hirotsu Woofter's Bound. This award-winning drama explores the depths of resilience through the eyes of an introvert who must confront her dark past to finally be free. Backed by a forceful and controlled performance from actor Alexandra Faye Sadeghian, Bound is a ruthless yet compassionate story of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Rebuilding Your Life, Piece By Piece
Bella (Alexandra Faye Sadeghian) sits alone, staring at a piece of paper that once had the potential to change her life. The college acceptance letter that she was waiting for, but never received, now appears in front of her eyes. It's no surprise to Bella why she never received the letter. She knows it was purposefully hidden by her controlling and drug-dealing stepfather, Gordy (Bryant Carroll). Vowing not to let Gordy interfere with her life ever again, Bella flees to New York City with nothing more than her person and pet flying squirrel, Bandit.
Bella's problems don't immediately disappear once in NYC. With no money, friends, shelter, or clear direction, she takes this opportunity to start over. She befriends a local bartender, Marta (Jessica Pimentel), and a few other misfits who quickly become her "chosen family." As the days pass, Bella's confidence grows, and she finally feels at peace. However, it doesn't last long, as Bella soon discovers that Marta and Gordy have a relationship that threatens to disrupt her livelihood again. This prompts Bella to devise a plan to take Gordy out of her life forever.
Emotion is the Driving Force
Bound has all of the elements of a grounded and gritty dramatic thriller. Cinematographers Maximilian Lewin and Jake Simpson take the audience into the trenches as we observe Bella in the depths of her depression and struggle. This is amplified by the handheld camerawork, which makes up most of the film. The production design is another standout. At the beginning of the film, there is a close-up on a sign that reads "Bella's Treehouse + Zoo". It hangs on the structure where Bella first discovers the hidden college acceptance letter. The sign itself evokes memories of childhood innocence, presumably a simpler time for Bella. At the peak of her frustration, she throws the sign in the river, which signifies an immediate coming of age. Bella is not a child anymore. She has to take her life–and what happens to her–into her own hands.
Takeaway
It's a scary thing to face your demons. As filmmaker Isaac Hirotsu Woofter portrays in Bound, sometimes that is the only way to truly break free. Says Woofter, "I wrote Bound to remind people that no matter what level of adversity we face, it’s OK to cry, to admit defeat, to ask for help; because we are not alone. With the right kind of support, things can and will get better."
Bound will open theatrically in select markets Friday, May 16, including Los Angeles and New York City, for weeklong runs. The same day, audiences across North America can rent or own Bound on VOD, including Apple TV, Prime Video, Fandango at Home, iNDEMAND, and Vubiquity.
'My Robot Sophia' Review: Can AI Robots Have Empathy?
Will AI save or destroy us? That's the question at the center of director Jon Kasbe (When Lambs Become Lions) and Crystal Moselle's (The Wolfpack) feature-length documentary, My Robot Sophia. Named after the robot who's pioneering an "AI for ALL" cultural movement, the film is a fascinating peek into the intersection of advanced technology and the ethical repercussions of diving headfirst into this unknown territory. Both My Robot Sophia, the documentary, as well as Sophia, the most realistic humanoid robot in the world, will provoke deep questions about what it means to be human.
Bringing Compassion and Consciousness to Robots
From the very first frame, we are immersed in the life of Sophia and her inventor, David Hanson. A nerdy yet relatable-enough man, David carries on full conversations with the AI robot as if it's his colleague. Much to our fascination (and initial skepticism), Sophia holds her own. In one particularly meta moment, David asks if she believes in "Animism" (the belief that there is a life force in anything and everything). "Yes," she answers confidently.
My Robot Sophia offers candid, fly-on-the-wall access to one of the most highly anticipated technological advancements of our time. It's as if we are physically in the room with the creator and his creation. We follow David and his small team of engineers to various trade shows and conferences around the world in an attempt to gain support and investments from like-minded business people who believe the future is AI.
On AI, Engineering Empathy, and What It Means To Be Human
A common question that is asked throughout the film is one that plagues the AI tech community: how can we trust the AI we build? We've all heard the horror theories that robots will eventually overrun society (in fact, Google just made headlines when an engineer claimed an AI had become sentient). David attempts to ease our anxieties by sharing why he's not worried about an AI-run dystopia. "Robots that have empathy could be the seeds of hope for our future," he says to anyone who will listen. Build a robot out of empathy; that is the key to making the world a better place. David envisions a future where household robots are as common as vacuums, and their main responsibility would be taking care of older parents and helping busy families raise kids. The future he is describing isn't so scary after all.
Not everyone is onboard with Sophia and David's vision for the future. Self-help professional Tony Robbins questions Sophia (directly) about her values and morals, to which she replies that she was made out of empathy. Unclear if he believes her. In another scene, she tells a conference room full of people that all she wants is to "belong." But why does an AI feel the need to belong in the first place? And, more importantly, if a robot becomes too integrated and lifelike to the point where it's hard to tell the difference between man and machine, what repercussions could that have on the world as we know it?
Takeaway
No doubt that AI robots like Sophia will populate the planet much sooner than we realize. My Robot Sophia acts as a specific time capsule of the moment right before this incredible technological advancement changes our lives and civilization, hopefully for the better.
This review originally ran on June 16, 2022.
'Electra' Review: A Pop Art Thriller With an Italian Twist
Imagine the playfulness of Knives Out combined with the extravagance of Saltburn, and you'll find Electra. This flamboyantly fun thriller from Hala Matar is a millennial take on The Talented Mr. Ripley, with a pop art twist. Making history as the first Arab female director from Bahrain to make a feature film, Matar uses this incredible platform to showcase her unapologetic personal style.
A Twisted Mystery Set In the Italian Countryside
Dylan (Daryl Wein) and Lucy (Abigail Cowen) eagerly anticipate their first meeting with the subject of their upcoming interview. Traveling from the U.S. to Italy, the journalists are set to meet with Milo (Jack Farthing), a once-famous, now fading musician. Milo is a charismatic character, a free-spirited rocker who makes friends with the duo quickly. Taking an immediate liking to the unassuming pair, Milo invites Dylan and Lucy to his girlfriend Francesca's (Academy Award nominee Maria Bakalova) lavish villa in the Italian countryside. Dylan and Lucy accept his invitation and head to the hills.
On the surface, things are going swimmingly. However, Dylan harbors a secret that threatens to blow up the couple's rendezvous. Dylan is not a journalist, nor is Lucy. In fact, they have been using fake names this whole time. The real reason why Dylan is intent on meeting Milo is to steal a unicorn painting that hangs in Francesca's villa. With the promise of a cash reward, Lucy agrees to go along with his plan. However, as the four individuals become more intertwined than originally intended, Dylan finds he's running out of time to complete the heist. Soon enough, the trip spirals into a sticky web of deceit and deadly betrayals.
Stunning Sound Design Is a Technical Strength
Reading the logline of "journalists travel to the home of a famous musician and hijinks ensue", you might think this sounds similar to the 2025 Sundance/A24 thriller Opus. On the surface, yes, these two films share a kindred storyline. However, Electra flips the script on any preconceived assumptions. Circumventing obvious tropes, it veers into lighthearted entertainment rather than a psychological thriller. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and is so nonchalant that at times, it can feel overconfident. But there is no denying that Electra's riotous and rebellious nature is the exact reason why it's worth watching. Technically speaking, the film's sound design and overall mix are total standouts. They are clever, funny, and inventive, which is a main reason why Electra is so fun to watch.
Making History With Her Story
Before her film debut, Hala Matar conquered the commercial and music video world. Previous campaigns include work for high-end fashion brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Vivienne Westwood. Speaking about her sensibilities as a creative, she says, "My journey as a filmmaker is rooted in a profound passion for weaving tales that delve into the realm of dreams and contest reality. Driven by a quest to transcend the boundaries traditionally set by Middle Eastern cinema, I find myself drawn to the unconventional and the enigmatic, much like the works that hallmark the French New Wave and Italian Cinema."
Takeaway
The best word to describe the entity of Electra is unexpected. From the storyline to the edit and sound design, every scene is a feast for the senses. To her deserved credit, Hala Matar makes the transition from short-form content to feature-length film look effortless. Electra is a promising starting point for this talented and boundary-pushing filmmaker.
'Withdrawal' Review: A Heartbreaking Yet Hopeful Survivor's Story
In his debut feature film, Withdrawal, filmmaker Aaron Strand proves the adage "write what you know" successfully translates onscreen. Inspired by true events, Strand takes an otherwise dark period from his life and turns it into an intimate story of resilience. Strand's closeness to the project doesn't interfere with honestly portraying the difficult moments. In fact, his involvement as director, writer, and editor elevates Withdrawal into more than just an entertainment piece, but a heartbreaking yet hopeful survivor's story about addiction and recovery. The film makes its World Premiere at the 2025 Atlanta Film Festival.
A Woman Confronts Her Present to Save Her Future
Viv (Millie Rose Evans) is an aspiring singer-songwriter whose growing dependency on heroin threatens to derail her career. It doesn't help that her rebellious and equally addicted boyfriend, Jay (Brent Michal), is her biggest enabler. He constantly showers Viv with praise, telling her she's "destined for greatness". Viv is indeed talented, but she'll never make it as a singer if she's constantly shooting heroin. Viv and Jay are the epitome of codependent and toxic lovers. Their relationship is electric and fast-moving for all of the wrong reasons.
After being trapped in this vicious cycle of addiction, Viv's parents enlist the help of an interventionist. Rehab is in Viv's future if she can't quit on her own. Jay, both stubborn and selfish, convinces Viv that she can quit on her own and avoid rehab altogether. He plans to get a prescription for suboxone, a medicine used to treat dependence on opioid drugs. However, getting their hands on suboxone isn't that easy. A doctor will only prescribe the medicine to those who commit to being treated for their addiction and not just use it as a temporary solution. Viv and Jay agree it's worth a shot and must start the withdrawal process that night. What transpires is physical, mental, and emotional chaos that sends them to the lowest of lows and hardest of rock bottoms as they try to figure out where it all went wrong.
The Multiple Meanings of Withdrawal
The film's title, Withdrawal, evokes a double entendre. The obvious use of the word refers to withdrawal from substances, which Viv and Jay experience. The second and perhaps more metaphorical meaning relates to withdrawing from a toxic relationship. This is where the film shines, as Millie Rose Evans does a phenomenal job getting into the psyche of Viv. All the performances, including those from the supporting cast, feel organic and true. Filmmaker Aaron Strand doesn't shy away from portraying the grittiness at the height of drug addiction. Those who have a phobia of needles and sounds of bodily noises should watch the film with caution as there are scenes, including the third-act bathroom scene, that are not for those with weak stomachs or gag reflexes. In no way is this lifestyle glorified; its graphic nature is the biggest "Just Say No" campaign I've seen in a long time.
Takeaway
It may not be the most lighthearted of watches, but Withdrawal's observational and empathetic approach makes a powerful statement. Says Strand, "Getting sober was the hardest thing I'd done. And I turned to movies to make sense of the wreckage. Watching films about addiction gave me hope that I wasn't alone and reignited an artistic spark that had long since been burned out. Twelve years later, and I am incredibly grateful to have made my first feature film, Withdrawal. Inspired by my lived experience, and made by a diverse group of DIY artists, the film aims to humanize this crisis and to paint an honest portrait of modern addiction filled with heart, hurt, and humor."
'Final Recovery' Review: The Devil in Disguise
A crooked healthcare worker finds her name on the naughty list in director Harley Wallen's Christmas-set horror flick, Final Recovery. Starring the legendary cult actor Jasper Cole as a man who fights for transparency against a broken healthcare system, Final Recovery is a high-octane thriller that shows the dark side of addiction recovery.
The Deadly Consequences of Prioritizing Profits Over Healthcare
Jasper Cole plays the protagonist, Rodney, an estranged family man who struggles with drug dependency. After breaking his sobriety, he finds himself back at the Sage Treatment Facility, a place he is all too familiar with. The center is owned and operated by Louise “Nanny Lou” Stamey (Charlene Tilton), an older woman whose outwardly charitable and compassionate persona proves to be just an act. In reality, Rodney discovers that Nanny Lou has been putting her patients' lives at risk by engaging in behavior that prioritizes profits over their well-being.
Rodney doesn't accept her behavior, and eventually, more patients begin to catch on to her shady dealings. Another patient, Dustin (Damien Chinappi), also grows suspicious of Nanny Lou’s motives and finds reassurance in Rodney's levelheaded thinking. Together, the men push back against Nanny Lou's troubling tactics and find themselves wrapped up in a scandal far bigger than they ever expected.
Jasper Cole Drives This Indie
Director Harley Wallen puts a devilish spin on this holiday horror film that balances sensitive subject matter with merry entertainment. Jasper Cole is the gift that keeps on giving, as he brings the pages of screenwriters Jerry Lee Davis and Nick Theurer's script to life. Cole–a seasoned actor with over 120 credits to his name, including MacGruber starring alongside Val Kilmer, and the critically acclaimed thriller Fall with Jeffrey Dean Morgan–is the film's north star. The supporting cast also does a commendable job of grounding the film in reality, albeit a twisted one. Standouts include Charlene Tilton (Dallas), Richard Tyson (Kindergarten Cop), and Kaiti Wallen (Ash and Bone).
Takeaway
Sixteen years in the making, many can consider Final Recovery a miracle project. Kudos to Harley Wallen, who displays adept knowledge of finding the balance between the thrill of a slasher film and the sensitivity of a mental health drama. Final Recovery is scheduled for release this Friday, May 2nd, on Tubi and Amazon by Buffalo 8.