'A Weird Kind of Beautiful' Review: Secrets Don't Keep Friendships
Filmmaker Gabriel Mayo embodies the spirit of a Joe Swanberg picture in his debut feature film, A Weird Kind of Beautiful. In this tight-knit group drama, Mayo crafts a tense and eccentric story as deeply held secrets reveal themselves. Don't let the film's minimalist set and production design fool you, there is never a dull moment. A Weird Kind of Beautiful makes its world premiere at the 2025 Miami Film Festival.
Secrets Don't Keep Friendships
A group of dysfunctional twenty-somethings gather together after the funeral of their best friend. They commemorate his memory the only way they know how, by drinking and sharing old stories. The group gives off the impression of immaturity and stunted growth as they bicker and yell at each other in dramatic and often piercing ways. Yet the dynamic drastically changes when their former friend Eric arrives with his fiance. Eric, the group outlier, hasn't seen his friends in eight years. His attendance is a pleasant surprise for most, but not everyone.
Having held his secret for years, one of the friends is finally ready to come clean. She exposes one of Eric's deep dark secrets which threatens his future with his fiance and his relationship with the group. This secret is vile, disturbing, and graphic. A trigger warning should be acknowledged for those sensitive to unsettling sexual acts involving minors. It's a horrifying circumstance that adds infinite shock value to the film. However, it's hard to not be repelled by this storyline.
A Dialogue-Heavy Script Is a Shock to the System
Gabriel Mayo's feature flips the script on the conventionally lighthearted fare often found in buddy films. In A Weird Kind of Beautiful, there is a somber and palpable energy that intends to shake things up. In addition to the jarring script, the decision to film in a single location further creates a sense of bottlenecked tension. Mayo acknowledges that the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to make stylistic changes during production, and the one-location setting solved logistical problems. The frenetic energy comes from the dialogue, which the cast passionately delivers.
Takeaway
Friendships are nebulous relationships that evolve as we grow older. A Weird Kind of Beautiful shows one extreme of confronting hard truths. Whether or not these relationships can weather the storm is yet to be seen. However, the film does a commendable job of conveying the ebbs, flows, and growing pains in adult relationships.
'Minted: The Rise (and Fall?) of the NFT' Review: An Impossible Dream
It's bittersweet to think back to the days of the early NFT boom. We were still in the thick of COVID-19 caution but slowly coming out of quarantine when TikTok and Tiger King monopolized the collective consciousness. Then comes NFTs, a revolutionary form of digital art that initially seemed like a fad but ended up becoming a cultural disruptor. In the new documentary Minted: The Rise (and Fall?) of the NFT, filmmaker Nicholas Bruckman charts the wild ride of the art world's former darling.
From Astounding Cultural Movement to Biggest Financial Collapse
An artist named Beeple sits in his living room surrounded by loved ones as they all stare at his TV in disbelief. Beeple's newly created NFT has sold for $69 million. This digital artwork, which is still in the infancy stage of popularity, has officially made Beeple the third highest-selling artist of all time. But what exactly is an NFT, and why are people spending thousands, if not millions, of dollars on art that can literally be saved on a computer for free? This is Bruckman's starting point as he navigates the curiously bizarre trajectory of the NFT.
Watch the Minted: The Rise (and Fall?) of the NFT trailer here.
Bruckman does a great job of getting into the minds of these digital pioneers whose lives have changed forever by selling their art on the blockchain. After Beeple's historic sale ignited an all-out frenzy, many artists found themselves living out their own rags-to-riches stories. But all good things must come to an end. Minted goes into stunning detail about the conspiracy theories, celebrity endorsements, and dark side of this controversial new frontier.
NTFs: Everything or Nothing?
Watching this film in hindsight, as the stock market is currently volatile, gives off an eerily uneasy feeling. Nicholas Bruckman could have never predicted the timing of this release to perfectly align with cultural events but it works so well in tandem. It forces the audience to question not just the monetary value of an NFT, but the very nature of art. This larger philosophical question is juxtaposed against composer Dan Deacon's bright and forceful score.
Takeaway
The question remains: Are NFTs dead? Minted hypothesizes that they may not be raking in millions of dollars like they used to, but there is still a market for them. However, what has died are people's hopes and dreams that this was sustainable. Minted made its World Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival and is coming to Netflix on April 9th.
'Sound Spring' Review: A Love Letter to a Small Town
Filmmaker Catalina Alvarez infuses unusual techniques that mirror the uniqueness of her niche subjects in the documentary Sound Spring. Unconventional in its production yet traditional in intention, Sound Spring is a love letter to the small town of Yellow Springs, Ohio. The film makes its World Premiere at the 2025 Cleveland International Film Festival.
An Oral History of a Town, Narrated by its Residents
The story of Sound Spring unfolds over a series of eight vignettes. Within each sequence, residents give thoughtful interviews about their lives in Yellow Springs. The history of the town is explored through archival photos and verbal anecdotes from Ohioans of various generations. Most of the vignettes are intentionally surreal, examples include a breakdancer who speaks while posing during a challenging upside-down dance move. Another moment shows a young woman rollerblading and an older woman working out with weights. While the delivery of the message may be comical, the weight of their words is to be taken seriously. Through interviews, we learn of the historical importance of Yellow Springs. This includes ancestors' settlements after slavery, Antioch College, Ohio's Trail of Tears, and the unexpected relationship with Coretta Scott King.
Creative Liberties (Mostly) Pay Off
Director Catalina Alvarez crafts clever ways to reinvigorate the traditional documentary formula. The most noticeable and impactful method is through the sound. The focus is primarily on the audio because these vignettes are all re-stagings of the subjects' previous audio interviews. Alvarez gets meta by having them perform their own previously recorded media.
In one vignette, a DJ's interview is set to a lo-fi hip-hop drum track with every few words getting remixed. Another vignette uses voice manipulation across two interviews, where the original speakers' voices are dubbed by another person. These manipulations add an exciting element to a niche subject that could have been considered monotonous due to its hyper-specificity. The film's misstep comes from the creative decision to have overlapping dialogue. This effect results in muddying the interview's sentiment and made me wonder if I was having technical issues.
Takeaway
The experimental documentary genre is continuously pushing boundaries and Sound Spring is a welcomed new entry. Catalina Alvarez boldly shows what's possible in this art form, and while not every move she makes pays off, the risk alone is worth championing.
'The Luckiest Man in America' Review: Get Rich, Scam Trying
An underdog story is usually an easy crowd favorite. Throw in a large cash prize, like Slumdog Millionaire, and you'll no doubt have a box office winner. Director Samir Oliveros doesn't stray far from this tried and true formula in The Luckiest Man in America. The result is an enjoyable yet mediocre historical dramatization that doesn't move the needle much one way or the other. The film opens nationwide this Friday, April 4, 2025.
Big Dreams Require Bold Actions
Based on actual events from 1984, The Luckiest Man in America stars Paul Walter Hauser as Michael Larson, an unemployed ice cream truck driver from Ohio. A huge fan of the "Press Your Luck" game show, he is ultimately selected to compete in an upcoming episode. This marks a life-changing moment for Michael, who makes it known that any prize money will be going towards ensuring his daughter's wellbeing. Michael's initial game show debut is rocky. He quickly loses any acquired amount of money due to his poor judgment, as well as curses on TV. Michael Larson is the epitome of an underdog engaging in a losing public battle.
However, after a quick commercial break, Michael's luck begins to change. His bets start paying off big time, and he quickly racks up thousands of dollars in winnings. The game show host (Walton Goggins) is in disbelief, as are the other contestants and studio audience. Michael's winning streak also catches the attention of the control room, who are quick to act. What they discover about Michael is beyond their wildest dreams. Behind the dopey small-town facade is a calculated mastermind who is using mental tricks and memory patterns to beat the system at their own game.
A Moderately Tame Thriller
The Luckiest Man in America is an enjoyable movie for those who want surface-level entertainment. The film's billing as a "thriller" does feel a bit misleading though, as "drama" feels more accurate. The story itself is a fascinating one and filmmaker Samir Oliveros' instincts to bring this to the screen are applauded. Even if the film feels flat due to the lack of character development, there is no question that Paul Walter Hauser makes for a compelling leading man. Had the film delved deeper into Michael's psychological development to truly get a dynamic portrait of this complicated man, it would have been more satisfying.
Takeaway
If you're looking for a fun and lighthearted watch, The Luckiest Man in America may be the film for you. One has to wonder though if a documentary would have been more compelling than this scripted version. Nevertheless, it's an enjoyable cinematic escape that clocks in at a sharp 90 minutes. The Luckiest Man in America premiered at TIFF in 2024.
'Humantis' Review: A Short Arthouse Indie With a Big Message
Identity and belonging are the key themes of filmmaker Paris Baillie's incredible animated short Humantis. The experimental stop-motion film uses mystical praying mantis-like creatures as a vessel to symbolize a universal human experience of denial and transformation. Humantis made its World Premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and won the jury award at AFI Fest.
A Journey Through Experimental Stop Motion
Humantises, a praying mantis/orchid hybrid with human-like capabilities to feel emotion, are masters of deception. They move around the world in a cluster. All looking, acting, and moving the same. However, when one rogue humantis begins to unintentionally change color, its outward difference is met with shame and embarrassment. It struggles to blend in and finds itself an outcast. It's only when the humantis meets a similar-looking creature that it realizes there is no point trying to hide from this inevitable change. Embracing the transformation, the humantis eventually learns its otherness is beautiful and something to be proud of.
The Beautiful Humantis World
The craft behind Humantis is excellently produced. In addition to the mesmerizing stop-motion animation, the film is without dialogue. Only the score and sound design aid the film's sonic journey. This decision to forgo any language is always a calculated risk, and in this case, it most definitely serves the film for the better. The choreography is admirable as well, a delicate art form that Baillie masterfully succeeds in directing.
Takeaway
Humantis is a beautiful arthouse indie film that may be short but packs a big message. It's an impressive feat for Paris Baillie, who is not only credited as director and writer, but also composer, editor, and cinematographer.
'Gazer' Review: A Neo-Noir Full of Suspicion and Conspiracies
There's an eeriness that permeates Ryan J. Sloan’s feature film debut, and it's enough to send chills down your spine. This tangible sensation makes Gazer's darkly emotive storytelling and overall aesthetic such a captivating watch. Making its World Premiere in Directors’ Fortnight at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Gazer is a neo-noir for modern times.
A Seedy Neo-Noir Full of Suspicion and Conspiracies
Set against an unforgivingly bleak cityscape, Gazer is the story of a young mother Frankie Rhodes (co-writer Ariella Mastroianni) who finds herself trapped in a dangerous transaction. Frankie suffers from a unique condition that affects her perception of time, which proves to be a hindrance in her quest for normalcy. Frankie's condition progresses with age, and she is doing everything she can in the present to prepare for the future, specifically saving money for her young daughter. To keep her life in order, and somewhat functional, Frankie relies on a tape recorder that constantly plays self-narrated tapes of her various memories.
One evening, a desperate yet determined Frankie accepts a shady job from a mysterious woman with a dark past. Little does she know that by accepting this questionable opportunity, which promises to pay her $3,000 cash, she will inadvertently get caught up in a murder plot full of conspiracies that put both her and her daughter's futures at stake.
An Unapologetically Bold and Beautiful Indie Film
In addition to the film's cerebral and layered storyline, Gazer excels at creating a moody ambiance. It is masterfully shot on 16mm by cinematographer Matheus Bastos. His capturing of surreal moments, specifically a dream sequence between Frankie and her husband, stopped me in my tracks. In this scene, Frankie and her husband mirror each other's movements in uncanny unison, giving incredible performances. The hauntingly melodic score, which is fantastically crafted by composer Steve Matthew Carter, further propels the film.
Takeaway
If you're a fan of Memento or Severance, you will find a lot of tonal crossovers in Gazer. Ryan J. Sloan's impressive directorial debut is even more commendable by its production capabilities. Per the film's press notes, Gazer was "shot on a shoestring budget over weekends" for two years. In front of and behind the lens, Gazer is an exciting thriller that proves independent film is alive and well.
'Hello Beautiful' Review: Finding Oneself When All Feels Lost
A model undergoes a transformative journey that leads to a life-changing epiphany in the film Hello Beautiful. Based on Christine Handy’s bestselling novel Walk Beside Me, director Ziad H. Hamzeh's dramatic adaptation shows how a breast cancer diagnosis brings to light an uncomfortable reality, but in the aftermath of this challenge, there remains a sense of resilience and strength. Hello Beautiful makes its premiere as the opening night film at the 25th Beverly Hills Film Festival.
A Model Realizes Beauty Is Only Skin Deep
Willow (Tricia Helfer) seems to have the picture-perfect life: a loving husband and children, a beautiful home in a desirable neighborhood, and continues to thrive in her career as a middle-aged model. Despite appearances, however, Willow is not living a fairytale life. Her relationship with her teenage daughter can be described as toxic at best, and her self-esteem is fragile. Willow has always been able to fall back on her beauty but she is soon forced into accepting a new, uncomfortable reality that challenges her perspective of worthiness.
A devastating breast cancer diagnosis sends Willow into a spiral. Her gorgeous blonde hair is soon gone, the victim of aggressive chemotherapy. For a woman who has depended on her looks her whole life, this is a harsh reality check. She is bitter, and angry at the world, even threatening suicide during her lowest moment. Willow's acceptance of her situation does not happen overnight, but she gradually comes to terms with her new circumstances. Her true epiphany comes after meeting a woman during chemotherapy who arguably has less than Willow. This is the catalyst for Willow's reflection on her privilege. It's true, she has cancer, but she also has a loving family, a wonderful support system, and the means to fight the disease until she reaches remission.
The Nuances of Playing a Complex Character
Handling the subject matter with sensitivity, filmmaker Ziad H. Hamzeh explores themes of identity and the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Capturing Willow's heartbreaking and emotional journey is Tricia Helfer, who herself is a supermodel-turned-actress. Her performance is adequately layered and complex. There are moments where she comes across as entitled and selfish but I attribute that to her shock. Not everyone processes trauma the same, and there is no "correct" way to grieve. Understanding this and giving Willow grace is the best way to empathize with her during her more trying moments.
Takeaway
Hello Beautiful captures a universal experience for many women who find themselves on the receiving end of a cancer diagnosis. The film doesn't shy away from showing the ugly side of illness, and this authenticity is what makes Hello Beautiful such an important watch.
'Thank You Very Much' Review: Andy Kaufman: The Offbeat Anti-Comedian
Thank You Very Much asks a very simple question: Who is the real Andy Kaufman? The answer, however, is not as straightforward. With his controversial and gonzo style of comedy, Andy Kaufman was a provocateur. An iconoclast. He found pleasure in confusing and outraging audiences. Some people loved him for this while others found it incredibly annoying. He may not be everyone's cup of tea, but there's no denying that the tea was on a meteoric rise to fame. From the filmmakers behind Uncut Gems (Elara) and Won't You Be My Neighbor (Tremolo Productions), Thank You Very Much is a long overdue exploration into the all-too-short life of a one-of-a-kind comedic genius.
An Enigmatic Legend
Filmmaker Alex Braverman sorts through never-before-seen archival footage and speaks with some of Kaufman's closest friends, colleagues, and family members to craft a portrait of the curious Andy Kaufman. The consensus among the group is that Kaufman is an artist in the truest sense of the word. His artform is his act, his "always-on" persona that had everyone questioning the lines between reality and fantasy. Was he really an awkward guy with a high-pitched foreign accent? Or was he more like Tony Clifton, a rare steak-eating, womanizing drunkard? Through interviews, we learn that no one was ever 100% sure who the real Andy Kaufman was.
But there's a downside to being a full-time jokester... no one knows when you're telling the truth. Andy Kaufman was diagnosed with and later died from lung cancer at 35 years old. And still, people thought he was faking his death. Danny Devito admitted to not believing it, thinking it was just another one of Kaufman's outlandish pranks. Some people even poked his coffin to make sure he wasn't messing around. In death, as in life, Andy Kaufman kept everyone on their toes. I'm sure he would have been thrilled to know that this is the legacy he leaves behind.
Unearthing the Public Persona
Thank You Very Much brings to life an engaging timeline from Kaufman's early days, starting at NYC's The Improvisation in 1963. From here, we see tons of archival footage from his standup sets, all still hilarious and relevant today. Braverman makes it a point to also infuse the darker moments of Kaufman's life, including homelessness, addiction, and a traumatic childhood event about his family's decision to cover up the death of his grandfather. He overcame a lot of adversity in his short life, thanks in part to his belief and practice of Transcendental Meditation. The film goes into more detail on how exactly this form of meditation literally saved his life.
A Quote From Director Alex Braverman
"The greatest joy of making a documentary about Andy Kaufman is that he is impossible to define. The musicality of his act, his shapeshifting, and wild tonal experimentation gave us a thrilling, enigmatic performer whose influence can still be felt across our entertainment, art, even politics. But for me, his most indelible legacy is that he wasn’t afraid to be the fullest, most beguiling version of himself no matter how others responded to it. That’s his genius."
Takeaway
If Andy Kaufman were alive today, would he have liked his private life examined so publicly? Would he revel in the fact that some people still believe that he is alive and his death is just some elaborate hoax? While Thank You Very Much does an excellent job of reminding audiences of the once-in-a-generation talent that was Andy Kaufman, the real truth is we may never fully understand him. One thing seems clear though: he couldn't have written his legacy any better.
'izidor' Review: An Artfully Sincere Homage to Survivors
Sometimes, the reality of someone's past seems like an impossible challenge to document on screen. The subject matter can be considered too difficult or heartbreaking for audiences to witness, despite a strong central character worth rooting for. In izidor, a short film inspired by true events, director David Kabbe finds a way to tell one man's melancholic story in a way that leads with empathy and optimism.
To Belong is to Be Alive
In 1988 communist Romania, many civilians faced a difficult quality of life. Perhaps none are more affected than children with disabilities, whom the government takes away from their birth families and displaces them to various hospitals and care centers. Banished from the rest of society, these children grow up strictly within the walls of the Asylum for Irrecoverable Children. Sensing this injustice, one daring woman (Sarah Padbury) resolves to make a difference however she can by taking home 8-year-old Izidor (Iosua Barbu). Izidor suffers from a right leg deformity and he has been in the ward his whole life.
At the beginning of the film, animation is purposefully used to depict the passing of time and horrid living conditions. Says director David Kabbe, "[It] allowed us to handle sensitive content with delicacy and compassion, yet still invoke the harsh realities of that life." However, once Izidor is led out of the facility by the woman, the animation turns into a realistic portrait with actors and set pieces. This shift indicates Izidor's new world, one of possibility, color, and hope. Having never ventured into the outside world before, Izidor is amazed by everything he sees. Eventually, the woman has to bring Izidor back to the facility where his vivid world immediately turns back into animation. Despite this, he carries with him a glimmer of hope. He sweetly shares a little piece of the outside world with one of his friends on the inside.
Takeaway
izidor turns a difficult topic into an artfully sincere homage to Izidor's life story. The film makes its World Premiere at the 2025 Cleveland International Film Festival, running March 27 - April 13, 2025.
'Nomad Solitude' Review: The Reality of Nomadland Living
When Nomadland won the Oscar in 2021, it strongly indicated what audiences wanted to feel from a film. At the height of the pandemic, when people were forced into quarantine, there was an undeniable longing for fresh air, open roads, and above all else, freedom. The days of lockdown may be over but the resounding interest in alternative lifestyles remains high. Director Sebastien Wielemans captures this spirit of minimalist living in the documentary Nomad Solitude.
Life on the Open Road
Nomad Solitude tells the real-life stories of three women who live the lives depicted in big-screen feature films. A couple of examples from recent filmography include characters like Fern (Frances McDormand) in Chloé Zhao's Nomadland and Faye (Dale Dickey) in Max Walker-Silverman's A Love Song. Wielemans documents these women, all in their sixties, who live in their vans and travel wherever the wind takes them. Up and down the beautiful and vast American roads, Laurie, Kristy, and Linda individually give audiences a peek into their lives as nomads. All struggling to make ends meet in traditional society, they find immeasurable joy in their alternative lifestyles.
Linda is a vlogger and runs the YouTube channel Serene and Simple Life. She is a go-getter and monetizes her lifestyle by promoting her Amazon storefront and selling inspirational quote packs. Laurie is very down to Earth, pun intended, and has been solo traveling for many years. She too has a YouTube channel but with only 50ish subscribers, she falls back on family when facing a difficult financial situation. Finally, there is Kristy, a technologically unsavvy nomad who believes the whole purpose of van life is to live in the moment without the burden of having to document every minute of it. All without financial security, these women believe in placing importance on what they believe is a higher currency: freedom.
Camper Vans and Cinéma-Vérité
Filmmaker Sebastien Wielemans travels between Arizona, Tennessee, Florida, Arkansas, Georgia, and Texas in this sweeping portrait of American life. He captures the highs and lows of being addicted to freedom and how that impacts each woman's life differently. He makes an excellent decision to break the fourth wall in the film's third act, which makes the audience feel even closer to the subjects on screen. Further aiding this intimate journey is the score, which masquerades more like windchimes than a traditional soundtrack. The result is serene and heavenly.
Takeaway
A story of resilience and an unsatiated lust for life, Nomad Solitude acknowledges and celebrates uniqueness. If you've ever been curious about life as an "outside person", take a cinematic field trip with Nomad Solitude.
'¡Quba!' Review: For Cuba's LGBTQ Community, Love Wins
The veil of mystery shields much of the world from daily life in the socialist country of Cuba. Director Kim Anno bravely, and successfully, lifts the lid on Cuba's marginalized queer community in the documentary ¡Quba!. Shining a spotlight on the LGBTQ+ people who have struggled for visibility and safety in their communities, ¡Quba! offers a beacon of light and the promise of a more inclusive future. The documentary makes its World Premiere at the 2025 La Havana International Film Festival on Saturday, April 5.
Homosexuality is Not a Danger. Homophobia is.
The vibrancy of Cuba's colorful buildings and vibrant coastline act as a backdrop to this important human rights story. The film takes place around five cities: Havana, Santa Clara, Caibarién, Matanzas, and Santiago de Cuba. They share a similar background where the population's education is low but activism is high. Our protagonist is Adela Hernandez, a trans politician who overcame a four-year stay in prison due to her sexual identity to then become the first transgender official in Cuba's government.
The documentary also interviews Ramon Silverio, a trailblazer who has dedicated his life to El Mejunje Center, often regarded as a cultural haven for the queer community. This safe space aims to challenge prejudice through the universal language of art. Fidel Castro’s niece, Mariela Castro, Las Isabellas, and Ulises Suarez further propel the social revolution by leading the charge on the Marriage Equality Act, which resulted in a victory in 2022.
Love Wins
Combining modern interviews with archival footage from Fidel Castro's reign, ¡Quba! documents just how far the country has come. Gone are the days of machismo patriarchy and religious bigotry. The Cuba of the past is transforming into a country of acceptance and belonging. Says filmmaker Kim Anno, "The Cuban LGBTQ community opened their minds and hearts to our film and I am the first LGBTQ director to make a feature film about this topic."
Takeaway
For most Americans, visiting Cuba for tourist purposes is off the table. Due to a trade embargo and travel restrictions implemented in 1961, U.S. citizens may only enter the country for specific reasons, like visiting family, journalism requirements, or humanitarian projects. Until this ban is lifted, if it ever does, Kim Anno's ¡Quba! is our only window into the Cuban way of life. Thankfully, we have a front-row seat to their LGBTQ revolution.
'Billie' Review: This Queen of Hearts Seeks Revenge
Billie is an operatic revenge thriller that flips the male-dominated poker industry on its head. Writer/director Vincent Bossel's short film artfully puts the control back into the hands of young women everywhere. An exercise in combating ugly and misogynistic stereotypes, Billie is an unapologetic response to the power imbalance that still exists in certain communities and lifestyles.
This Queen of Hearts Seeks Revenge
Set in a Lynchian-style red room with dark furnishings, Billie (Luna Demeules) spends her nights as a masseuse at a private poker club. As the high-rolling men sit around the table smoking, drinking, and carelessly throwing money down in hopes of hitting the jackpot, Billie has her eyes on a different prize. For reasons slightly unclear, although we can assume it has to do with sexual abuse and misogyny, Billie attempts to find one specific man to enact her revenge on. This queen of hearts is on a mission
The Film's Visual Style Hits the Jackpot
Running just shy of 10 minutes, Billie impressively feels like a cornucopia of visual style. From the luscious production design to the dramatic organ piece in the opening sequence, Billie is an inspired crime drama. Award-winning Swiss-Vietnamese filmmaker Vincent Bossel seemingly takes inspiration from Quentin Tarantino and Park Chan-wook in crafting this short. The film's moodiness and fantastical elements play like fever dreams, blurring the lines of reality and fantasy. Bossel also expertly plays with the senses. Bold colors cut drastically between black and white, while walls of sound frequently descend into silence.
Takeaway
A pulsing thrill ride from start to finish, Billie is a deliciously satisfying femme-focused power anthem. The film played at the Rhode Island International Film Festival.
'The Assessment' Review: A Darkly Dystopian Mindf*ck
What immediately piqued my interest in The Assessment wasn't the headlining cast or the Pinterest-worthy production design photos. No, it was the film's director, the French visual artist Fleur Fortuné. Having personally worked in the commercial and music video industry for over a decade, I'd recognize Fortuné's visual style anywhere. She expertly blends surreal and whimsical imagery with compelling narratives, which makes for unforgettable cinematic feats. Fortuné uses her artistic strengths in The Assessment, a dystopian story about a couple's struggle to have a child for reasons other than you'd expect.
Keep Calm and You May Get a Baby
Starring Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Olsen, and Himesh Patel, The Assessment is a psychologically provocative minefield. Set in the near future where parenthood is strictly controlled, Mia (Olsen) and Aaryan (Patel) are ready to take their relationship to the next level. They want to have a baby. However, the reality of this dream coming true is far more laborious than it once was. In this dystopian landscape, resources are limited and the government has total control over reproduction rights. Despite being a successful couple in every sense of the word, Mia and Aaryan have to undergo a seven-day assessment to determine if they are "fit" enough to have a child.
It doesn't take long before their assessor, Virginia (Vikander), arrives at the couple's home. Without delay, she quickly begins the highly confidential and borderline inhumane process. At first glance, Virginia seems like a levelheaded, unbiased judge of character. Any nerves the couple have are momentarily put at ease. However, Virginia's test quickly unravels into their worst psychological nightmare. Virginia begins acting like a child, roleplaying every worst-case scenario regardless of harmful intent. Mia and Aaryan's relationship begins to crack as they–for the first time–question the very foundations of their society and whether their relationship can survive.
Stunning Production Design Lends Itself to A Swoonworthy Retro-Futuristic Aesthetic
Elizabeth Olsen and Himesh Patel do an excellent job grounding the film in reality while simultaneously pushing against Alicia Vikander's absurdity. Vikander has a lot to play with as Virginia, her performance reminds me of her role in the Mike Mills short film I Am Easy to Find. Vikander is theatrical, brash, and at times borders on annoying. However, her role is to push Mia and Aaryan’s patience threshold. And in doing this, she successfully tests the audience's patience as well.
The retro-futuristic world of The Assessment is beautiful, almost museum-like. Stunning production design by Jan Houllevigue and art design by Philippe Mayanobe bring to life a cohesive blend of fantasy and reality. Further driving the mood is the original score by Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch whose previous work includes All of Us Strangers and Censor).
Takeaway
Filmmaker Fleur Fortuné crafts a darkly humorous and poignant thesis statement in The Assessment. At its core, it requires us to get introspective and determine what we're willing to sacrifice for our heart's desire. It's a chilling film to watch, and even harder to shake.
'Ash' Review: This Hyper-Pop Survival Horror Swings Big
Grammy Award-winning creative Flying Lotus is back with another stylized sci-fi conception in the Eiza González-led thriller, Ash. No stranger to the feature film world (see: 2018's Perfect and 2022's V/H/S/99), Flying Lotus takes on a slightly different approach to the genre by incorporating heavy doses of survival horror. Making its World Premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Audience Award, Ash lands in theaters this Friday, March 21st.
Amnesia Amidst Aliens Leads to Dire Consequences
Starring Eiza González and Aaron Paul, Ash tells the story of forgotten memory, fragile trust, and the mysterious circumstances aboard a space shuttle stranded on a foreign planet. Riya (González) awakens one morning to find her crew slaughtered, but how they got that way remains a mystery. She has no recollection of that night, and every detail of events prior is fuzzy and unreachable. Stranded and alone, Riya is forced to confront her dire circumstances and impending death sentence. However, it's not long before Brion (Paul) arrives to rescue her. What should be a joyous relief is instead met with hesitation, and an ordeal of psychological and physical terror ensues. Can Riya trust Brion–a stranger–enough to survive?
An Homage to the Video Game Aesthetic
Visually and tonally, the film feels like a hyper-pop montage taken straight out of a video game. From the dialogue delivery to the framing and fight scenes, Ash feels bigger than its indie film budget. The music, composed by Flying Lotus, who also stars in the film in addition to directing, is a blast of high-octane beats and energy. The visual effects stand out as well, especially in the first-person "video game-inspired" combat scenes (complete with flame throwers).
The chemistry between Eiza González and Aaron Paul is accurately intense. They play well off each other's strengths, with Eiza leaning into the seriousness of the dramatics and Aaron's demeanor providing necessary tension relief.
Takeaway
Full of twists and turns ripe for a cinematic psychological thriller, Ash is another genre-bending statement by Flying Lotus. More artful than the traditional narrative feature, Ash is a visual and sonic feast for the eyes and ears.
'Liquor Bank' Review: Surviving the Dark Times With Brotherly Love
Filmmaker Marcellus Cox crafts a poignant story of redemption in the short drama, Liquor Bank. Based on the true story of an ex-Marine who struggles with alcohol dependency, Liquor Bank is a touching portrayal of commitment to betterment and unconditional brotherly love.
Dark Moments Give Way to Strong Survivors
It's morning when Eddie's (Antwone Barnes) phone alarm rings incessantly on his nightstand. Next to the device lay empty beer bottles, presumably from last night's consumption. Eddie lets the alarm go off for longer than it should, as he doesn't seem in a rush to wake up and begin his day. His hesitancy indicates that he is already anxious about what is to come. Soon enough, we understand why Eddie is overwhelmed. Last night would have been his first sobriety anniversary, and yet he missed it to stay home and drink.
As Eddie lingers around his apartment, he is confronted by his sponsor, Baker (Sean Alexander James). Baker lets Eddie know that he is alarmed that he skipped last night's AA group meeting and anniversary party. At first, Eddie is combative, trying to explain the difference between being "drunk" vs "buzzed" but Baker isn't buying it. He shows Eddie some tough love through his concerned yet serious reality check. Baker doesn't sugarcoat the situation. He empathizes with the sentiment that life is hard but reminds Eddie that liquor doesn't make this acceptance any easier. It's a tough message but delivered by a compassionate mentor, which is enough for Eddie to truly have his moment of realization.
Takeaway
Award-winning filmmaker Marcellus Cox is both the writer and director of Liquor Bank. Despite the film's short runtime, Cox delivers a full-bodied narrative layered with emotional density. A dramatic climax gives way to a powerful ending, one that Cox chooses to close on with a quote attributed to Jeff Warner. The passage reads, "We are not put on this Earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are there always for others, then in the time of need, someone will be there for you." This message is the backbone of the short film, which will leave audiences inspired and optimistic that change, no matter how difficult, is possible.