'Snorkeling' Review: An Intoxicating Look at Young Love
Acclaimed music video director Emil Nava expands on his stylistic tendencies in his debut feature, Snorkeling. A coming-of-age drama with an edgy and experimental tone, Snorkeling is a fresh take on navigating the haziness of young love and self-discovery. Fans of Euphoria will find a comforting similarity in Snorkeling's handling of drug and social dynamics among the Gen Z demographic.
This is a Love Story
Teenagers Michael (Daniel Zolghadri) and Jameson (Kristine Froseth) are in the throes of a blossoming relationship when they decide to experiment with a risky street drug. The hallucinogenic, called “Snorkeling,” gives the user a momentary sense of escape and relief. Placing the oxygen mask over your nose and mouth and inhaling the powerful fumes creates a fearless, out-of-body fantasy. The sensation is seductive, especially to the high school crowd Michael and Jameson associate with. But soon enough, they discover that the consequences of experimenting with this drug cannot be ignored.
Part Coming-of-Age, Part Psychological Trip
Snorkeling is the result of no-holds-barred self-expression for Emil Nava, who channels his experiences of healing and sobriety into the making of the film. He also leans heavily on his background as an award-winning music video director for artists like Rihanna and Dua Lipa, creating a unique and immersive viewing experience. Visually, the film pops with color and sporadic animation moments, especially during the more psychologically trippy moments. Overall, Snorkeling feels like a compilation of moments stitched together, rather than the traditional format of scenes assembled in an editing room.
Takeaway
Cinematically powerful and musically driven, Snorkeling explores adolescent vulnerability with style, substance, and finesse. Now available to watch on Apple TV, Google Play, and most major digital platforms.
'Safe Space' Review: Art Imitates Life in This Reality-Bending Drama
A celebratory weekend with friends turns into an epic meltdown in Stefan Kubicki's indie film Safe Space. Taking place primarily inside the walls of an escape room, Safe Space captures the tension, egos, and shifting dynamics within a core friend group. Art may imitate life in some aspects of Kubicki's reality-bending drama, which will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last frame.
Deserted in the Desert
A group of friends–three couples and their token single buddy–reunite for a fun-filled weekend in the California desert. The men in the group have been friends since film school, and their bond runs deep. Their significant others have become friends as well, which makes this getaway weekend full of anticipatory excitement. After spending a few hours reuniting and indulging in a little magic mushroom chocolate, Shayar (Nardeep Khurmi) shares his plans to spice up the night. He convinces everyone to join him in an isolated escape room led by a mysterious Ukrainian performance artist.
The group arrives at the escape room at midnight and is greeted by Popov (Konstantin Lavysh), their hauntingly theatrical host. It all feels a bit silly at first; however, their night's carefree vibe slowly starts to turn more sinister. For starters, the group gets separated immediately, causing confusion and low-grade panic. Cracks in the foundation of certain friendships start to surface, leading to anger, jealousy, and betrayal. Trapped in a room with no clear exit, the reality they thought they knew is thrown into question. Each room gets more surreal and fantasy-like, with these effects pushing everyone to their breaking point.
Veteran Actors and Non-Actors Come Together to Create This Reality/Fantasy Hybrid
Safe Space is more than just a 90-minute entertainment piece. It's a genre-bending observational statement on the creative process of art. Both on screen and in Kubicki's script, there is a gravitational push and pull between art's pretentiousness and authenticity. This tension bleeds onto the screen in interesting ways. Notably, the film's structure mirrors the psychology of escapism. The fantastic ensemble cast, notably Annie Hamilton (the internet's favorite it-girl) and Konstantin Lavysh, brings this meta-awareness to life. Rounding out the rest of the cast are Annie Monroe, Stefan David Henry Gerson, Marta Ojrzyńska, Travis Myers, Nardeep Khurmi, and Josema Roig. Interestingly, director Stefan Kubicki also casts real people to play themselves alongside professional actors.
Takeaway
Safe Space defies expectations as a low-budget indie film. It delivers its foreboding message of darkly creative anxiety through easily digestible genre tropes, but with a twist. Not only is it a fun watch, but it'll scratch your brain at the same time. Available to watch now on Prime Video.
'Eternal Code' Review: The Fight for the Fountain of Youth
The fight for immortality descends into mayhem and murder in filmmaker Harley Wallen's 2019 crime thriller Eternal Code. Six years after its release, the independent film still carries the same sense of urgency and impact today. This is especially true considering the current state of AI advancements that can foster divisiveness and capitalist greed. Through brutal action scenes and thought-provoking dialogue, Eternal Code begs the rhetorical question: Would you kill to live forever?
The Best Invention in the Wrong Hands Can Turn Into a Weapon
Bridget Pellegrini (Erika Hoveland) is the CEO of a genetic research company at the forefront of a huge breakthrough. Her team is celebrating the successful creation of a miracle device, Eternal Life Technology, which can transfer one's mind to a new body. Aiming to extend the lifespan of the elite, this device will send stock prices soaring and put this company far ahead of any competition. However, when Bridget is approached to merge her company with another organization run by Oliver (Richard Tyson), she refuses. Not only is she hesitant about her device's questionable moral and ethical codes, but she doesn't appreciate Oliver's intimidation tactics. Her refusal proves to be her downfall.
Not long after, she and her husband (Billy Wirth) are kidnapped by a masked group of strangers working on Oliver's behalf. Luckily, Bridget's teenage daughter Miranda (Angelina Danielle Cama) escapes the kidnapping unharmed. Desperate to save her parents, she leans on her new friend Corey (Damien Chinappi), a homeless man and former army veteran.
A Staggering Second Act Brings It All Together
The first act of Eternal Code has two main storylines running in tandem. The first is Bridget's refusal to merge with Oliver and the repercussions of that decision. The second focuses on Corey's background as a homeless veteran and his generosity toward everyone he surrounds himself with. For a while, it's unclear how these two arcs will come together cohesively, but writer-director Harley Wallen does so in a staggering second act, which energetically ties the whole film together. Eternal Code features solid performances from its main cast, including Erika Hoveland, Damien Chinappi, and Angelina Danielle Cama. While it may not be blockbuster-level action, Eternal Code is quite impressive for an indie film with a limited production budget.
Takeaway
The quest for the Fountain of Youth is a never-ending journey. In Eternal Code, Harley Wallen shows just how far some people are willing to go to live forever.
'Straight Through Crew' Review: A Very Merry Hedonistic Holiday
Filmmaker David Campion captures the messy spirit of young adulthood in the British indie film Straight Through Crew. Set in a nondescript town in the U.K., Straight Through Crew combines the best of wistful nostalgia, reckless abandon, and intimate vulnerability. Campion's film takes place on Christmas Eve; however, this is as much a "Christmas film" as The Gremlins. That is to say, it is quite unconventional for a holiday movie. No matter the season, the impact of Straight Through Crew is rich and palpable, and easily relatable among millennials.
An Unexpected Visit Brings Up Very Unexpected Feelings
A group of friends reconnect at a Christmas Eve rave and find themselves navigating through a haze of party drugs and unresolved emotions. This combo allows feelings to flow freely, but Aden (Charles Craddock) quickly discovers that's not always a good thing. When we meet Aden, he's in rough shape. Not quite in the headspace for the night ahead of him, he becomes somewhat of a liability to his mates and girlfriend, Fran (Georgia Macleod). His outlook on the night changes when he sees his ex-girlfriend, Jamie (Jessica Pearce), whom he still has feelings for. Making a surprise appearance away from her new life in London, Jamie spots Aden amidst the strobe lights and cigarette smoke, and they unknowingly set in motion a chain of events that will redefine their dynamic, as well as the night ahead.
The supporting characters have their own emotionally dense storylines. However, Aden and Jamie's revisiting of their former relationship is the crux of the film. He is the boy from their hometown who never left, and she is the one who took a risk and left it all behind. Yet they are still very present in each other's memories. This psychological tendency to not just reminisce about but glamorize hometown relationships is perfectly captured here.
A Contemporary Tale About Rural Hedonism
For the young adults in this small town, life is slow. Many people are either looking for the next adventure or trying to avoid reality altogether through alcohol and drugs. At the end of the day, all anyone wants is to experience and enjoy life's simple pleasures. The end of Straight Through Crew mirrors this desire by offering a poignant reflection on life in the present moment. Says director David Campion, "I hit my thirties and had one of those pre mid-life crisis moments – I lost my father, had a few panic attacks and realised I hadn’t made a film in a while. The world felt like a hellfire, so I started writing something comforting and close to my heart. The events in the film are drawn from my own experiences. I wanted to capture the energy of youth and hedonism, but inject it with the sadness I felt at the time."
Takeaway
Making its World Premiere at the Manchester International Film Festival, you don't need to wait until the holiday season to check out this indie film. Straight Through Crew is available on Prime Video in the US and UK.
'Raquel's Legacy' Review: An Unlikely Hero Exposes a Dark Secret
In Raquel's Legacy, filmmaker Sandra Del Cid tackles a disturbing yet all too common crime against women. Set in Houston, Texas–reportedly the number one city in the US for sex trafficking–this indie feature attempts to bring the evil that lurks in the shadows to light. Sandra Del Cid not only directs but also stars in, produces, and is credited as the casting director. Raquel's Legacy is fiction, but the story it tells is one of an unfortunate reality.
A Billionaire Heiress is Kidnapped
Raquel (Del Cid) is the daughter of a billionaire who seems to be living the good life. Her father gives her money for shopping sprees, and she is always accompanied by a bodyguard. Raquel is not subtle about her wealth, and this catches the attention of an undercover kidnapping ring. After a successful sneak attack renders Raquel helpless, her captors bring her to a secret room. Here she meets even more victims of this sex trafficking scheme being run by the twisted businessman, Lorusso (John Maciag). Tied up and fearful for their lives, Raquel realizes she has to be the one to attempt an escape. After all, she has the resources to "disappear" if needed.
A lucky break gives Raquel her shot at freedom, which she takes without looking back. She reunites with her father, who agrees that getting out of America for the time being is the right move. He funds a lavish move to Italy, where Raquel takes in the sights, incognito, of course. Raquel knows that she can't stay in Italy forever, despite its beauty and security. She moves back to Houston and concocts a plan to get revenge on Lorusso and stop his wicked ways once and for all.
Small Budget, Big Ambition
Sandra Del Cid's creative fingerprints are all over this micro independent film, which proves to have a huge heart despite a low budget. What stands out the most are the impressive shooting locations, including all over Texas, Italy, Florida, and throughout malls, airports, and even at the Trevi Fountain. This independent spirit and guerrilla style of filmmaking is commendable and truly grounds the story in reality. However, some scenes tend to drag on a bit too long and become repetitive, which could have been avoided by a tighter script.
Takeaway
There is no denying that with the Diddy case and Epstein files in the news as of late, sex trafficking is topical. Raquel's Legacy hits these themes hard and puts autonomy in the hands of the victims. The film ends on a "To be continued" cliffhanger, so stay tuned to see how this story unfolds.
'Good Side of Bad' Review: A Diagnosis Leads to a Life-Changing Dynamic
When someone close to you is diagnosed with a mental health disorder, it doesn't just affect them. A diagnosis often becomes a family affair, providing an opportunity to come together and support a loved one in need. This sentiment is the basis of filmmaker Alethea Root's emotionally stirring family drama, Good Side of Bad. Making its World Premiere as the opening night screening at Dances with Films, Good Side of Bad aims to end the stigma around mental illness by showing how communication is the key to getting through hard times.
Reconnecting Amidst a Family Crisis
Florence (Lexi Simonsen) is a budding photographer who is in the middle of experiencing a dangerous mental breakdown. Believing that hooded men are chasing her, she jumps off the side of a bridge to escape her "captors." Thankfully, she survives the fall, but this incident raises alarm bells for her siblings, Sara (Jules Bruff) and Peter (Alex Quijano). The three siblings have been somewhat estranged until this terrifying event brings them closer together. Sara and Peter recognize the important role they now play in Florence's life after she is formally diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Putting aside their differences, the trio faces the future head-on and, more importantly, they're doing so together.
From Page to Screen
Good Side of Bad is based on the bestselling book by author Beverly Olevin. Director Alethea Root captures the novel's humorous and moving journey and heightens the sense of vulnerability amidst a crisis. The lead actors do a phenomenal job balancing the darkness and light that comes from being forced to work through an unexpected diagnosis. Lexi Simonsen stands out as the youngest sibling suffering from Schizophrenia. Her performance is a mix of empathy and raw emotion, and is a wonder to watch on screen.
Takeaway
There are many reasons why families become fractured, but Good Side of Bad proves that the bonds between siblings are powerful, and nothing is too difficult to face with loved ones by your side. This raw family drama touches on potentially tragic results of disconnectedness, and how coming together to provide support and connection is ultimately the best way to help one another.
'Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore' Review: A Film as Revolutionary as the Woman Herself
Marlee Matlin has long been considered a pioneer in the film industry. Unsurprisingly, the recently released documentary about her life, Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore, is another boundary-breaking piece of cinema. Using an innovative and inclusive interview format, filmmaker Shoshannah Stern crafts a spellbinding documentary that throws convention out the window. She proves that sticking to authenticity, both on screen and off, is the key to relatable and fulfilling work. Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, with additional appearances at SXSW and Tribeca.
From Oscar Winner to Trailblazer
Marlee Matlin was 21 years old in 1987 when she made Academy Award history. Winning "Best Actress" for her role in Children of a Lesser God, Matlin became the first deaf actor to receive this distinction. To paint a broader picture, Matlin prevailed in a category with four other legendary talents: Jane Fonda, Sissy Spacek, Kathleen Turner, and Sigourney Weaver. This award catapulted Matlin to superstardom, and as we come to see in the documentary, also brought criticism. We learn about the tumultuous and violent relationship with her older co-star William Hurt, her drug addiction, sexual abuse, and language deprivation, which are all a part of the story that Marlee Matlin vulnerably shares on camera.
Watch the trailer for Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore here.
Reimagining Traditional Documentary Storytelling
Matlin sits one-on-one with director Shoshannah Stern as they discuss, using sign language with closed captions for the hearing audience, the highs and lows of her triumphant and, at times, trying career. The film incorporates American Sign Language in such a powerful and unique way. We are immediately immersed in Matlin's world, with her charisma and quick wit shining through with gleaming authenticity. In addition to her illustrious career spanning TV (The West Wing) and another Oscar-winning film (CODA), Shoshannah delves deep into Matlin's diversity activism. We learn that we have Matlin to thank for expanding television inclusivity, specifically through her unwavering championing of closed captions.
Takeaway
Marlee Matlin's life has been a battle against assumptions and preconceptions. In Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore, she uses her platform to inspire, educate, and connect with others on her terms and in her own words.
'Moses' Review: A Portrait of Resilience, 15 Years in the Making
Director Fran Guijarro's two-hour-long documentary about the life of a former musician turned panhandler is as fascinating a watch as it is a filmmaking triumph. Making its World Premiere at last year's Málaga Film Festival, Moses is a 15-year labor of love for Guijarro, who met the titular protagonist on the streets of San Francisco in 2007. With over 600 hours of archival footage, Guijarro crafts a powerful, character-driven story that may feel bloated at times, but stands as a lovely testament to kindness, perseverance, and love.
On Being a Person, Not a Label
Every day, Moses stands across the entrance of a Starbucks in San Francisco's bustling Financial District. He is homeless and calls the sidewalk near the coffee shop his "office." Unlike a majority of unhoused people who use handmade signage as a way to evoke offerings from strangers, Moses has a different approach. Moses is charismatic, outgoing, and genuinely desires to get to know the people he meets. He doesn't beg for money; rather, he is steadfast in his belief that "communication is the key to survival." This infectious energy catches Fran Guijarro's attention, and their relationship changes both of their lives forever.
Fran was in film school when he first met Moses. He quickly cast him in a short film he was working on. Striking up a friendship, Fran knew there was more to Moses' story that had to be told, resulting in the documentary collaboration. With a reputation as a chatty extrovert, Moses lets his guard down around the camera. He shares his painful upbringing in a fatherless household on a farm in Arkansas. He candidly talks about escaping into drug use and other self-medicating intentions. Family estrangement from both siblings and a daughter has also hit him hard. His life is one of struggle and heartache, but it's not all hardship. Fran discovers that Moses was once a successful musician, and incorporates archival footage and interviews to bring that version of Moses back to life on the screen.
A Testament to the Power of Communication
Moses is more than just a profile documentary on a homeless man. It's a testament to the power of communication as an essential way to be truly seen. This skill is Moses' superpower, one that he learned from a promising music career that was abruptly cut short in the 70s. Moses touches on this theme early on, but it isn't until forty minutes later that we dive into his musical background. Moses' story is complex and winding, and it's clear that Fran Guijarro wants to incorporate it all. However, at times, this waters down the energy and pacing of the film. Perhaps trimming the film to 1 hour 40 minutes or so would increase the impact of this heartfelt story.
Takeaway
In a similar spirit to Searching for Sugar Man, Moses is an evocative and heartfelt story of being seen.