'The Travel Companion' Review: The Cost of Friendship
Filmmaker Travis Wood uses his lived experience to bring a niche yet heartfelt story to life in the situational dramedy, The Travel Companion. A former “Travel Companion” himself, Travis and co-director/co-writer Alex Mallis blend the absurd with the awkward to craft a layered portrait of artistic ambition and outgrown friendships.
The Cost of Free Flights is Friendship
Simon (Tristan Turner) is a 30-something, still aspiring filmmaker who finds himself in a creative rut. He is years deep into a passion project–a wide-reaching documentary about humanity–which still lacks concrete direction, although he's confident that he'll find the story "in the edit". Simon feels his artistic merits slipping away, and is desperate to keep his creative spark alive. He finds emotional solace and a logistical safety net in his best friend and roommate, Bruce (Anthony Oberbeck). Not only is Bruce always ready to lend an empathetic ear, but he is also Simon’s gateway to otherwise out-of-reach production perks. Bruce works for an airline and gets a free “Travel Companion” pass, which Simon has frequently used to fulfill his international filmmaking needs.
However, once Bruce meets and falls in love with Beatrice (Naomi Asa), a fellow filmmaker, Simon feels the threat of her presence. He isn’t as fearful of losing his close relationship with Bruce as he is of losing out on Bruce’s travel perks. And although Simon knows he can’t stay Bruce’s “+1” forever, what ensues is an uncomfortable confrontation, stemming from jealousy, one-sided competitiveness, and the inherent fragility of their friendship.
Reaching a Breaking Point
With high-value production visuals, including exterior shots on the steps of Brooklyn brownstones and multiple airport interiors, The Travel Companion is an impressive indie feature. Leading the film is Tristan Turner, who nails Simon’s subtle personality shift from bright-eyed optimist to jealous overthinker. His insecurities grow increasingly frustrating as the film progresses, which is intentional character development. From a narrative standpoint, it is a bit curious why the conflict between Simon and Bruce isn't fully addressed until 60 minutes into a 90-minute film. Personally, I would have loved to see more time on the backend to work through Simon's complicated feelings of betrayal, as opposed to spending more time building up the tension before the breaking point.
Directors Statement
"They say over 50% of marriages end in divorce, and this statistic also holds true in co-directing. Lucky for us, our relationship has stood the test of multiple projects. After a series of shorts, it was a natural progression to co-direct a feature. The trust we’ve built together allowed us to share the burden of creative direction in really healthy ways. To have a partner, throughout the process, with whom to bounce ideas, find solutions, and tell jokes was a kind of ballast—keeping us steady when the process got chaotic or uncertain. We could take turns carrying the weight, and that made all the difference. The result is a film that reflects not just our shared sensibility, but the kind of creative resilience borne from deep collaboration.
This film has been a series of small miracles amounting to something we are incredibly proud of. Throughout writing and production, we had one rule, which was that above all, the process had to be fun. So many wonderful people worked very hard to bring this vision to life, and to them we are eternally grateful." – Alex Mallis & Travis Wood, directors
Takeaway
The Travel Companion embraces life's comedic and cringeworthy moments, making for a grounded, well-rounded watch. The film was also nominated for 'Best U.S. Narrative Feature' at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival.
'On Guard' Review: A Fragile Ego Braces for Impact
The amount of pressure athletes put on themselves to perform at their optimal level is intense and incredibly personal. Those who struggle with self-esteem issues may find their insecurities exacerbated by any perceived shortcomings. It's hard not to take a loss personally when you have given it your all. In filmmaker Will Calkins' short film On Guard, the young protagonist fights to preserve her ego by inciting a rematch with her fiercest opponent.
Not So Friendly Competition
Jaime (Makenzie Pridgen) is a saber fencer who is having a hard time processing a recent loss. Her emotions run high as she takes her aggression out on a life-size mannequin, who absorbs her frustration and anger with every hit and cut of her fencing sword. She readies herself for a rematch with her biggest competition, Taylor (Sean Mikesh), whom she is preparing to meet for an after-hours duel. Once Taylor arrives, his demeanour makes it clear that he views this rematch as a bout of friendly competition. Jaime, however, doesn't plan on playing nice. For her, this high-intensity moment is her shot at redemption, and the stakes have never been higher.
The Adage "Write What You Know" Proves Successful
Writer/director Will Calkins captures the nuanced themes of competitiveness and dedication in this pressurized sports drama. A former saber fencer himself, he knows how to highlight the intricate details of the sport to bring this story to life. The shrill frequency of the buzzer, the dark and moody atmosphere of the gym, and the misplaced self-hatred when losing are all key elements. The fencing sequences are electrifying; authenticity radiates from both actors, who spent months choreographing and training for their roles. Keeping in line with other great sports films is the energetic score by composer Brandon Cericola. The abundance of strings and up-tempo cadence perfectly encapsulates this emotionally tense situation.
Director's Statement
"I was a saber fencer for almost ten years, and On Guard was my way to express how I felt about being an athlete. In fencing and all solo sports, everything rides on you. You don’t have any team that can support you or drag you down. And during these tournaments, dozens to 250 kids will show up, and every single one of them will go home a loser except for one. That can be a lot of weight to carry, especially for someone who isn’t naturally well-balanced mentally.
Jaime is a character that I relate a lot to, not because I would ever intentionally hurt someone over a game, but because I put a lot of pressure on myself over my performance in that sport, and I attached an unhealthy sense of self to it. I think a lot of athletes can relate to that chase, and what I eventually learned was that there was no distance I could go or goal I could achieve that would be “enough.” And I think that’s something a lot of artists can relate to as well when they’re creating. It’s a lesson I will continue learning for a long time." -Will Calkins, director
Takeaway
Countless athletes, both present and former, will likely find many moments of relatability in On Guard. This complex character portrait was recently screened at the 2026 RiverRun International Film Festival.
'A Life on Our Planet' Review: We Need To Listen to David Attenborough
One of my most treasured items of clothing is a thin white t-shirt with the name "Sir David Attenborough" in all caps plastered across the chest. I bought it second-hand from a sustainable fashion brand, something I think Sir Attenborough would approve of. Not only is this shirt one of the softest tops I've ever worn (and a casual flex for fellow nature film nerds), but it is a statement that says I love our planet, I believe in science, and when a worldwide hero and qualified leader tells us we're in trouble, I listen.
"We're not apart from nature, but a part of it."
His voice is iconic. His message is clear: climate change is ruining our beautiful planet. 94-year-old David Attenborough has dedicated his entire life to studying and protecting the natural world, and he describes many life-changing moments in the Netflix documentary A Life on Our Planet, directed by Alastair Fothergill and Jonathan Hughes. The places he visited as a young twenty-something that were once teeming with lush jungles, ice-capped mountains, and free-roaming wildlife have become more skeletal every day. This visibly drastic difference is enough to bring a grown man, and definitely a 30-something film critic, to tears.
If seeing the distress on the faces of the displaced chimpanzees or the horrid conditions of factory-farmed chickens doesn't convince you to think twice about our role on this planet, then maybe Attenborough's desperate pleas will. "We're not apart from nature, but a part of it," or "We need more than intelligence, we need wisdom." But it's not all doom and gloom; Sir David Attenborough is confident that by following his calls to action, we can slow, stop, and then reverse the damage we're doing to our planet. We can start by choosing solar over fossil fuel, reducing farm space to let the natural land grow, and incorporating more plant-based meals into our diets.
Takeaway
Attenborough attests that this film is his witness statement and vision for the future. We are so lucky to have him exist in our lifetime and share his knowledge with us. Increased awareness of climate change and sustainability will hopefully inspire future Attenboroughs, so let's do our part to cultivate an environment for them to thrive and carry on the message of our planet's hero.
This review originally ran on October 8, 2020.
'Villa 187' Review: Home is Where the Heart Is
What does "home" mean to you? Is it a place, or is it a feeling? Sudanese filmmaker Eiman Mirghani searches for meaning in her personal short film, Villa 187. Using voice notes and family archival material from childhood to the present day, Eiman constructs a visual tapestry of memories.
Embracing the Warm Wave of Nostalgia
"Nothing stays forever," Eiman's father says in a voice note. His delivery is rather blunt, but honest. Its impact is bittersweet, as it comes on the heels of his job loss and subsequent dislodgement from their home. Eiman and her family, who called the quaint villa in Qatar home for over three decades, are now faced with an uncertain reality. As Eiman packs up her life, she rummages through old photos and VHS tapes of family gatherings and events. A flood of memories rushes in; the nostalgia is a warm and welcome feeling. However, anxiety about the future is looming. Through candid voice notes, Eiman's father does his best to reassure her that everything will be okay. But reading between the lines, it sounds like he is trying to reassure himself, too.
Director's Statement
"The day I learned our family visa was canceled, my brain spun with questions I’d never really sat with before. Questions about duty, identity, and what makes a place more than just four walls. My dad losing his job was the spark, but the fire was realizing I didn’t know how to define “home.” That’s why I picked up the camera: to catch this strange mix of grief, nostalgia, and curiosity before it slipped away. It’s been a while since that day, but the urge to share this canon moment hasn’t left me. I know I’m not the only one who’s had to pack up their life in a box and wonder where they belong." -Eiman Mirghani, director
Takeaway
Running eight minutes long, Villa 187 is a beautiful portrait of self-reflection. Its message of embracing life's in-between moments is a universal one, and its delivery is deeply impactful. Villa 187 made its International Premiere at the San Francisco International Film Festival.
'Before The Moon Falls' Review: A Tribute to a Tortured Genius
The tragic story of a famous Samoan poet ends in heartbreak in the documentary Before the Moon Falls. Director Kimberlee Bassford's poignant portrait of a tortured genius is a stunning case study of the cinematic art form. Kimberlee not only draws attention to this acclaimed writer but also showcases the reality of documentary filmmaking when your subject is mentally unstable. Before the Moon Falls is a bittersweet but ultimately fascinating story of how one woman went from a promising artist to a prisoner.
To See the Beauty of Life, One Must Understand Suffering
The film centers around Sia Figiel, a groundbreaking author and poet. Sia is universally celebrated for giving a voice to the struggles of Samoan girls and women. Her status in the community was Kimberlee's initial inspiration to shed light on Sia's story. However, no one could have predicted what was to come. For eight years, Kimberlee follows Sia on her unconventional life journey from literary stardom to a diagnosis of depression and bipolar disorder. Sia's complex mental illness, which lay dormant for years, begins to rev up with a vengeance. She abandons her children, flees town, and ends up in the hospital after an overdose. Her struggles are intense, but her determination to overcome them is stronger.
For a while, it seems like the worst is behind them. Sia sits down with Kimberlee at what is supposed to be their last interview. She radiates hope and positivity; all indications point to this tumultuous story having a "Happily Ever After" Hollywood ending. But that's not what ends up happening.
As the documentary is nearing completion, Kimberlee receives a shocking message that Sia has been arrested over the death of a dear friend, Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard. Gabbard makes an appearance earlier in the film, which allows the audience to become familiar with her. This revelation throws Kimberlee and her film into disarray. What was intended to be a story arc of redemption and recovery instead becomes a tragedy. Using this news, Kimberlee breaks the fourth wall by appearing in the last ten minutes of the film. She records phone calls with Sia from prison, as well as video interviews with doctors who break down Sia's bipolar condition. Kimberlee, like her audience, is now trying to make sense of what happened.
A Near Decade-Long Production Comes to a Devastating End
After following Sia for nearly a decade, it would be easy for Kimberlee to show an empathetic bias toward her story. After all, this film was intended to end on a positive note. But Kimberlee never lets her personal feelings get in the way of the truth. As a journalist and documentary filmmaker for 20 years, she lays bare the ugly reality of mental illness. Intimate footage and conversations built on years of mutual trust make the whole viewing experience extremely personal. Sia has her flaws, but we never stop rooting for her recovery.
Director's Statement
"Mental illness cuts across cultural, political, educational, and socioeconomic lines. Around the world, communities are grappling with the impacts of mental illness in their streets, workplaces, schools, hospitals, and prisons. Moreover, mental illness doesn’t just impact individuals but their families and entire communities. Yet there is little understanding of the scope and diverse experiences of mental illness and little consensus of how to treat people who suffer from it. Sia’s story is just one woman’s story. It cannot represent everything about mental illness nor should it. But it can humanize mental illness and spark discussions of how we can better address it in our families and communities. While Sia’s story has a tragic ending, my hope is that by seeing her story, others whose lives are touched by mental illness will have better outcomes." - Kimberlee Bassford, director
Takeaway
Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Festival International du Film Documentaire Oceanien in Tahiti, Before the Moon Falls is essential viewing. A riveting, powerful watch from start to finish.
'Method' Review: Movie Magic Turns Tragic
An unhinged director turns "movie magic" into murder in filmmaker Chandler Balli's latest feature, Method. Taking inspiration from the term "method acting," this horror-comedy follows a group of amateur actors who are unknowingly cast in a low-budget movie with a literal do-or-die ending. A smart script gives this indie feature a strong baseline, which Balli's directorial vision further brings to life.
A Genius, or a Madman?
Ahead of filming the third installment of his horror trilogy, Tapeface, director Derek Ryan (Balli) gathers his newly assembled cast together. He explains the unorthodox guidelines they must follow ahead of filming, which include signing five-year contracts, NDAs, and an immersion clause that carries a $1M fine if broken. Needless to say, Derek is running a tight ship on the set of Tapeface 3. His paranoia doesn't stem from fear that the actors will leak secrets from the set. He knows that's impossible, because they'll all be dead.
Tapeface 3 is Derek's masterpiece, and he will finish the film at any cost. To make his slasher film as realistic as possible, Derek enlists Trevor (Travis Lee Prine), his friend and the film's titular villain, to literally commit murder. As cast members are picked off one by one, paranoia sets in among the remaining cast. Is their director a genius, or a madman? One thing is for sure, they've signed up to star in the role of a lifetime.
A Needle in the Haystack of Low-Budget Horror Films
With an estimated budget of $3,500, Method is a needle in the haystack of low-budget horror films. It's highly aspirational, as Chandler Balli not only confidently directs but also impressively stars in the film as well. The character of Derek Ryan exhibits a delightfully dangerous dichotomy. On one hand, he is a goofball. His explosive tirades are less intimidating as they are pathetic. Clearly, he is dedicated to his art, but being passionate is very different than being professional. However, his untrustworthiness is apparent from the very beginning; at least I personally would second-guess anyone wearing a Kanye "I Feel Like Pablo" t-shirt. Visually, Method has the look and feel of a traditional horror film, primarily using a handheld camera. The soundtrack curation is stellar, giving chaotic energy to an already tense viewing experience.
Takeaway
With Method, Balli proves he is a standout voice among the new generation of indie horror filmmakers. Just as Derek Ryan dreams of his art being forever immortalized in celluloid, Chandler Balli's film will live on in the same way.
'The Veteran' Review: A Story of Struggle and Redemption
Though many in this world have life stories that deserve recognition, this is especially true of veterans. Filmmaker Wilfred La Salle reminds us of the importance of empathy for those who sacrificed for their country with his feature film, The Veteran. Choosing a U.S. Marine as the protagonist in this universal message of fostering compassion for our fellow neighbors, The Veteran shows how a simple act of kindness can change someone's life.
From Deployment to Dependency, a Story of Complicated Struggle
Jose Torres (Yanko Valentin-Perez) is a U.S. Marine who finally reunites with his wife and young son after returning from war. Thinking the worst is behind him, Jose has a new lease on life and looks forward to spending quality time with his loved ones. He never anticipated the devastation that would follow him from a dangerous war zone to his front door. Receiving the news that his wife and son were killed in a car accident sends Jose into a spiral of overwhelm, to the point of being medically prescribed opioids. His doctor is quick to resort to pills to deal with the pain of his loss, when what Jose really needs is a healthy way to cope with his inconsolable guilt and heartbreak.
What started as a treatment becomes a life-shattering dependence. The opioids' addictive nature uncontrollably takes hold of Jose, and their effect is life-altering. He is administratively separated from his world of military service and becomes homeless. Just as Jose is hitting rock bottom, he crosses paths with Maxwell Cade (Lancelot E. Theobald Jr.). Maxwell is the CEO of Blackwood Global Investments with a compassionate heart and sees past Jose's superficial shortcomings. He takes it upon himself to care for Jose, offering him not just opportunities and companionship, but a second chance at life.
A Social Issue Film Made on a Zero-Dollar Budget
The Veteran is the seventh film in seven years by multi-hyphenate creative Wilfred La Salle. As the film's director, writer, producer, and lead cinematographer, his fingerprints are all over this social issue drama. La Salle brought this film to life on a zero-dollar budget, impressively employing guerrilla filmmaking techniques throughout NYC. The performances are equally compelling, especially Yanko Valentin-Perez as Jose. His transformation from war hero to homeless vet feels genuine. As the sole screenwriter, La Salle crafts a compelling narrative that will resonate with all who watch.
Takeaway
Homeless veterans are not looking for a handout, just a hand up. This powerful message is the backbone of The Veteran, a timely drama that sheds light on an important issue. The film debuts on Fox Soul on May 11, 2026.
'A Quiet Storm' Review: Reclaiming Identity Through Dance
The power of dance as a universal language is showcased in filmmaker Benjamin Nicolas' short documentary, A Quiet Storm. Centering around a 14-year-old Krump dance prodigy from suburban Tokyo, A Quiet Storm elegantly explores themes of longing, sacrifice, and passion. The film's message is propelled by beautiful visuals and breathtakingly impressive choreography. It's a compelling watch from start to finish.
Dancing Through Life
Maïto is not your typical teenager. While he navigates the pressures of school and family dynamics like most of his peers, he also juggles a demanding career as a Krump dancer. Krump dance is commonly described as a highly energetic street dance that originated in South Central Los Angeles in the early 2000s. There is a raw and aggressive nature to the movements, which contradicts Maïto's soft-natured personality. Off the dance floor, he is a quiet and introspective kid.
Through an intimate interview with his mother, we learn more about Maïto's backstory. She admits that he grew up quickly due to her needing to care for his deaf sister. In a heartbreaking moment of vulnerability, she confesses that she didn't express her love to Maïto often enough. This is why she believes he got into dancing: as a way to win her attention and praise. Maïto, who goes by the stage name Lil Krow, began dancing at four years old.
Powerful Directorial Decisions Make For an Unforgettable Moment
A Quiet Storm is visually quite stylish. There is an observational quality to the pacing that employs long takes with simple camera setups. This editorial choice immerses the viewer into the scene as opposed to rushing through it, and it works quite well. Another creative directorial decision occurs toward the end of the film. Maïto is dancing for his sister, and his energy is infectious. The moment flips to the POV of his sister, and the film goes silent. This is how she sees her brother, without sound but not without passion. The emotional impact of this moment is powerful.
Director's Statement
"The day my six-year-old daughter started Krumping, I had no idea it would completely reshape my understanding of childhood, identity, and the fundamental need for self-expression. She didn’t know what Krump was, yet something inside her had to come out—raw, unfiltered, urgent. I watched in fascination as her body spoke before her words, telling a story she might not even fully understand yet.
That was when I first discovered Maïto—in a viral YouTube video. He was only eight years old, yet already carried an immense, almost primal rage within him. I immediately saw a reflection of my daughter in him, and in many ways, a reflection of myself. He, too, danced with an undeniable need to express the unspoken. But unlike my daughter, he was growing up in a country where order and silence are valued above all else, where the pressure of school and society can crush individuality. His Krump wasn’t just movement —it was a cry, a survival mechanism, an act of defiance. I wanted to understand him.
A Quiet Storm was born from that need to understand... At its core, it is the story of a mother and son, a silent dialogue where every sacrifice, every glance, speaks volumes... As a father, an artist, and a man, this story resonated with me in a deeply personal way. Maïto reminded me of something essential: sometimes, movement is the only possible response to inner chaos. I hope that A Quiet Storm resonates with anyone who has ever felt that urgent need to express, to affirm, to claim their place in the world. Because sometimes, a single movement can speak louder than words." -Benjamin Nicolas, Director/Producer
Takeaway
A Quiet Storm is not just a story about an impressive dancer. Behind Maïto's talent and skill is a deeply complex family story that tackles themes of identity, artistry, and the universal language of dance. A Quiet Storm first screened at the 2025 San Francisco International Film Festival.