'A Time of Reflections' Review: A Passion Project That Sparks Joy
Filmmaker Matthew Paris has an important message to share. It's simple, yet honest: Everyone deserves a break. The experimental short film, A Time of Reflections, is Paris' plea to the overworked and underpaid people in our society to stop and smell the roses. A true one-man band, Paris takes on the role of director, screenwriter, and actor in this humble indie short.
One Man's Introspective Journey To Gratitude
Through a confident and compelling voiceover, an unnamed man (Matthew Paris) abruptly decides to leave the isolation of his home. Spending his days and nights working and living in one location has taken a toll on his motivation, so he decides to get some fresh air and change his surroundings. He jumps into his truck with no destination in mind, just chasing a feeling. Driving around his neighborhood, he finds a newfound appreciation for life's unpredictable journey. On his exploration, he encounters and praises the sun, trees, and roads. They all remind him that the finer things in life often exist right outside of your comfort zone. This perspective reinvigorates him as he experiences a reawakening of sorts. He returns home refreshed, renewed, and ready to get back to work.
A Passion Project Made by, and Starring, Matthew Paris
Using footage seemingly captured entirely by Paris, the film acts as a therapeutic message to those struggling with burnout and identity. It's clear that this is a passion project made on a limited (or potentially non-existent) budget. Because of this, some of the elements feel stretched. At times, the music starts and abruptly ends which can feel a bit disjointed. Visually, the film forgoes color correction, giving the overall aesthetic a more organic feeling. However, A Time of Reflections does offer audiences a few moments of serenity through its poetic script.
Takeaway
With a brief runtime of three minutes and thirty-nine seconds, director Matthew Paris' film reminds us that life is short and that it's never too late to practice gratitude.
'Nightcap' Review: A Young Man Terrorized by Job Interview Anxiety
Writer/director Cody MacDonald shows how internalized paranoia can lead to real-life consequences in the ultra-indie short film, Nightcap. Running a little over six minutes long, Nightcap uses one man's pre-job interview anxiety and personifies it as a tangible night terror.
Job Interview Anxiety Unlocked
The night before a big interview at an impressive company, Gus (Michael Lake) begins to panic. He had traveled out of town for this opportunity, which only adds to his mounting stress. Despite words of encouragement from his girlfriend, whom he talks to briefly on the phone once settled into his hotel room, Gus's lack of confidence continues to grow. He struggles to fall asleep that night, knowing what is to come in the morning.
Just as he is about to drift off, he senses a figure in the corner of the room. The film shifts sonic gears and the score turns into a fun bass chord progression as the figure becomes more in focus. This mystery man startles Gus who frantically turns on the light from his bedside table, when suddenly, in the blink of an eye, the figure vanishes. Was it all in Gus's head? Is the hotel haunted? These questions are never fully answered but hypothesizing the outcome is almost half the fun.
Doing a Lot With a Little
Nightcap shows how a clever filmmaker can do a lot with limited resources. Shot mostly in a single location, the film's claustrophobic tendencies add a sense of urgency to the protagonist's existential dread. The film also does a solid job of playing with sound, both in the score and effects. It is heavily reliant on music to convey feelings through different storytelling beats.
Takeaway
For a debut film, MacDonald shows promise as a budding filmmaker. Sure the technical components of the film could have been stronger. The script could have given the audience more resolution at the end, and the performance could have been a little more lively. But MacDonald does the best he can with what limited resources he has, making Nightcap a brief, yet true, indie film experience.
'September 5' Review: Reliving an Olympic Nightmare
A retelling of the horrific events that claimed the lives of eleven Israeli athletes during the 1972 Munich Olympics, September 5 is an adrenaline-inducing thriller that feels eerily relevant given today's political turmoil. Directed by Tim Fehlbaum, September 5 was among the highlighted titles at AFI FEST. The film made its World Premiere at the Venice Film Festival where it was nominated for, but ultimately lost, the Audience Award. September 5 is being distributed by Paramount with a limited release date scheduled for November 27, before a nationwide release later in December.
What Happens
Starring Peter Sarsgaard and John Magaro, September 5 takes audiences into the control room of ABC studios on the fateful day that changed live broadcasting forever. It was supposed to be just a typical morning for the ABC sports crew who were gearing up for another 12+ hours of covering the Olympics. However, everything changed when the newly hired German interpreter, Gladys Deist (Georgina Rich), deciphers through chaotic messages, that several Israeli athletes and coaches were taken hostage.
Eight members of the Palestinian militant organization, Black September, infiltrated the Olympic Village in a highly orchestrated attack targeted toward Israeli athletes. In the blink of an eye, the ABC crew abandoned their typical sports broadcasting routine and transformed into an impromptu breaking news station, led by Geoffrey Mason (Magaro) and Roone Arledge (Sarsgaard).
Takeaway
September 5 relies heavily on incorporating archival footage from the station's actual 1972 broadcast. It is both stunning and heartbreaking to relive these moments, knowing full well that these events changed the course of history. To that end, part of me believes that September 5 would have been even stronger as a documentary film, as opposed to a "Hollywood-ified" historical thriller. Director Tim Fehlbaum's control-room drama feels a bit too slick at times, with characters effortlessly getting from point A to point B without much struggle (I highly doubt the individuals who actually worked the newsroom that day had a similar experience). However, September 5 keeps an energetic pace throughout and is an easy film to get caught up in for an hour and a half.
'Blood Dried Hands' Review: A New Take on the Conventional Genre Film
The spooky season may be over but filmmaker Jason Vandygriff proves it's never too late to indulge in a good thriller. A new take on the conventional genre film, Blood Dried Hands offers a unique perspective inside the mind of a serial killer who begins to battle with his own conscience. Blood Dried Hands marks Vandygriff's directorial debut, but don't make the mistake of expecting an inherently novice production. It's quite the opposite, in fact. Vandygriff brings unmatched authenticity to the film by incorporating past experiences from his 15 years in Texas law enforcement.
A Serial Killer Suffers From Growing Empathy
There are two types of people on this earth: Predator and Prey. Hayden Carey (Chance Gibbs), however, is a combination of both. He is a conventionally attractive man who appears to have it all, but deep down is battling serious demons. When we first meet Hayden, he is in the process of murdering an innocent woman and discarding her body in the woods. "The screaming eventually stops," he says, "but the sound still echoes." Despite his atrocious actions, Hayden reveals that he also has a sensitive side. His uncontrollable killing spree not only affects the victims of his crimes, but the mental anguish is ruining his life as well. It isn't until he kidnaps a local young woman, and confesses his desire to kill himself, that we truly see how far gone Hayden is.
All the while, Sgt. Investigator Edi Sharp (Micha Marie Stevens), is hot on Hayden's trail. The local detective is desperate to save his latest victim before reaching her deadly fate. Much like the scene in The Silence of the Lambs where Clarice visits Lecter in prison, Sgt. Sharp visits a man named Finley Rawls (director Jason Vandygriff), who she hopes can guide her in the right direction before it's too late. Rawls is the most prolific child murderer in Texas' state history and Sgt. Sharp is hopeful that he may provide insight into the mind of this killer.
An Awards-Circuit Darling
Blood Dried Hands holds an impressive awards record with 102 wins and 15 nominations. Jason Vandygriff impressively pulls off the responsibility of not only writing and directing but also starring in his first feature film. His performance as Finley Rawls steals the scene every time. Vandygriff's performance evokes the personalities of some of cinema's most memorable villains like Anthony Hopkins' "Hannibal Lecter", Danny DeVito's "Penguin", and even Nicolas Cage's "Longlegs". Chance Gibbs and Micha Marie Stevens equally carry their weight as they find themselves stuck in the classic cat-and-mouse chase.
Takeaway
If you're looking for a highly dramatic serial killer thriller told from a unique perspective, Blood Dried Hands is for you. In a similar vein as Mindhunter, The Silence of the Lambs, and True Detective, Blood Dried Hands is an impressive independent production that will have you wrapped in suspense until the very end.
'American Meltdown' Review: A Fun Joyride Into Homegrown Anarchy
Filmmaker Andrew Adams' riotous 'coming-of-rage' story about a millennial woman trying to make it in America is the indie movie of the moment. A funny yet topical take on the desperation some people revert to when they feel they've been slighted by the system, American Meltdown is a fun joyride into homegrown anarchy.
A Millenial Coming-of-Rage Story
Olivia Walker (Jacki Von Preysing) has a career as an interior designer, or at least she did, up until an hour ago when she was fired by her company. Instead of hiring her after the standard 90-day probation period, the company she worked for cites labor union rules as the reason they need to temporarily let her go. Exploiting a loophole in the policy, they mention that they can't afford to provide her benefits as a full-time employee, so she'll have to find work elsewhere. This news shakes Olivia to her core, as she's already struggling to pay rent. That night, Olivia returns home to find her house has been broken into and valuables have been stolen. Out of a job, broke, and afraid to sleep in her own bed, Olivia admits her defeat to the universe.
Upon hitting her rock bottom, Olivia wanders to the beach to decompress. Here she meets Mari (Nicolette Sweeney), a spirited pickpocket who opens Olivia's eyes to an alternative way of life. Mari describes herself as "self-employed". Her line of "work" consists of committing petty crimes and stealing from the rich. She claims it's the only way to survive in America. At first, Olivia is horrified but soon begins to see this injustice from Mari's perspective. It's not long before Olivia invites Mari to stay with her at her house, and the two women begin to fall deep into a life of crime.
A Middle Finger to the Man
In American Meltdown, writer/director Andrew Adams crafts a heartfelt and introspective conversation about the state of the millennial struggle today. Using humor, this dramedy also acts as a cathartic big middle finger to "the man". The performances by Jacki Von Preysing and Nicolette Sweeney are so in sync as partners in crime; they act like raccoons in human form, scavenging and cheating the system to hilarious results. The score is another standout element. Composer Jason Martin Castillo infuses jazzy elements underneath pivot scenes to highlight the stress and anxiety of Olivia's growing out-of-control situation.
Takeaway
American Meltdown is the definition of a true independent film. This micro indie was self-funded by Adams for roughly $70,000, paid for by savings, loans, and debt. His passion and dedication in bringing this story to life gives the film a humanistic quality. With Adams' thumbprint all over the screen, the result is an authentically funny and creatively apt feature film.
'Sunflower Girl' Review: A Heartwarming Story Detailing a Shared Human Experience
Filmmaker Holly M. Kaplan crafts a pivotal story of childhood angst and discovery in her new short film, Sunflower Girl. Running a swift 13 minutes long, the film uses every precious frame to its full potential. Starring Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja from A24's After Yang, Sunflower Girl has been selected to screen at the 2024 Woodstock Film Festival.
Growing Up is a Shared Human Experience
Rosie, a 13-year-old Chinese-American girl, is at the point in her life where her parents are embarrassing, her sibling is a nuisance, and being different is socially unacceptable. She's not overtly disregarding her heritage but she actively avoids using her Chinese birth name, which translates to "sunflower", and instead, opts for an American moniker, Rosie. After visiting her mom at her family's dry cleaning establishment, Rosie expresses–through voiceover– that she often pretends to be someone else.
Rosie engages her mom in a brief obligatory chat before she decides to ditch her and hang out with her teenage crush and his best friend. The trio rides their skateboards through the streets of New York, and all the while, Rosie attempts to play it cool and assimilate into this lifestyle. While hanging with the boys at a skatepark, Rosie sees her younger sister approach. Initially embarrassed, she tries to downplay her presence. However, when her crush's friend puts Rosie's sister in a potentially dangerous situation, she is forced to choose between her sister's safety, or putting her at risk by continuing to ignore her, with the hopes of impressing her crush. At this moment, Rosie realizes it's exhausting trying to be someone you're not, and family will always come first.
Your Family is Your Strength and Your Weakness
There is one line in particular that stands out the most: Your family is your strength and your weakness. Sunflower Girl does an effective job of crafting a tight story that both acknowledges the pains of growing up while also offering a sympathetic reminder that family will always have your back. Director Holly M. Kaplan captures this universal moment in time with such grace and sincerity, made even more impactful by the ukulele song that runs during the end credits.
Takeaway
In addition to being a heartwarming story of family ties, Sunflower Girl also serves as a reminder that sometimes, the simplest message is the strongest. Says Kaplan, "When writing Sunflower Girl, I drew direct inspiration by tapping into my past, as a child growing up in New York City and my family history as immigrants from Hong Kong who owned a Chinese laundry storefront in Brooklyn in the 1970s. With an uptick in stories of discrimination and violence against Asians in the US since the COVID-19 pandemic, I felt moved to tell an uplifting and personal coming-of-age story that explores the universal experience of young love and growing pains without showcasing hate or violence."
'Sunflower' Review: A Gripping Drama Based on Horrific True Events
In the film industry, there is an adage that is referenced time and time again: "Write what you know". This is all but guaranteed to generate a story that is compelling and unique to a filmmaker's individual perspective. Director Mateusz Balcerek takes this guidance to heart in his short film Sunflower (Słonecznik). Inspired by the true story of the director’s grandmother, Danuta Górecka, Balcerek’s short film is a moving portrait of survival against all odds.
A Child Trapped in the Violence of War
Sunflower tells the harrowing story of perseverance despite atrocity. The protagonist is a young girl named Danuta, who lives with her family in a war-torn country. It's the height of the conflict and avoiding harm's way has become her daily routine. To create some sense of normalcy, Danuta's grandfather encourages the family to play a game of "hide and seek" whenever soldiers from the opposition invade their home. Without the soldiers present, Danuta engages in activities that any normal young girl enjoys, specifically coloring pictures of sunflowers with the crayons her grandfather gave her.
One night, soldiers make an unexpected appearance at the family's residence and it turns catastrophic. Panicked, Danuta's grandfather urgently tells her to begin the game of hide and seek. This time, their game is a matter of life and death. Danuta hides under the bed, out of sight of the soldiers. Her grandfather, however, isn't so lucky. Shots ring out and Danuta sees her grandfather fall to the floor.
A Drama Based on Horrific True Events
For as traumatic as this story is, filmmaker Mateusz Balcerek's approach to telling it is undeniably beautiful. Special attention should be paid to the lighting, where a single table lamp is a literal and figurative symbol of illumination and hope. The young actress who plays Danuta radiates brightness and innocence. Despite experiencing tragedy at such a young age, her outlook on life is inspirational. Danuta is the embodiment of a literal sunflower, which is a recurring image throughout the film's 16-minute runtime. The sunflower reminds her of happier times, connecting her with her lost loved ones. Danuta's memories are the only thing the soldiers can't take from her.
Takeaway
Sunflower serves as a symbol of survival. Having qualified for the 2025 Academy Awards, Sunflower marks a monumental achievement for director Mateusz Balcerek, who wears his heart on his sleeve with this film. "This year marks the 80th anniversary of a pivotal event that profoundly influenced my family, particularly the life of my grandmother – Danuta Gorecka. Her vivid recollections of hiding under her bed as a 4-year-old child, paralyzed by fear, while three bullets claimed her grandfather's life, continually echo in my mind."
'Conclave' Review: Succession For the Religious Sect
A conspiracy thriller set during one of the world's most secretive religious events, Conclave will have you murmuring "Oh my God" under your breath. Director Edward Berger's latest feature, starring bonafide thespians Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci, is an electrifying and visually stunning tour de force, whose suspense only intensifies as the story unfolds. Based on the acclaimed novel by author Robert Harris, Conclave crafts a fine-tuned story full of suspense and intrigue.
Inside a Closely Guarded Ritual That Goes Back Centuries
Conclave takes the audience into the secretive inner workings of the Roman Catholic church, one that common folk have never seen... until now. Following the unexpected death of the beloved Pope, Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes) is tasked with wrangling the College of Cardinals to gather at the Vatican to begin the conclave. This private process will result in the election of a new pontiff. Members travel worldwide to participate in the institution's longstanding and historic tradition, which is purposefully kept hidden from the public eye. As the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Lawrence knows this is a historic moment. It will define a new era for the Church and set a precedent for the future, so whoever is elected Pope must be thoroughly vetted.
Cardinal Lawrence, although a strong candidate for the position, insists that he has no desire to be Pope. This opens up the election to members, with a few frontrunners quickly gaining traction. Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci) of the Vatican, Trembley of Montreal (John Lithgow), Tedesco of Venice (Sergio Castellitto), and Adeyemi of Nigeria (Lucian Msamati) attempt to convince the majority of members why they deserve the holy position. Each hopeful brings with them a different agenda. Cardinal Bellini is more forward-thinking and progressive while Cardinal Tedesco romanticizes more conservative propaganda. Not surprisingly, the conclave is politically charged and fraught with conflicting ideologies. However, once a dark horse is introduced into the fold, Cardinal Benítez of Kabul (Carlos Diehz), the energy inside the Vatican undeniably changes.
The Pollution of Power and the Conclave of Secrets
Cardinal Benítez is a soft-spoken man who goes nearly unrecognized at first. At first, his presence concerns Cardinal Lawrence because his arrival is unannounced. Once the wayward Cardinal declares his interest in assuming the role of Pope, a few members of the congregation begin to suspect something is awry. Behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, Cardinal Lawrence suddenly finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could not only disrupt the conclave but dismantle the very foundation of the Catholic Church.
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A Striking Production, In Front of and Behind the Camera
Conclave is not only a staggering political thriller, it is also a stunning visual achievement. The moment the Cardinals descend onto the Vatican wearing their blood-red robes is the moment my eyes grew wide just trying to take it all in. It's easy to feel the weight of the film's richness and depth. Every frame could be a painting. The script is equally as strong. For as sharp and cunning as it plays, Conclave is unexpectedly funny in certain moments. As the Cardinals ponder over electing a leader, one member proclaims that the candidates may not be ideal so they need to vote for the "least worst option". This line hit harder given the political climate right now, and had the audience in stitches. It can be hard to toe the line between serious grounded drama and dark comedy but screenwriter Peter Straughan does so with finesse.
There is another moment in the film that garnered an audible response from me, and it comes from Cardinal Benítez's powerful monologue toward the film's end. The Cardinals have all gathered in an auditorium during a tense time of decision-making. Two leaders with starkly differing opinions give steadfast soliloquies that appease their supporters. However, it is Cardinal Benítez's speech that sent chills down my spine. It is one of the most comprehensive, picturesque moments I've witnessed in a film all year. The camera framing, lighting, performance, and all-around delivery are perfect and remain etched in my brain weeks later.
Takeaway
From the esteemed casting to the perfect score by Volker Bertelmann, Conclave is absolutely not to be missed. Filmmaker Edward Berger is no stranger to bringing stories of epic proportions to life. His last film, All Quiet on the Western Front, was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2023 Academy Awards. Given its gravity and impressiveness, Conclave should earn him another trip to the Oscars.