'Dangling Carrot' Review: The Messiness of Millennial Dating
Looking for love in the city that never sleeps is a Herculean feat, as seen in filmmaker Taylor Ghrist's feature film Dangling Carrot. Ghrist writes, directs, and stars in this complicated story about a young man searching for love in all the wrong places. This dramedy isn't afraid to get graphic as it dives deep into the messiness of the NYC millennial dating scene.
The Downside of a "No Strings Attached" Dating Scene
Taylor (Ghrist) is a queer, sober, and unemployed millennial who is always searching for the next guy. He should be job hunting, but instead is app-swiping. Our introduction to Taylor is extremely memorable, as we see him servicing random men for the thrill of it. It's obvious that this type of one-sided sexual behavior is demoralizing for Taylor, but it's become a pattern he seems to not be able to break. Throughout the film, Taylor meets up with a variety of men. Two of them initially stand out as decent guys with long-term potential; however, Taylor quickly learns that both are emotionally unavailable. Adding to his spiraling situation, these relationships also threaten to derail his mental health and sobriety.
A Big Story Told on a Micro Budget
Dangling Carrot is full of raw and intimate experiences between our protagonist and his dates. Conversations quickly turn into graphic, physical acts that always leave Taylor feeling empty. It's sad to see how this cycle continues to destroy what little self-respect he has left, but nevertheless, we continue to root for him to find his strength and confidence. Filmmaker Taylor Ghrist channels a Sean Baker-type of energy with the raw subject material. Aiding in this is the electric score by composer Donald Cumming.
Director's Statement
Says Ghrist, "An urgency following multiple heartaches, a frustration with sex culture, and a much-needed self-introspection was the advent for Dangling Carrot. In a sense, it’s my New York City love letter for the times we live in and an unabashed depiction of a young gay man’s life, mostly sourced from experiences of my own, while not entirely factual. I have always struggled to connect with many gay characters in cinema, and thought writing my own experience would not only be cathartic but be a great film.
As a gay man myself living in Manhattan, I have always had a puzzling relationship with sex and, yes, my own gay identity and connection to other men... In a way, Dangling Carrot is a (late) coming-of-age story that touches upon these subjects. My intention is to portray a certain millennial ache where it’s so easy to meet people but so hard to get to know someone, especially in a city like New York."
Takeaway
Regardless of sexual orientation, Dangling Carrot offers a universal statement on the importance of human connection and the lengths some go to attain it. In today's world of growing isolation, it resonates now more than ever. The film made its World Premiere yesterday at the Downtown Festival in New York City.
'Gay, Asian, Immigrant' Review: Self-Degradation Comes with a Price
Ushmey Chakraborty brings a lighthearted point of view to a typically taboo topic in his short film Gay, Asian, Immigrant. The multi-hyphenate filmmaker not only acts as the film's writer, director, and producer, but he also stars in this indie comedy. The result is a personal and eye-opening account of the risks and, ironically, the occasional payoffs of perpetuating a stereotype to get ahead.
Self-Degradation Comes with a Price
The film opens with an upbeat theme song, much like the beloved sitcoms from the 90s. Think, Family Matters or Full House. The theme song does more than catch our attention. It entertainingly gives us the backstory about our protagonist, Ravi (Chakraborty), a privileged Gay, Asian, Immigrant. Through a comical and brightly saturated montage, we see Ravi walking the streets of Beverly Hills as well as driving his Mercedes-Benz while the lyrics and catchy melody inform us that he comes from a life of privilege. Despite his familial wealth, Ravi seems sweet and genuine. The next scene shows Ravi at home with his date, Ben (Dre Matthews), enjoying a quiet afternoon. However, they are soon interrupted by a knock on the door from Ravi's boss, Cheryl (Janet Carter).
Cheryl's unexpected visit throws Ravi for a loop and unintentionally forces Ravi to confront the thing he's been hiding: his true identity. Ravi opens the door and begins talking to Cheryl in a comically exaggerated Indian accent. To clarify, Ravi has never had an Indian accent. Ben is rightfully confused, questioning why Ravi is acting as a caricature. Ravi pulls Ben aside and explains that perpetuating the facade of being a "Gay, Asian, Immigrant" stereotype was the only way he could keep his job in a white-dominated space. Unconvinced, Ben reiterates the importance of defying these harmful expectations and stereotypes. He then issues an ultimatum: "me or the lie."
Authenticity in Front of and Behind the Lens
For a film about exploiting perception, Ushmey Chakraborty brings a great deal of personal authenticity to the project. As a queer filmmaker, Chakraborty crafts a dialogue that is rarely covered in mainstream Hollywood: exploiting stereotypes to get ahead. The struggle with personal identity is a common theme, but Chakraborty cleverly flips the script on traditional expectations. A tight three-person cast brings out the best in this ultra indie, hitting the comical and serious tones with finesse.
Director's Statement
Says Chakraborty, "Using the trope of a situational-comedy, I explore a theme that many People of Color feel in predominantly white rooms, which is, “code switching” - subtle changes in the way we talk and behave, just so our white counterparts don’t say anything casually racist: such as, “You speak such great English coming from India” (classic). But this time, the agency is given to the Person of Color. My primary visual motif is color: Initially, we see everything in bright, pulpy colours symbolising the fake world the protagonist has built for himself, but when the truth starts to emerge, the color fades to resemble reality. In the end, the choice is presented: live in truth or lies... hopefully, we all make the right choice."
Takeaway
Gay, Asian, Immigrant tells an unexpectedly poignant story about the consequences of "code-switching." Using comedy as an entry point, the film's deeper themes of stereotypes and cultural expectations are issues worth pondering.
'Whisper Breach' Review: When AI Falls Into the Wrong Hands
There is a new reason to fear AI's growing capabilities in filmmaker Craig Cockerill's action thriller Whisper Breach. And while no one is denying that the technology is incredible, Cockerill is more interested in exploring what happens when it falls into the wrong hands. A cautionary tale for enthusiasts and skeptics alike, Whisper Breach will send your pulse racing. Now available to rent and buy on Prime Video and Apple TV, streaming for free on Tubi.
AI Has a Dark Side
Sandy (Chelsea Gilson) and Kent Collins (Mike Markoff) are ex-Navy SEALs who have since moved on from the battlefield and into a relationship. One evening, they invite their friend, Winston Burns (Garon Grigsby), over for a night of lighthearted fun. No one expected what would happen next. A day or so later, while out spearfishing, Sandy becomes entangled in the reef and drowns. Kent is devastated, and Winston is quick to console him. In the midst of his grief, Winston floats an idea by Kent, one that only he has the power to harness.
Winston introduces Kent to "W.B.," or "Whisper Breach," a powerful black ops AI that has the capabilities to completely dismantle democracy as we know it. "When fully activated," says Winston of WB, "the powerful will crumble and never know what hit them." Kent accepts his role as WB's handler, believing that he is contributing to a good cause. However, Winston has more sinister plans for WB. The AI entanglement begins to completely overtake Kent's life, leaving him questioning what is reality and what is fabrication. As the web of lies and deceit exposes itself, Kent realizes that his relationship with Winston is not what it seems, and the battle between loyalty and betrayal has just begun.
A Wild Run With Numerous Twists and Turns
Writer/director Craig Cockerill crafts this fast-paced thriller that will have you guessing what happens next until the very end. Strong performances by the three leading actors anchor the plot in reality, while the score by composer Jeff Toyne adds an electrifying sense of cinematic spirit.
Director's Statement
Says Cockerill, "I set out to make a film that thrills but also troubles viewers, sparking conversation about the world we are racing toward. The tone is bold because the subject demands it. We really are flirting with something powerful and possibly dangerous, summoning demons we may not control. In the end, Whisper Breach is as much cautionary tale as entertainment. I invite audiences to see how things can go wrong and to feel why it matters long after the credits roll."
Takeaway
Amidst a backdrop of moral conflict, Whisper Breach boldly explores our potential reality with an AI-driven crisis of trust.
'Little Mother Lies' Review: A Portrait of Unconditional Maternal Love
Stories of addiction within complicated family dynamics are often difficult but necessary watches. With so many people suffering from substance abuse in silence, seeing these stories reflected on screen offers a greater sense of understanding. The short film Little Mother Lies, directed by Amanda Deering Jones and written by Kitty Edwinson, acts as a beacon of light for those who find themselves struggling with dark times.
Facing Your Demons Amidst Family Dysfunction
Little Mother Lies is a micro-indie that features three actors. Dorie (Pascale Roger-McKeever) and Marinka (Emilie Talbot) are sisters and third-generation descendants of exiled Russian aristocrats. The women sit around a dining room table, clearly engaging in somewhat uncomfortable dialogue. As they converse over bowls of borscht, a signature Ukrainian soup. Dorie's son Owen (Elliott Thomas West) is in the middle of violent withdrawals. His isolation from the family hurts Dorie tremendously, and nothing Marinka says or does is of any help. Eventually, it's discovered that Marinka may be more of an enabler than a dependable resource for support.
The 14-minute short is based on the filmmakers' conceptual feature film Mother Lies, a full rendition of this family’s story. Amanda Deering Jones plays with the themes of heritage and societal hardship with equally dramatic stakes. The tension between the sisters hits its peak when Dorie realizes that, despite Marinka being family, she may not be capable of maintaining their relationship during this difficult time with her son.
Director's Statement
Says Jones, "As we connect with these characters and their guards come down, we become aware of some deeply held assumptions about the origins of substance abuse and our current approaches to treatment. We see the consequences of the one-size-fits-all system through the suffering of this family. They elicit our compassion and help us realize that inflexibility has no place in a system that so often fails the people who depend on it."
Takeaway
A mother's commitment to her children never expires, and Little Mother Lies is proof of this unconditional love. Little Mother Lies will have its World Premiere at the 2025 Soho International Film Festival.
'All American' Review: The Mental and Physical Battle of Women's Wrestling
A few months ago, the NCAA formally included women's wrestling as its 91st championship sport. After debuting at the 2004 Olympics, it has skyrocketed in popularity among women and girls. This meteoric rise is wonderfully captured in filmmaker Mark Andrew Altschul's documentary, All American.
The Mental and Physical Battle of Women's Wrestling
In All American, Altschul crafts an inspiring, family-friendly sports film that will have you on the edge of your seat. The documentary offers an in-depth look into women’s wrestling through the lens of three high schoolers breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport. Altschul's subjects consist of three immigrant and first-generation American teenagers. Each girl details the challenges that come with entering what has long been considered a male-dominated sport, in addition to their underlying struggles with family, cultural assimilation, and identity.
One young woman, Arham, acts as the film's protagonist. She is Muslim, and in her community, wrestling is seen as violent and no place for a young girl like herself. However, her passion far outweighs any obligation to her family's strongly held religious beliefs. Faced with a heartbreaking ultimatum, Arham makes the difficult decision to move out of her family home and into a shelter, all to pursue her wrestling career.
A Love Letter to an Underdog Sport
The production ran for five years and thoroughly explains the sport's rise in popular culture. Interviews with wrestling legends, including Sue Roshan, add urgency to the momentum of overcoming the taboo of women athletes. Director Mark Andrew Altschul uses both traditionally shot footage as well as mixed media animation to portray the incredible physical and psychological tolls the sport requires.
Takeaway
All American is a powerful story of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of the American dream. It's an inspiring watch as these unrelenting young women chase their dreams. The film is screening at the Heartland Film Festival beginning October 10th.
Dan Deacon Debuts Track from HBO's 'Task'
Baltimore-based recording artist and composer Dan Deacon lends his signature sound to HBO's new acclaimed detective series, Task. Leaning into the plethora of thematic beats, including visceral action and emotional intimacy, Deacon's score acts as the sonic heartbeat of the show. In the vivid electronic track "He Was Here," which debuts on Cinemacy before its digital availability on Friday, October 3rd, Deacon utilizes strings and synths to showcase the character's shifting dynamics.
Task is set in the working-class suburbs of Philadelphia, where an FBI agent (Mark Ruffalo) heads a Task Force to put an end to a string of violent robberies led by an unassuming family man (Tom Pelphrey), who appears to be the least likely suspect. The series airs new episodes weekly on HBO and streams on HBO Max.
EXCLUSIVE: Cinemacy is proud to debut ‘He Was Here’ from HBO's Task, below:
Says Deacon, “Working on Task was perhaps the most musically rewarding experience of my career. I fell in love with the scripts and immediately began writing demos based on the emotional response from Brad Ingelsby's (creator/writer/showrunner/executive producer) writing. The story contains a massive expanse of emotional range, and we aimed for a score to accompany the scope of his writing. We talked at length about scale and density: when to be huge, when to be small, when to push in, and when to rest. It was a collaborative exploration of range.
The series builds its core musical motifs around "families" and how they interact and affect each other, shifting the themes and motifs as the story progresses. This approach helped us hone in on our main themes and approach them with a modular/mashup mindset for building deeper, more interconnected relationships as the series progresses.”
About Dan Deacon
Deacon is celebrated for his innovative electronic music and dynamic work in film and television scoring. With five studio albums and a reputation for genre-defying compositions, he has premiered work at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Barbican Centre, and collaborated with leading artists and institutions including Kronos Quartet, Sō Percussion, Future Islands, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the LA Philharmonic, and choreographer Justin Peck with the New York City Ballet.
As a composer for screen, Deacon’s recent credits include Venom: The Last Dance (Columbia/Marvel), Hustle (Netflix), and the Oscar-nominated Ascension (which earned him a Cinema Eye Honors award for Best Score). His television projects include the Peabody Award–winning Philly D.A. (PBS), The Changeling (Apple TV+), and Perfect Wife (Hulu). With a career that bridges avant-garde composition and mainstream appeal, Dan Deacon continues to expand the possibilities of contemporary music for the stage and visual media.
'Beyond The Gates of Hell' Review: A Couple's Dream Home Turns into a Nightmare
A young couple discovers that their dream home is all a facade in the micro indie Beyond the Gates of Hell. Just in time for the Halloween spooky season, writer/director Dustin Ferguson brings out the horrors and haunts in this 42-minute mid-length feature. Drawing inspiration from 80s Italian horror, Beyond the Gates of Hell is a witty and entertaining B-horror film that uses its kookiness to its advantage.
Dream Home Turns Into a Death Trap
What caught my attention immediately was the "Movie Trailers" that precede Beyond the Gates of Hell. The first five minutes are dedicated to other similarly gory films, providing a uniquely comical touch. Once we settle into the "Feature Presentation," we meet our protagonists, Ian (Eric Larsen) and Katrina (Traci Burr). The newlywed couple arrives at their recently purchased mansion in the countryside, eager to fulfill their dream by opening a bed & breakfast. However, they become suspicious when their realtor warns them to "watch your step, these old places are full of tricks."
She then explains the mansion's lore. This includes how the previous owner was burned alive in the basement by neighbors who believed he was a devil worshipper. Katrina is not amused at this horrifying discovery and begs Ian to reconsider buying the property. At first, Ian brushes off Katrina's concerns, but unexplainable things begin happening inside the house that the couple can't ignore. One night, a mysterious neighbor named Henrietta (Jennifer Moriarty) shows up with a message from "beyond the gates of hell." She explains to Katrina that the mansion is cursed and sits atop one of the seven gateways of hell. What follows is a crescendo of nightmarish incidents that leads to a not so happily ever after.
Bringing Big Ideas to Life in a Big Way
Dustin Ferguson crafts a devilishly wicked world within the confines of what I can only assume is a micro budget. The ingenuity to bring such a big idea to life with limited resources is a truly admirable feat. Ferguson is no stranger to the micro indie universe. With a filmography over 160 credits long, he is perhaps one of the only directors who can successfully execute a genre film that is this ambitious.
Takeaway
Beyond the Gates of Hell is a fun popcorn flick to lose yourself in during this spooky season. Strong performances and a pitch-perfect score make this horror haunt both a trick and a treat for audiences at home.
'Divia' Review: A Sonic Journey from Destruction to Resurrection
What comes to mind when thinking of Ukraine is a portrait of a wounded yet resilient country. A proud population who are committed to survival amongst the chaos and years-long destruction of their homeland. Despite the unrelenting and horrifying hardship, filmmaker Dmytro Hreshko creatively gives audiences a new way to envision Ukraine without focusing solely on its devastation. In the documentary, Divia, Hreshko enlists composer Sam Slater and cinematographer Volodymyr Usyk to remind the world of Ukraine's natural beauty before Russia's full-scale invasion.
A Portrait of Ukraine Before, During, and Beyond War
Divia is unlike traditional documentaries. There is no dialogue, nor interviewees. Rather, Divia is a meditative, sound-driven journey through devastated land. Slater's beautiful composition is intertwined with field recordings of natural elements, such as waterfalls, animals, and wind. This layered soundscape creates a metaphysical symphony that enhances the stunning images on screen. Lush forests, vast landscapes, and organic abundance portray a Ukraine thriving with life and prosperity.
This natural beauty is slowly interrupted by the changing environment, which is further illustrated by a transformation in the music composition. Harsher weather and remnants of war, evidenced by barren forests, cratered fields, and abandoned military machines, snap the viewer back to reality. This is the Ukraine we have begun to normalize in these images of sadness and death. While it cannot be ignored, director Dmytro Hreshko offers hope by reminding us that life continues onward. Seasons change, and with it comes the birth of new life. Grass begins to grow again, animals return, and the images of destruction are replaced with resurrection.
Director's Statement
Says Hreshko, "The destruction of nature is a significant part of the cost we Ukrainians pay for our freedom from Russia, which views nature and the world around it merely as resources for exploitation and expansion. Documenting the Russian military's eco-crimes and the destruction of natural landscapes and ecosystems is crucial. Understanding the scope of these issues is the first step toward solving them. While environmental concerns might not be a priority for Ukrainians amidst pressing issues, neglecting them could pose greater threats to our lives than anticipated."
Takeaway
Divia offers a unique perspective on where beauty and devastation coexist. If you approach this film with patience and grace, you'll no doubt leave with deep appreciation.
'Predators' Review: Good vs Evil Isn't so Black and White
We've all been there, eyes glued to our screens, watching the latest car chase through the streets of Los Angeles. Or maybe your vice is scrolling late-night TikToks of police body cam footage catching Target shoplifters. There is no denying that this type of voyeuristic content is entertaining, sometimes embarrassingly so. The question is, why are we so drawn to watching people at their worst, especially when it comes to true crime? In the documentary Predators, filmmaker David Osit explores the psychological fascination behind the popular TV show To Catch a Predator, and how the series continues to perpetuate the blurred lines between justice and entertainment.
Who is the Real Predator Here?
Since its inception in the early 2000s, Dateline NBC's To Catch a Predator series became an instant cultural phenomenon. The show employed decoys, actors pretending to be young teenagers, to lure child predators to a sting house, which is actually a film set. The men arrive thinking that they are meeting up with their underage victim. What they don't expect is for Chris Hansen to appear with a film crew and catch them in the act. Hansen typically asks the men, "What are you doing here?", and there is never a reassuring answer. Famously, Hansen ends his interviews by saying, "You're free to leave." It is then that these men are apprehended by local law enforcement and taken to jail. Typically, the episode ends there, and those watching from home turn to another program. But for these offenders, their nightmare is just starting.
There is no doubt that To Catch a Predator is a stunning candid-camera investigative series. However, the show has never been explored from the psychological standpoint of our obsession with watching people at their lowest. Director David Osit's very personal motivation to explore the morally gray ethics of To Catch a Predator opens our eyes to points of view that offer incredibly thought-provoking testimony. Speaking with former decoys, law enforcement, and Chris Hansen himself, Osit crafts a delicate story of how good vs evil isn't always so black and white.
Director's Statement
Says Osit, "Ultimately, I couldn’t have imagined the depths of the journey I’d end up going on - how making this film would not only challenge the limits of my own empathy, but reflect the tenuous morality behind how we tell stories, report news, and make films. My frustration with true crime, I realized, came from the illusion that after watching a true crime story, the crime will be solved and we’ll get all the answers. But what if I made a film that was about what happens - and what are we capable of doing to each other - when answers can’t be found? In a sense, Predators became a true crime story. But the villain wasn’t who I thought it’d be."
Takeaway
Predators is a tough watch, and you may not agree with some of the statements made on screen. But Osit doesn't aim to change your mind about the show's impact or importance. Instead, Predators is more of a vehicle for self-reflection. It leads us to question why we embrace this type of content so voraciously. Further, it challenges us to examine this uncomfortable topic in order to find humanity in its complexity.
Once the credits roll, we're free to leave the theater. But the emotional impact of Predators will linger with you long after.
'The Summer Book' Review: A Summer Spent Swimming Through Grief
Filmmaker Charlie McDowell captures a wistful spirit of summer amidst the backdrop of family tragedy in the drama The Summer Book. Based on the novel of the same name by Finnish author Tove Jansson, the film pulls audiences into its world much like a breaking wave returning to the ocean. It's easy to get swept away in this intergenerational drama about the finality of life and death.
What Happens
8-time Oscar-nominated actor Glenn Close plays Grandmother, an artist who lives on a small, uninhabited island in the Gulf of Finland. She invites her adult son (Anders Danielsen Lie) and her 9-year-old granddaughter (Emily Matthews) to stay with her for the season as they heal from a heartbreaking death within the immediate family. Amidst the beauty and stillness of their environment, the trio begins to reconnect with nature and each other. They engage in a communal journey through grief that ultimately allows old wounds and complicated family dynamics to start to heal.
Takeaway
The Summer Book is light on plot, which may cause some viewers to grow impatient. However, it seems as if filmmaker Charlie McDowell would rather his audience "experience" the film as opposed to "analyze" it. The one-location setting allows us to familiarize ourselves with the surroundings, imagining how we would spend our days and nights on a picturesque, remote island. Aiding in this daydream is the softly angelic score by composer Hania Rani who knows how to elicit feelings of warmth from within. Despite its lack of substantial momentum, The Summer Book still provides a gently therapeutic and visually appealing experience.
This review originally ran on November 4, 2024, during AFI FEST.
'Crying on Command' Review: An Audition Room Crashout
Director Nick Craven skillfully captures every actor's nightmare in his sensational short film, Crying on Command. Making its World Premiere at the 2025 Flicker's Rhode Island International Film Festival, Crying on Command is a stirring slice of life drama.
An Existential Crisis in the Audition Room
The hum of fluorescent lights underscores the tension and anticipation circulating in a waiting room of aspiring actors. A group of girls, similar in appearance and age, quietly rehearse their lines as they wait their turn to be called. All are hoping for their big break, but know that this dream can only be realized by one. From the looks of things, it seems that the lucky lady is Jordyn (Nancy Kimball). A successful table read and prior audition tape make her a shoo-in for the part. The role is essentially hers; however, to secure her big break, she must prove she can cry on command.
Jordyn is caught off guard by the request. Immediately, her nerves get the best of her, and any semblance of a tear evaporates. She becomes lost in her head. When she realizes that she can’t perform, she faces the question that every actor avoids asking themselves: Am I actually good enough?
Nancy Kimball's Stunning Portrait of Self-Doubt
Actor Nancy Kimball captures the universal feeling of desperation that every auditioning actor experiences, with incredible intimacy and empathy. Jordyn's struggle is palpable and, at the same time, admirable. She wants the part and knows she can nail it, but her mind and body are operating out of sync. She instantly becomes overwhelmed by desperation and insecurity. Filmmaker Nick Craven lets Kimball shine in this role. The rest of the environment is minimalist, including the sound, wardrobe, location, and cinematography.
Takeaway
Says Craven, "Having a father who is an actor, and a sibling and mother who also have careers in the business, the idea of 'struggle' in the industry forever lives on as conversation at the dinner table, and in my head. It's romantic, confusing, destructive, but always evolving. There are certain sides of it that have been depicted, and I believe this film provides an alternative style and point of view to the subject."
TIFF 2025: What Should Be on Your Radar This Fall
The summer box office numbers may have been lackluster, but the news coming out of TIFF this week proves that we have much to look forward to this fall. Now in its 50th year, the Toronto International Film Festival kicked off last Friday with a slate of anticipatory films. Oscar buzz tends to circulate this festival, and for good reason. 12 Years a Slave and Slumdog Millionaire both screened at TIFF and ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2014 and 2009, respectively. Below are three titles that you should keep on your radar this fall and beyond.
Rental Family
Set against modern-day Tokyo, Rental Family follows an American actor (Brendan Fraser) who struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese "rental family" agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the quiet beauty of human connection. Directed by HIKARI with music by Jónsi and Alex Somers.
Hamnet
William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his wife, Agnes (Jessie Buckley), celebrate the birth of their son, Hamnet. However, when tragedy strikes and Hamnet dies at a young age, it inspires Shakespeare to write his timeless masterpiece "Hamlet." Academy Award–winning director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland) helms this lush and tender drama about Shakespeare and his family, as seen through the eyes of his thoughtful wife.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) returns for his most dangerous case yet in the third and darkest chapter of Rian Johnson’s murder mystery opus. When young priest Jud Duplenticy (Josh O’Connor) is sent to assist charismatic firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks (Josh Brolin), it’s clear that all is not well in the pews. Wicks’s modest-but-devoted flock includes devout church lady Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close), circumspect groundskeeper Samson Holt (Thomas Haden Church), tightly-wound lawyer Vera Draven, Esq. (Kerry Washington), aspiring politician Cy Draven (Daryl McCormack), town doctor Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner), best-selling author Lee Ross (Andrew Scott), and concert cellist Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny).
After a sudden and seemingly impossible murder rocks the town, the lack of an obvious suspect prompts local police chief Geraldine Scott (Mila Kunis) to join forces with renowned detective Benoit Blanc to unravel a mystery that defies all logic. Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Rian Johnson writes and directs Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. In select theaters on November 26th, coming to Netflix on December 12, 2025.
Grammy-Winning Sam Slater Debuts Track from '2000 Meters to Andriivka'
Two-time Grammy Award-winning composer Sam Slater crafts an immersive sonic world in 2000 Meters to Andriivka, where he joins the Oscar-winning team behind last year's Best Documentary, 20 Days in Mariupol. Premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, filmmaker and Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Mstyslav Chernov's hard-hitting sophomore film chronicles the war in Ukraine as Ukrainian soldiers attempt to liberate a strategic village from Russian forces. Slater’s restrained but powerful score transcends traditional music, blurring the lines between sound design and composition. To achieve this, he utilizes a variety of handmade instruments and processed field recordings that contribute to the chaotic soundscape. The result is a sonic embodiment of the homegrown, yet unstoppable spirit of the Ukrainian military.
2000 Meters to Andriivka documents the toll of the Russia-Ukraine war from a personal and devastating vantage point. Weaving together original footage, intensive bodycam video, and powerful moments of reflection, 2000 Meters to Andriivka offers an intimate glimpse into the heads and hearts of those on the frontlines. Chernov captures soldiers' visceral realization in stark detail as they advance farther through their destroyed homeland, as they struggle with knowing if this war will ever end. Using such strong visuals, the quiet yet powerfully affecting ten-track album complements the frontline documentary footage with immersive spatial sound design.
EXCLUSIVE: Cinemacy is proud to debut 'Will This War Go On Forever' from 2000 Meters to Andriivka, below:
Says Slater of the album, "The score for Mstylsav Chernov's new documentary 2000 Meters to Andriivk demanded an energy-driven score — blunt, visceral, and aligned with its predominantly first-person perspective. Built around a dry funereal drum feeding back into itself, the score is volatile and relentless. Jakob Vasak’s snarling Kobophon and Kai Whitson’s spectral walkie-talkie textures hover anxiously above it. Voices and strings emerge warped and restless until the closing Mysteria ritual, where Hildur Guðnadóttir, Simon Goff, and Maria W Horn briefly resolve into mournful harmony, grounding us in grief as fallen soldiers’ names are summoned into the air."
About Sam Slater
Sam Slater is a composer and producer working at the intersection of experimental music, sound design, and contemporary storytelling. His work has shaped critically acclaimed projects including Joker, Chernobyl, and Battlefield 2042. Accolades include the Icelandic Music Award for Producer of the Year, the SCL Award for Battlefield 2042, and the Filmfare Award for Best Original Soundtrack for Netflix’s The Railway Men.
He also co-leads OSMIUM, an improvisational collaboration with Hildur Guðnadóttir, James Ginzburg, and Rully Shabara. The project, whose debut album was released in June 2025, employs augmented, custom-made robotic and electro-mechanical instruments that fuse industrial textures, ritualistic density, and physical performance. The result is a creation of unique sounds that resist categorization. Based in Berlin, Slater continues to develop work that challenges fixed categories, composing for orchestras, machines, field recordings, and spatial systems.
Lakeshore Records is releasing '2000 Meters to Andriivka (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)' on digital platforms this Friday. You can listen and pre-order the vinyl here.
'East of Wall' Review: Evoking a Sense of Sonder
Authenticity seems to be the buzzword right now in hooking audiences to pay attention to various forms of entertainment. Filmmaker Kate Beecroft effectively demonstrates this, along with a natural sense of originality, in her debut feature, East of Wall. Winner of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award, East of Wall captures a magical spirit by stirring up a tangible sense of sonder.
"Real Cowgirl Shit"
East of Wall is an atmospheric journey for both the mind and the soul. The film follows Tabatha, a good-hearted yet rebellious rancher who rescues and resells horses for a living in the Badlands of South Dakota. Every day may look the same for Tabatha and her fractured family, which includes the seven wayward teenagers who live with her, but she wouldn't trade it for the world. Tabatha is a gifted horse whisperer whose passion and love for these majestic animals far outweigh the stress of her increasingly desperate living situation. However, she soon faces an enticing opportunity that requires a life-changing, yet conflicting, choice. Tabitha must decide if she is willing to give up her ranch, and the only life she knows, for financial freedom.
An Authentic Portrait of Female Resilience
The incredible discovery of Tabatha, a real-life cowgirl, leads to the film's most tender and euphoric moments. Says Beecroft, "Taking a wrong turn... in South Dakota led me to the deepest adventure of my life. I pulled up to a rundown ranch and found Tabatha Zimiga and a [group] of intimidatingly bold teenage girls... heads half-shaved like warriors, eyeing me up and down. Tabatha welcomed me into her world with one sentence: “Want to see some real cowgirl shit?”. I have spent three years living with this family. They allowed me to be a fly on the wall of their barn and trailer, absorbing every inch of their daily life to write this script..."
In addition to the phenomenal casting, cinematographer Austin Shelton brings the Badlands to life through a dynamic choice of lensing. Utilizing the sun's fiery glow and nature's rich elemental tapestry, East of Wall feels wholly organic. Drone shots soar over the mountain ranges, resulting in a feeling as equally kinetic as the horse riding itself. The vibrancy of these visuals seems to permeate through the screen. They magically evoke the smell of summer air as we take in every last drop.
Takeaway
East of Wall is a quiet stunner that unearths a simple, beautiful subsect of American life. Acquired by Sony Pictures Classics, it is now playing in select theaters.
'Realm of Shadows' Review: This Indie Horror Fights Fire With Fire
It's the ultimate battle between good vs. evil in filmmaker Jimmy Drain's indie thriller Realm of Shadows. Starring horror legend Tony Todd (The Candyman), Realm of Shadows is a lo-fi anthology comprised of short stories that create one feature-length film. Weaving together subplots and an ensemble cast of characters, the culmination results in a darkly gothic narrative as unique as the story structure itself.
A Gothic Tale of Desire and Darkness
Realm of Shadows begins with a prologue describing the ultimate beacon of desire, an object called the "Dagger of Destiny." We learn that this sacred dagger is said to be the original weapon used in Jesus's crucifixion. Naturally, it remains a highly desired object. The recipient of this dagger, gifted with its powers, must choose to use it for good or evil. This premise kicks off the following short stories that oscillate between mystery, possession, and the deviancy that lurks in the shadows.
The film has a strong ensemble cast, comprised of female cult members, who act as the film's narrators. Using an Ouija board to jump from story to story, their presence is crucial to the film's structure. Themes of religion and the occult drive Realm of Shadows, which is pretty shocking considering that some of these stories are based on true events.
Crafting an Anti-hero's Journey
Award-winning director Jimmy Drain blends the supernatural with a gritty punk aesthetic in Realm of Shadows. Visually, the film looks like it belongs in an archive from the '90s with its grainy texture and throwback performances. This gives the film a sense of nostalgia, setting it apart from other modern-day horror films. Another interesting stylistic choice is the purposeful lack of dialogue in a few of the short stories. This intentional removal of dialogue forces the score to become the only element driving the story's emotional beats forward.
Takeaway
Sometimes, one must fight fire with fire, as seen in Realm of Shadows. Jimmy Drain keeps the intensity pulsing throughout the entire runtime, ending the film on a cliffhanger of sorts that may warrant the need for a follow-up feature. Realm of Shadows is now available to stream on VOD, including Tubi.