'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.
'BitterSweet' Review: An Inclusive and Inspiring Look at Neurodivergence
Writer-director-actor Steve Martini shows that leading with vulnerability is the secret to creating an effective film. Centering on mental health and the painful misunderstanding stemming from having undiagnosed neurodivergence, Martini crafts an inclusive and inspiring dramedy in BitterSweet. The award-winning feature-length film concludes a successful festival run by making its way into limited theaters on July 10, 2025. It is also available on VOD, including Apple, Amazon, and Fandango at Home, on July 11, 2025.
On Juggling Fatherhood, Love, and Neurodivergence
Inspired by real-life events, BitterSweet follows Sam (Martini) as he navigates first-time fatherhood and a rocky relationship with his partner, Gigi (Gabriela Kulaif). An innocent misunderstanding involving some rowdy foreplay leads to a police visit and a subsequent bureaucratic nightmare. Sam has undiagnosed autism and routinely struggles with everyday tasks that others seem to do with ease. The police arrive at their house and place Sam under arrest for domestic violence. They go a step further and issue a restraining order that forces him to stay away from Gigi and their new baby.
Sam is devastated by this misjudgment of his character and attempts to do everything he can to fix it. It's not for a lack of trying, but Sam doesn't have the skills others take for granted. Unfortunately, the system feels stacked against him. Various officers on the case, lawyers, and even the judge don't seem to understand that his neurodivergence requires special consideration. Sam even goes so far as to attend a seminar hosted by Zimmerman (William Baldwin), a poster child of toxic masculinity. As expected, the testosterone-filled environment proves too much for Sam, but he doesn't lose hope just yet. Sam has one more trick up his sleeve that he hopes will redeem his character and save his relationship with Gigi.
Making Systemic Change Through Filmmaking
BitterSweet uses humor to address the painful occurrence of undiagnosed disorders. As the director, writer, and lead actor, Steve Martini puts everything into this charming indie film. His intention of spreading awareness about the need for systemic change through film is an honorable one. Production quality-wise, the film utilizes a bright color palette and even pacing. The only technical issue that tends to disrupt the film is the audio recording. In some scenes, the sound is quite fuzzy and would have benefited from a cleaner take.
Takeaway
Steve Martini's story is a heartfelt look at perseverance amidst an unjust system. He tackles delicate topics with humor and heart, making BitterSweet an enjoyable and necessary film for those who may be on the spectrum or not.
'Bygones' Review: Love, Redemption, and Basketball
Two-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA star Angel McCoughtry brings her expansive knowledge of the game to the big screen in the short film, Bygones. McCoughtry makes her directorial debut with an emotionally stirring sports drama about forgiveness, both on and off the court. The film will screen at the 2025 Raindance Film Festival this week.
Long-Buried Secrets Emerge Off the Court
Bygones opens with a house party in Atlanta, 1969. A small group of friends celebrate their recent basketball championship, dancing and singing the night away. Leon (Jordan Pressley), the game's MVP, eventually calls the night early and heads home to his wife, Qunis, and young daughter. The film then jumps to the present day, where a young woman named Charissa (Malyah Glover) is shooting hoops in a local gym. Her athletic potential catches the attention of JJ (Kelly Shapiro), a middle-aged white man who gives her a few unsolicited pointers. Their relationship effortlessly evolves into a mentor/mentee dynamic, and it's not long before JJ finds himself at Charissa's family's house for a BBQ.
It's here where JJ meets Charissa's grandma, Qunis (Le'coe Willingham). "Do I know you from somewhere?" she asks him earnestly. He shakes his head no. It isn't until Charissa shows JJ a photo of her grandpa that JJ faces the ugly truth. He connects the dots and realizes that her grandfather is Leon, the young man he killed in 1965. The clues are subtle, but once realized, they cause our hearts to sink. Another strategic flashback shows a young JJ with his group of friends viciously attacking Leon years ago. It's revealed that Leon and JJ were rivals, and JJ couldn't stand that his team lost the championship game. The result of this racist and horrific violence ended up killing Leon, widowing Qunis, and leaving Charissa without a grandfather.
Delves Beneath the Surface of Competition and Camaraderie
The prevailing message that Angel McCoughtry aims to get across is that redemption, no matter how terrible an act, is possible. Charissa is rightfully devastated to discover JJ's connection to her late grandfather and decides to cut him out of her life for good. It's Grandma Qunis who encourages Charissa to give him another chance. She reminds her that no one is perfect and hatred has no place in her family anymore.
For an already gripping storyline, the cinematography complements the drama. Handheld shots and the utilization of close-ups on the basketball court draw the audience into the competition. Both Malyah Glover and Le'coe Willingham give layered performances, sometimes outshining actor Kelly Shapiro. Nevertheless, the ensemble cast has good chemistry together, and their dynamic is rooted in realism.
Takeaway
Bygones proves that the love of the game has the potential to trump evil. A strong film with an equally strong message, Bygones is a successful directorial debut. Here's hoping that Angel McCoughtry has more sports stories to tell.
'If You Should Leave Before Me' Review: Not Your Average Ghost Story
If David Lynch had an independent film budget, the result would be similar to the Anderson Brothers' If You Should Leave Before Me. Directed by brothers J. Markus and Boyd Anderson, this drama-fantasy hybrid is a creative and poignant exploration of trauma, grief, and letting go. Running two hours long–quite effectively, I should add–If You Should Leave Before Me made its World Premiere at the 2025 Raindance Film Festival.
Good Intentions Lead to Undesirable Consequences
Mark and Joshua are a queer couple deeply in love, and the epitome of opposites attract. Mark (Shane P. Allen) is a neat-freak, orderly, and disciplined. Joshua (John Wilcox) is more of a free spirit with childlike curiosity. Having spent the majority of their lives together, their relationship is one of deep trust, understanding, and acceptance. However, Mark and Joshua are not a "normal" couple, as they have a unique ability to access the spiritual realm from within their house. Doors appear from all corners of their house and act like a portal to other worlds and universes. It is Mark and Joshua's job to assist the souls on the other side of the door.
Each door uncovers a ghost who is living in a world of purgatory, neither joyful nor devastating. Mark and Joshua work together to help the ghosts resolve their past hangups and regrets before entering the afterlife. These conversations are all deeply impactful and moving; it's empathetic to witness. For as helpful as they are to the ghosts, there is an elephant in the room that neither Mark nor Joshua wants to acknowledge. Joshua is sick and dying, and he begins to look for his own door to pass through. Mark, terrified of losing his partner and best friend, plans to do whatever it takes to prevent Joshua from crossing over. It's here where tension runs high, and good intentions lead to undesirable consequences.
A touching story of love and loss
If You Should Leave Before Me is a surprisingly emotive and reflective work. The film enlists a unique storytelling process, successfully realized by the Anderson brothers. Using impressively budget-friendly set designs, the film flows through many different vignettes, each with its own set of filmmaking rules and sound. For example, one door reveals a Narnia-inspired fantasy land of colorful construction paper and a whimsical score. Another door is eerie and dark, and this portal houses a former Nazi. The overall feel is more kooky and fun than expected, given the heaviness of the subject matter. Shane P. Allen and John Wilcox give phenomenal turns as the co-leads. Their performances seal the deal in making If You Should Leave Before Me the knockout it is.
Takeaway
Joyfully enriching with the ability to pull on the same emotional heartstrings as episode three of The Last of Us, If You Should Leave Before Me is a filmmaking feat.