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A fantasy adventure about the legendary writers drawn into a cursed forest filled with fairy-tale creatures, The Brothers Grimm is a visually stunning and imaginative film, with dark storybook elements that remain engaging even with a story that feels uneven. I have always had a special interest in fairy tales. As a young kid, I…
Based on a true story about an unassuming woman drawn into Cold War espionage, Red Joan is an engaging, well-paced drama elevated by strong performances and intriguing mysteries. When a film says it is based on a true story, I tend to go down a rabbit hole looking for details about the original. The Emerald…
A family drama told through a series of video calls as relatives gather virtually during lockdown to say goodbye to a loved one, Family Squares is an inventive film that makes effective use of its limitations to tell a surprisingly complex story. The Covid lockdowns were brutal. My husband and I came from a perspective…
A romantic comedy about a young woman who works to reunite an older woman with her long-lost love while traveling through Italy, Letters To Juliet is a sweet and predictable film that gets better the longer you watch. I have seen the cover of this movie a few times over the last 16 years, and…
A surreal dark comedy about a man who begins appearing in strangers’ dreams, Dream Scenario is strange and well-acted, though it ultimately feels more interesting than involving. I have always loved the movie Peggy Sue Got Married. Kathleen Turner is great in the film, and there’s something warm and nostalgic about it, even though I…
A fantasy adventure about a young girl afraid of the real monsters under her bed, Dust Bunny is a beautifully designed film, with charming performances and an imaginative, storybook-like feel. Mads Mikkelsen has slowly added himself to my list of favorite actors. I first noticed him years ago, but it was when I watched Arctic…
Based on the true story of the scientific breakthrough behind IVF, Joy – The Birth of IVF is an engaging and thoughtfully told drama, elevated by strong performances and an interesting, quietly compelling story. When I first saw the poster for this film, it immediately reminded me of Audrey’s Children. Audrey’s Children had been released…
A road trip drama about a teenager setting out to capture meaningful sounds before losing his hearing, The Ultimate Playlist of Noise is an uneven but heartfelt story that builds to a genuinely moving final act. When this movie was first released on streaming, I immediately added it to my watchlist. I liked the cover,…
A sci-fi mystery about a man investigating a death using experimental memory technology, Rememory is an intriguing story with strong performances, though the narrative feels a bit loose. When it comes to science fiction films that fly under the radar, they can be very hit or miss. Sometimes you get something exciting and original, like…
A light comedy about a man juggling two relationships at once, Micki & Maude is silly and amusing, carried by three strong performances, even if some of its themes haven’t aged well. I remember watching this movie on what must’ve been a VHS tape in around 1985, and maybe multiple times. I was a kid,…
A coming-of-age drama about a teenager trying to find herself while being raised in a Christian fundamentalist community, The Starling Girl is thoughtful yet emotionally restrained. I really enjoy when a film has a focus on religion. It adds an element of culture and expectation that you can’t get quite the same way anywhere else….
An intimate indie drama about three siblings forced back together after their mother’s sudden death, Trust feels close to home in ways that are both honest and quietly affecting. Being part of a family can be wonderful, but it can also be hugely complicated. It’s a roll of the dice when you are born, and…
