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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…
A quirky crime story about hitmen caught in a time loop, Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice is a clever, tongue-in-cheek comedy with enough charm to keep it enjoyable even as it starts to feel a bit played out. When I first saw the name of this movie, it immediately reminded me of Bob…
A clever, satirical comedy about identity and perception, The Moment balances absurd humor with a sharp exploration of what it means to be “you.” No shade to Charli xcx, but I wasn’t all that familiar with her before watching this movie. I’m Gen X, and I have kids who are Gen Z, so I’ve heard…
A visually stunning reimagining in the world of Frankenstein, The Bride! centers on female independence and features a fearless performance from Jessie Buckley. Without any planning, the last four months of my film-watching career have included three Frankenstein films. When Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein was released in November of 2025, I watched it and loved…
A stark adaptation of William Golding’s novel about boys stranded on an island, Lord Of The Flies is visually striking and faithful to the book, but the tension never quite builds as it should. To say that I didn’t read the books assigned for us in high school English class is an understatement. I believe…
A character-driven dramedy about a struggling publisher who convinces her reclusive author to go on a book tour, Best Sellers is boosted by two strong leads, even if it takes until the last act to fully invest in them. My 20-year-old son and I each discovered Aubrey Plaza in a different way. I first met…
A quirky comedy about a controversial experiment testing nature versus nurture, Birthmarked is an enjoyable watch, even if it never fully capitalizes on its clever premise. Films about parenting are incredibly common. It is a hugely relatable topic for many people, and there are all kinds of angles to take. Whether the twins were separated…
