★★★ Sometimes, dead is better. At least, that’s what Jud Crandall would say. The iconic character—originated in Stephen King’s seminary Pet Sematary novel before being depicted onscreen by Fred Gwynne and John Lithgow—finally has his origin story explored at great depth in co-writer/director Lindsey Anderson Beer’s directorial debut, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines. I used to genuinely … Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2023: Pet Sematary: Bloodlines
Fantastic Fest 2023: Your Lucky Day
★★★★ “What would you do if you had one million dollars?” This age-old question recurs even today, often driving people to some dangerous extremes in order to make money. Promising to be “based on the American dream,” Your Lucky Day is a twisted modern thriller wrapped in a morality fable. Dedicated to the late Angus … Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2023: Your Lucky Day
Fantastic Fest 2023: The Fall of the House of Usher
Mike Flanagan, creator of two of the all-time greatest Netflix miniseries in The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, dips back into the murky waters of gothic horror in an eerie, atmospheric masterpiece dedicated to Edgar Allen Poe. The aptly-named The Fall of the House of Usher weaves Poe’s prose, themes, and melancholy into … Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2023: The Fall of the House of Usher
Film Review: No One Will Save You
★★★★ Why is it so hard to make a good alien flick? The few genuinely successful ones can probably be counted on one hand, so the uphill battle that future titles in this subgenre face is steep indeed. Almost entirely dialogue-free, sci-fi horror No One Will Save You brings a seriously twisted interpretation of alien … Continue reading Film Review: No One Will Save You
Fantastic Fest 2023: The Animal Kingdom
★★★★★ A grounded, frequently disturbing sci-fi/fantasy drama, The Animal Kingdom tears into chilling body horror elements and complex commentary about embracing the animal inside. Set in the near future, a “disease” characterized by physical, animalistic transformations has spread across the world. Those infected face intense outward discrimination, not to mention asylum experimentation. Embracing the obvious … Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2023: The Animal Kingdom
Interview: Actress Amrit Kaur
Putting the Toronto International Film Festival in our rearview, Allison sat down to chat over Zoom with The Queen of My Dreams actress Amrit Kaur about her cultural and cinematic influences, the complicated nature of arranged marriage, and using film to inspire conversation. In this unique film, when Azra’s mother, Mariam (Nimra Buch, Polite Society), discovers … Continue reading Interview: Actress Amrit Kaur
TV Review: Sex Education – Season 4
School’s out… forever? The final season of Sex Education, Netflix’s underrated sex-positive British comedy series, is coming in hot and heavy for one last hurrah. In the aftermath of season three (which debuted at the streamer two full years ago!), Moordale Secondary has been completely dismantled, and the sex school is no more. Jean (Gillian … Continue reading TV Review: Sex Education – Season 4
TV Review: The Continental: From the World of John Wick
Depending on one’s familiarity with the John Wick franchise at large, Peacock’s “three-part event” entitled The Continental: From the World of John Wick is definite cause for celebration. This prequel series has some especially big shoes to fill on the heels of 2023’s euphoric John Wick: Chapter 4. Prequels already carry with them the baggage … Continue reading TV Review: The Continental: From the World of John Wick
TIFF 2023 Wrap-Up
Similar to last year, 2023's Toronto International Film Festival was mainly an in-person affair, even further limiting access to some of the fest's biggest titles. That didn't stop us from consuming some of our favorite movies of the year! Don't miss our full coverage of this year's TIFF after the jump. Films A HAPPY DAY … Continue reading TIFF 2023 Wrap-Up
TIFF 2023: Sleep
★★★★ (Written by Allison Brown) What happens to our mind and body when we sleep is a superstitious enigma many have questioned throughout time, so much so that Billie Eilish recently used the concept as an album title. Writer/Director Jason Yu tackles this fear of the unknown, along with gender disparity in relationships, credibility of … Continue reading TIFF 2023: Sleep