★★★★ One woman’s inner turmoil becomes a shit-talking outer tumor that grows and grows in writer/director Anna Zlokovic’s cringey little blast of fun, Appendage. The short film of the same name, which played 2022’s Sundance and became part of Hulu’s Bite Size Halloween, was a lean, focused piece that perfectly executed its obvious depiction of … Continue reading SXSW 2023: Appendage
Eight Must-See Titles at 2023’s SXSW
Our favorite genre fest is back with a vengeance, this year fully in person! 2023's SXSW Film Festival is host to a vast array of titles both big and small, so how to choose amongst the plentiful options? Don't worry, we're here to help put some of our favorites on your radar! Check out out … Continue reading Eight Must-See Titles at 2023’s SXSW
Berlinale 2023 Wrap-Up
2023’s Berlinale compiled another excellent, deeply varied roster of films. Check out our full coverage of this year’s exciting film festival offerings after the jump! Films ALMAMULA I love a horror-tinged queer drama almost more than I can describe in words; last year's Hypochondriac perfectly epitomized this. Almamula, a French/Argentinian/Italian production, is unfortunately almost entirely … Continue reading Berlinale 2023 Wrap-Up
Berlinale 2023: Mal Viver and Viver Mal
★★★★ (Written by Sean Boelman, disappointment media) João Canijo’s Mal Viver and Viver Mal—translating to “Bad Living” and “Living Bad”—are two of the more interesting films in this year’s Berlinale lineup, as they are companion pieces. Billed as a “shot/reverse shot,” Canijo’s duology is well-made and intriguing, even if its novelty begins to wear thin … Continue reading Berlinale 2023: Mal Viver and Viver Mal
Berlinale 2023: Femme
★★★★★ The modern queer thriller soars to previously unforeseen heights in searing, sexually-charged Femme. Based on the short film of the same name, writer/director duo Sam F. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping craft a harrowing revenge tale unlike anything I have ever seen before. After a shocking gay bashing, lust and longing give way to … Continue reading Berlinale 2023: Femme
Berlinale 2023: Silver Haze
★★★★★ (Written by Sean Boelman, disappointment media) Back in 2019, the film Dirty God picked up a great deal of acclaim on the festival circuit after beginning its run at Sundance and became one of the most underseen gems of that year. Its writer-director and star duo, Sacha Polak and Vicky Knight, have reunited for … Continue reading Berlinale 2023: Silver Haze
SBIFF 2023 Wrap-Up
Another year of magic arrives with the 2023 Santa Barbara International Film Festival! Unfortunately due to accessibility, we were unable to cover a swath of features that we were intending to view; nevertheless, the festival was host to a plethora of previously-watched features that we really enjoyed, too! Read on for our full coverage after … Continue reading SBIFF 2023 Wrap-Up
Berlinale 2023: Deep Sea
★★★★ Animation as a medium is often undersung and underestimated—all the more reason to seek out nearly every animated film that I come across. In recent years, some of my favorite animated features have emerged from the film festival circuit. Last year alone, 2D-animated marvel Titina, bizarre ultra-gory Unicorn Wars, stop motion horror fantasy Wendell … Continue reading Berlinale 2023: Deep Sea
Sundance 2023 Wrap-Up
Last year, we covered much of 2022's Sundance virtually, and 2023 marked the first year since 2019 where things returned to Park City in full swing! Though unable to attend in person, Allison and I managed to see a few gems that we both really enjoyed. Check out our full coverage for the fest after … Continue reading Sundance 2023 Wrap-Up
Sundance 2023: Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls
★★★★ (Written by Allison Brown) Fans of Syfy’s The Magicians rejoice! Olivia Taylor Dudley is back in something equally mystical and devilish: Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls! Not quite the lead, Olivia has a weighty role that will satiate the appetite of all who miss Alice Quinn. Olivia’s sister, Madison Reed Dudley, even … Continue reading Sundance 2023: Onyx the Fortuitous and the Talisman of Souls