★★★★ Bullying soars to dizzying heights in Spanish horror/thriller, Piggy. After debuting earlier in the year at Sundance, it was quickly swooped up by Magnolia Pictures for theatrical distribution—it is not hard to see why. Channeling the best elements of the coming-of-age genre, Piggy presents an unconventional revenge/slasher splatter flick with heart. The fact that … Continue reading Film Review: Piggy
Sundance 2022: Dual
★★★★ This year’s Sundance Film Festival features quite the eclectic lineup of titles. Dual, written and directed by Riley Stearns, was one of my most anticipated movies going into the festival, and it absolutely does not disappoint. The consistently fantastic Karen Gillan (Guardians of the Galaxy, Oculus) plays two roles with a committed fervor. A … Continue reading Sundance 2022: Dual
SXSW 2021: Violation
★★★★★ When you think of a typical rape revenge tale, like Last House on the Left, or I Spit On Your Grave, there’s inherent cathartic moments baked into the script. Violation lacks these moments, instead taking a hyper-realistic approach to the subgenre. The structure of the storyline, and the depth to these characters, elevates Violation … Continue reading SXSW 2021: Violation
Sundance 2021: Coming Home In The Dark
★★★ Disturbing and uncompromising - if a little rough around the edges - Coming Home in the Dark is a visceral and intense experience that plunges you deep into debut director James Ashcroft's vision. Starting off the story in the daytime was an interesting change from the usual horror scenarios, and the most grim moment … Continue reading Sundance 2021: Coming Home In The Dark
Sundance 2021: On The Count Of Three
★★★★ The dark humor and layered performances make this film feel very special. In a lot of ways, it reminded me most of Good Time from the Safdie Brothers, but this one - despite dealing with some very heavy themes - manages to stay much lighter than you'd expect. Tiffany Haddish and Henry Winkler are … Continue reading Sundance 2021: On The Count Of Three
Sundance 2021: Passing
★★ Well, this was a flagrant disappointment. This isn't a complete misfire - the black-and-white cinematography is stunning and beautiful, there are some fascinating racially charged moments, and the chemistry between Ruth Negga and Tessa Thompson draws you in. Alexander Skarsgard has a way with playing characters that make your skin crawl, and I couldn't … Continue reading Sundance 2021: Passing
Sundance 2021: Mass
★★★★★ A powerful portrait of grief that hits you with so many emotional moments, Mass might be my first Sundance film but it certainly won’t be my last. There is so much rawness and relatability to be found just in these four intense characters having very meaningful conversations. In other hands or even another writer, … Continue reading Sundance 2021: Mass