“‘Speak No Evil’ is a horror-comedy of manners, and the performances are solid throughout, particularly from the children, but the movie’s cynical, meaningless and utterly contrived conclusion feels like a cheat after everything that’s come before.”
“‘Neptune Frost’ challenges and frustrates, and often leaves one wishing for more clarity. But it is filled with poetry, and it understands the importance of projecting an alternative to our reality.”
“‘Loving Highsmith’ is like a carefully curated Instagram account — it tells part of the story and avoids the messy stuff.”
“Maitland’s sense of graphic design and visual organization are chief pleasures of ‘Dear Mr. Brody.'”
“‘After Blue’ isn’t completely impenetrable, and it is lovely to look at, but if there’s a strong feminist statement being made — underneath the flagrant nudity and sexual escapades — it’s buried pretty deep.”
“Directors Emily Kunstler and Sarah Kunstler blend creative visual storytelling with keen legal and historical acumen to transform Jeffery Robinson’s potent stage lecture into one of the most vital documentaries of the year.”
“Director Philipp Reichenheim (who also uses the handle Philipp Virus) compiles a serviceable primer on the wall of sound produced by one of the seminal power trios of 1980s independent/DIY music.”
“‘Happening’ will remind viewers of Eliza Hittman’s ‘Never Rarely Sometimes Always’ for the way in which both films present the practical challenges faced by women seeking abortion care.”
“One of the most refreshing dimensions of ‘Nope’ resides in Peele’s willingness to trust viewers to follow him into unexpected territory.”
“‘He’s Watching’ is a practical and efficient horror film in the style of Rob Savage’s ‘Host’ (2020), but its brilliance lies in Estes’ subversive funhouse mirror approach.”
“‘Diary of a Spy’ mostly keeps viewers in the dark; it’s unclear what makes the main characters tick. Anna and Camden are Dostoevskian figures in spirit, from a different tale, who seem lost in time.”
“Hyde’s handling of the material, confirmed by her tone and the setting, should not be condemned for something it is decidedly not.”
“‘Ruth Stone’s Vast Library of the Female Mind’ is an inspiring excavation of the subject’s subconscious; a trip that shouldn’t be avoided by off-the-grid creatives.”
“I think Raiff is a legitimate addition to the broad group of artists identified with the New Sincerity trend as popularized by David Foster Wallace and Jim Collins.”
“‘Rocío’ is one of those special films that has the power to heal and calm the mind.”
“‘American Werewolves’ takes itself seriously but doesn’t fully engage with Western Kentucky prank lore or Native American traditions that could help explain Dogman sightings.”
“‘She Will’ is an impressive introduction to Colbert as a filmmaker, not to mention a great showcase for what Krige can do with a leading role.”
“Lessin and Pildes smartly frame speakers in well-lit, detailed close-ups, often in the cozy surroundings of living spaces and kitchens. The approach underlines the common and the everyday without diminishing the legacies in action.”
“Decker is committed to immersiveness and immediacy. Her bold and passionate choices value and validate the subjective experiences of female artists/creators toiling to figure it all out.”
“‘A Sexplanation’ is both timely and hilarious, a big brain event.”