I briefly covered Fantasia last year, and looking back at the films that made the cut, they all had pretty high marks. Because of this, I thought I’d take a stab at checking out what the fest had to offer in 2023. While I wish I had gotten more across my desk, I very much enjoyed viewing and covering the films that were sent my way.
Stay Online (2023) ★★★★
Creates a surreal experience, blending realistic performances and stylish presentation. The entire cast delivers consistent performances, leaving a deep and lasting impression. It was a moving experience, to say the least.
Lovely, Dark, and Deep (2023) ★★★½
I remained captivated by the gradual unveiling of information. The cast was exceptional, and the seamless transition from script to screen demonstrated a level of expertise that would challenge most filmmakers.
Raging Grace (2023) ★★★★½
Reminiscent of M. Night, this gripping narrative simmers with unspoken rage and potent social commentary on the hardships immigrants endure. The journey is rife with chilling moments that will leave you enthralled.
Hundreds of beavers (2022) ★★★★
This goes beyond a mere homage to silent cinema and looniness; it's a genuine embodiment of these. Even if you don't love it as much as I do, the ambitiousness is something to be admired by everyone. Incredible.
sympathy for the devil (2023) ★★★
While I did enjoy the ride, there are too many better versions of this film. Cage does his best to carry the narrative, but by the end everything is too convoluted to care. Nic is great, but the film isn't.
aporia (2023) ★★★
Greer is phenomenal, delivering likely her best performance to date. The film does so much with so little, but gets lost along the way. It's still fun, but because of how complicated things become, it's hard to remain satisfied.
Again, solid stuff here. Obviously, you can see by the star ratings that I enjoyed pretty much everything the festival had to offer. If you have the time, I suggest looking at any of the films mentioned above and maybe attending Fantasia Film Festival for their next event.
Jessie Hobson