Out of Control, a 13-minute spy thriller directed by Norwegian filmmaker Ole A. Hagen, delivers a fast-paced, visually engaging short film that leaves its audience intrigued but wanting more. With an accomplished director at the helm—known for his multi-award-winning storytelling across 20 countries—this short offers glimpses of brilliance despite some shortcomings. The story follows Anna as she makes a significant discovery in the Middle East, only to find herself ensnared by a powerful organization after coming into possession of a mysterious necklace.
Read MoreThe Fragrance of Petrichor (2025)
Heather Ferreira’s The Fragrance of Petrichor boldly ventures into uncharted cinematic territory as the first full-length “Hollywood” motion picture created almost entirely by artificial intelligence. With AI-generated actors, visuals, and production tools, the film stands as a fascinating experiment in the burgeoning relationship between technology and art. While the result is imperfect, it offers a poignant narrative and an intriguing glimpse into the future of filmmaking.
Read MoreHome Alone (1990) #RetroReview
Chicago, November 10, 1990. Home Alone debuted, quietly sneaking its way into Christmas tradition. That night, while some were out shopping, others were watching what would become a holiday classic, and I was still sleeping in my crib. But it wasn't long before I, like so many others, would discover Home Alone as more than just a film; it would become a mirror of who I am.
Read MoreSurvival Quest (1989) #RetroReview
Known primarily for Phantasm and The Beastmaster, filmmaker Don Coscarelli ventured into new territory with 1989’s Survival Quest. While not his most renowned film, it’s an enjoyable experience for fans of wilderness survival stories and marks a significant anniversary—its 35th on November 10th. Leading the cast is the ever-engaging Lance Henriksen, supported by Dermot Mulroney and a young Catherine Keener, whose future success adds intrigue to her early performance here.
Read MoreDoctor Sleep (2019)
Stephen King famously detests Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 adaptation of The Shining. Nevertheless, the film has gone on to be loved by movie fans and is the version that most people are familiar with. The iconic author took exception to, among other things, the portrayal of Jack Torrance.
Read MoreSolvent (2024) #NightmaresFF
One of the most unique films to arise out of the pandemic was Johannes Grenzfurthner’s Masking Threshold. Showcasing how far a solid premise and low-budget inventiveness can be taken when wielded by an artist confident in their vision, I was completely taken with the flick’s atypical presentation. The Austrian multi-hyphenate filmmaker’s latest, Solvent, is making the rounds on the festival circuit now, and I was able to take a look at it this past weekend.
Read MoreYour Monster (2024)
In Your Monster, Caroline Lindy brings a delightfully odd mix of horror, romance, and comedy, blending dark humor with a journey of self-discovery. Melissa Barrera stars as Laura Franco, a soft-spoken actress whose life has unraveled after a breakup and surgery. Returning to her childhood home to recover, she finds herself confronted by a strange monster living in her closet—one who might just be the encouragement she needs to reclaim her dreams and her voice.
Read MoreA Good Day Will Come (2024)
Amir Zargara’s A Good Day Will Come is a compelling short film that intricately examines the power of choice under oppression. Inspired by the tragic story of Navid Afkari, the film follows Arash, a wrestler whose journey is about more than winning gold medals; it’s about confronting his moral responsibilities in a country rife with turmoil. The narrative captures Arash's internal conflict as he weighs the risks of speaking out against oppression versus pursuing his athletic dreams.
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