Australia

SXSW Film Festival 2024: BIRDEATER
SXSW Film Festival 2024: BIRDEATER

A skill that speaks to a seasoned directing team, but as a debut feature Birdeater tests and tortures, and doesn’t waver.

SHAYDA: A Declaration of Independence
SHAYDA: A Declaration of Independence

A touching portrait of personal resistance in the face of violence and repression, Shayda is a standout debut.

NIGHT SWIM: Attack Of The Killer Pool
NIGHT SWIM: Attack Of The Killer Pool

While those looking for genuine chills should certainly seek them elsewhere, this movie is batting at a surprisingly high level.

London Film Festival 2023: ALL OF US STRANGERS & LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL
London Film Festival 2023: ALL OF US STRANGERS & LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL

In the latest report from LFF 2023, Paddy Wilson features vampires at Paul Mescal’s door and devils in David Dasmalchian’s studio – a divine combination if ever there was one.

Femme Filmmakers Festival 2023: THE POWER OF THE DOG (Jane Campion)
Femme Filmmakers Festival 2023: THE POWER OF THE DOG (Jane Campion)

The Power of the Dog unfolds deliberately, and purposefully, revealing beauty in the unconventional corners of the narrative and terror in the silence.

Toronto International Film Festival 2023: THE ROYAL HOTEL
Toronto International Film Festival 2023: THE ROYAL HOTEL

The Royal Hotel is at times a tense and engaging thriller with poignant performances, but sometimes its message feels muddled.

BAD GIRL BOOGEY: Enticing ingredients in an otherwise undercooked stew
BAD GIRL BOOGEY: Enticing ingredients in an otherwise undercooked stew

Bad Girl Boogey may not be a great film but it has the ambition and heart to pursue a whole new lore.

THE STRANGER: A True Crime Becomes A Slow-paced And Dark Thriller
THE STRANGER: A True Crime Becomes A Slow-paced And Dark Thriller

The Stranger has many surprises and very clever narrative journeys, managing to build an atmosphere of suspense with very few and wisely used resources.

THE SECRET KINGDOM: Some Secrets Are Best Left Unshared
THE SECRET KINGDOM: Some Secrets Are Best Left Unshared

With a little more money and care this could have been something special, but as it is The Secret Kingdom is a disappointment.

THE PLAINS: The Gifts Of Time And Choice
THE PLAINS: The Gifts Of Time And Choice

The Plains, in its supposed mundanity and ritual, gives us the gift of time to really take in the cinematic image.

THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT: Hope Is Never Lost
THE MAGICIAN’S ELEPHANT: Hope Is Never Lost

The Magician’s Elephant is heartwarming and pure, and while predictable to a fault, it is a film the whole family will enjoy.

BLUEBACK Interviews With Stars Eric Bana & Mia Wasikowska
BLUEBACK Interviews With Stars Eric Bana & Mia Wasikowska

Film Inquiry spoke with stars Eric Bana and Mia Wasikowska for their newest film Blueback!

SERIOUSLY RED: Seriously Fun... Mostly
SERIOUSLY RED: Seriously Fun… Mostly

Despite some hiccups, fans of Dolly Parton or Australian comedy will have a good time with Seriously Red.

Sundance Film Festival 2023: RUN RABBIT RUN & TALK TO ME
Sundance Film Festival 2023: RUN RABBIT RUN & TALK TO ME

In our latest report from the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, Kevin L. Lee reviews two Australian horrors – Run Rabbit Run and Talk to Me!

Butchering the God Butcher: Why Marvel Should Fire Taika Waititi
THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER: Lost In A Fantasy Storm

While not the worst Thor film, Love & Thunder has a lot of potential in its fantasy adventure but rarely rises to become a worthy sequel.