drama

New African Film Festival 2023: XALÉ, BRAVO, BURKINA!, THE BLUE CAFTAN & OUR FATHER, THE DEVIL
New African Film Festival 2023: XALÉ, BRAVO, BURKINA!, THE BLUE CAFTAN & OUR FATHER, THE DEVIL

If there was one theme running through the 2023 New African Film Festival, it was that of an increasingly desolate economic landscape.

BEEF Season 1: When Lives Collide
BEEF Season 1: When Lives Collide

One of the best shows of 2023 so far, Beef is an impeccably cast, riotous effort that disarms and discomforts in equal measure.

SPINNING GOLD: A Heartfelt And Powerful Biopic
SPINNING GOLD: A Heartfelt And Powerful Biopic

Everyone involved displays an appreciation to be on the screen telling this wacky, poignant, and compelling story, making this a total recommendation.

MARTIN ROUMAGNAC: Remembering A Real-Life Romance
MARTIN ROUMAGNAC: Remembering A Real-Life Romance

That Martin Roumagnac was the only film they ever made together makes it a must-see for any fan, and a wonderful remembrance of their real-life romance.

THE WORST ONES: A French Drama With Its Heart In The Right Place
THE WORST ONES: A French Drama With Its Heart In The Right Place

The Worst Ones asks some very complex and compelling questions about the ethics of filmmaking and the emotions of young actors.

Interview With Tomás Gómez Bustillo Writer/Director of CHRONICLES OF A WANDERING SAINT
Interview With Tomás Gómez Bustillo Writer/Director of CHRONICLES OF A WANDERING SAINT

Film Inquiry spoke with writer/director Tomás Gómez Bustillo for Chronicles of a Wandering Saint!

SXSW Film Festival 2023: LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL, FRY BREAD FACE AND ME & FURIES
SXSW Film Festival 2023: LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL, FRY BREAD FACE AND ME & FURIES

In her final report from the 2023 SXSW Film Festival, Kristy Strouse reviews Furies, Fry Bread Face and Me and Late Night with the Devil!

WINNERS: Director Hassan Naser Shines A Personal And Meta Light On Iranian Cinema
WINNERS: Director Hassan Naser Shines A Personal And Meta Light On Iranian Cinema

Whilst some of Winners references and statements might not be evident to those unfamiliar with Iranian cinema, it has themes that are universal to all.

THE LAST OF US, Season 1 Episodes 6-9: Livin' On A Prayer
THE LAST OF US, Season 1 Episodes 6-9: Livin’ On A Prayer

There have been a lot of good shows, don’t get me wrong, but nothing can compare to the level of excellence The Last of Us provided.

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.

SHADOW AND BONE SEASON 2: Shaky Start Folds To Solid Finish
SHADOW AND BONE SEASON 2: Shaky Start Folds To Solid Finish

Critiques aside, Shadow and Bone’s second season is not without its successes, and by season’s end, you will find you can’t wait to return.

SUZHOU RIVER: A Spellbinding Shanghai Neo-Noir
SUZHOU RIVER: A Spellbinding Shanghai Neo-Noir

A dreamlike evocation of love and longing on the banks of the titular river running through Shanghai, Lou Ye’s Suzhou River is a landmark film.

SXSW Film Festival 2023, Report 2: WITH LOVE AND A MAJOR ORGAN, BROOKLYN 45 And MY DRYWALL COCOON
SXSW Film Festival 2023: WITH LOVE AND A MAJOR ORGAN, BROOKLYN 45 and MY DRYWALL COCOON

In my second report from this year’s SXSW, I dive into three more very unique titles including science fiction, teenage drama, and horror.

THE MIDDLE MAN: This Film Surprised Me
THE MIDDLE MAN: This Film Surprised Me

The Middle Man was a happy surprise that is fun and heartfelt, tragic and funny.

SXSW Film Festival 2023: UNTIL BRANCHES BEND
SXSW Film Festival 2023: UNTIL BRANCHES BEND

Until Branches Bend’s lackluster attempt to craft tension and urgency leaves its audience uninvested and without curiosity for more.