The Broker ★★★½

Adoption is a delicate topic to talk about because the process involves giving away a child to another family. The thin line between abandonment and security as a byproduct is complicated.

The Broker explores the theme of adoption as it shows both sides balancing each other. On the one hand, a young single mom struggling to make ends meet decides to leave her baby. On the other hand, a female cop catching a criminal with judgement for deserting her son–an unforgivable offence.

Director Hirokazu Koreeda, known for his distinctive directing style, delivers a thrilling film yet fails to maintain an engaging story. At one point, the movie dragged on and somehow lost the lure to see what happens in the end. The ending could have provided substantial development in executing the main message.

Altogether, The Broker is a film about humanity and sociology, facing moral issues about adoption. There is no perfect solution to what the film discusses–the conflict between the abandoner and the one left behind. The perfect question and the perfect answer does not exist, it seems, when it comes to adoption.

The Son ★★★

A divorced couple is dealing with a troubled teenage son. Their son, Nicholas, is grieving the family he once had. A familiar story, yet given a different take, it offers various points of view from each main character.

The Son is a compelling story about divorce, suicide and grief. Peter (Hugh Jackman) plays the father of Nicholas, who does incredibly well with his portrayed character. He showed how challenging it is to go through personal trauma while dealing with his son’s depression. The mother, Kate (Laura Dern), also did an incredible performance playing an abandoned wife who has not yet entirely accepted the divorce. While Beth (Vanessa Kirby), the stepmom, is entangled between them all, trying to keep her and Peter together along with their newborn son Theo.

Despite the film’s significant theme, there needs to be more focus and execution of the story. For one, Beth’s character as a supporting role needed more meaningful development. As well as for storytelling, Nicholas’s daily struggles did not translate well in the film. And lastly, Peter needed more backstory to make his own battles relatable. The intense acting did not produce the impact it aimed to deliver.

Overall it’s a captivating and emotionally provoking film about generational trauma, mental health awareness and a controversial topic about gun control.

My Old School★★★★

High school is often a time of personal growth and change, and many people have strong emotional connections to this period of their lives. For Brandon Lee ( Alan Cumming) and his classmate, it was an experience of their life.

Little did Brandon’s schoolmates know they were part of something much bigger than just being his friends. My old school is a documentary about deception and the psychology behind taking extreme steps to achieve or at least try to fulfil a goal, regardless of the consequences.

Despite the dark theme of the film, the atmosphere appears light-hearted and harmless-memories full of kindness and friendship. However, as the story unfolds, doubt dominates the interviews held by the filmmakers. Many different perspectives set in as the interviewees analyse and recall past events with footage none of them had seen before.

One of the things the film showed was the precise observation about how the human brain changes reality with its interpretation of events. Nevertheless, this documentary is fascinating in more ways than one. One of which is when the protagonist did not want to show his face in the interview, so the filmmakers let Alan Cumming lip synced his voice while acting as Brandon Lee in front of the camera. I thought about how creative it was to do it that way. Another thing was the animations used to tell the back story and show flashbacks of the events- making it seem more natural and closer to the recollection of all parties involved.

To top it all off, Cummings was brilliant in his role as Brandon. He did outstanding in the interview and embodied the role as if it was Brandon himself. Cummings captivated and engaged me very well as a viewer. Altogether, this documentary is a must-see, for it is a one-of-a-kind true story that will leave you feeling warm, comforted and uneasy with more questions than when you started watching the film.

Poker Face ★★

Everything in life is a gamble- a never-ending series of decision-making. However, going all in is not wise, and this is the case for Poker Face. It could have been a great film, but it became a simple story about a dying wealthy guy fulfilling his last wishes.

Poker Face as a film could have been reliable and focused more on its message. But as a director, Russel Crowe needed more vision and guidance regarding where the film should best emphasise its story. Watching for a short running time could have been more engaging, but it dragged on. Unfortunately, it was not entertaining at all.

Candidly I had reasonable expectations for a Crowe comeback as a director. As an actor, he has always made films very intriguing with his presence, such as The Nice Guys and A Beautiful Mind. However, as the man behind the camera, this film truly needed priority.

This film proves that in the current times, more than noted celebrities, such as the director himself, may need to be more to endorse a movie or make it successful. Regrettably, this film was a major flop altogether.

It Snows in Benidorm ★★★★★

A trance of routinary consistency is captivating, even in the most monotonous ritual. To some, routine is life. And that’s all Peter Riodan (Timothy Spall) wanted.

The film reflects a typical life lived in isolation and lost connection with people. Its main character Peter had worked in the same place all his life yet, in the end, felt unappreciated. He remembers his brother who lives in Benidorm, to his dismay and boredom. So he flies to meet him, and the real story begins.

Pedro Almodovar may have slightly influenced the storytelling style as co-producer. The patience put in ordinary conversations make everything seem unique. It is having the absolute presence at each moment which makes it memorable. A technique I remembered when I recall his films.

It snows in Benidorm is a delightful film with an eeriness that keeps you feeling uneasy despite the romantic angle of the story. I like how the distrust and suspicion float above like the clouds in the sky- constantly there but varies. Somehow similar to how we feel about trusting ourselves and others.

Overall, a brilliant film depicting a life too busy living within the social construct, forgetting the essence of living- being present and connected to everything. An artistic approach to the philosophy of life.

Lamb★★★★

Lamb

What is it to be human? Is it to perpetually exist as required by nature? One of the many questions I ask myself most days.

Lamb’s eerie and deep-felt film takes us to a different world where an isolated, grieving young couple gets gifted with an extraordinary child. It takes them by surprise and astonishment to have a second chance at happiness—an understatement, to say the least, about an unusual family. Nevertheless, they live a regular life until they can’t.

The film tells a unique story with superb direction and incredibly dramatic cinematography, unlike I’ve seen before. It maintains a remarkable degree of a strangely bizarre, captivating movie, most memorably. The absurdity exclusively accentuates human nature’s flaws, eventually producing an enigma to regret.

It is a profound psychological horror thriller that is not to be missed for its absolute message about the frightful fate of humans versus nature if not checked accordingly. Masterful, thought-provoking films like this deserve recognition and respect for breaking limits to deliver their craft.

The Persian Lessons★★★★

A young Jewish man trying to survive one of the most harrowing times in the history of man; heavy and heartfelt

Unlike the other films I’ve seen before, the Persian Lessons uniquely tells a holocaust story. To ever be in a situation where you must create an entirely new language to survive- a fascinating concept. Additionally, there’s a consistent feeling of being on edge, making the film a compelling drama thriller.

However, I noticed one significant minus: the high predictability of how fate would end our protagonist’s (Gilles, played by Nahuel Pérez Biscayart). Thus, making the film seem monotonous at times. Nevertheless, it was absorbing to keep going and see how he would pull it off.

All in all, an absorbing film with brilliant direction by Vladim Perelman, captivating performances by the main cast and excellent original scores made this story a masterwork.

Ms. White Light★★½

Death is as natural and profound as birth. However, the process of saying goodbye is a highly complex experience for everyone, especially the dying.

During these emotional end of days, grief counsellors come in to help with the process. Here is where Alex (Roberta Colindrez) come in. She is one of the few extraordinarily gifted counsellors who instantly connect with her clients, despite the lack of social skills with the living herself.

Alex is also conflicted with her job as a grief counsellor, internally judging why some relatives can’t be there for their dying loved ones. Hence, needing her services instead. But also, at the same time, she knows she is very good at what she does and sees it as her ultimate purpose in life.

Ms White Light is a philosophical film about life and death. It’s a thought-provoking story about how we spend our time here on earth. Although the film has excellent potential with a fascinating concept, everyone can relate. It lacks substance in its delivery and script. There is a build-up of momentum that never quite gets a breakthrough. Thus, making it slightly unengaging and uninteresting. On top of that, the romance needed more chemistry and appeared unnatural, not entirely helpful to the film. 

Altogether, a potentially transcendent film with a unique story to tell. Nevertheless, a great film requires a sweeping script, making it most memorable.

The Godmother★★★½

From a translator working with the Paris police anti-narcotics unit to becoming a crafty drug dealer, Huppert as Patience gives life to this delightful film with such elegance.

Based on the award-winning novel by Hannelore Cayre – who also co-wrote the script. Godmother is such a joy to watch—the kind of fun that keeps you a little on edge but is also heartfelt.  

Patience Portefeux, aka Mama Weed, is such an entertaining character to follow. Her life philosophy is to take risks and bend the rules- keep life interesting enough and feel things, and she did. She is empowering, sleek and engaging. To watch and see her personality develop is exciting.

This film will leave you thinking about trying an adventure yourself. Most importantly, it delicately offers many current issues enough to inspire a conversation.

Herself ★★★★★

When you almost want to give up, but you don’t.

I believe Herself is one of the most powerful films ever made, a profoundly moving story- intense and felt very deeply throughout the film. My heart sank many times.

This film is accurate, and it tells the story on behalf of many brave single parents, especially the moms whose partners have abused.

Nonetheless, it also tells us about nurturing good relationships like friendship and family, giving and sharing, and the need for an immeasurable amount of courage.

A beautiful film not to be missed, Herself is a heartfelt story which I am grateful to have seen. This film bears a sense of hope to the many victims of abuse and violence. Most importantly, it raises awareness and provides a different perspective. Also, another important note to add, the soundtrack in this movie were terrific and very fitting.  

Deliver Us from Evil ★★★★

When a retiring assassin unknowingly takes a complicated job. Deliver Us from Evil is a body mutilating action-packed drama and thriller.

There are three subplots to keep track of, and they don’t happen in a linear order, making the story more engaging to follow. As for our main protagonist, the past haunts him and grabs him by his heart. It makes him wonder what else he has been missing all these years. Only to be taken away so swiftly by an enemy whose intentions have become so blurry, he doesn’t remember why he is obsessed with his target.

The film is very gripping, and the many tight angles in the movie were brilliant. I enjoyed the director’s style of storytelling, and I find it exhilarating. A film will make the squeamish feel extremely uncomfortable, but this movie is excellent if you are into gory action films.

Twist ★

It was excruciatingly hard to watch this film. The many weak points were one too many resulting in a very poor narrative. Most importantly, the missed backstories of the other characters in the story.

The script did not make it any better as well. It became pretty painful to watch, and to see it through from one scene to another was dreadful. It’s films like this that start with a decent concept but don’t get translated well enough. As a movie loosely based on a classic novel, it did not do justice to interpret the original account.

The aim to connect with a younger audience was good, but the execution made it contrived and unnatural. It seemed like a messy film with no focus on any specific movie element—altogether a blend of scenes trying to tell a story about orphans who became professional art stealers. And anything in between is an addition to the distraction of what the story was all about.

Supernova ★★★★

This story is a moving tale of two people deeply in love but faced with a bitter fight against a terrible disease called Dementia. 
Sam and Tusker have been together for twenty years. Although it seems they have already lived a good life together, the plan was to spend more time with each other; however, it was unlikely to happen. 
Supernova is a film that takes you into an intimate space inside the life of a profoundly connected couple struggling with one of life’s greatest misfortune. Naturally, this movie reminds me of the French film Amour, both stories are about the challenges of Dementia to married couples and their family. Both equally compelling and powerful.
Despite the heaviness, this film lets you see how beautiful love is in many forms. Especially when there are so many feelings, there are less and fewer words. These moments are challenging to translate, yet this film did excellently. 
A beautiful portrayal and storytelling, it will make your heart sink. It is so up close it’s heartbreaking because, in the end, you become part of Sam and Tusker’s life. Eventually asking yourself if you’ll make the same decision as they did.

Shirley★★★½

A film that requires undivided concentration, a slow-moving story.However, once uncovered; you see the twisted intent.

This film is a fictional biography of Shirley Jackson, who is a notable horror and thriller novelist of her time. The story revolves around the time when Shirley was writing her novel ‘Hangsaman.’ This book was about a college student’s mysterious disappearance. Hence, the film’s setting is during the time her husband was teaching at the Bennington College.

Shirley, as a film, does not possess an enticing introduction, it needs some patience and attention. Albeit the sexual content, the mood of the film tends to leave you feeling pressured most of the time. A sense of constant tension. This tone is how the story portrays Shirley’s life- filled with stress and anxiety.

Films like these are the most memorable ones—an experimental kind with a sense of eeriness and strangeness. This film is certainly not for everyone, but it’s something worth to try.