Celine Song's second feature, The Materialists, follows matchmaker Lucy navigating modern dating challenges in New York City. While marketed as a romcom with star-studded chemistry, it focuses on deeper themes of love and authenticity amidst societal pressures. Despite a fast-paced narrative, the film offers a poignant analysis of relationships today.
Australian filmmaker Sean Byrne returns with Dangerous Animals, a stylish survival thriller blending elements of Jaws and The Silence of the Lambs. Featuring a shark-worshipping serial killer and a self-sufficient surfer, the film captivates with raw action and a killer score. Despite minor pacing issues, it’s a smart, engaging genre entry.
The Summer Games Fest showcased numerous upcoming titles, filling the void left by E3's cancellation. Highlights included trailers for Mortal Shell 2, Death Stranding 2, and Resident Evil 9: Requiem. While the event wasn't the largest, it still surprised fans, leaving many eagerly anticipating the releases in the coming months.
Inside Man, directed by Danny A. Abeckaser, explores the 1970s New York mob scene through detective Bobby Belucci, who goes undercover in the DeMeo syndicate. While featuring solid performances and authentic production, the film struggles with originality, often echoing themes and styles from iconic mob films like Goodfellas, ultimately feeling derivative.
In her documentary Dahomey, Mati Diop explores the return of twenty-six royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey to present-day Benin after being taken by French colonial troops. The film prompts a vital discussion on colonial history, artefact repatriation, and identity, employing a unique artistic approach rather than traditional documentary techniques.
Steven Soderbergh's film Presence offers a unique twist on the haunted house genre, shot entirely from the ghost's perspective. The story follows a family grappling with grief, particularly Chloe, who senses a presence in their home. While the POV technique adds intrigue, the film leans more toward family drama than horror, delivering a slow-burn experience.
Drive Back Home is a poignant road trip film set in the 1970s, exploring the relationship between two brothers, Weldon and Perley, as they confront their past during a journey from Toronto to New Brunswick. The film blends humor and emotional depth, highlighting themes of family, acceptance, and identity amidst societal prejudice.
Celine Song's second feature, The Materialists, follows matchmaker Lucy navigating modern dating challenges in New York City. While marketed as a romcom with star-studded chemistry, it focuses on deeper themes of love and authenticity amidst societal pressures. Despite a fast-paced narrative, the film offers a poignant analysis of relationships today.
Australian filmmaker Sean Byrne returns with Dangerous Animals, a stylish survival thriller blending elements of Jaws and The Silence of the Lambs. Featuring a shark-worshipping serial killer and a self-sufficient surfer, the film captivates with raw action and a killer score. Despite minor pacing issues, it’s a smart, engaging genre entry.
The Summer Games Fest showcased numerous upcoming titles, filling the void left by E3's cancellation. Highlights included trailers for Mortal Shell 2, Death Stranding 2, and Resident Evil 9: Requiem. While the event wasn't the largest, it still surprised fans, leaving many eagerly anticipating the releases in the coming months.