From the very onset of “Strange Darling,” viewers are thrust into an unsettling experience that challenges typical storytelling conventions. The film opens with a chilling exchange between a character known as The Lady and her pursuer, The Demon, setting a tone steeped in apprehension. The audacity of the question, “Are you a serial killer?” immediately
Events
“Broken Bird,” directed by Joanne Mitchell, opens with a strikingly morbid visual: a lifeless bird displayed starkly against a blurred backdrop, swiftly picked up by Sybil Chamberlain, a character who is as intricate as the dead creature she handles. Portrayed by Rebecca Calder, Sybil inhabits a world marked by her unique hobbies and professional responsibilities—embracing
On June 7, 2015, the legendary actor Christopher Lee left this world at the venerable age of 93. This unique point in time serves as the starting block for Jon Spira’s inventive documentary, which explores the multifaceted life of this cinematic icon through an audacious narrative voice that seems to transcend death itself. By having
The existential question of whether humanity is alone in the universe resonates deeply, prompting a spectrum of emotions from wonder to terror. This inquiry is poignantly encapsulated in Josephine Rose’s feature debut, “Touchdown,” which begins with an impactful quote from Arthur C. Clarke that sets the thematic tone for the film. As we enter a
Buddy Cooper and John S. Douglass’ film, *The Mutilator*, first made its appearance in North Carolina in January 1984 under the title *Fall Break*. The film was eventually rebranded later that same year, though irony draped itself over this rebranding process; the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) played a significant role, demanding edits from
In urban environments, particularly sprawling metropolises, the dichotomy of connection and isolation often becomes central to navigating relationships. “7 Keys,” a feature film debut by writer and director Joy Wilkinson, explores this theme through the lens of two primary characters—Lena, a single mother portrayed by Emma McDonald, and Daniel, played by Billy Postlethwaite. From the
In a world increasingly marked by uncertainty, Brian Hanson’s film *The Bunker* emerges as a gripping exploration of human resilience in the face of extraterrestrial threat and personal alienation. As massive alien ships loom ominously over major urban landscapes, the narrative thrusts viewers into a subterranean conflict where five scientists and a military commander are
In the Irish film “An Taibhse” (The Ghost), writer and director John Farrelly delivers a narrative that intertwines the supernatural with the psychological, exploring the tumultuous landscape of childhood trauma and the daunting shadows that haunt both the living and the dead. The film opens with a stark confrontation of fear and reality, as young
The recent film ‘Members Club,’ directed by Marc Coleman, explores the grotesque and absurd by blending horror and comedy in a way that challenges traditional narratives. While it ostensibly pays homage to male camaraderie and the world of outdated masculinity, it subversively criticizes the very essence of male identity. The movie opens with a striking
In the opening scenes of Parker Brennon’s film *Hauntology*, we are introduced to Jazmine Price, who invites her younger sister Venus to explore the family’s complex narratives. Instead of running away, Venus is urged to stay and listen to stories that reveal the layered intricacies of their family’s haunted past. By framing her tales as