movie reviews
In-depth, long-form movie reviews that explore films with nuance, context, and personal insight. Covering cinema from around the world, these essays go beyond plot summaries to unpack meaning, style, and impact.
-
Review: Do Not Expect Too Much Of the End of the World (2023)
Radu Jude’s ‘The End of the World’ masterfully balances satire with poignant societal critique. Dive into a cinematic world where contrasts reign, from the lead character’s dual life to the stark juxtaposition of past and present narratives. A film that challenges conventions while captivating audiences. Read more
-
Review: Cats of Malta (2023)
If you’ve encountered this year’s reevaluation of Kedi (2016), you’ll know I’ve been touched by the cat gods and converted into one of their own. So, watching this endearing documentary about Malta’s cats was a must. It’s structurally similar to Kedi, but while Ceyda Torun’s film took an existential turn, Cats of Malta focuses on… Read more
-
Review: Arsenie. Viața de apoi (2023)
Alexandru Solomon delves into the enigmatic world of Arsenie Boca in his documentary ‘Arsenie. Viața de Apoi’. Exploring the complex legacy of the renowned priest, Solomon’s film focuses more on societal reflections than spirituality in contemporary Romania. Still, an interesting enough watch for those keen to get a sense of the intertwining of faith and… Read more
-
Review: Inimi cicatrizate (2016)
Dive into the cinematic adaptation of Max Blecher’s novel, “Scarred Hearts,” as directed by Radu Jude. This article explores the complexities of adapting a poignant, semi-autobiographical story to the big screen. From soul-crushing realities to hopeful projections, the film captures the emotional highs and lows, yet struggles with tonal shifts. Read more
-
Ceau Cinema Review: Încă Două Lozuri (2023)
Even with a movie that sticks so close to this old-school genre type, in which the plot is just an excuse for comic relief, there’s got to be more to it. More means good laughs via witty dialogue, biting social commentary or fresh comedy. Another Lottery Ticket comes up short on all of these. Read more
-
Review: Boss (2023)
Bogdan Mirică’s ‘Boss’ disappoints, despite a stylish nod to neo-noir aesthetics and a compelling plotline involving a heist and complex romance. While elements such as visual flair and unique poster design intrigue, the flat characters and pretentious dialogue overshadow the competent score and measured pacing. This true story-inspired film struggles to deliver substance amidst its… Read more
-
Disco Boy (2023): A Bold Tale of Identity and Freedom
Abbruzzese’s movie might not always run at the same intensity, leaving room for some scenes that are dry, particularly given how general its characters strive to be. However, Disco Boy is a trip, it plays with your senses and takes you along for a ride that starts out as an age old tale of violence… Read more
-
Aftersun (2022): An Afterthought
Aftersun drips with nostalgia within the warm haze of gentle summer days, but leaves a door ajar through which the draught of an undefined existential menace lingers. The slow burn might be a challenge for some, but if you allow yourself to make the journey, the finale has good odds of tearing you apart. Read more
-
Berlinale Review: Here (2023)
Here is a moment in time, the proverbial here and now, which is the most blissful place to exist in. It’s mischievously elusive, of course, but Bas Devos somehow manages to capture its essence in this movie, that has all the chances of growing on you and showing you true North. Read more
-
Berlinale Review: Passages (2023)
The movie transcends type and finds the truth in its relationships, it dotes on and suffers with its protagonists in a manner that does feel intimate, both emotionally and physically. Sachs has congealed this inherently melodramatic story into one of stoic commitment to ourselves, of finding and cherishing our individuality, both within and outside of… Read more
-
Berlinale Review: Sages-Femmes (2023)
Léa Fehner’s movie is an ode to the dedication of this mostly female staff, that rises above chronic underfunding, being overworked and managing complex situations, both professionally and personally. Read more
-
Berlinale Review: Între Revoluţii (2023)
As the title denotes, this movie by Vlad Petri is set between two revolutions – the one in Iran in 1979 and the one in Romania ten years later. Our struggle for change is a constant one, that slices through history horizontally and vertically – meaning, through society, but also between individuals. Între revoluţii (en. Read more
tributary stu 