Arcadian surprises with its polished production value, challenging the expectations of an indie film with its seemingly high-budget appearance. Directed by Benjamin Brewer and penned by Mike Nilon, this film offers a refreshing take on horror and sci-fi, bolstered by an ensemble cast led by the ever-reliable Nicolas Cage. Set in a hauntingly familiar yet eerily dystopian future, Arcadian centers around Paul and his two sons, Thomas and Joseph, navigating a world ravaged by an unexplained evil.
Read MoreCivil War (2024)
If Alex Garland is involved in a project, then it’s getting my eyeballs. Even if he follows through on his recent statements that he’s retiring from directing to once again solely focus on writing, he’ll have left an impressive mark in his brief stint pulling double duty. His work with Danny Boyle on 28 Days Later remains one of the preeminent examples of post-9/11 cinema.
Read MoreConquest (1983)
Italian splatter god Lucio Fulci didn’t just make gruesome horror flicks. Case in point, 1983’s Conquest is a fever dream fantasy film that brings the fan favorite director’s penchant for gore to the sword and sorcery genre. It could be summed up as Conan the Barbarian on 10% of the budget and with cocaine-snorting werewolves.
Read MoreStrange Kindness (2024) #BUFF24
The folks at the Boston Underground Film Festival were nice enough to send me a screener of writer/director/cinematographer Joseph Mault’s first feature-length effort, Strange Kindness. Knowing that Mault cut his teeth on music videos, I expected a slick and frenetic thriller. Surprisingly, Mault had a more contemplative journey in mind.
Read MoreStrictly Confidential (2024)
Damian Hurley's directorial debut, Strictly Confidential, takes viewers on a wild ride filled with more twists and turns than the best roller coaster and more endings than the Lord of the Rings saga. Unfortunately, this ride is far from smooth and Bilbo Baggins is noticeably absent, leaving audiences feeling more bewildered than entertained. From the outset, it's clear that Strictly Confidential struggles to find its footing.
Read MoreFemme (2023) #BUFF24
Step into the electrifying world of Femme, where every scene pulses with tension and every performance crackles with intensity. Premiering at the 24th Annual Boston Underground Film Festival, Femme stands out as a genre-shattering thriller that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Directed by the dynamic UK duo Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, Femme plunges viewers into a gripping narrative of vengeance noir.
Read MoreParty Dream (2022)
In the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, while I was attending Ohio State, my friends and I were in the local band scene. Columbus was a pretty rockin’ town at the time, with small shows of every stripe occurring daily. Venues like Bernie’s, Andyman’s Treehouse, and Little Brother’s provided a steady stream of young and hungry bands chasing rock n’ roll dreams.
Read MoreOff Ramp (2023) #BUFF24
Off Ramp, showcased at the 24th Annual Boston Underground Film Festival, offers a unique glimpse into the world of Juggalos through the eyes of Trey and Silas. While the film certainly caters to its niche audience, it struggles to resonate with a broader demographic, leaving many viewers feeling disconnected. From the outset, it's evident that Off Ramp is crafted with Juggalos in mind.
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