Writer/director David Cronenberg’s eXistenZ is ostensibly his science fiction-y take on video games. However, the Canadian auteur has never been one to tackle subjects in a straightforward or conventional manner. Grotesque and unsettling, the film wields Cronenberg’s New Flesh aesthetic while tapping into age-old mind-bending philosophical questions about the nature of reality, all viewed through a subtly dystopic and stylized lens.
Read MoreArcadian (2024)
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 MoreWednesday: The Complete First Season (2024)
From the eerie minds of Alfred Gough, Miles Millar, and the visionary director Tim Burton comes the enchanting first season of Wednesday, now available on Blu-ray. If you missed the initial streaming run on Netflix, fear not, for this bewitching series is ready to charm audiences once more with its blend of kookiness and mystery. Starring the talented Jenna Ortega as the iconic Wednesday Addams, the series takes us on a spellbinding journey through her formative years at Nevermore Academy.
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