A mesmerisingly fractured tale of vengeance, grief, and emotional decay, Derelict stands as one of the most haunting and ambitious British crime thrillers in recent memory. Directed by Jonathan Zaurin, this film dives deep into the human cost of violence and the fragility of those left behind, blending psychological intensity with artful cinematic experimentation. At its heart is Abigail, a woman consumed by loss and obsession following the brutal murder of her father a decade earlier.
Read MoreThe Next Step (1997) #RetroReview
The Next Step, directed by Christian Faber, is a compelling dance drama that delves into the complexities of aging, ambition, and personal transformation. Starring Rick Negron as Nick Mendez, a talented but aging Broadway dancer, the film offers an intimate portrayal of a man grappling with the decline of his career and the consequences of his actions. The narrative follows Nick as he faces the reality of his diminishing opportunities in the dance world, despite his desire to continue performing.
Read MoreA Christmas Love (2020)
A Christmas Love, directed by Gregory Hatanaka, is a heartfelt indie holiday drama that blends romance, family dynamics, and a touch of magical realism to tell a story about redemption, hope, and the enduring power of love. At just over an hour, it manages to explore complex emotional themes while still maintaining the cozy warmth often associated with Christmas films. The story centers on Jeff, a man whose life seems to be unraveling. Having just lost a promotion he had long anticipated, Jeff is unexpectedly fired by the man who replaced him.
Read MoreAmerican Mobster: Miami Shakedown (2010)
American Mobster: Miami Shakedown is a gritty, low-budget crime drama that plunges viewers into the underbelly of Miami’s small-time mob scene. Directed by Marcus Dreeke and written by Nino Cimino, the film follows Nick Romano, a young Italian-American caught between loyalty, love, and survival. With his partner Carlo, Nick navigates hustling, street-level crime, and a tense relationship with his girlfriend Vanessa, all while trying to stay in the good graces of a powerful local crime boss.
Read MoreAmerican Nudist (2011)
American Nudist is one of those films that leaves you questioning not just the narrative, but why it exists at all. Directed by Gregory Hatanaka and officially by Clinton H. Wallace, this 67-minute drama follows a photographer, Taylor Kong, as he enters an exclusive nudist community in search of a muse for his long-awaited dream project. The premise hints at an introspective exploration of nudism and artistic inspiration, but what unfolds is a baffling, almost unwatchable mess.
Read MoreUntil The Night (2004)
Gregory Hatanaka’s Until the Night is a messy, raw, and strangely compelling dive into human desire, boredom, and emotional self-destruction. At its core, the film follows Robert, a writer who hasn’t written much lately but is fully invested in a toxic mix of drinking, smoking, and a reckless affair with Elizabeth, a married woman whose own life feels equally hollow. Their rekindled connection is passionate yet destructive, like two storms colliding with nowhere to go.
Read MoreAmor Emanuelle (2023)
Amor Emanuelle, directed by Nicole D’Angelo and Gregory Hatanaka, is the third entry in Cinema Epoch’s Emanuelle series, and it’s a film that defies conventional storytelling in ways both maddening and oddly compelling. The story centers on Emmy, a young escort whose life takes an unexpected turn when she is approached by CQ, a mysterious and magnetic woman offering her a position in an elite business that promises wealth and intrigue. At first, the opportunity seems seductive, but Emmy quickly realizes that CQ’s motives are cryptic, and her new world is far stranger than anything she has encountered.
Read MoreDark Deeds (2022)
Gregory Hatanaka’s Dark Deeds is a sleek, intoxicating thriller that blends drama and mystery with his signature exploration of passion. The film follows a veteran detective, played with grounded gravitas by Nino Cimino, who finds himself drawn into a web of desire and intrigue when a woman—portrayed compellingly by Cassandra Schwiebert—becomes a suspect in a string of murders. Hatanaka’s strength has always been his ability to capture raw, human passion, and here it shines.
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