Heather Ferreira’s The Fragrance of Petrichor boldly ventures into uncharted cinematic territory as the first full-length “Hollywood” motion picture created almost entirely by artificial intelligence. With AI-generated actors, visuals, and production tools, the film stands as a fascinating experiment in the burgeoning relationship between technology and art. While the result is imperfect, it offers a poignant narrative and an intriguing glimpse into the future of filmmaking.
Read MoreHome Alone (1990) #RetroReview
Chicago, November 10, 1990. Home Alone debuted, quietly sneaking its way into Christmas tradition. That night, while some were out shopping, others were watching what would become a holiday classic, and I was still sleeping in my crib. But it wasn't long before I, like so many others, would discover Home Alone as more than just a film; it would become a mirror of who I am.
Read MoreSurvival Quest (1989) #RetroReview
Known primarily for Phantasm and The Beastmaster, filmmaker Don Coscarelli ventured into new territory with 1989’s Survival Quest. While not his most renowned film, it’s an enjoyable experience for fans of wilderness survival stories and marks a significant anniversary—its 35th on November 10th. Leading the cast is the ever-engaging Lance Henriksen, supported by Dermot Mulroney and a young Catherine Keener, whose future success adds intrigue to her early performance here.
Read MoreDoctor Sleep (2019)
Stephen King famously detests Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 adaptation of The Shining. Nevertheless, the film has gone on to be loved by movie fans and is the version that most people are familiar with. The iconic author took exception to, among other things, the portrayal of Jack Torrance.
Read MoreSolvent (2024) #NightmaresFF
One of the most unique films to arise out of the pandemic was Johannes Grenzfurthner’s Masking Threshold. Showcasing how far a solid premise and low-budget inventiveness can be taken when wielded by an artist confident in their vision, I was completely taken with the flick’s atypical presentation. The Austrian multi-hyphenate filmmaker’s latest, Solvent, is making the rounds on the festival circuit now, and I was able to take a look at it this past weekend.
Read MoreYour Monster (2024)
In Your Monster, Caroline Lindy brings a delightfully odd mix of horror, romance, and comedy, blending dark humor with a journey of self-discovery. Melissa Barrera stars as Laura Franco, a soft-spoken actress whose life has unraveled after a breakup and surgery. Returning to her childhood home to recover, she finds herself confronted by a strange monster living in her closet—one who might just be the encouragement she needs to reclaim her dreams and her voice.
Read MoreA Good Day Will Come (2024)
Amir Zargara’s A Good Day Will Come is a compelling short film that intricately examines the power of choice under oppression. Inspired by the tragic story of Navid Afkari, the film follows Arash, a wrestler whose journey is about more than winning gold medals; it’s about confronting his moral responsibilities in a country rife with turmoil. The narrative captures Arash's internal conflict as he weighs the risks of speaking out against oppression versus pursuing his athletic dreams.
Read MoreMurderfest (2024)
Tim Hannigan’s Murderfest is a twisted, thrilling descent into the dark side of online culture, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. This indie slasher takes a satirical jab at our fascination with live-streamed violence and shock-driven entertainment, delivering a plot that’s as entertaining as it is disturbing. The story follows five serial killers who compete to claim the highest body count and a $1,000,000 prize, taking viewers along for a gory ride that feels like a mashup of The Running Man and Friday the 13th.
Read MoreFor When You Get Lost (2024)
For When You Get Lost is an indie gem that delivers heartfelt humor and genuine emotional resonance. Directed by Michelle Steffes and written by the multitalented Jennifer Sorenson, this coming-of-middle-age dark comedy takes audiences on a beautiful journey of reconciliation and self-discovery. Inspired by a real-life road trip, the story centers on June Stevenson, a woman determined to make amends with her estranged father before it's too late.
Read MoreThe Burden of Nine Lives (2024)
The Burden of Nine Lives, written and directed by Vega Montañez, is a gritty, character-driven journey into the heart of vengeance and survival. The story follows Jimmy Diaz, a man whose life spirals into a deadly quest for revenge after witnessing the brutal deaths of his two closest cousins in a black market deal gone wrong. Montañez skillfully explores Jimmy’s struggle as he grapples with haunting memories and faces off against formidable foes in the city’s underworld, all while battling the pull between revenge and redemption.
Read MoreTerrifier 3 (2024)
Bloody sounds. Ooey, gooey, blood spurty sounds. Cue audience members walking out in disgust.
Read MoreThe Summer We Died (2024)
You can feel microbudget filmmaker Dillon Brown stretching his artistic wings with his latest, The Summer We Died. His previous efforts have all been variations on the found footage/mockumentary subgenre. Here, he utilizes a more traditional storytelling approach, albeit one that’s not completely devoid of stylistic flourishes.
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