Bay of Angels (1963)

Jacques Demy had always been a very distinct kind of filmmaker, and his efforts within the French New Wave were always fascinating, even when they were not consistent with the values set by the more familiar names within the movement (as in those who are considered most synonymous with this era of French filmmaking), which…

The Blood of Jesus (1941)

Representation has always been an important component of cinema, and over time we have seen instances where they have been concerted efforts to elevate the voices of those that come from marginalized communities, or at least those that have not always fit into the common trends of the film industry – and in particular, we…

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

In the expansive canon of great American filmmakers, there are few names quite as cherished and respected as that of Steven Spielberg, who has worked laboriously to earn a reputation for assured quality and an exceptionally high calibre of film, becoming a brand unto himself. His work may not be universally loved, and his career…

Wendy and Lucy (2008)

Kelly Reichardt is a peculiar filmmaker, and I mean that with every iota of respect I can muster. She is a truly original storyteller, and someone who has made a profound impact on independent cinema, albeit in ways that are not actually strikingly clear on the surface. What makes her so fascinating is that her…

Love Like Poison (2010)

While she has only directed three films, each one of the works constructed by Katell Quillévéré feels like complex, vibrant glimpses into the collective consciousness, a daring and provocative series of images, each one coming together to tell moving and poignant stories. She is truly one of our most fascinating young talents, and an absolutely…

Swimming Pool (2003)

There are some films that don’t only allow for ambiguity, they outright encourage it, since there is nothing quite like a strong and impenetrable story to keep audiences engaged. One of the most interesting examples of this comes in the form of Swimming Pool, the remarkable and highly-questionable erotic thriller by François Ozon in his…

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (2023)

There is a very niche but widely embraced sub-genre of cinema, which usually centres on older British characters going about their daily routine, until they are confronted with a challenge that forces them to acclimate to whatever changes are necessary, usually leading to hilarity and soulful introspection. It is a heartwarming style of storytelling, and…

Taipei Story (1985)

It’s increasingly difficult to not wax poetic about Taipei Story, which is almost universally the case when it comes to the work of Edward Yang, who remains one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of cinema, and someone who may have only directed a handful of films before his untimely demise, but where…

Les Amandiers (2022)

The process of unpacking Les Amandiers (alternatively known as Forever Young, which doesn’t quite encapsulate the spirit of the film in the way whoever chose the English title may have thought) requires us to understand a few contextual elements, all of which ultimately play a part in laying the foundation for this charming and genuinely…

A Thousand and One (2023)

There is a moment of indescribable joy when you sit in front of a film and get the feeling that you are watching the birth of a potentially groundbreaking voice. This has always been the case, but it is happening slightly more often in recent years, undoubtedly the result of platforms being given to exciting…