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Reviews
The Assistant (2019)
I lived it...and yet...
This is a really well-made film with a standout lead performance. The HR scene is BRILLIANT. That said, as someone who lived this assistant life in the industry, I have to say it's so much worse. Like: throwing objects at your head worse. This movie's approach is more Death by 1,000 Papercuts. The early morning sad cereal in the break room, high stakes rolling phone calls, and endless headshots photocopying = very real details. But when we get to the sexual misconduct, it's underplayed. Part of me appreciates that, but the larger part of me wanted them to push the envelope more. Real life was not this subtle.
Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020)
It's a Masterpiece
I'll be honest and say I've never really cared for Eliza Hittman's films - they're not bad, just not my thing. But this movie...my GOD. It's visual storytelling at its finest. Every shot is perfect, the leads give phenomenal performances, and you feel every micro-threat from every male in the film as patriarchal society tries to crush these young women. As reproductive rights get stripped across the country, I sincerely recommend putting yourself in the shoes of these characters.
Los fuertes (2019)
Location, Location, Location!
I'm not gonna lie - the gorgeous location of this film is almost like the central character. It's made even more important since the story is about staying vs. Leaving this small town. I thought it was beautiful and thoughtful, simple and bittersweet. And sexy!
Shiva Baby (2020)
Prickly Intimate Comedy-Thriller
If you like uncomfortable, intimate comedy, look no further. Emma Seligman writes and directs a taut family Jewish comedy as if it was a Hitchcock thriller. It's so simple on surface - almost entirely one location in a span of an afternoon - but she turns the screws until you squirm and squeal with laughter. Really impressive.
Straight Up (2019)
It's All So Extra
I loved this movie. It's very stylish both visually and in the dialogue. You feel like you're entering James Sweeney's world. It's an assured, brilliant debut feature.
P.S. Burn This Letter Please (2020)
Clever and Juicy
Imagine suddenly having access to the lives, feelings, and friendships of female impersonators in the 1950s. We don't get a lot of media about Pre-Stonewall queer people, so this film is a total treasure trove. It's also hilarious and has so much fun in how they're presenting the letters. I loved it.
#Like (2019)
Searing Neonoir Character Study
This movie tackles teenage female harassment, objectification, and cyberbullying in complex ways. Messy topics means the movie is messy in a good way. It's more of a drama/neo-noir than a horror. The film's assured style and tone are deftly handled by director Sarah Pirozek, and newcomer Sarah Rich is excellent - definitely someone to watch in the future.
Dramarama (2020)
Super Nostalgic and Charming
If you want all the feels flowing back from those teenage years, this is the movie for you. It captures small town drama teens perfectly. All the actors are super charming, and the nostalgic vibes are off the charts. A well-made indie gem.