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Film Review – Sweden’s Oscar Submission ‘Cairo Conspiracy’ is a Complex and Compelling Thriller about Religion and Power

There is a rationale behind the idea of separation and church that, to many who live in a nation based on such principles, feels distinctly important. Religion is often experienced uniquely, and those in power can claim divine inspiration or a lifelong right to rule, subverting any need for free elections or for any checks…

Film Review – Belgium’s Oscar Submission ‘Close’ is a Tender, Upsetting Story of Childhood Friendship 

Children and teenagers are capable of an unfortunate cruelty to each other that is in most cases learned from watching other people, be it adults in their lives or characters on television or in film. The need to ostracize those who feel different can have immeasurably detrimental effects and lead to tragic consequences. Even in…

Film Review – ‘The Worst Person in the World’ is a Resonant Character Piece from Joachim Trier

Opportunities and relationships don’t always present themselves at the right time. Someone can go about living for years and never find a partner, only to stumble upon multiple options at precisely the same moment. Having to choose between two – or more – prospective partners can be difficult, and it’s made even more complicated when…

Exclusive Video Interview: Director Abner Benaim and Star Ilse Salas on Panama’s Oscar-Shortlisted ‘Plaza Catedral’

This marks the first time that Panama has made the Oscar shortlist for Best International Feature, competing with fourteen other films for five slots. Plaza Catedral, the second narrative film from director Abner Benaim, is a powerful story of a grief-stricken woman, Alicia (Ilse Salas), who meets a 13-year-old boy named Chief (Fernando Xavier De…

Film Review – ‘Drive My Car’ is a Compelling Look at Loss and the Power of Words and Memory

A person’s vehicle can hold a particular significance, even if it’s difficult to understand from the outside why that is. Those who commute to work on a bus or train may take solace in the short time they have to spend with their own thoughts on the way to a hectic and noise-filled day at…