TIFF ’25: ‘Frankenstein’ Review

By: Amanda Guarragi “Only monsters play god.” Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a literary work that explores humanity in its darkest form. Through the immorality of reconstructing a creature from bodily remains to cheat death, there’s a grounding level of humanity.  Unfortunately, death is inevitable. And witnessing death at a young age can shape your perception of it, and the way the world functions around you. … Continue reading TIFF ’25: ‘Frankenstein’ Review

‘One Battle After Another’ Review

By: Amanda Guarragi From Boogie Nights to There Will Be Blood and now, One Battle After Another, films by Paul Thomas Anderson have defined decades. The anticipation for a new Paul Thomas Anderson film matches the heights of a new Christopher Nolan or Martin Scorsese project. Audiences know the cast of characters’ll entertain them, but more importantly, the journey these filmmakers take them on. Paul … Continue reading ‘One Battle After Another’ Review

TIFF ’25: ‘Hamnet’ Review

By: Amanda Guarragi There have been extraordinary writers over centuries whose work has been transcendent, and more importantly, lasting. The words of William Shakespeare influenced writers and playwrights to emulate his prose and modernize his writings. His comedies were clever, but the complexities of his characters in his tragedies offered depth and emotional resonance, even if his protagonists were deeply flawed.  Shakespeare wanted his audience … Continue reading TIFF ’25: ‘Hamnet’ Review

TIFF ’25 Review Round-Up: International Features

By: Amanda Guarragi It Was Just An Accident The Palm d’Or-winning film, It Was Just An Accident, has Jafar Panahi working on another level. It is brilliant as he anchors the weight of past trauma while tastefully delivering humorous dialogue among the group who suffered at the hands of Iranian authorities. The way the journey unfolds for this group is unpredictable, which leads to one … Continue reading TIFF ’25 Review Round-Up: International Features