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

In France Michelle Is A Man’s Name Short Film Review

By: Amanda Guarragi In France Michelle Is A Man’s Name is about a young trans man, named Michael (Ari Damasco), who returns home to the rural American West after being away from his family for years. After a very awkward dinner, Michael joins his dad for a drive for some bonding but things go sour very quickly. This short film is very difficult to sit … Continue reading In France Michelle Is A Man’s Name Short Film Review

‘Happiest Season’ Review

By: Amanda Guarragi ‘Tis the season to get your onesies out, drink some hot chocolate, and settle around your nearest screen to watch some Christmas movies. Thankfully Clea DuVall made a Christmas romcom that has been long overdue for the LGBTQ community. Happiest Season is the film that all lesbians have been waiting for. It’s lighthearted, funny and a well rounded romantic comedy. For once … Continue reading ‘Happiest Season’ Review

I’m Thinking Of Ending Things Review

By: Amanda Guarragi Charlie Kaufman’s long awaited Netflix Original Film is very unconventional and bold, but the screenplay suffers from over explaining the philosophy of life. What starts out as a young woman, questioning her relationship, ends up being a convoluted study on ageism and life itself. I’m Thinking Of Ending Things has a very intriguing first half and then it somehow falls apart, as … Continue reading I’m Thinking Of Ending Things Review