By: Amanda Guarragi Superior written and directed by Erin Vassilopoulos feels like a retro action thriller. The beginning of the film puts you right in the middle of the action and instantly sets the tone for the rest of the film. Vassilopoulos has a distinct style that she presents in this film and it works for the characters. When Mariane (Alessandra Mesa), runs away from … Continue reading Sundance Film Festival: ‘Superior’ Review
By: Amanda Guarragi Passing is a mesmerizing and highly stylized film for Rebecca Hall’s directorial debut. The black-and-white aesthetic combined with such beautiful framing takes you back into an old Hollywood style. Hall brings such richness within the frame, there are interesting choices made from scene to scene, that left me rather impressed with her debut. The story is also incredibly layered as it dives … Continue reading Sundance Film Festival: ‘Passing’ Review
By: Amanda Guarragi “It’s the little things that matter. It’s the little things that get you caught.” – Joe “Deke” Deacon (Denzel Washington) The story takes us back to 1990s Los Angeles, where the music was great and women broke out of their shell. We see a young woman, Tina Salvatore (Sofia Vassilieva) driving down the open road with her windows down and singing whatever … Continue reading The Little Things 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
By: Amanda Guarragi Dummy follows a detained suspect, as he walks investigators through the scene of his loathsome crimes. Surprisingly, his law-enforcement escort makes an unnerving display of fellowship. On the surface, the film is beautifully shot and writer-director Laurynas Bareisa makes some great choices while navigating through the forest. It’s also a very interesting perspective if you really think about it. Not many filmmakers … Continue reading Dummy Short Film Review
Candid Cinema 