The reason films of old are so revered is because you could feel the pain, tension and romance in each and every frame. In black-and-white, without bells and whistles, performances and chemistry had to dance and shine instead, forcing the viewer to get sucked into the story. It’s been a lot of years, and too…

When you make a documentary about the volatile kitchen environment, sexism in the workplace and the difficulties woman face fitting in, there’s no shortage of raw content. And yet, the film felt like an ideal idea completely undercooked, with little conflict, tension or even inspiration within the run-time. Only half of the seven highly successful…

Rupert Everett’s career has been a series of unfortunate — and undeserved — events. When the actor, born and bred for leading man stardom, came out as gay, suddenly the roles dried up and Everett became but a footnote in the Hollywood lexicon. He has acted in his time since his 90’s heyday, but in…

This deeply human portrayal of a group of women on death row facing the last moments of their lives is a true actress showcase, but it doesn’t all add up. The series of vignettes are all engaging and interesting in unique ways, but some crackle on screen more than others. Hagar Ben-Asher has constructed an…

A harsh look at the federal military system in Canada and the gay purge that began in the 1940s outlines The Fruit Machine. The film has come out following a June 2018 ruling that reconciliation and remembrance measures will take place following the decades-long discrimination, investigations and firings of suspected LGBTQ+ military members. A number…

Anyone familiar with the incessant provocation director Lars Von Trier propagates will immediately recognize this film as a fictional, but thematically autobiographical, work. This film, about a serial killer in the 1970’s, and the sensibilities and cultural values that inform his violent urges, is a big, instigating middle finger to Von Trier’s critics. It’s at…

One of the year’s best films comes in the form of a family drama about dementia, family dysfunction, and the need to know when it’s time for a change. When Bridget returns home during a family emergency, she discovers her mother’s dementia has crept further forward than she realized. Pushed by her bully brother Nick,…

Previously reviewed for FIN. Opens wide Friday, Oct. 12. Keira Knightley has a knack for making period dramas endlessly compelling, and with Colette, she does it again. The film about a critic and newsman and his wife, and the difficulties that arise when she begins ghost-writing for him, Knightley practically jumps off the screen as…

During a conversation with another reviewer and a spectator yesterday, we discussed quality of work versus budget. I, for one, look past the issues created from a small cashflow for a film and delve deeper. Performances, atmosphere, and the lofty ambitions of those in front of, and behind the screen, are integral to a small…

This documentary, from director/writer/producer Peter Walsh, follows Gemma Hickey’s journey as they transition into a proud trans person. It’s an emotional rollercoaster and Hickey doesn’t hold back in being authentic about their struggles and difficulties with the changes. As we see Hickey coming out and dealing with family, taking testosterone, overcoming relationship issues and becoming…