SXSW 2024: Ghostlight-A Journey of Healing Through Unexpected Stages

Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson’s ‘Ghostlight,’ which screened at SXSW 2024, illuminates the human experience with a poignant blend of humor and heartache. This masterfully crafted film offers a tender exploration of grief, family dynamics, and the healing power of art. Set against the backdrop of a suburban community, Ghostlight delves into the lives of… Continue reading SXSW 2024: Ghostlight-A Journey of Healing Through Unexpected Stages

SXSW 2024: My Dead Friend Zoe: A Haunting Tale of Resilience and Redemption

Photo by Laurie Coker

What better person could there be to tell a complicated story about veterans than a veteran himself? That’s one of the reasons co-writer and director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes’ ‘My Dead Friend Zoe’ works so well. A decorated former Staff Sgt. who served in the Army’s Airborne Infantry, Hausmann-Stokes adapted the story from his own experiences, which… Continue reading SXSW 2024: My Dead Friend Zoe: A Haunting Tale of Resilience and Redemption

SXSW 2024: Magpie – the final twist makes it GOOD

Photo by Laurie Coker

“Magpie” enters the cinematic landscape with a narrative as old as time, exploring the intricate web of a toxic marriage. While the film showcases moments of brilliance, its narrative execution ultimately leaves a few questions unanswered. Directed by Sam Yates and written by Tom Bateman, this slow-burn gothic noir premiered at SXSW, promising an exploration… Continue reading SXSW 2024: Magpie – the final twist makes it GOOD

SWSW 2024: Civil War – a visceral attack on the soul

Photo by Laurie Coker

Premiering to thunderous applause and sparking insightful discussions at the SXSW 2024 festival, Alex Garland’s Civil War is a tour de force in contemporary cinema. It weaves a gripping narrative against the backdrop of a dystopian America ravaged by internal conflict. Set in an alternate universe where civil strife has torn the nation apart, the… Continue reading SWSW 2024: Civil War – a visceral attack on the soul

SXSW 2024: I Wish You All the Best – Wondeful filmmaking

Tommy Dorfman’s SXSW 2024 directorial debut, ‘I Wish You All the Best,’ presents a poignant and groundbreaking narrative within LGBTQ+ cinema. Adapted from Mason Deaver’s novel, the film follows Ben DeBacker, portrayed with depth by Corey Fogelmanis, a nonbinary teenager grappling with the complexities of identity and family acceptance. The film opens with a gripping… Continue reading SXSW 2024: I Wish You All the Best – Wondeful filmmaking

SXSW 2024: Fall Guy – a real crowd-pleaser

‘The Fall Guy,’ directed by David Leitch and starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, premiered at the SXSW Film Festival (2024), sparking excitement among audiences and critics alike. This action-romantic comedy promises to be a highlight of the summer blockbuster season, offering a thrilling mix of stunts, humor, and chemistry between its lead actors. The… Continue reading SXSW 2024: Fall Guy – a real crowd-pleaser

SXSW 2024: Switch Up – Drowns in Silliness

‘Switch Up,’ the romantic comedy that premiered at SXSW 2024, attempts to deliver a heartwarming story but falls short due to its overly contrived plot. Despite the cast’s apparent enthusiasm and chemistry, evidenced in the film and by their comments during the Q&A session after the film, the movie struggles to rise above its shortcomings.… Continue reading SXSW 2024: Switch Up – Drowns in Silliness