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Director Michael Vlamis’ ‘Crossword’ is an elegantly crafted thriller that dives into the haunting complexities of grief, obsession, and the painful fragmentation of a family dealing with the worst imaginable tragedy. The story follows Tessa (Aurora Perrineau) and James (Michael Vlamis), a couple torn apart by the accidental drowning of their young daughter. Each character… Continue reading Austin Film Festival: Crossword – a haunting thriller about unthinkable loss

If you quickly search for the short film Special Delivery on the internet, you will find various films with the title. Still, the one screening at the Austin Film Festival is the short romantic comedy from writer/director Emily Everhard. The film was a finalist for the Enderby Entertainment Fellowship Award, and today’s news from the… Continue reading AFF Movie Review: Special Delivery – 2024 Austin Film Festival Film Jury Award Winner

Directed and written by Dallas-native Angela Gulner, The Beldham arrives at the Austin Film Festival for the North American Premiere. In this psychological horror/family drama, there is not a moment when I could turn away from the screen to follow what was happening between the mother and daughter characters. The script is excellent, as are… Continue reading AFF Movie Review: The Beldham – North American Premiere of Psychological Horror/Family Drama

Sam O’Mahony’s The Wise Guy is a heartfelt, whimsical story of resilience, told through the eyes of Francis, an eleven-year-old whose life is turned upside down by his parents’ separation. Through a series of delicate, touching moments and vibrant characters, O’Mahony brings a narrative that is as much about finding one’s way in a fractured… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2024: The Wise Guy – a beautiful story of resilience

The Piano Lesson, the opening night film of the Austin Film Festival, is a profoundly moving directorial debut for Malcolm Washington, son of Denzel Washington, who co-produces alongside him. Starring John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, and the inimitable Samuel L. Jackson, this adaptation of August Wilson’s 1987 play brings the haunting drama of a family… Continue reading Austin Film Festival 2024: The Piano Lesson – a memorable opening night film

I have not been familiar with the “Desaparecidos” in Argentina all my life living in Texas. Still, it has been about twenty years since I worked with another publication. Someone first approached me with what had happened in Argentina a few decades prior. Although that publication declined to run a story then, I always remembered… Continue reading AFF Movie Review: Norita – A Timely Documentary about a Courageous Woman Seeking Her Son