A Story of Survival: A Review of “12 Years a Slave”
Steve McQueen's "12 Years a Slave," a film that holds nothing back, reveals a chapter of American history that demands our attention. Released in 2013, it tells the true tale…
Breaking the Silence: A Review of “Spotlight”
With a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes, "Spotlight" stands as a powerful testament to journalistic integrity. Tom McCarthy's 2015 film doesn't just tell a story; it immerses you in the…
Rethinking Connection: A Review of “The Empathy Exams”
Leslie Jamison's The Empathy Exams, published in 2014, is a striking and intensely personal exploration of empathy, pain, and human connection. She blends her own experiences with insightful cultural commentary,…
Internal Prison: A Review of “Shame”
"Shame" is a truly visceral and haunting cinematic experience that commands your attention. With a 79% Rotten Tomatoes score, this film delivers a powerful and disturbing look at addiction, offering…
Lost, Then Found: A Review of “Where’d You Go, Bernadette”
Bernadette Fox, as portrayed brilliantly by Cate Blanchett in "Where'd You Go, Bernadette," is grappling with a profound sense of incompleteness. She's a former architectural star, now retreated into a…
When Childhood Shadows Lengthen: A Review of “Mystic River”
"Clint Eastwood, a director known for his strong storytelling, really shines in "Mystic River." It's a gripping mystery drama that digs into friendship, trauma, and how how childhood traumas can…
Mazes of the Mind: A Review of “Prisoners”
"Prisoners" is a chilling 2013 thriller that plunges you into every parent's darkest fear. The story begins when two young girls vanish on a seemingly idyllic Thanksgiving in a small…
A Charming Escape: A Review of “Midnight in Paris”
If you're looking for a charming escape, "Midnight in Paris" is the perfect choice. Woody Allen's 2011 film is a fantasy comedy with romantic elements that taps into that universal…
The Carnival of Broken Dreams: A Review of “Nightmare Alley”
Guillermo del Toro's "Nightmare Alley" (2021) plunges us into a shadowy world of carnivals, cons, and the dark corners of the human psyche. Acclaimed with an 80% Rotten Tomatoes score,…
The Weight of the Past: A Review of “The Place Beyond the Pines”
"The Place Beyond the Pines" (2012) is a powerful and moving drama that explores the intricate and often devastating consequences of revenge. This emotionally charged drama, boasting a respectable 79%…