Letterboxd — Your life in film

Director Marija Kavtaradzė finds a lot of real and genuine emotions in the film's central relationship. The two leads bring those to life believably with their conversations and imperfections.

Smileys: Acting, characterisation

Frowneys: Screenplay

Shawty got slow.

read the full review: www.aftermisery.com/slow-review

We are so back (me & Kore-eda Hirokazu, that is). A return to form with a beautiful screenplay by Sakamoto Yūji, great child performances & a framework that surprises you. Might write about this one later, I've been thinking about it a lot.

A charming rom-com that's very funny & dry (except for the contents of Holappa's flask). 80 minutes with no excess, just great vibes, delightful music & lovely chemistry between Alma Pöysti & Jussi Vatanen. (+ a Driver-by cameo).

Outrageously horrendous. Terrible writing, even worse filmmaking & actors phoning it in. What a travesty.

But..

is Jason Momoa quietly giving the best comedy performance of the year?

Doesn't necessarily hit all of the notes but that's okay when it also allows more intimate moments to shine. Eve Hewson is eventually why it all works as her character Flora possesses plenty of soul.

Smileys: Eve Hewson, directing

Frowneys: Some issues with tone and story

It's a synth to steal, you know?

read the full review: www.aftermisery.com/flora-and-son-review

Halle Bailey sure does sing well but dear lord, she and everything else here is just surrounded by a bunch of sludge. And then everything that's good about it already worked in the animated film. Also, why is it over two hours?

A well-made, emotionally observant piece about identity & community. Sure, could've done more with the characters but smart insights into what you choose to show offstage or with your drag persona. Great chemistry between Théodore Pellerin & Félix Maritaud.

The film's pacing & timing of reveals can throw you off a bit but I dug that for the most part. It's a well-acted morality play with fierce intention in some scenes. I don't think it quite sticks the landing but the journey there is compelling.

Ryoo Seung-wan's stylish caper very much has the goods, thanks to energetic lead performances, flawless editing and high production values. The last 40 minutes are an explosive thrill ride.

Smileys: Editing, ending, stunt choreography, costume design

Frowneys: Park Jeong-min

Welcome to shark bank.

read the full review: www.aftermisery.com/smugglers-review

Not entirely sure this works tonally all the way through but I was charmed & moved by the way that the film tackled its themes. Illustrates how important earnestness is in storytelling & character work. Julian Dennison delivers a wonderful performance.

A political thriller that is interesting at first but never really takes off. Has some style & energy when it comes to the filmmaking but the characters didn't get me invested in their arcs whatsoever. This should've been great (or at least good).

I needed a solid movie so bad & this came in clutch. A cool & nifty little crime drama that's very much a slow burn. The last 20 minutes are why it works eventually, though the last few shots are slightly underwhelming. Check it out if you can, I recommend it.