Kelly Reichardt is a peculiar filmmaker, and I mean that with every iota of respect I can muster. She is a truly original storyteller, and someone who has made a profound impact on independent cinema, albeit in ways that are not actually strikingly clear on the surface. What makes her so fascinating is that her…

While she has only directed three films, each one of the works constructed by Katell Quillévéré feels like complex, vibrant glimpses into the collective consciousness, a daring and provocative series of images, each one coming together to tell moving and poignant stories. She is truly one of our most fascinating young talents, and an absolutely…

There are some films that don’t only allow for ambiguity, they outright encourage it, since there is nothing quite like a strong and impenetrable story to keep audiences engaged. One of the most interesting examples of this comes in the form of Swimming Pool, the remarkable and highly-questionable erotic thriller by François Ozon in his…

There is a very niche but widely embraced sub-genre of cinema, which usually centres on older British characters going about their daily routine, until they are confronted with a challenge that forces them to acclimate to whatever changes are necessary, usually leading to hilarity and soulful introspection. It is a heartwarming style of storytelling, and…

It’s increasingly difficult to not wax poetic about Taipei Story, which is almost universally the case when it comes to the work of Edward Yang, who remains one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of cinema, and someone who may have only directed a handful of films before his untimely demise, but where…

The process of unpacking Les Amandiers (alternatively known as Forever Young, which doesn’t quite encapsulate the spirit of the film in the way whoever chose the English title may have thought) requires us to understand a few contextual elements, all of which ultimately play a part in laying the foundation for this charming and genuinely…

There is a moment of indescribable joy when you sit in front of a film and get the feeling that you are watching the birth of a potentially groundbreaking voice. This has always been the case, but it is happening slightly more often in recent years, undoubtedly the result of platforms being given to exciting…

Navigating the world is often difficult when you feel a profound sense of isolation and detachment from the rest of society. For many women, you can only be considered successful if you adhere to very traditional elements of femininity, whether it is taking on a career that is inherently more nurturing, or becoming a mother,…

When it comes to a film like Air, the supposed passion project for director Ben Affleck and his close friend and longtime collaborator (despite there being virtually no premeditated plans prior to the film’s announcement), it is important to know what to expect, not because there is any sense of unpredictability to this film, but…

If you choose any country, and spend enough time venturing off the beaten path, you are likely going to find that there are a wealth of stories hidden from view, but which are just as captivating and enduring as those which are more traditionally popular. There is a certain level of heroism that comes when…