A new voice in the genre emerges with a film that isn’t afraid to take risks. Combining body horror with critiques of expected “norms,” it crafts a narrative as bold as imperfect. The result is a unique viewing experience that occasionally falters but remains deeply engaging for those willing to embrace its ambitious storytelling.

Indie filmmaking surprises me nearly every week, and this was another prime example! Time travel has always been a fascinating concept, igniting endless possibilities for storytelling and imagination. THROUGH THE DOOR transforms this complex idea into a profoundly human narrative, balancing theoretical intrigue with emotional depth. Directed by Matt Kincses, this film navigates the challenges of its genre, trading grandiose effects for thought-provoking storytelling and nuanced performances. The result is a gripping and original take on the time travel trope that explores the mechanics of bending time and its impact on those who dare to try.

Stories that pit humans against the raw power of nature often carry a weighty message, and this film turns that clash into a tale of grief and revenge with remarkable intensity. With Michael Anderson in the director’s chair, the film takes a dramatic approach to exploring the aftermath of humanity’s missteps. Combining action, suspense, and emotional undertones makes this a notable, imperfect entry into 1970s cinema. Make no mistake, if it weren’t for JAWS, this film would never have existed, but I’m thrilled that it does!

Few sports combine grit, speed, physical prowess, and pure adrenaline like Supercross, yet it often exists outside the mainstream spotlight. PAY DIRT: THE STORY OF SUPERCROSS seeks to change that, delivering a high-energy and informative look at this demanding motorsport. With Josh Brolin lending his distinctive voice as narrator and filmmaker Paul Taublieb steering the creative vision, the film strikes a balance between thrilling action and reflective storytelling, inviting audiences into a world defined by courage and resilience.

Before we delve into the review, I want to express my deepest sympathies to those affected by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. My thoughts and heart are with all who are suffering unparalleled horrors during this tragic time! The glamour of stardom often hides a harsher truth, and TINSELTOWN BLUES is a stark reminder of how relentless ambition can be when it collides with personal demons. Director Samuel B. has crafted a deeply introspective experience that examines identity, addiction, and the price of fame with a rare level of honesty. This film not only captivates but also challenges its audience to look beyond Hollywood's superficial allure.

Roy Wood Jr. has a knack for turning life’s everyday irritations into moments of connection and insight, and his latest stand-up special showcases this in strides. Blending sharp social observations with relatable humor, the special delves into the contradictions of living in a hyper-connected yet emotionally distant world. Filmed at the historic Lincoln Theatre, this performance feels as relevant as it is entertaining, offering a fresh perspective on the nuances of modern life.

LOVE & CRIME is a bold anthology directed by Teruo Ishii that reimagines infamous crimes with an unflinching eye. This collection captures human depravity through a vision that is as unsettling as it is compelling. The film transforms real-life history into dramatic retellings, often straying from the facts to amplify the shock factor. It is a series of stories that push boundaries and challenge viewers to confront the darker corners of history and human nature.

In what ended up being one of the most unexpected treats of the year for me, we get a somewhat forgotten piece of cinema that’s a little strange and provocative in Paul Bartel’s SHELF LIFE. This offbeat dark comedy-musical combines humor, experimental storytelling, and a chillingly relevant look at human behavior under isolation. Restored after years of obscurity, Bartel’s final film is an inventive blend of satire and psychological exploration, crafted with a raw theatricality that gives it an edge unlike anything I’ve seen before.

Some films feel as though they’re made out of a passion for filmmaking, and EXTREMELY UNIQUE DYNAMIC embraces this energy wholeheartedly. Blending humor, emotion, and an ambitious meta-structure, this gem offers a unique take on friendship and filmmaking. Directed by Katherine Dudas, Ivan Leung, and Harrison Xu, the movie takes the age-old concept of making a film within a film and turns it into a heartfelt exploration of identity and creative expression. It resonates with the audience, even throughout some minor growing pains, delivering an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.

Now and then, a documentary emerges that doesn’t just tell us about history but makes you feel the weight of lost possibilities. GEORGE A. ROMERO'S RESIDENT EVIL closely examines one of Hollywood’s most compelling “what could have been” stories, blending nostalgia, ambition, and heartbreak. The film, directed by Brandon Salisbury, delves into Romero’s unrealized adaptation of a legendary video game franchise, exploring how creativity often clashes with corporate caution.

LA PIETA lures you into its world—a place where beauty and tension exist in a constant tug-of-war. Eduardo Casanova’s unmistakable style shines through as he merges visual grandeur with a narrative delving deep into the complexities of control and dependency. This isn’t just a tale of relationships or allegories; it’s a statement that blurs the lines between personal pain and broader reflections.

There’s something special about a film that doesn’t just tell a story but pulls you into its heart, allowing you to feel every shade of its subject’s journey. INTO THE BLOO achieves this with a courageous yet tender look at the creative and personal evolution of Lagoona Bloo, David Brumfield's dynamic drag persona. In just 15 minutes, director Austin Nunes crafts a dazzling narrative that blends raw emotional depth with artistic celebration, proving that even short-form storytelling can leave a lasting impression.

A film that mixes humor and heart with an inventive twist that captivates audiences; this short film does precisely that. What begins as a quirky exploration of an unconventional romance evolves into a meaningful reflection on personal growth and the courage it takes to embrace individuality. The story combines lighthearted humor with self-acceptance, making it entertaining and thought-provoking. By balancing the whimsical with the introspective, this project captures the complexity of human emotions—even when told through a supernatural optic.

Few films effectively condense emotion and thematic complexity into a short runtime like Saint Rose. This drama combines striking visuals, heartfelt performances, and sharp social commentary to tell a deeply personal and universally resonant story. It’s a testament to how powerful storytelling can thrive within any constraints, presenting a portrait of quiet resistance against systemic oppression.

Some films invite you to pause, reflect, and soak in the quiet moments that often slip past in life’s rush. THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN, directed by Yumeng He, is one of those films. This 19-minute documentary is an evocative exploration of memory and modernization, blending a personal story with themes about the passage of time and the cost of progress. By focusing on the relationship between a father and daughter as they journey through Southwestern China, the film creates a delicate balance between intimate emotions and larger cultural narratives, all while asking questions about what is gained and lost in the name of development.

Some documentaries resonate beyond their surface story, capturing not just events but the essence of human determination, and CROIS PAS QU’ON DORT achieves this with genuine precision. Directed by Nick Walters and Lou Marillier, this film offers an authentic and compelling exploration of ambition through the lens of three young Parisian athletes. With its premiere at the Grand Rex venue, the documentary delivers a fresh perspective on balancing the weight of expectations with personal identity.

MAN WITH NO PAST aims to deliver an ambitious blend of action, mystery, and introspection but ultimately struggles under the weight of its aspirations. The film, directed by James Bamford, boasts a strong cast, including Jon Voight, Marton Csokas, Charlotte Vega, and Adam Woodward, all working to bring depth to a story filled with potential. However, while the film has moments of intrigue and some well-choreographed action, its inability to balance its various elements leaves the final product feeling unfocused and overly ambitious.

Sometimes, a film steps so far outside the box that it defies categorization, leaving an incredibly perplexing imprint. Such is the case with INCUBUS, a 1966 “horror” film directed by Leslie Stevens that embraces bold choices in every sense. From its use of Esperanto—a constructed language rarely heard outside niche linguistic circles—to its ethereal cinematography, the movie feels like an artifact unearthed from another world. While this avant-garde approach isn’t for everyone, it creates a mood that lingers.

A live performance can transform an artist’s music into an electrifying experience, and THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS—LIVE IN HOUSTON delivers that in abundance. Filmed at Houston’s Warehouse in 2006, this concert combines decades of musical evolution with a sound that has remained vibrant and influential. The Blu-ray elevates this experience, allowing seasoned fans and newcomers to appreciate the group’s raw energy and genre-defying versatility in “live” detail.

The concept of turning ghostly tales into a game, where each story extinguishes a candle and raises the stakes, sounds like a recipe for tension and chills. THE 100 CANDLES GAME: THE LAST POSSESSION embraces this setup with a twist, placing a group of influencers at the center of the action. Combining ancient rituals with social media culture could have delivered a unique ride. Unfortunately, although better than the original film, this one stumbles, leaving an uneven mix of horror stories that occasionally shine but often fall flat.

Jim Morrison’s legacy remains as alluring as ever, a blend of poetic intensity and cultural rebellion that continues to spark debate and fascination. BEFORE THE END: SEARCHING FOR JIM MORRISON steps into this world with an ambitious mission to uncover the layers of myth, truth, and intrigue surrounding the enigmatic frontman of The Doors. Directed by Jeff Finn, this three-part docuseries promises revelations and mysteries alike, exploring Morrison’s life, career, and the circumstances of his untimely death with a mix of creativity and investigative rigor.

The American Midwest of the 1990s provides a fittingly desolate backdrop for BLOOD FOR DUST, a crime thriller that walks the tightrope between survival and compromise. This slow-burning story centers on Cliff, a salesman whose desperation leads him into a dangerous world where decisions have consequences that ripple far beyond his control. The film’s atmosphere is chilling, but its story plays it safe, leaving viewers with a sense of familiarity instead of innovation.

Tension simmers, and suspense thrives in DETAINED, a crime thriller that takes full advantage of its constrained setting and morally obscure characters. Felipe Mucci transforms a single-location premise into a taut, engaging mystery. The film pulls viewers into suspicion, danger, and hidden agendas.

Something is electrifying about watching a movie that feels like it's been plucked from the reality of high school, bringing a tale of solidarity into our worlds. When it first premiered at Sundance in 1996, it broke ground by tackling hefty themes of empowerment and resilience, which resonate just as strongly today, thanks to the newly restored theatrical presentation by Film Movement Classics. For those looking for cinema that speaks directly to society's challenges with a vibrant call to action, this film delivers by the reel.