In Paula Ortiz’s ACROSS THE RIVER AND INTO THE TREES, the evocative cityscape of post-war Venice serves as more than just a picturesque setting—it transforms into a living, breathing entity that mirrors the psychological decay of its main character, Colonel Richard Cantwell. Portrayed by Liev Schreiber, Cantwell is a soldier at war with his mortality. This film explores an intricate web of emotion that is as much about internal feelings as external actions, inviting the audience into a slow-paced exploration of a man confronting life.

So there aren’t many times that I don’t rate a film, and when I don’t, there’s usually a good reason. In this instance, the film's purpose is beyond my reach. I love poetry, but I don’t know how to judge it fairly, and most of this experience is spoken word poetry. AFTER: POETRY DESTROYS SILENCE challenges the boundaries of traditional documentary filmmaking, fusing poetry with cinematic elements to explore the scars left by the Holocaust. Under Richard Kroehling's direction, this ambitious project mixes reflective narratives with the hard-hitting realities of history. The cast, led by Melissa Leo, Géza Röhrig, and Bo Corre, delivers each line of poetry with a raw intensity that captures the immense spectrum of human emotions tied to historical traumas.

In ROAD TO TERZETTO, we're taken away on a journey that attempts to marry suspense, secrets, and the gritty reality of estranged brothers coming together to claim a father's inheritance. With the desert's desolate expanse, director Brian Shakti aims to fuse visuals with visceral drama, crafting a narrative that teeters on the brink of cinematic excellence but ultimately doesn't quite deliver the depth or the engagement it promises.

Venture with me into the world of a mockumentary series that peeks behind the curtain of a cash-strapped Oregon hospital, ST. DENIS MEDICAL serves up a unique blend of comedy and drama that resonates with anyone who's faced workplace challenges. This series captures the essence of healthcare professionals as they juggle the dual burdens of providing care and managing their personal lives, all wrapped in a refreshingly humorous package you would get if THE OFFICE and SCRUBS had a comedy series as a baby.

In the vibrant yet challenging urban streets of Delhi, two sisters carve out a path through adversity far from the carefree existence of their peers. Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag deliver riveting performances as Anuja and Palak, sisters whose bond is tested and tempered in the grim confines of a garment factory. The film ANUJA, directed by Adam J. Graves, takes us deep into the shadows of an unforgiving child labor market, juxtaposing the city's vibrant life with the sad reality within its darkest corners.

When a movie like FIRELINE scorches across the screen, it captures the struggle of fighting wildfires while weaving in a potent human drama. The film mixes action with a deep dive into the transformative journeys of its characters, all set against the backdrop of the relentless unknown. Robin Takao D’Oench wrote and directed this narrative with a masterful hand, blending intense drama with the stark realities of those often voiceless.

WILL I SEE YOU AGAIN? starts its narrative with a compelling dive into a tale of reconnection and the intricacies of human relationships. It is a gripping portrayal of two once inseparable friends, Max Palmer and Paul Jensen, who are estranged by life's cruel twists. Directed with finesse by Michael Perez-Lindsey, the film does more than scratch the surface of emotional reconciliation. It plunges deep, unraveling a fabric of love, loss, and healing that is both touching and profound.

Once hidden in the depths of cinema's obscure corners, THE BIRTHDAY has made a triumphant return to the limelight, bolstered by the support of industry giants like Elijah Wood, Jason Blum, and particularly Jordan Peele, whose backing reintroduced it at a prestigious screening in New York. Since its debut in 2004 at the Sitges International Film Festival, the film has slowly woven itself into cult classic cinema, attracting a loyal audience eager for films that challenge the status quo.

Emerging from the shadows of the indie horror scene, DIRECTOR'S CUT proves that a shoestring budget can still create tightly wound-suspense and chilling thrills. Written and directed by Don Capria, this film takes audiences on an eerie ride with a punk rock band whose rise to fame quickly devolves into a terrifying ordeal. Louis Lombardi's transformation from a nurturing guide to a foreboding menace anchors the film, infusing every scene he’s in with a tense atmosphere that keeps viewers glued to their seats.

A welcome addition to the genre of documentary films on classic horror franchises, DOC OF CHUCKY emerges as a pivotal exploration of one of its most enduring horror icons ever. This extensive documentary, directed by Thommy Hutson and spanning nearly five hours, will premiere on Shudder and dives deeply into the saga of a villain who has become as much a part of horror folklore as the genre's eeriest settings. It's not merely a recap of the CHILD'S PLAY saga but a thorough dissection of the cultural and psychological echoes that resonate through the series. To get the elephant out of the room upfront, my only real issue with the documentary was its lack of coverage of the TV series. I’m sure this was due to rights issues, but, unfortunately, such an in-depth documentary not discussing part of the larger universe was a bummer. To a lesser extent, not including the remake was a bit of a shame, although I’m sure that’s for the same reasons.

Set in the rugged terrains of Maine during the Great Depression, this film is a poignant narrative that melds breathtaking landscapes with the intense drama of survival and emotional connection. Director Andrew Boodhoo Kightlinger delivers a visually striking and profoundly human story that explores the resilience of the human spirit through the eyes of a young boy. The film, adapted from a true-life story and a book by the same name, captures the essence of adventure and the profound battles against nature and within oneself.

As a cisgender male, my perspective on women’s reproductive rights isn’t of value other than to help pass along the voices of those who do! This review is not a platform for my personal views but rather a conduit to amplify those directly involved in the struggle for these rights. My privilege in the world is apparent, and I will do whatever I can to fight for those who deserve the same!

MEAT CLEAVER! emerges as a flawless film, brilliantly encapsulating the visionary talents of Jared Asher Harris. Harris has seamlessly transitioned from creating stunning music videos into the intriguing and warped world of short films, presenting a fresh blend of horror, comedy, and fantasy that captivates audiences. His unique approach has transformed this vibrant and whimsically eerie film into a standout phenomenon within the indie film scene.

When you have no preconceived ideas of what a film is supposed to be, and then you experience something like this… Whoa! Step into the vibrant world of Manchester's indie scene with SECRETS OF A WALLABY BOY, a film that marries the brazen humor of 1970s British comedies with a bold queer sensibility. The film doesn't just aim for laughs; it injects heartfelt performances into its narrative, making every scene brim with authenticity and genuine emotional engagement.

Navigating through the tumbling rapids of collegiate life, Bob McGraw (Tim Matheson,) a perennial fixture at LePetomaine University, steers through uproarious whitewater antics in UP THE CREEK. This cinematic splash, steeped in '80s comedy style, serves up a crew of quirky characters in a quest for academic glory. The film balances the scales between old-school slapstick and a fresh take on the underdog narrative; it offers everything that an '80s comedy should; as with most comedies like this, people need to understand they’re a product of their time.

From the first frame, BEAUTIFUL FRIEND immerses us in Daniel's (Adam Jones) mind, which Jones portrays with an eerie authenticity. Truman Kewley's directorial feature debut pulls no punches as it navigates the dark waters of mental illness and social ostracization. The film delves into the psyche of a person grappling with isolation, turning his inner madness into a menacing obsession with control. Through Daniel's eyes, we witness the transformation of societal rejection into a sinister crusade, blurring the lines of this villain in a world that seems to have forsaken him.

From the heart of Texas., Charles Graves, known as the deaf Santa Claus, delivers gifts and a message of inclusivity. This Santa, fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), does more than fill the traditional role; he ensures that every child, regardless of hearing ability, feels the joy and wonder of the holiday season. His heart somehow transcends the conventional jolly Saint Nick by addressing a profound need for representation and understanding in the deaf community.

When Michael Dougherty crafted TRICK 'R TREAT, he injected new life into the horror anthology genre. Set against Warren Valley, Ohio's eerie, pumpkin-lit backdrop, this 2007 film defies typical expectations by weaving together multiple stories that play out under the cloak of Halloween night. TRICK 'R TREAT skipped the cinema lines and went straight to cult classic status, becoming a Halloween must-watch.

Arrow Video’s J-HORROR RISING collection boldly steps into the lesser-explored side of Japanese horror, delivering a blend of films that showcase the genre’s depth and chilling atmosphere. This set brings together seven films, each offering a unique perspective on fear, from supernatural folklore to psychological terror. While these aren’t the blockbuster names often associated with J-horror, the impact of their storytelling and visual intensity is no less significant.

With ETERNAL VISIONARY, Michele Placido takes us on a journey into the life of Luigi Pirandello (Fabrizio Bentivoglio,) a luminary in literature whose personal conflicts and narratives propelled his professional masterpieces. This film isn’t merely a walkthrough of Pirandello’s life milestones; it’s an emotional and intellectual expedition that plunges into the depths of his paradoxical existence, blending his public triumphs with his private struggles in a narrative rich with drama and authenticity.

Mackenzie Donaldson delivers a narrative steeped in the stark realities of a world that continues to challenge you in every way possible. She threads a suspenseful tale that places us on the brink of a civil war in North America. ALL THE LOST ONES combines personal struggles with the broader societal breakdown, creating a reflective and unsettling cinematic experience.

At its heart, ALTONA is a compelling documentary that brings a unique perspective to the true crime genre. Directed by the Affolter brothers (Heath, Thomas, Nathan, and Jon,) this film delves into a chilling incident that forever changed the fabric of a small Canadian community. Through a blend of animation and raw, unfiltered eyewitness accounts, the film recounts the tragic events of one fateful evening and invites viewers to reflect on the emotional aftermath. The documentary's narrative is anchored in the personal journey of Tyler Pelke, whose story of resilience and recovery intertwines with a broader examination of a community's quest for healing and forgiveness.

In the world of horror-comedy, SCARED SHITLESS carves out a niche with its ingenious blend of suspense and laughter, framed around a seemingly mundane day of plumbing that spirals into a surreal confrontation with a nightmare. The film revolves around Don (Steven Ogg) and his son Sonny (Daniel Doheny), plumbers thrust into an extraordinary situation beneath the bowels of an apartment complex where not just the pipes but also monstrous creations block their path.

Enzo D'Alò directs a vibrant tale of heart and hope with A GREYHOUND OF A GIRL, marrying the mystical allure of Ireland's passion with a story of heritage and transformation. This animated treasure explores profound life themes through an enchanting lens, providing an escape into a world where past and present merge.