Hive – Film Review

Based on true events. Kumrije Hoxha, Yllka Gashi, Adriana Matoshi, Molikë Maxhuni, Blerta Ismaili, Valire, Haxhijaj Zeneli. Photo by Alexander Bloom. Courtesy of Zeitgeist Films in association with Kino Lorber Taking place after the events of the war in Kosovo, Hive tells the story of Fahrije (Yllka Gashi), a mourning woman looking to start a business to …

Black Friday – Film Review

On the eve of Black Friday, a group of toy store employees begin preparing for the onslaught of holiday shoppers. Not long after opening the doors, the employees find themselves fighting for their lives from parasitic, zombie shoppers. It is very apparent the purpose director Casey Tebo and writer Andy Greskoviak have for this film …

Knocking – Film Review

Following a traumatic experience, Molly (Cecilia Milocco) is dispatched from a psychiatric facility only to move into an apartment where strange knocking can be heard each night. Fearing for the worst, Molly falls down a dangerous rabbit hole to find the source of the knocking no matter the cost. Described as “twisty” and “claustrophobic”, director …

Old Henry – Film Review

Tending to his farm, widowed farmer Henry (Tim Blake Nelson) and his son (Gavin Lewis) come across an injured man with a bag full of money. Their quiet life is quickly turned upside down when a group of men arrive looking for the injured man. When was the last time you watched a film and …

We Need to Do Something – Film Review

Retreating to their bathroom to escape a storm, Melissa (Sierra McCormick, American Horror Stories) and her family soon find themselves trapped with no sign of rescue. As the hours go by, Melissa begins to realize that this may not be just an ordinary storm and her family is in grave danger. Based on writer Max …

The Noise of Engines – Film Review | SSIFF ’21

Being placed on leave from work, Alexandre (Robert Naylor) returns home to his quiet Canadian hometown. Soon, Alexandre becomes the center of an investigation into explicit drawings popping up around town. What stuck out to me most about The Noise of Engines is how much it seems to pay tribute to films such as Hot …

Cadejo Blanco – Film Review | TIFF ’21

Waking to find the disappearance of her sister, Sarita (Karen Martínez) travels to the coastal town of Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. Desperate for answers, Sarita dives headfirst into Puerto Barrios’ gang circle, risking her life and finding her courage along the way. From the outset, Cadejo Blanco is a “simple” tale about a woman’s determination to …

Farha – Film Review | TIFF ’21

Based on true events. Set in 1948 Palestine, Farha tells the story of a 14-year-old girl (Karam Taher) whose dreams of receiving a formal education are taken away from her due to the start of what would come to be known as the Nakba (the catastrophe). Confined to a small supply room, Farha watches as …

The Gateway – Film Review

Washed-up social worker with a slight hero complex, Parker (Shea Whigham), finds himself thrown deeper into the St. Louis crime underbelly when the father (Zach Avery) of his assigned family is released from prison. Struggling with demons of his own, Parker sets to write the wrongs of his past to prevent another child from growing …

Paka (River of Blood) – Film Review | TIFF ’21

Only blood can quench its thirst. Set in India, Paka tells the tale of two families, torn apart by hatred and feuding over the past, a love set to bring them together, and a river that connects them all. On the eve of their marriage, Anna (Vinitha Koshy) and Johnny (Basil Paulose) find themselves struggling …