Movie Reviews — FilmSpeak

'Fallen Leaves' Review: Lonely Lovers in the Unforgiving World [TIFF 2023]

‘Fallen Leaves’ is tender and sweet, despite some dark themes that surround the main characters both personally and in the world around them. With an achingly short runtime of 81 minutes, this deadpan tragicomedy shouldn’t be missed.

'The Boy and the Heron' Review: An Epic Coming of Age Adventure Fuelled by a Mother-Son Bond [TIFF 2023]

For those avid Studio Ghibli lovers, ‘The Boy and the Heron’ may be a little more mature than expected, but completely needed. Everything in this story is meticulous and deliberate, maintaining a special creativity and adventure shining through every moment.

'Evil Does Not Exist' Review: A Hypnotic Lullaby on Humanity and Nature [TIFF 2023]

The first minutes of ‘Evil Does Not Exist’ is so careful, it could almost come across as boring, if it weren’t for its beauty. The film is a great reminder of deliberate pacing and storytelling, and one of the highlights of TIFF 23 so far.

TIFF, Drama, Festival ReviewTayler WellsSeptember 11, 2023evil does not exist, tiff, tiff 2023, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Drive My CarComment

'La Chimera' Review: A Delightfully Whimsical Archaeological Adventure [TIFF 23]

To describe ’La Chimera’ without an excess of adjectives is no easy task. The plot is rather simplistic on paper, but an array of spirited performances, inspired direction, and dream-like cinematography makes ‘La Chimera’ a truly transportive viewing experience.

'Dumb Money' Review: This Financial Fiasco Drama Is Both Funny and Flimsy [TIFF 23]

‘Dumb Money’, as an adaptation, feels both timely, and too soon. Nonetheless, the film’s message is evergreen, and its ensemble is more than enough to carry a well-enough put together film to being a good time.

Comedy, Festival Review, Movie Review, TIFFArjun PersaudSeptember 8, 2023Dumb Money, Paul Dano, TIFF, TIFF 2023, Review of Dumb Money, Dumb Money Review, ReviewComment

'Anatomy of a Fall' Review: A Mystery that Questions the Importance of Truth [TIFF 2023]

‘Anatomy of a Fall’ is a mystery-turned-courtroom drama layered with dysfunction and obsession. The film features a near perfect script with Sandra Hüller’s extraordinary acting at the centre.

TIFF, Festival Review, DramaTayler WellsSeptember 7, 2023anatomy of a fall, justine triet, tiff, tiff 2023, Palme D'OrComment

‘The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster' Review: A Contemporary and Timely Retelling [SXSW 2023]

The Frankenstein monster or Prometheus legend has remained evergreen for a reason, but by juxtaposing it in the tumultuous world of racial inequality, ‘The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster’ gives an old monster some very new tricks.

SXSW EXCLUSIVE: The Year of Biopics, 'Tetris', 'Flaymin' Hot', 'Blackberry', 'Air' First Impressions [SXSW 2023]

With four major premier’s at this year’s festival, SXSW 2023 can be known as the “Year of The Biopic”. We take a look at all four films this year in a SXSW Exclusive festival review.

'Pure O' Review: Truly a Pure Experience [SXSW 2023]

Often Festival Films Can overload its audience with drama, emotion, or ham-fisted messages, but in a delightfully subtle film, ‘Pure O’ makes you candidly connect with the characters and the plot.

Festival Review, Movie ReviewMichael Winn JohnsonMarch 15, 2023SXSW 2023, SXSW Reviews, Pure O Review, Review of Pure O, Pure OComment

SXSW EXCLUSIVE: 'Bottoms' Review: A Refreshing Freshman in the High School Class [SXSW 2023]

Premiering at SXSW 2023, ‘Bottoms’ is a film that is equal parts violent, funny, surreal, meta, and weird which makes for a definite highlight of the festival. Continue for our full SPOILER-FREE review.

'My Drywall Cocoon' Review: An Aptly Named Dusty, Claustrophobic Drama [SXSW 2023]

‘My Drywall Cocoon’ sounded like a promising premise about a teenaged tragedy but it simply ended up, merely a tragedy to watch.

Drama, Festival ReviewMichael Winn JohnsonMarch 12, 2023My Drywall Cocoon, SXSW 2023, SXSW Reviews, Brazillian FilmComment

‘Appendage’ Review: A Millennial Twist on Horror Classics [SXSW 2023]

For fans of Gremlins, Critters, or Evil Dead but who crave the more modern storytelling touch of having a critical social issue in the jaws of a Cronenberg-esque fleshy Muppet, Appendage is a welcome addition to stream at home.

Festival Review, Horror, Movie ReviewMichael Winn JohnsonMarch 12, 2023Appendage, SXSW Reviews, SXSW 2023, Emily Hampshire, Anna Zlokovic, Hulu, HorrorComment

SXSW EXCLUSIVE: 'Evil Dead Rise' Spoiler-Free Review [SXSW 2023]

‘Evil Dead Rise’ - the latest soft reboot of the storied franchise succeeds by finding its own campy yet terrifying place amongst not only the previous films in the franchise but in the horror genre as a whole. Continue for our exclusive SXSW review:

SXSW EXCLUSIVE: 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' Review [SXSW 2023]

As if on the wings of a chubby dragon, the legendary tabletop RPG inspired action-adventure comedy ‘Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ premiered as the opening film of SXSW and FilmSpeak has you covered. Continue for our Spoiler-Free Review.

'Dozens of Norths' Review: An Award-winning Ambiguous Art Show [OIAF 2022]

Countless frames within Dozens of Norths are breathtaking and could easily be imagined as separate art pieces hung up in a gallery. The viewer loses themselves in certain moments when the film pauses on a particularly emotional scene – it’s so far removed from what has become mainstream with animation in the most positive way.

'Silver Bird and Rainbow Fish' Review: A Family Portrait So Personal It Forgets About the Viewer [OIAF 2022]

Silver Bird and Rainbow Fish is a personal portrayal of a family’s memories through stories and photographs, and it is undeniably beautiful, but a little too slow and quiet at times. The experimental nature of this film sometimes enhances its emotional connection to the viewer, while at other times, it hinders it.

'Unicorn Wars' Review: Gory Violence and War Through The Eyes Of a Teddy Bear [OIAF 2022]

The childish characters so violently portrayed may come off as disorienting to some, but those on the adventurous side may enjoy the depraved Unicorn Wars. Those critics however, might have to look a little deeper at the message behind the film, as it uses extreme violence to show it’s actually against real bloodshed.

'The Menu' Review: A Biting Satirical Thriller That Will Give Audiences Something to Taco 'Bout [TIFF 2022]

Regardless of your taste in film, the eclectic ensemble of The Menu gives you something you can sink your teeth into. The script, while perhaps nothing new in terms of premise or political commentary has enough twists and turns and an overall foreboding gloom that makes the film a delicious addition to the thriller genre.

Festival Review, Movie Review, Thriller, TIFFMichael Winn JohnsonSeptember 18, 2022The Menu (2022), Movie Review, Review of The Menu, TIFF 2022Comment

'Empire of Light' Review: Sam Mendes' Ode to Cinema is an Insincere Drag [TIFF 2022]

Empire of Light is well acted, well shot, and of course competently constructed. However, it is a hollow film that has very little to actually say. It is consistently insincere in its presentation, and for that it ultimately ends up feeling rather dull.

Festival Review, Drama, TIFFBrennan DubéSeptember 17, 2022tiff movie review, TIFF 2022, SAM MENDES, Olivia Colman, Roger Deakins, FilmComment

‘The Fabelmans’ Review: Spielberg’s Magic Touch Makes For Yet Another Masterpiece [TIFF 2022]

While this review certainly sings the praises of Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans ad nauseam, it’s very much a film that speaks for itself, and is just an incredible force of sincerity, love, and creativity that simply cannot be missed.