‘Fjord’ is a Darkly Comic, Quietly Unhinged Drama

‘Fjord’ is a Darkly Comic, Quietly Unhinged Drama

By Alex McPherson Laced with cynicism about the human condition, director Cristian Mungui’s Palme d’Or-winning “Fjord” is less a provocative conversation-starter than a slow-motion trainwreck... Details
Aaron Sorkin’s Spiritual Sequel ‘The Social Reckoning’ Misses the Point

Aaron Sorkin’s Spiritual Sequel ‘The Social Reckoning’ Misses the Point

By Alex McPherson Less a riveting call to action against Big Tech companies than a glib, self-congratulatory dramatization of forces dragging us into an apocalypse,... Details
Ethan Hawke Steadies Old-Fashioned Action Adventure ‘The Weight’

Ethan Hawke Steadies Old-Fashioned Action Adventure ‘The Weight’

By Alex McPherson Bringing to mind a range of influences including “The Wages of Fear,” but never fully capitalizing on the intensity of its premise,... Details
Mayhem Reigns in Self-Aware, Hyperviolent Zombie Film ‘Colony’

Mayhem Reigns in Self-Aware, Hyperviolent Zombie Film ‘Colony’

By Alex McPherson A zombie actioner that makes up for its narrative weaknesses with bone-contorting gusto and ruthless sensibilities, director Yeon Sang-ho’s “Colony” hits the... Details
‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma’ is a Gloriously Strange, Overstuffed Experience 

‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma’ is a Gloriously Strange, Overstuffed Experience 

By Alex McPhersonDirector Jane Schoenbrun’s surrealist meta–slasher-satire-character-study “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” is ambitious and wholly unique, even if occasionally muddled by the... Details
Anthony Bourdain Coming-of-Age Story ‘Tony’ Makes Satisfying Meal of Familiar Ingredients

Anthony Bourdain Coming-of-Age Story ‘Tony’ Makes Satisfying Meal of Familiar Ingredients

By Alex McPherson Director Matt Johnson’s “Tony” is an excellently acted mini-biopic that goes beyond  familiar plot beats to paint a textured portrait of a... Details
“Supergirl’ Milly Alcock Impresses in Standard Superhero Story

“Supergirl’ Milly Alcock Impresses in Standard Superhero Story

By Alex McPherson Representing less a defiant step forward into a new era of the DC Cinematic Universe than a retread of the by-the-books superhero... Details
Spielberg Shoots for the Stars in Scattershot Sci-Fi Thriller ‘Disclosure Day’

Spielberg Shoots for the Stars in Scattershot Sci-Fi Thriller ‘Disclosure Day’

By Alex McPherson Bringing together remarkable talent for an underbaked summer spectacle that trades nuance for naiveté, director Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day” is neither compelling... Details
Disorienting ‘Backrooms’ Is Brilliantly Filmed Liminal Horror Film

Disorienting ‘Backrooms’ Is Brilliantly Filmed Liminal Horror Film

By Alex McPherson A masterpiece of experiential filmmaking that mines palm-sweating anticipation from what’s lurking around the next corner, director Kane Parsons’ “Backrooms” is an... Details
Inde Navarette Joins the Horror Greats in Ruthless Chiller ‘Obsession’

Inde Navarette Joins the Horror Greats in Ruthless Chiller ‘Obsession’

By Alex McPhersonDisappointing in its simplicity yet chock-full of savage set-pieces, and featuring an awe-inspiring performance from Inde Navarette, director Curry Barker’s “Obsession” leaves a... Details