Pure Scum Review: Privilege Runs Wild Through the Streets of Melbourne
Since the release of “A Clockwork Orange,” directors have attempted to capture the essence of reckless youth and toxic masculinity without making the characters engaging or appealing. Writer-director Gideon Aroni takes on this challenge in “Pure Scum,” a gritty Australian psychological thriller that follows two privileged young men through an increasingly disastrous night in Melbourne.
“Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma Review: Sex, Slashers, and the Search for Intimacy
After making a splash with “I Saw the TV Glow”, writer-director Jane Schoenbrun continues to carve out a distinctive path with MUBI’s “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma”. Once again, Schoenbrun takes familiar genre material and uses it to explore more personal themes. However, this time, the results didn’t always resonate with me.
The Rivals of Amziah King Review: Matthew McConaughey Finds Gold in an Unlikely Honey Business Drama
Oscar-winning Matthew McConaughey continues to embrace the mature phase of his career with “The Rivals of Amziah King,” a unique and soulful rural drama directed and co-written by Andrew Patterson.
**Cookie Queens” Review: A Captivating Look at the Girl Scout Hustle**
One of the great joys of covering the Sundance Film Festival is discovering a movie you missed has found a distributor. This is the case with Roadside Attractions’ *Cookie Queens*, directed by Alyssa Nahmias and executive produced by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
‘Motor City’ Review: Alan Ritchson Powers a Brutal, Nearly Dialogue-Free Revenge Thriller
Director Potsy Ponciroli shifts gears for his third feature in “Motor City,” produced by IFC Films. Chad St. John penned the film’s screenplay, which was actually on the 2009 Black List and spent several years in development hell before finally getting underway.
Splash City Review: Lionsgate’s Gritty San Francisco Crime Drama Brings Raw Street-Level Energy
San Francisco in film is often depicted through sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge or romanticized, foggy hills. However, “Splash City” from Lionsgate brings the focus down to street level. Co-directed by Alex Ferrufino and Gilbert Anthony Milam Jr. (better known as rapper and entrepreneur Berner), this R-rated crime drama moves away from postcard aesthetics to present a sharp, urgent portrayal of survival on the streets.
Lee Cronin’s The Mummy Review: A Possession Film Wrapped in Bandages”
Writer-director Lee Cronin made an impressive feature film debut in 2019 with “The Hole in the Ground” and followed it up with a fresh and gruesome installment in the “Evil Dead” franchise, “Evil Dead Rise”. However, due to adult responsibilities, I missed his third film in theaters. The mixed reviews and rumors of a troubled production have me concerned.
“Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass” Review: Zoey Deutch Shines in David Wain’s Raunchy Hollywood Comedy
When I first saw “Gail Daughtry’s and the Celebrity Sex Pass” at Sundance 2026, it quickly became one of my favorite films of the festival. I was elated when Sony Pictures Classics picked up the film for distribution.
“Moana” Review: A Worthy Voyage That Mildly Justifies Its Existence
The first Disney cartoon I remember receiving the live-action treatment was 1994’s “The Jungle Book”. Since then, the studio has revisited 14 more animated classics, with results ranging from inspired reinterpretations to lavish exercises in brand recognition.
Lockbox Review: Carla Gugino Can’t Save This Disjointed Supernatural Thriller
Horror director Daniel Stamm adds another supernatural thriller to his résumé with “Lockbox” from Aura Entertainment. Written by Justin Yoffe and based on the “Knifepoint Horror” stories, the film follows Ellen (Carla Gugino) as she retreats to a rural town after her mother’s death in search of peace.
Lucky Strike Review: Scott Eastwood Carries This Battle of the Bulge Drama
Scott Eastwood reunites with director Rod Lurie, who previously worked with him on *The Outpost*, for another military drama titled *Lucky Strike*, produced by Roadside Attractions. Lurie co-wrote the screenplay with Marc Frydman, based on a true story from World War II history.
Couture Review: Angelina Jolie Shines in an Underwhelming Fashion Week Drama
Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie follows up her 2024 biopic “Maria” with the heavy-handed drama “Couture,” produced by Vertical. Directed by Alice Winocour, who also wrote the script, the film centers on Maxine (played by Jolie), an American filmmaker who arrives in Paris during the excitement of Fashion Week to direct the show’s opening segment.