Reviews
The Ugly Stepsister: A Grotesque Mirror Reflecting Society's Obsession with Beauty
Most visited Last 7 days
Drama
Synopsis
Something bad happened to Agnes, but life moves forward—at least for everyone around her.
Rating: R 
Directed by: Eva Victor
Written by: Eva Victor
Trailer
Mickey 17 (2025)
In Mickey 17, director Bong Joon-ho ventures into the realm of science fiction, crafting a narrative that intertwines dark comedy with existential musings. The film follows Mickey Barnes, portrayed by Robert Pattinson, an "Expendable" human clone assigned perilous tasks on the icy planet Niflheim. Each time Mickey perishes, a new iteration is printed, retaining most of his memories but grappling with the existential weight of his disposability.
Bong's storytelling delves into themes of identity, mortality, and societal hierarchy. The narrative becomes particularly compelling when two versions of Mickey coexist, prompting reflections on self-worth and individuality. Pattinson's dual performance captures the nuances of a character caught between duty and self-preservation.
Critically, Mickey 17 has garnered a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences giving it a 73% score. While some praise its inventive approach and satirical edge, others find the plot convoluted and the pacing uneven. The film's ambitious narrative structure and thematic depth have sparked discussions about its place within Bong's oeuvre.
In summary, Mickey 17 offers a thought-provoking exploration of humanity through the lens of science fiction. While it may not resonate with all viewers, its blend of satire and speculative storytelling provides a unique cinematic experience.
Sorry, Baby (2025)
What Works
Compassionate and Authentic Portrayal of Trauma
In her feature debut, Eva Victor takes on the role of Agnes—a woman grappling with the lingering effects of sexual assault—with exceptional sensitivity and emotional precision. The film delves into the reverberations of trauma rather than the event itself, portraying Agnes’s daily reality with quiet power.
Nuanced Balance of Tone
The film impressively balances emotional honesty with unexpected humor. Agnes’s friendship with Lydie (Naomi Ackie) provides moments of warmth and genuine laughter, anchoring the narrative in resilient humanity.
Visually Poetic, Intimate Direction
Stylistic storytelling, including evocative shots like Agnes entering a house with the camera lingering outside as night falls, underscores trauma with minimalism and emotional weight. The grounded cinematography beautifully reflects New England's melancholic stillness.
Structural Clarity and Emotional Evolution
Divided into five non-linear chapters spanning years, the film reveals how healing isn’t linear. This structure mirrors memory and recovery, illustrating Agnes’s transformation in an honest and relatable way.
Where It Stumbles
Occasional Tonal Jaggedness
Some viewers felt the humor sometimes undercuts the emotional gravity of the story, making tone balance difficult in parts.
Minor Narrative Distractions
Certain subplots and secondary characters—like a subplot involving Lucas Hedges’s neighbor—felt underdeveloped, standing out in contrast to the film’s otherwise cohesive emotional drive.
Structural Shifts Can Disrupt Flow
While the chapter-based format is effective, it occasionally disrupts emotional momentum and connection, creating small jolts in narrative immersion.
Final Verdict
Sorry, Baby is a remarkable and deeply human cinematic debut. Through its sharp humor, visual restraint, and powerful performances—especially from Eva Victor and Naomi Ackie—it breathes life into a story about trauma, friendship, and resilience. While imperfect in tone and structure, its compassion and quiet wit make it a standout of 2025.
Recommended for: viewers seeking emotionally intelligent, intimate storytelling that honors strength in vulnerability.
Horror, Romance
Synopsis
Years into their relationship, Tim and Millie face a turning point as they relocate to the countryside. With tensions already high, a confrontation with an unnatural force threatens to unravel their lives, their love, and even their very beings.
Rating: R
Directed by: Michael Shanks
Written by: Michael Shanks
Trailer
Drama
Synopsis
One evening, the Blake family comes together to celebrate Thanksgiving in a run-down apartment recently rented by the daughter and her new partner. As night descends, it becomes clear that everyone has little to feel grateful for.
Rating: R
Directed by: Stephen Karam
Written by: Stephen Karam
Trailer
Comedy, Crime, Mystery
Synopsis
Four lively retirees pass their time cracking cold case murders for fun, but their laid-back sleuthing gets a gripping twist when they stumble upon an actual mystery to solve.
Rating: PG-13
Directed by: Chris Columbus
Written by: Katy Brand, Suzanne Heathcote, Richard Osman
Trailer
Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Synopsis
While scavenging the deep ends of a derelict space station, a group of young space colonists come face to face with the most terrifying life form in the universe.
Rating: R
Directed by: Fede Alvarez
Written by: Dan O'Bannon, Ronald Shusett, Fede Alvarez
Trailer
Emilie Blichfeldt's The Ugly Stepsister (2025) is a daring reimagining of the classic Cinderella tale, transformed into a visceral body horror narrative that delves deep into the extremes of societal beauty standards. Set in 18th-century Europe, the film follows Elvira (Lea Myren), a young woman overshadowed by her conventionally attractive stepsister, Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Næss). Driven by a desperate desire to gain the attention of Prince Julian (Isac Calmroth) and escape her impoverished circumstances, Elvira undergoes a series of harrowing cosmetic procedures orchestrated by her ambitious mother, Rebekka (Ane Dahl Torp).
Blichfeldt's direction is unflinching, presenting scenes that are both grotesque and poignant. From the sewing of eyelashes into eyelids to the ingestion of a tapeworm for weight loss, the film doesn't shy away from the macabre, using these elements to underscore the damaging lengths individuals might go to conform to societal ideals of beauty. The cinematography by Marcel Zyskind captures the bleakness of Elvira's world, while the haunting score by Kaada and Vilde Tuv amplifies the film's unsettling atmosphere.
Critics have noted the film's effective subversion of traditional fairy tale roles, with Agnes portrayed not as the innocent victim but as an enforcer of oppressive beauty norms . This role reversal challenges viewers to reconsider preconceived notions about characters often taken at face value in classic narratives. The film's commitment to its thematic exploration has garnered it a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its impact and resonance with audiences.
In conclusion, The Ugly Stepsister is a bold and unsettling film that uses the framework of a familiar story to confront uncomfortable truths about beauty, identity, and societal expectations. It's a cinematic experience that is as thought-provoking as it is disturbing, leaving a lasting impression on those who dare to watch.
Comedy, Crime
Synopsis
A veteran pot dealer creates a fake family as part of his plan to move a huge shipment of weed into the U.S. from Mexico.
Rating: R
Directed by: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Written by: Bob Fisher, Steve Faber, Sean Anders
Trailer
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Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Synopsis
Through a failed medical experiment, the priest becomes apathetic and is forced to abandon by asceticism.
Rating: R
Directed by: Chan-wook Park
Written by: Émile Zola, Chan-wook Park
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Most visited Last 30 days
Drama
Synopsis
Something bad happened to Agnes, but life moves forward—at least for everyone around her.
Rating: R
Directed by: Eva Victor
Written by: Eva Victor
Trailer
Mickey 17 (2025)
In Mickey 17, director Bong Joon-ho ventures into the realm of science fiction, crafting a narrative that intertwines dark comedy with existential musings. The film follows Mickey Barnes, portrayed by Robert Pattinson, an "Expendable" human clone assigned perilous tasks on the icy planet Niflheim. Each time Mickey perishes, a new iteration is printed, retaining most of his memories but grappling with the existential weight of his disposability.
Bong's storytelling delves into themes of identity, mortality, and societal hierarchy. The narrative becomes particularly compelling when two versions of Mickey coexist, prompting reflections on self-worth and individuality. Pattinson's dual performance captures the nuances of a character caught between duty and self-preservation.
Critically, Mickey 17 has garnered a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences giving it a 73% score. While some praise its inventive approach and satirical edge, others find the plot convoluted and the pacing uneven. The film's ambitious narrative structure and thematic depth have sparked discussions about its place within Bong's oeuvre.
In summary, Mickey 17 offers a thought-provoking exploration of humanity through the lens of science fiction. While it may not resonate with all viewers, its blend of satire and speculative storytelling provides a unique cinematic experience.
28 Years Later (2025), directed by Danny Boyle and co-written with Alex Garland, returns viewers to the desolate aftermath of the rage virus nearly three decades later. This installment shifts focus from run-and-gore action to a reflective exploration of survival, community, and mortality—anchored in the journey of 12‑year‑old Spike (Alfie Williams) and his family on a secluded British island community.
What Works
Striking Visual Storytelling
Shot innovatively with iPhone rigs by cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, the film merges handheld immediacy with lush, pastoral imagery. This gives execution scenes emotional weight without sacrificing visceral tension.
Emotionally Rich Performances
Williams is a standout as Spike—grounded and intense—while Jodie Comer delivers a quiet, haunting portrayal of Isla nursing a mysterious illness. Ralph Fiennes elevates the film with a memorable role as Dr. Kelson.
Philosophical Ambition Over Franchise Comfort
Rather than mimic past horror beats, the film explores themes of grief, legacy, and mortality. Spike’s rite of passage and eventual decision to embrace an uncertain future reflect thoughtful coming-of-age arcs within a world-in-collapse backdrop.
Innovative Sound & Score
Composer Young Fathers and sound designer Johnnie Burn articulate a soundtrack that pulses with industrial dread and elegiac resonance, supporting the film's tonal shifts.
What Doesn’t
Tone and Pacing Inconsistency
Critics observed that the first half pulses with intensity through gore-laced horror, while the second rhythmically slows into introspective drama—creating a tonal imbalance that may disengage some viewers.
Underdeveloped Allegories
Though the film gestures at geopolitical themes—Brexit, pandemic trauma, extremism—it doesn’t fully explore them. Their symbolic weight often remains tantalizing but elusive.
Plot Holes & Clunky Setup for Sequels
The abrupt, surreal final twist—introducing the cult-like figure Sir Jimmy Crystal—has raised eyebrows, shifting genre tone and hinting at future conflict while leaving many narrative strands dangling.
Verdict
28 Years Later is a bold pivot from grisly zombie hangout to reflective psychodrama. It sacrifices some raw horror in favor of poetic, emotional territory. At times fragmented and tonally uneven, it succeeds through its performances, inventive visuals, and visionary ambition. This is not the visceral ride fans may expect—but it’s undeniably intriguing.
Recommended for those who appreciate horror with heart and philosophical layer.
This film also sets up the next chapter—28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, slated for release in January 2026, and shot back-to-back with this one.
Materialists (2025)
Materialists (2025), written and directed by Celine Song (Past Lives), is a glossy romantic film that tries to unpack modern dating—from luxury-driven courtship to the emotional consequences of treating love like currency.
What Works
Thoughtful Concept & Sharp Social Commentary
The film smartly critiques contemporary dating culture, exploring how society increasingly views prospective partners through rigid metrics—wealth, status, and physical attributes. Through her matchmaking business in Manhattan, Lucy (Dakota Johnson) facilitates these transactional unions, and the narrative questions whether love can ever transcend its economic trappings.
Strong Supporting Presence
While the central love triangle sometimes falters, Zoe Winters delivers a standout turn as a disillusioned client, adding emotional texture and thematic weight.
Elegant Cinematography & Production Design
Shabier Kirchner’s visuals juxtapose the pristine world of luxury and tailoring with gritty, lived-in spaces. Costume design and NYC locations contribute to a film that looks polished and layered.
What Falls Short
Emotional Flatness & Lack of Chemistry
Multiple critics observed a notable absence of big emotional stakes. Dakota Johnson’s performance as Lucy is stylish and controlled—but often detached. The romance with Harry (Pedro Pascal) and ex‑boyfriend John (Chris Evans) rarely sparks, rendering the love triangle unconvincing.
Narrative Treadmill Runs Dry
What begins as a sharp deconstruction of romantic tropes devolves into the same beats it aimed to critique. The film eventually reverts to familiar rom‑com formulas, sacrificing emotional nuance for tidy resolution.
Tonally Uneven & Overstuffed
Materialists juggles multiple threads—Lucy’s psyche, satire of the wealthy clients, and her personal triangle—but struggles to unify them. Pacing drags in the second act, and the resolution feels overly neat compared to the premise.
Final Verdict
Materialists is visually sleek, socially observant, and occasionally provocative—but ultimately conflicted in tone. Celine Song presents a Mumbai of ideas—on wealth, romance, and class—but the characters rarely feel alive, and the emotional pulse is missing.
For viewers interested in thoughtful interrogations of modern love, with stylish visuals and an indie edge, Materialists offers occasional insight. But those seeking emotional authenticity, satisfying chemistry, or genuine romantic payoff may find it too cool, too calculated, and ultimately too distant.
Horror, Thriller
Synopsis
A group of survivors of the rage virus resides on a small island. When one member ventures to the mainland on a mission, he uncovers secrets, marvels, and terrors that have transformed not just the infected but also the other survivors.
Rating: R
Directed by: Danny Boyle
Written by: Alex Garland
Trailer
Drama, Thriller
Synopsis
A devoted family man becomes fixated on preventing accidents at the dangerous curve in front of his house, risking everything as his obsession consumes him.
Rating: NR
Directed by: Jason Buxton
Written by: Jason Buxton, Russell Wangersky
Trailer
Horror, Romance
Synopsis
Years into their relationship, Tim and Millie face a turning point as they relocate to the countryside. With tensions already high, a confrontation with an unnatural force threatens to unravel their lives, their love, and even their very beings.
Rating: R
Directed by: Michael Shanks
Written by: Michael Shanks
Trailer
Comedy, Crime
Synopsis
A veteran pot dealer creates a fake family as part of his plan to move a huge shipment of weed into the U.S. from Mexico.
Rating: R
Directed by: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Written by: Bob Fisher, Steve Faber, Sean Anders
Trailer
Nosferatu (2024)
Nosferatu is a visually captivating reimagining of the iconic vampire tale that excels in style but falters in substance. The film’s strongest elements—its costume design, production design, makeup, and score—work in harmony to evoke the eerie, gothic atmosphere of its period setting with remarkable authenticity. The painstaking attention to detail in these areas brings the world to life, transporting viewers to a shadowy, hauntingly beautiful past.
The costumes are masterfully crafted, each piece rich with texture and historical accuracy, enhancing the believability of the characters and the era. The production design, too, is a triumph, featuring meticulously designed sets that immerse the audience in dimly lit, claustrophobic interiors and fog-laden landscapes. The makeup team deserves special mention for their chillingly effective work on the titular vampire and other supernatural elements, lending the film a sense of menace that lingers long after the visuals fade. The haunting score further underscores the film’s gothic tone, weaving through scenes with an ominous elegance that elevates the tension and mood.
However, as breathtaking as the film is on a surface level, its core feels disappointingly hollow. The dialogue lacks the sharpness or depth needed to make the characters memorable, while the story leans heavily on recycled tropes and shock moments rather than delivering a fresh or meaningful narrative. This reliance on spectacle over substance undermines the film's potential, leaving it feeling more like a collection of beautifully curated moments than a cohesive, impactful whole.
Ultimately, Nosferatu is a frustrating experience—a film that showcases the immense talent of its production team but fails to back up its aesthetic accomplishments with compelling storytelling. It’s an example of style triumphing over substance, leaving viewers to marvel at its visuals while lamenting its lack of narrative weight.
Score: 6/10
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