Sinners

 

Set in the 1930s American South, Ryan Coogler's Sinners is a gothic horror that follows twin brothers, played in dual roles by Michael B. Jordan, who return to their hometown seeking peace but instead uncover a sinister evil. 

The film unfolded methodically, prioritizing character development before its haunting plot fully emerged. Coogler masterfully employed symbolism, using blues music and the Southern gothic backdrop as potent metaphors for resistance. The score was intentionally evocative, underscoring the pain, beauty, and resilience of Black communities facing historical oppression. 

Filmed for IMAX, the vastness and depth of the land that sharecroppers toiled under during Jim Crow was strikingly apparent, adding another layer to the film's historical context. Deeply woven themes of racism, assimilation, cultural erasure through colonization, and spiritual resistance permeated the narrative, prompting viewers to confront the real-world horrors underlying the supernatural elements. Ultimately, the film's most profound terrors stemmed from the lived experiences of marginalized communities.

What truly elevated Sinners was Coogler’s continued commitment to representing the diversity of the Black experience. Black women were portrayed as complex, smart, strong, and sensual. There was also a deeply thoughtful depiction of cross-racial solidarity with Chinese characters, underscoring the shared resistance against white supremacy and systemic violence. It was a quiet but powerful narrative thread that added richness and relevance to the film's historical setting.

The casting was strong with a mixture of iconic veteran actors like Delroy Lindo and some newer to the scene actors. Jordan delivered one of his most nuanced performances to date. He was able to portray two distinctly different brothers who were the anchor to the film’s emotional core. His chemistry with Wunmi Mosaku added warmth to an otherwise ominous atmosphere, while newcomer Miles Caton stood out both as an actor and musician. His performance was soulful, adding a musical heartbeat to the film that tied beautifully into storytelling.

That said, I wasn’t a huge fan of how the villains were portrayed visually. Given the film’s heavy themes and emotional weight, I was hoping for a more frightening depiction of evil. While the concept behind them was strong, the execution lacked compared to what I’ve seen in other supernatural villain portrayals like Interview with the Vampire (TV series) or the Underworld film franchise. Those comparisons show just how terrifying and visually arresting supernatural antagonists can be when fully realized.

In the end, Sinners was a visually rich, emotionally powerful period horror with layered themes and standout performances. While the villains fell short of their potential visually, the film remained a unique and compelling entry in the genre.

Thunderbolts*

 

Set after Captain America: Brave New World, Thunderbolts* assembles a team of morally ambiguous individuals from the MCU. As they are thrust into a perilous mission they are forced to work together and confront their dark pasts.

Despite lacking big stars, the ensemble cast's surprising chemistry fueled the film's depth. The movie cleverly used their dysfunction for both tension and relatable comedy, which enhanced the action without diminishing the stakes.

The action sequences were sharp with standout moments that remind you why Marvel’s fight choreography can still shine when done right. And while the villain drew some criticism for their more abstract, psychological power set, it fit thematically. The idea of confronting your past and choosing growth over repression gave the film an emotional core that hit harder than many recent Marvel entries.

Thunderbolts*, unburdened by Avenger legacy or fan-favorite team-ups, refreshingly focused on marginalized characters thrust into a fight for redemption. Its smaller scale, personal stakes, and surprising heart offered a welcome change in the superhero landscape, potentially providing the tonal and narrative reset Marvel needs.

Will & Harper

 

Will & Harper is a documentary that follows comedian Will Ferrell and his longtime friend Harper as they embark on a cross-country road trip shortly after Harper comes out as a trans woman.

I found the storytelling to be a raw, emotional journey through decades of friendship, transition, and the often painful realities of living authentically in today’s world. It was heartfelt and unflinching

For many viewers, seeing Will Ferrell as a grounded, vulnerable person will be a welcome surprise. Known for his outrageous comedic characters, Ferrell steps back here, allowing us to see a quieter, more empathetic side. His support for Harper wasn't performative; it was rooted in deep love and a genuine desire to understand. Watching him listen, stumble through tough conversations, and grow in real time was powerful.

Harper's candid and courageous sharing of her experiences with mental health, identity, and social stigma formed the powerful and educational core of this documentary. The film didn’t shy away from showing the ugliness many trans people endure from subtle biases to outright hostility. It also balanced quiet moments of beauty, resilience, and the healing power of friendship. It didn’t try to paint a picture of a perfect world; instead, it showed how meaningful it can be to have someone stand by you, even when they don’t have all the answers.

Will & Harper was more than a story about transition. It was a reminder of what real allyship looks like; learning, showing up, and loving someone through change. It is an essential film for our moment, and one that deserves to be widely seen.

Exterritorial

 

In the 2025 German action thriller Exterritorial, a former soldier's desperate search for her missing son, who vanished at a U.S. consulate, leads her to uncover a dangerous conspiracy. The film is directed and written by Christian Zübert and stars Jeanne Goursaud, Dougray Scott, and Lera Abova.

The plot itself was undeniably unique, weaving in twists and moments of tension that kept me engaged. Unfortunately, the film often failed to land its more dramatic beats. The believability of key moments wavered, and the acting was mostly flat, weakening the emotional core of the story.

A major drawback lied in the dubbed version, which was jarringly bad. The awkward dialogue and mismatched tone made it hard to take certain scenes seriously. Watching it in its original German likely would have improved the experience considerably, preserving both the actors’ intended performances and the film’s atmospheric tension.

While Exterritorial may not hold up on the big screen, it fit the mold of a passable Netflix thriller — something to throw on when you're in the mood for light suspense without high expectations. It's watchable, but not memorable, and unlikely to warrant a second viewing.

G20

G20 is an action thriller for Amazon Prime that centers on President Sutton, played by Viola Davis, as she leverages her deep governing knowledge and military background in a desperate fight to protect her family, her country, and the global community from the escalating danger within the summit's confines.

The narrative itself didn't break much new ground. The "terrorists take over" plotline felt well-worn, lacking significant originality. However, what elevated the film is the commanding presence of Viola Davis. Stepping into the shoes of President Sutton, Davis brought a gravitas and intensity that anchored the entire production. She was well rounded with her political acumen and military background that felt authentic and compelling. It was particularly refreshing to witness Davis in a physically demanding, action-oriented role where she was unequivocally the driving force.

The supporting cast delivered decent performances. Antony Starr effectively embodied the complicated villain, staying within his established wheelhouse of portraying morally ambiguous and unsettling characters. For fans of the sitcom Black-ish, the reunion of Anthony Anderson and Marsai Martin provided a touch of familiar warmth amidst the tension.

While the plot beats may feel predictable at times, G20 does manage to inject moments of genuine unpredictability, keeping the audience somewhat engaged. However, the action choreography, particularly during flight sequences, occasionally felt sluggish and lacked the crispness expected in a modern action thriller.

Ultimately, G20 was a film carried by the sheer force of Viola Davis's performance. While the plot may not be groundbreaking and some action sequences falter, seeing her take charge in a physically demanding role, showcasing her leadership and resilience, was undeniably the film's strongest asset. It's a solid action thriller that, despite its familiar framework, offered a satisfying experience thanks to its powerful lead and moments of unexpected twists.

A Real Pain

 

A Real Pain is a buddy comedy-drama that follows mismatched cousins, David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin), as they reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their grandmother. As they confront their family history, old tensions resurface.

Jesse Eisenberg impressed in his triple role as writer, director, and star. Kieran Culkin, the recent Best Supporting Actor Oscar winner, delivered a nuanced performance as Benji, effectively showcasing both manic and depressive traits. While Culkin was typecast in his portrayal of Benji, a character often lacking tact and appearing selfish despite ultimately good intentions, it was intentionally awkward and sometimes difficult to watch. Eisenberg, also often cast as an anxious character, played well opposite Culkin, and both characters demonstrated significant development. The film also thoughtfully incorporated the music of Polish pianist Frédéric Chopin.

The plot was creative, exploring themes of family, forgiveness, and grief. However, a deeper exploration of the cousins' individual relationships with each other and their grandmother would have been beneficial.

While the film was well-crafted, it didn’t quite live up to the hype surrounding the acting accolades. It was a solid film, but it lacked a certain spark. Additionally, the ending felt somewhat open, leaving the cousins' relationship without a satisfying sense of closure.

I'm Still Here

I'm Still Here is a Golden Globe-winning, Oscar-nominated political biography drama that chronicles Eunice Paiva's determined quest to uncover the truth behind her husband's disappearance.

While the story unfolded at a slow pace, it effectively portrayed the oppressive atmosphere of the era. The performances were believable, with the cast working well together to convey the emotional weight of the situation. The attention to detail in the costumes and props further immersed me in the historical setting.

Eunice's resilience in the face of danger was a central theme, and the film highlighted her remarkable accomplishments in the aftermath of her husband's disappearance. Her story served as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering history, particularly given the current political climate in some countries. The film's timely message about the need to acknowledge and learn from the past, even in the face of resistance, resonated strongly.

The film suffered from a lack of in-depth character development, particularly for the children and even the main characters. This made it difficult to fully invest in their emotional journeys.

Despite these issues I'm Still Here’s recognition was understandable, as it shed light on a crucial historical moment and the enduring strength of the human spirit.