⭐⭐⭐⭐ There’s something genuinely unsettling about Stranger by the Lake, and for me, it isn’t the murder itself — it’s how loneliness can so completely twist someone’s judgment. The most disturbing thing is watching someone, desperate for affection and connection, witness a murder and then choose to befriend the murderer just to avoid being alone. Alain Guiraudie, the director, sets his entire 2013 French film … Continue reading Stranger by the Lake (2013)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mysterious Skin, directed by Gregg Araki, is a deeply emotional and unsettling film that explores the lives of two boys forever changed by a mysterious event in their childhood. Adapted from Scott Heim’s novel, the movie examines the long-term effects of trauma and the ways people cope. The story centers on Neil McCormick, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Brian Lackey, played by Brady Corbet. … Continue reading Mysterious Skin (2004)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ In prison slang, taking the “Midnight Express” means only one thing — making an escape. The phrase evokes a desperate, fleeting hope when every other door is closed. Alan Parker’s 1978 film transforms this idea into a powerful and raw journey, focusing as much on the struggle for survival as on the quest for freedom. From the opening frame, Midnight Express pulses with nervous … Continue reading Midnight Express (1978)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Watching The Lost Daughter, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, is an intimate and, at times, uncomfortable experience. The film, adapted from Elena Ferrante’s novel, doesn’t sugarcoat the rough edges of motherhood or skirt around the big, unsettling feelings that can accompany it. Instead, Gyllenhaal presents a raw, unvarnished look at family, guilt, and the complex lives of women, creating a film that lingers long after … Continue reading The Lost Daughter (2021)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ The film’s title, Pillion, can be interpreted in several ways. On one hand, it refers to the passenger seat on a motorcycle — a powerful symbol of vulnerability and reliance on the driver. On the other, it suggests being carried through life, dependent on the choices and control of others. In both interpretations, the meaning is clear: this film is about dominance and submission. … Continue reading Pillion
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Twinless isn’t just a film — it’s a visceral journey into the raw, unfiltered realities of grief, identity, and the human need for connection. At its heart, it’s a Queer story, unapologetically authentic and unafraid to delve into the complexities of flawed, searching individuals. The story centers on Roman, a man struggling to navigate life after the devastating loss of his twin brother, Rocky. … Continue reading Twinless (2025)
⭐⭐⭐ João Pedro Rodrigues’ film O Fantasma is a bold and visually striking debut that immerses viewers into themes of desire and alienation. This Portuguese film captures the struggle of a gay man who feels utterly out of place in society. With its raw and honest approach, O Fantasma has carved out a significant niche in queer cinema, urging viewers to confront both discomfort and beauty. … Continue reading O Fantasma (The Phantom)
FRANK'S FILM REVIEW 