⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ana Kokkinos’ Head On is a cinematic gut-punch — a raw, unrelenting exploration of identity, culture, and rebellion. Based on Christos Tsiolkas’ novel Loaded, the film follows 19-year-old Ari, a second-generation Greek-Australian navigating the chaos of his sexuality, family expectations, and the gritty streets of Melbourne. It’s a story that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t sugarcoat, and doesn’t apologize. Ari, played by Alex Dimitriades, is a … Continue reading Head On (1998)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Parting Glances is one of those rare films that feels like a time capsule, capturing a specific moment in history while still feeling deeply personal and timeless. Set in 1980s New York City, the story spans 24 hours and follows Michael (Richard Ganoung) and Robert (John Bolger), a gay couple facing a major turning point. Robert is about to leave for a two-year work … Continue reading Parting Glances (1986)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Polly Findlay’s Midwinter Break is a film that understands the power of silence. In a cinematic world often filled with noise, this beautifully crafted drama finds its strength in the quiet spaces between words. It’s a thoughtful and deeply human story about a long-term marriage, brought to life by the masterful performances of Lesley Manville and Ciarán Hinds. The film follows Stella (Manville) and … Continue reading Midwinter Break (2026)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Few films explore longing for home as vividly as The Trip to Bountiful, the 1985 drama directed by Peter Masterson and adapted from Horton Foote’s acclaimed play. Celebrated by Geraldine Page’s Oscar-winning lead performance, this quiet yet powerful film resonates across generations with its heartfelt examination of family, memory, and the passage of time. Set against the backdrop of post-war Texas in the 1940s, … Continue reading The Trip to Bountiful
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Is This Thing On? is a rare gem of a film that surprises viewers with its humor, emotion, and honest portrayal of life’s unexpected challenges. Directed by Bradley Cooper and co-written with Will Arnett and Mark Chappell, the story follows Alex Novak (Arnett), who is trying to rebuild his life after separating from his wife. While loosely based on the life of comedian John … Continue reading Is This Thing On?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Audiences entering the theater to watch Hamnet may not know exactly what to expect. With the acclaimed talents of Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley anchoring the cast and the film’s deep connection to Shakespearean legacy, anticipation runs high. Yet, the emotional depth and profound humanity that unfold on screen surpass even the loftiest expectations. Directed by Chloé Zhao and adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s celebrated … Continue reading Hamnet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gods and Monsters, directed by Bill Condon, is a moving and visually stunning exploration of the final days of James Whale, the real-life director of Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein. While inspired by Whale’s life, the film is a fictional account of his last days, crafting a story about memory, identity, and the search for connection. Set in the 1950s, the film follows Whale (Ian McKellen) as … Continue reading Gods and Monsters
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Gus Van Sant’s Milk isn’t just a movie—it’s a powerful story about bravery, love, and the fight for equality. It tells the true story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to public office in California, and it’s both inspiring and heartbreaking. Sean Penn’s incredible performance as Milk brings this story to life, showing us the struggles and triumphs of a man … Continue reading Milk
FRANK'S FILM REVIEW 