⭐⭐⭐⭐ Walking into The Drama, I expected a lighthearted romantic comedy with a sprinkle of drama — something easy to digest. What I got instead was a deeply unsettling, thought-provoking exploration of human relationships and the weight of our pasts. Directed by Kristoffer Borgli and starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, this film is anything but predictable. It’s a dark romantic dramedy that forces you to sit … Continue reading The Drama
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Classified as an art film, Mother Mary, directed by David Lowery, weaves together complex emotions and quiet moments. Like many films in this genre, it relies more on mood, atmosphere, and subtext than on a straightforward plot. Throughout the movie, this approach is especially apparent in how its emotional weight is conveyed through subtle, unspoken Queer undertones. The film follows Mother Mary (Anne Hathaway), … Continue reading Mother Mary
⭐⭐⭐⭐ This past weekend, I had the incredible privilege of attending the 40th-anniversary celebration of Stand by Me at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle. To say the evening was magical would be an understatement. After the film’s screening, the audience was treated to a live Q&A session with cast members Jerry O’Connell, Corey Feldman, and Wil Wheaton. Hearing their behind-the-scenes stories and personal reflections on … Continue reading Stand by Me
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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?
FRANK'S FILM REVIEW 