Tag: 4 stars

  • Pearl by Jonny Numb

    Pearl: A Return to Form “Return to form” is a slippery little phrase in the film-critic world. It accompanies rave reviews of “comebacks” from established filmmakers who’ve had some stumbles since their last “good” effort. It’s also a backhanded compliment that implies a director’s most recent work carries an air of familiarity that corresponds to…

  • Crimes of the Future by Jonny Numb

    Crimes of the Future: Creative Evolution The challenge of describing David Cronenberg and his body (heh, heh) of work in new and exciting ways has become an exercise in futility. “Genius!” they cry. “Visionary!” they hail. “The King of Venereal Horror!” they shout with glee. Long ago, these descriptors felt unique enough to properly encompass…

  • Broadcast Signal Intrusion by Jonny Numb

    Broadcast Signal Intrusion: The Search for “Truth” There’s a junction in any good conspiracy thriller where the viewer realizes, usually in tandem with the protagonist, that they’re in over their head. You’re both invested to the point where you simply can’t stop the search for the truth (however precarious the notion of “truth” may be)…

  • The Night House by Jonny Numb

    The Night House: Specifics of Emotion The symbiotic relationship between grief and fear is undeniable, but for all the horror efforts that hit this tricky bullseye, just as many screw it up. Thankfully, The Night House gets the tone just right.   It’s one thing to craft a film that depicts the loss of a loved…

  • THE LAST KNOCK presents Saint Maud

    Saint Maud: All Hail If you haven’t seen Saint Maud as of yet, have no fears, we won’t spoil a thing for you. But we will explore what sets Rose Glass’ film apart from the rest of the horrors flirting with religious overtones – or undertones. The first-time feature film writer/director delivered an intriguing dramatic…