Piero Messina’s science-fiction Another End fails to inspire interesting questions or interest the viewer visually. It’s a bust, live from Berlin Film Festival.
Another End. We’ve Got Black Mirror at Home.
Competition
Too Many Cooks Spoil La Cocina
La Cocina uses its kitchen-setting as a springboard for a grand Statement on America. But it ruins the main dish by adding too many flavours.
A Different Man, Sort Of
A Different Man has all the snarky hallmarks of another A24 provocation, but it’s saved by a screenplay that somehow evokes the best of Woody Allen.
Small Things Like These. Faux Terence Davies
Small Things Like These may highlight a vital decades-long human rights abuse but is sadly let down by its derivative imitation of Terence Davies’ best work.
Christian Petzold Changes Pace with the Breezy Relationship Drama Afire
A perfect cast and a breezy tone, intermingling with moments of horror and danger, characterise Afire, a more low-key effort from Christian Petzold.
Limbo (Not that One or that One) Gives the Ossie Outback the Breaking Bad Treatment
This Australian desert noir is more interesting than its title, but would’ve worked a whole lot better as a TV series.
Bad Living and Living Bad at Berlinale 2023: Four Enigmatic Hours of Maternal Misery
Haughty mothers haunt a draughty hotel in João Canijo’s Bad Living and Living Bad, playing in both Competition and Encounters at the Berlinale 2023.
You Have to Try Very Hard to Appreciate Angela Schanelec’s Music
Despite a fine flair for creating aesthetically pleasing images, Music is a thoroughly singular filmmaking experience hard to genuinely love.
Yes, Past Lives Is as Good as They Say
Usually Sundance-hype films are overheated and underwhelming. The sly, smart Past Lives is a brilliant exception to the rule.
Tótem Piercingly Asks If Love is Enough
A family celebration provides the setting for a haunting coming-of-age tale, courtesy of auteur to watch, Lila Avilés. Golden Bear winner?