by Jason Osiason

Ghostlight shines as a poignant exploration of family and theater’s redemptive powers. Set against a backdrop of personal and collective tragedy, the film captures the essence of the characters’ journeys through grief and redemption.

The story centers on Dan Mueller, a construction worker coping with the wrongful death of his son, Brian, and the disciplinary issues of his teenage daughter, Daisy. Dan finds solace in joining a local theater production of ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ where he takes on the role of Romeo. His involvement in the play helps him navigate his grief and mend strained family relationships. His wife, Sharon, and daughter, Daisy, also find healing through their connection to the theater.

An utterly insane fact about Ghostlight—not only does the trio of actors who play the family deliver devastatingly moving performances, each showcasing their unique talents, but they are a LITERAL family. This remarkable find adds immensely to the film’s beauty and authenticity.

The film weaves its narrative with raw emotional depth, reminiscent of Manchester by the Sea, using the world of theater as a lens to explore themes of loss and healing. The cast delivers powerful performances, making the emotional highs and lows feel intimate and genuine.

Ghostlight stands out as a deeply moving triumph, celebrated for its ability to engage audiences emotionally and leave a lasting impression with its heartfelt storytelling and powerful performances. A moving triumph that is a testament to the power of theater in healing and understanding. [A-]

A Different Man presents a nightmarish, darkly comedic exploration of identity and societal expectations, featuring a stellar performance by Sebastian Stan. Stan’s portrayal of Edward Blake, a disfigured artist on a twisted journey of self-discovery, captures the essence of a man unraveling under the pressures and misconceptions of his surroundings. Sebastian Stan losing every fiber of his mind for two hours as a disfigured tortured artist is as glorious as it sounds.

Edward Blake, after undergoing reconstructive surgery, becomes obsessed with a stage actor who is set to portray him in a biographical play. As Edward’s fixation deepens, he begins to question his own identity and the reality around him, leading to a series of increasingly bizarre and darkly humorous unravelings as he blurs the lines between reality and delusion.

The film combines elements of Dostoevsky’s psychological depth with Kubrick’s eerie dissection of human nature, creating a unique blend that challenges the audience’s perceptions of identity and the masks we wear. The narrative’s intense, uncomfortable atmosphere is balanced with sharp wit, making it a compelling watch for those who appreciate films that provoke thought and disturb in equal measure. [B+]

Good One delves into the complexities of adolescence with a tender yet piercing look at the emotional landscape of youth. The film follows 17-year-old Sam, brought to life by the outstanding Lily Collias, during a camping trip in the Catskills with her father Chris, portrayed by James Le Gros, and his friend Matt, portrayed by Danny McCarthy.

Sam, mature beyond her years, observes the clash of egos between her father and Matt. Chris is critical and overbearing, while Matt struggles with his own issues. Their interactions reveal vulnerabilities and the impact of familial relationships.

Director India Donaldson skillfully captures the subtle dynamics and the beautiful yet challenging environment, making Sam’s journey a poignant exploration of self-awareness and resilience. The film’s observational style and Collias’s outstanding performance ground the narrative, bringing authenticity to the characters’ struggles and growth.

Reminiscent of Kelly Reichardt’s films, Good One captures the subdued yet intense struggles of its characters with a keen eye for subtleties, marking it as a significant contribution to the coming-of-age genre. [B+]

My Old Ass directed by Megan Park, is a delightful and profound journey that brings a refreshing spin on both the coming-of-age and time travel genres. Maisy Stella stars as Elliott, an 18-year-old who, during a mushroom trip, encounters her older self, igniting a series of events that are both genuinely funny and profoundly moving.

The character work in the film is outstanding, with Stella’s performance capturing the intricate nuances of teenage angst and self-discovery. As the film navigates the complexities of youth and regret, it seamlessly blends humor and emotion, ultimately delivering the uplifting message that “life can be shitty, but living in the present is the best fucking feeling in the world!” This sentiment and the chemistry between its performers resonate deeply, and its pure emotional profundity had me overlook some of its shortcomings, like the poor implementation of Aubrey Plaza’s character after her great introduction, which started feeling like it was being shoehorned in.

Overall, My Old Ass celebrates the messy, beautiful experience of living in the moment. It’s a film I imagine will gain a growing following for years to come. [B+]

Sasquatch Sunset is a unique cinematic experiment that foregoes dialogue in favor of pure visual and emotional storytelling. The film focuses on a Sasquatch family, portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg, Riley Keough, Christophe Zajac-Denek, and Nathan Zellner, exploring themes of nature, family, and survival in a raw and uninhibited manner.

Set in the Pacific Northwest, the story captures the daily struggles and interactions of the Sasquatch family as they navigate the harsh realities of the wilderness and the threats it poses. The absence of dialogue compels us to engage deeply with the visual and emotional cues, emphasizing the power of body language and facial expressions to convey the narrative. This approach challenges viewers, blending humor and drama through scenes that highlight the sasquatches’ animalistic behaviors, such as scratching, sniffing, and other primal activities. This blend of the absurd and the poignant creates a unique viewing experience that prompts viewers to reflect on the primal aspects of existence and the importance of family and survival.

Touched, moved, and alive—I think I loved it. No dialogue, just pure, animalistic, uninhibited Sasquatches. Incredible performances and full commitment from the whole cast. At times, it’s a celebration of body fluids, but also a testament to the importance of family and the trust in the ultimate absurdity of the emotions behind it. Contains one of the most terrifying and intense death sequences I’ve ever seen!

Despite some of its more bizarre elements, thanks to the commitment of the cast to their roles, Sasquatch Sunset is a noteworthy addition to the world of experimental cinema. [B+]