By Jason Osiason
K-POPS!
K-POPS! has its charm as a lively, music-driven exploration of fatherhood and cultural connection, directed by Anderson .Paak, who also stars as Ray, a father trying to reconnect with his estranged son—a rising K-pop star. The film is undeniably vibrant, bringing Ray’s perspective into the hyper-stylized world of K-pop, but it doesn’t quite reach the potential of its premise. While .Paak’s direction infuses energy, and some scenes are fun and heartfelt, it often treads familiar ground, with certain plot beats and musical numbers feeling repetitive rather than groundbreaking.
There’s warmth in the father-son storyline, and .Paak’s performance is endearing, yet the film’s emotional resonance falls short. K-POPS! feels like it’s one or two memorable songs or scenes away from being a more impactful experience. The visuals are impressive, but without the emotional depth to match, it comes off more like a fun detour than a memorable journey. Though it’ll likely find an audience on streaming, K-POPS! ultimately lands as a feel-good but fairly predictable entry that only partially delivers on its high-energy premise. [C+]
THE ROOM NEXT DOOR
The Room Next Door absolutely earned that Golden Lion. This film is tremendous—a haunting yet serene exploration of life’s most delicate yet powerful moments, leaving an impact that’s hard to shake. Tilda Swinton delivers one of her finest performances as Lily, a woman facing her final days with a quiet bravery that’s both fragile and profound. Swinton’s portrayal is breathtaking, capturing the nuances of a character who is simultaneously reconciling with her past and deepening her connections with those she loves.
The film unfolds as a delicate reflection on love, memory, and the deep, often unspoken bonds we carry with us. Each scene feels like a meditative journey, beautifully portraying how the end of life can bring healing, offering moments of closeness and quiet revelations that are as comforting as they are heartbreaking. Every moment carries a subtle promise of something more, like a whispered reminder of the richness of life and the connections we leave behind.
Haunting yet unexpectedly tender, The Room Next Door blew my socks off. It’s a film that doesn’t just observe life’s closing chapter but celebrates it, finding serenity in the process of letting go. This is Swinton’s performance at its finest—a gentle, powerful expression of love and memory that resonates long after the screen fades to black. [A-]
CONCLAVE
Conclave dives deeply into the Vatican’s hidden world, where cardinals grapple with loyalty, ambition, and secrecy in a quest to select the next pope. The first third moves slowly, meticulously setting up each player in the papal chess game, but once the backstabbing and power plays kick in, I was fully absorbed. Ralph Fiennes brings a deeply resonant performance as Cardinal Lomeli, the moral compass amid an ever-shifting political landscape. His portrayal feels like one of his finest in years, adding gravitas to the character’s internal struggles and unwavering dedication.
Conclave expertly balances tradition with tension, immersing viewers in a space that feels both historical and immediate. With high-stakes moments around every corner, Conclave reveals the Vatican as a battleground of ideologies and hidden agendas. The twist, bold as it is, leaves me on the fence, it’s an unexpected move that pushes inclusivity to the forefront but might feel slightly contrived to some. Nevertheless, Conclave is captivating, offering an unfiltered look at faith, power, and the secrets within the Church. [B+]
THE WILD ROBOT
The Wild Robot stands out as a remarkable achievement in animation this year, blending stunning visuals with a deeply resonant story of self-discovery, empathy, and community. The film follows Roz, a robot stranded in the wilderness, who learns the profound power of individuality, unity, and, ultimately, motherhood. Lupita Nyong’o brings Roz to life with a performance that captures both warmth and complexity, breathing a sense of curiosity and care into her robotic character that’s nothing short of transformative.
As Roz learns to communicate and connect with the animals around her, the narrative unfolds with a quiet, meditative pacing that mirrors her journey from isolation to acceptance. The visual style is fresh and inventive, creating a world that feels both realistic and magical, where each frame reflects Roz’s growth. Kris Bowers’ musical score lifts every moment, adding an emotional undertone that matches the story’s themes of resilience and belonging, making the animation feel like a symphony for the senses.
The second half of the film reaches exceptional emotional heights, with Roz’s journey culminating in a final act that is as heartbreaking as it is uplifting. By the time the credits roll, The Wild Robot leaves a powerful impression, capturing the beauty of community and the strength found in vulnerability. It’s rare for an animated film to resonate so deeply, but this one left me in tears—a true masterpiece of heart and innovation that redefines the genre’s potential. [A-]
Fantastic Film Fans 