Cortlyn Kelly

At the end of the day, the film forces us to observe an observer. In doing so, we’re left with more curiosities than takeaways, yet that doesn’t devalue its meaning.

In the end, the film works better as a portrait of a woman putting herself first than as a reveal of Hollywood’s inequitable games.

Through drone technology, “Tenzing” transports us to a bird’s-eye view few people will ever see. Every shot of the snowy, stark mountain landscape feels like 8K. Paired with a crisp sound design, the film becomes quite immersive. The crunch of the snow and every emphasized exhale in the thin air feel familiar, yet create a deep unease, knowing every step is on uncertain ground.

The film suffers from not digging deeper into its themes and subject matter; even if it centers the plot on those affected, rather than those who commit crimes, it gives voice to an increasingly common, complex experience.

Every layer of the story reveals itself, twisting the plot beyond the characters’ interpersonal relationships. Yet, “The Secret Woman” insults and skims over the systemic trap that sex work can be.

Dazzled by the stars of the deep sea, the film leaves us curious to know more about these light-dependent beings but also fulfilled in knowing that Dr. Widder’s work continues as she nourishes the next generation of marine biologists.

Shoot the People thrives on its visual storytelling, amplified by composer Nik Ammar’s score, which is string-forward, strumming our inner fire to help us fight harder for change.

Bird and Clausen’s performances bring an elevated energy to the premise, and their chemistry causes the overall film to come across as more romantic than horrific.

Stop! That! Train! is shooting for camp, a style that thrives on an overflowing cup, but as a viewer, our perspective leaves us seeing things as half empty.

Interestingly, “Is God Is” is centered on the complexity of Black women, but one of the main motifs is rooted in the consequences of a Black man’s oversaturated masculinity, specifically in how he leaves scars long after he moves on.