Category Archives: Capsule Reviews

4k releases, Capsule Reviews, Film reviews, the criterion collection

All of Us Strangers on the Criterion Collection Collection

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All of Us Strangers, A Closer Look

From the Criterion Collection, All of Us Strangersin its 4K UHD format provides a welcome reminder  that there is always someone that cares. As one who  found  inspiration and love for Andrew Haigh’s film in 2023, the restored 4K cut adds a great deal for those who thrive on art and creativity. The life of a British screenwriter named Adam anchors the tragically romantic film. Adam is an isolated character, played by Andrew Scott (Ripley and Oslo), who finds himself in love with a man named Harry, played by Paul Mescal (Normal People, Gladiator II). Despite loneliness and fear, Adam’s connection deepens as his desire to feel love grows. The cinematography and lighting creates the solo factors to feel realistic and touching. There are also many featurettes that deliver multiple opportunities to go deeper into the characterizations and setup of the film.

Criterion Features

With loneliness and separation weaving back and forth poetically, these emotions are evident in the packaging of the film. With an essay by film critic Guy Lodge, audiences can read how to get a better understanding of how the personalities of Adam and Harry experience their individual moments of  lightness and darkness. What is also included is an interview with the director Andrew Haigh and author and critic, Michael Koresky. So much to dive into in terms of finding the light with empathy of All of Us Strangers. Ultimately, the biggest component is the interview with cinematographer Jamie D. Ramsay. That is because the cinematography throughout the film flows in patterns of mesmerizing grandeur. Audiences can grasp the idea of the new world they are taken into with All of Us Strangers from the Criterion Collection.

Purchase or Pass?

Haigh’s film is touching and mesmerizing, and reminds its viewers that there is happiness in  unlikely places. It is worth it for its format and its special features. That is because viewers will be able to keep looking back at moments of the film that seem deeper than other moments. It is an artistically vibrant film that will bring much cinematic value to its consumers.

Review is also available MovieArcher at the link below:

https://www.moviearcher.com/movie-archer/classic-targets-in-4k/all-of-us-strangers-2023

Capsule Reviews, Chicago Critics Film Festival 2025, Film reviews

Brother Verses Brother (Chicago Critics Film Festival 2025)

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This is one of those rare masterpieces where humanistic value hits the championship level due to an intertwining connection. Brother Verses Brother, written and directed by Ari and Ethan Gold, is an enthralling narrative in which musical tones and beats find meaning in unexpected corners. Much of this engrossing film is improvised which knocks it out of the ballpark. The vibing ride of music ebbing and flowing and the dynamics fading in and out spark feelings poetically.

The film’s inspiration is based upon family tales to the Gold brothers. It is also inspired by Francis Ford Coppola’s narrative of live cinema. The pacing of Brother Verses Brother is under the control of Ari and Ethan while finding their paths in San Francisco. Family emotions and all kinds of memories make the movie tremble. When scenarios run deep, the music abounds. While this film is much like Once, Brother Verses Brother has more continuity that requires audiences to change gears repeatedly. The deep writing does not stop throughout all the mesmerizing ups and downs of the Gold brothers in Brother Verses Brother.

The film’s music is a combination of pieces from Ari and Ethan along with tracks from Brian Bell and Lara Louise. It is a journey of musical people connecting to two brothers finding themselves and experiencing tons of growth along the way. The changes the brothers go through in Brother Verses Brother makes the movie hum. Their creativity gives them a sense of power and curiosity to expand to even more positive influences. By far, one of the best narratives of the year. This is a film that is for all artists around the world. The musical component and sharing of artistic crafts are just spectacular. Four out of four stars for Brother Verses Brother.

 

 

Capsule Reviews, Chicago Critics Film Festival 2025, Film reviews

Twinless (Chicago Critics Film Festival 2025)

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Director, writer, and actor James Sweeney presents a Twinless, touching film about disconnect and the need to find a replacement. The story focuses on someone who has lost love but finds an understudy through an identical sibling. As part of the Chicago Critics Film Festival, Twinless is an essential title because it explores how much love can hurt, and how much one can crave what is gone. Sweeney plays the lead who is in desperation. Dylan O’Brien plays the two characters who are twins and who both fall deeply in love with Sweeney’s character.

Sweeney’s character is Dennis, an introverted man who was in love with a man named Rocky (O’Brien). They had a fling that felt special, but this all changed when Rocky passed. Moving forward, Dennis realizes that Rocky has a twin named Roman (also played by O’Brien). Dennis creates a sad story for himself to make it seem like he also lost a twin to feel more connected to Roman, who is straight. Roman’s presence makes Dennis feel that he is still with Rocky. However, there is only so much dishonesty that the relationship can handle.

Sweeney is the master of emotional writing and turmoil. Twinless twisted my emotions to the core. The performances of Sweeney and O’Brien are insanely audacious. Love and grief find common ground in Twinless. It is a mesmerizing portrait of appreciation. Despite one lying to experience love, the title reminds the audience of the power of wishful thinking. Despite the hard truths of the film, the wonders of love are a revelation. Twinless delves into grief looking to be relieved. O’Brien and Sweeney are the dynamic duo trying to combat grief after the loss of their loved one. Four out of four stars for Twinless.