Tag Archives: Capsule Reviews

Chicago Critics Film Festival 2025, Film reviews

Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight (Chicago Critics Film Festival 2025)

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This film paints a portrait of what reality is like for a younger individual to be faced with poverty. On some level this truthful portrait hurts, but at the same time, it is eerie. Written and directed by Embeth Davidtz, she is legendary as she also plays one of the leads. The pacing of the film in an austere setting is done artfully. The harsh environment spirals to reveal honesty.

The film is based on a memoir focused on a young girl named Bobo (played by Lexi Venter) who tells the story. Bobo is an eight-year-old living with her family on a Rhodesian (now Zimbwawe) farm. At a very young age, she is exposed to extreme poverty. Her mother is Mrs. Fuller (Davidtz). The film highlights hardship and politics in an era before technological advancements.

What came to mind while watching this film was the theme of working hard for a purpose. Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight portrays inequality in a realistic way that creates empathy. The story demonstrates resilience. It is by far one of the best features presenting the effects of poverty during childhood. The film’s subject is a great discussion starter, because the audience gets to see the world through the eyes of an eight-year-old surroundedby drugs, harsh language, and parents who provoke objectionable behavior in a country where harsh conditions are the norm. When seeing this film at The Chicago Critics Film Festival, it moved me to think more politically and empathetically.

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.