Drama Archives | Smash Cut

November 19, 2024November 19, 2024

‘Wicked’ defies expectations, a fearless movie-musical | movie review

Wicked, the long-awaited adaptation of the smash Broadway musical, finally flies its way into theaters Wicked is a bold, vibrant movie-musical that celebrates its Broadway roots with expansive musical numbers and captivating performances. Director Jon M. Chu’s adaptation embraces the magic of the original, expanding the world and deepening the characters. With stunning chemistry between…

September 15, 2024September 16, 2024

Surreal dramedy The Life of Chuck ponders life and death | TIFF 2024

TIFF 2024 | The Life of Chuck follows an enigmatic man starting as a surrealist meditation on existential dread and ending as a life-affirming portrait of youth. The Life of Chuck is a dramedy that ponders existential dread through surreal comedy (and a dance number!). A philosophical pondering of the moments that add up to…

May 24, 2024September 9, 2024

Anora gives Mikey Madison her star-is-born moment | Cannes review

When escort Anora meets the son of a Russian oligarch it seems like a too-good-to-be-true Cinderella story—and it is. Continue reading Anora gives Mikey Madison her star-is-born moment | Cannes review

October 2, 2023August 8, 2024

Natalie Portman and Julianne spar in high camp melodrama ‘May December’ | review and analysis

May December follows an actress (Natalie Portman) as she prepares to play a notorious tabloid figure (Julianne Moore) by shadowing her dredging up old wounds Continue reading Natalie Portman and Julianne spar in high camp melodrama ‘May December’ | review and analysis

September 27, 2023August 8, 2024

Evil Does Not Exist: An eco-thriller with hidden horrors | review and analysis

A small town tucked in the mountains of Japan has to decide whether or not to allow a company to build a new luxury campsite in Evil Does Not Exist Continue reading Evil Does Not Exist: An eco-thriller with hidden horrors | review and analysis

September 30, 2023August 8, 2024

Foe is its own worst enemy | review

NYFF 2023 | Foe follows the fallout after a young couple receives news that one of them will be sent to space with a clone to keep the other company The collective star power of Academy Award nominees Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal isn't enough to save this sweaty (both literally and figuratively) lo-fi sci-fi…

July 25, 2024August 6, 2024

Dìdi is a love letter to an Asian-American childhood | movie review

Dìdi is an autobiographical romp through the life of a shy 13-year-old Taiwanese-American as he tries to find his place in the summer before high school. Continue reading Dìdi is a love letter to an Asian-American childhood | movie review

October 13, 2023August 6, 2024

‘Perfect Days’ is day-in-the-life bliss | review

A Tokyo toilet cleaner enjoys his routine-driven simple life. But unexpected detours force him to face what is simple and what is safe. Continue reading ‘Perfect Days’ is day-in-the-life bliss | review

July 18, 2024July 18, 2024

Found family drama Crossing is one of the year’s best | movie review

Crossing follows a retired schoolteacher who enlists the help of a young 20-something to find her trans niece who disappeared years ago. Continue reading Found family drama Crossing is one of the year’s best | movie review

May 19, 2024May 19, 2024

Period drama ‘The Girl with the Needle’ has hidden horrors | Cannes review

Amidst the First World War, The Girl with the Needle follows a young Danish woman forced to make difficult decisions when she discovers she's pregnant unaware of the dark secrets that lurk. The Girl with the Needle is a bleak, dread-filled film that blends psychological horror with real horror, highlighted by disturbing imagery and an…