Movie reviews of Filipe Freitas

Bathed in vitriol, Dying alternates excellent scenes with other less successful—where incautious manipulation exists—becoming the sort of drama that one admires more than one enjoys. Review

Wolfs is clumsy, overly formulaic, and incompetently lazy, following a banal, unoriginal plot weighed down by cheesy dialogue and underbaked story elements. Lacking any type of genius, it’s a waste of talent and energy on all levels. Review

Despite the weighty themes of political struggle, futuristic utopia, and satirical pop culture, the film feels surprisingly naive, a grab bag of ancient sci-fi ideas and plastic performances that fail to provoke. Review

Despite satisfactory performances from Schwartzman and Kane, the result is disappointingly televisual, culminating in a bewildering climax, full of emotional swings, that is the opposite of a knockoff. Review

At its core, Daddio is void of any spark or substance. The film trudges along without ever offering anything fresh or meaningful, leaving the audience to wonder: why should we care? It feels like watching paint dry—only less captivating. Review

The Substance is nauseating but undeniably powerful, shocking yet audacious. It’s an outrageously bloodthirsty dark fantasy that demands a strong stomach. Had Fargeat reined in the excess, it could have been a standout horror. Nevertheless, both Moore and Qualley deliver striking performances. Review

While the true story is refreshingly original, the film’s sensationalist execution—marked by a fast editing and bouncing rhythm—feels like a pastiche of Trainspotting and 8 Mile, with a dash of Guy Ritchie’s gangster flair thrown in the mix. Review

It’s not hard to guess where the story goes, but this Asian neo-realist effort sincerely acknowledges the sadness of being near death with both heartbreaking and heartwarming gestures. Boonnitipat makes an unabashedly sentimental move with an irresistible sweetness. Review

While quiet in tone, Close Your Eyes is rich in character and atmosphere, offering an immersive experience with the timeless quality of a classic. Review

While the first story features well-known actors Viggo Mortensen and Chiara Mastroianni, much of the film relies on non-professional actors, lending an authenticity to the raw, earthy experiences depicted. Nonetheless, the inexplicability of the immaterial can also be found, creating mystery. Review

Crossing is crafted with some rough, heartbreaking moments but also with a level of intimacy that makes it engrossing and profound. The lead performances are phenomenal, with the chemistry between Arabuli and Kankava imbuing the narrative with authenticity. Review

For now, I’ll have to pass on these supposedly dovetailed ideas about artistic creation and gestation as sometimes sitting through this film feels like chewing on cardboard—bland and disengaging, with both joy and sorrow strangely out of reach. Review

Rebel Ridge moves with confidence, combining raw intensity with a streamlined narrative that evokes a modern Rambo. Review

The performances are the heart of this observant film bolstered by a sharp-witted script that explores and examines teenage angst and frustration. Review

Though there are moments of emotional depth and strong performances—Nadia Tereszkiewicz is phenomenal—Red Island ultimately doesn’t live up to expectations, becoming a film that is more fragmented than fully realized. Review

It’s a visceral, provocative, darkly feminist thriller that occasionally laces its brutality with humor. Review

Frustrating in its irrational depictions of life, this anthology film feels more like an indulgent exercise in Lanthimos and Filippou’s signature weirdness and attention-grabbing writing. Potentially interesting ideas simply can't fill the emotional void at the film's core—a disappointment... Review

Without straining to make an obvious point, the director Damian McCarthy builds tension as we keep gaining interest, teasing before delivering a few well-placed chills. Review

It's a pleasure to get wrapped up in such a thoughtfully conceived and stirringly executed reconstruction, one delivered with gripping rhythm, fervent passion, and a clear form. With The Goldman Case, Kahn signs his most memorable film to date. Review

Alvarez directs with a blend of technique and artistry, crafting a visually arresting experience. He knows how to create suspense in confined, claustrophobic places and pumps this new chapter with nauseating fluids and relentless adrenaline. Review

In Our Day may not be mind-blowing in its ideas, but it radiates warmth and gentle humor. Review

Janet Planet is a rare gem, so earnest in its approach that it resonates with a poignant, almost painful, honesty. Review

The Monk and the Gun offers a relaxing and deeply felt portrait of the Bhutanese people, with its educational value standing out as invaluable. Dorji’s perspective is bracing, and his film a serene experience. Review

There’s Still Tomorrow drives home a narrative that is both deeply engaging and impactful, successfully resonating with audiences while delivering a powerful message of women’s emancipation. Review