Movie reviews of Filipe Freitas

Unlike the engrossing Tommaso, Ferrara’s previous work, Siberia is a dysfunctional film whose sweeping ambition falls short of consistent narrative moments and, according to that, is forced to deal with its monumental incapacity to create a cohesive whole. Review

Even not reaching the levels of wit and absurdity offered in The Death of Stalin, this Copperfield keeps us thinking of Iannucci as a stalwart architect of the modern comedy genre. Review

The performance of the young debutant actor has proved to be the most positive aspect of an unsatisfying tale where the energy peters out at a high speed, leaving you empty. Shamelessly manipulative, this formulaic debacle fails to offer something new; and even more important, something solid. Review

Anchored by powerful performances and rendered with both incisiveness and fluidity, this intelligently scripted film captivates our attention uninterruptedly. Review

I loved every minute of this touching film, which, perfectly conveying the state of confusion that its main character is immersed in, also benefits from the discipline of Zeller’s direction. Review

The developments are slow, deliberate and mournful, and even throwing the music factor in the mix, the tone remains austere, the expressiveness limited and the articulation of the scenes too calculated. Review

Rocks is a sweeping and courageous coming-of-age tale filled with tense dramatic moments, pivoting on the realistic performances of a cast that makes these ordinary lives ring true. Review

As a thriller/romance hybrid, Queen & Slim satisfies as it boasts adequate dynamics within a decently structured framework. Yet, if some segments feel a bit stretched, trying to get noticed through glamorous visuals, some others are not new at all. It’s an uneven, if watchable, lovers-on-the-lam film. Review

The main issue I’ve found here has to do with the predictability of the story, while the goodhearted central character, who always does the right thing even if he has to reverse its primary decisions, becomes the strongest inspirational factor. More surprises and conflicts would have taken it to more enjoyable places, though. Review

As the natural performances define feelings and shape characters, the film, mounted with incredible sobriety, adopts a minimalistic trait that fully depends on the actors’ proficiency. Review

This lovely piece of work combines dramatic sweep and aesthetic power, providing a sublimely moving experience that stays with us long after the final credits roll. Review

Expertly written and stringently executed, the film flows effortlessly within a well-mounted narrative structure; things only tremble in the very last chapter. Review

Inundated with affection, Nomadland goes into uncharted territories, and if there’s aridness in the landscape, then barely none of it inhabits the heart of these compassionate travelers. Review

Chaganty does well here in regard to tone and intensity, and some afflictive scenes can nearly take our breath away. Review

If you go for the romance, prepare yourself to be engulfed by a socio-political context that turns out as poignant and merciless as the love story itself. Review

The film, which took Patterson one whole year to edit, may feel like an exercise in mood but provides a great deal of entertainment in addition to technical competence. Review

All things considered, this is all about feelings, and both Dafoe and Ferrara denote enough inspiration to prevent this idiosyncratic statement to sink into oblivion. Review

This slogging post-apocalyptic fiction composed of space inanity and uninspired snow routes crawls right toward disappointment, lacking smart moves and shaping up as a collage of other already existing ideas. A monumental let down. Review

Saint Maude is a visceral piece of cinema that can be considered too radical by the easily scared, but, on the other hand, brings competence and freshness to the saturated horror genre. It’s an all-front winner that captivates our attention through arresting imagery, psychological distress and demented moods. Review

The Way Back brings nothing new and its authors seem satisfied with the overdramatic artifice set to obstruct imagination. Review

Although the languid pace won’t serve every viewer’s motivation, Ahn manages to give the story a nice simple touch and warm coloration. Review

The lack of integrity and the disrespect shown by these spenders are outraging, and Finley was able to convey that aspect with lucidity and competence. Review

The film is a composite of classic startles and creepy scenes drawn from the horror mechanics compendium. Although ingeniously crafted, the somewhat tacky ending didn’t work for me. Having said that, Mrs. James is a gifted young filmmaker to keep an eye on in the future. Review

The story oozes emotional poignancy, but loses force as it moves forward, partially thwarted by a predictable finale. Nevertheless, Marder grabs us, not so much with the vociferous metal music or any type of artistic pose, but rather with an effective sound design and narrative quality. Review