Filmrecensies van Joanna Orland

While The Ugly has an important message, it delivers it without any subtlety or nuance. Recensie

It may be a bit muddled, but Eleanor the Great is an endearing and poignant film. Scarlett Johansson has proven herself to be a director with many ideas, who wants to make a human connection in sharing them. Recensie

A harrowing story of a relationship after love, The Sun Rises on Us All is intensely bleak and beautiful. Recensie

The Wizard of the Kremlin ticks all the boxes of telling the story of Putin’s rise to power. It touches upon most of the hot button issues, but never really gets to the heart of why someone like Putin would want to be someone like Putin. Recensie

The Secret Agent sprawls out more like a novel than a film, but its bold stylization and persistent metaphors heighten its dramatic effect. Wagner Moura is the soul of the film, in a beautiful and sympathetic performance. Recensie

A showcase piece for dramatic performances by an intense Rose Byrne and surprisingly affective Conan O’Brien, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You is the kicking and screaming version of Nightbitch. Recensie

A decent comedy with nothing new to say, Driver’s Ed is a relic of the past, but aims to be exactly that. Recensie

While Park Chan-wook himself is the star of this film, giving it his unique voice and vision, Lee Byung-hun as Man-soo elevates every frame. His performance is one of the funniest, most empathetic, frustrating, and glorious of the year. Recensie

Normal may be pushing the boundaries of good taste when it comes to its violence, but it isn’t pushing them creatively. Fans of Bob Odenkirk, Ben Wheatley, or Derek Kolstad will appreciate Normal for exactly what it is. Recensie

The premise and thematic ideas are great, but the execution is a garbled mess. The actors are doing some heavy-lifting, but even then are bogged down by plot threads that go nowhere, or conversations that are cut short. Recensie

It is a beautifully Gothic rendition with an emotional core, even as it strays from the original text’s existential message. Recensie

It is so over-the-top ridiculous in its presentation, but so well thought out and meticulously smart in its execution. The film is genuine in its humour and heartfelt in its love for its central character, who Early brings to life in a vulnerable and fascinating performance. Recensie

Little Lorraine could be tighter in pace and tone, but is generally an interesting film with a heartfelt centre. Recensie

With a tight 95 minute runtime, Oh, Hi! delivers laughs and charm. It questions labels and stereotypes, as it examines how misinterpretation can thrive and escalate issues in modern dating. Recensie

It’s not a technical knockout, but with its roughly 90-minute runtime, it’s worth going a few rounds with this film. Recensie

The New Boy is a slow, beautiful, and contemplative film, but it ultimately lacks substance and a solid script. Recensie

On Swift Horses demonstrates some good ideas, but its flawed execution does it no favours. Recensie

Its visuals and tone are also not for the faint of heart as the film tackles the darker side of life. It also reminds us of the joy and purpose we have — even when things are tough, we must keep moving forward. Recensie

More of a character portrait than a true study, the film treats its famed characters like humans rather than caricatures, and doesn’t take an overt stance on what it makes of all of the documented corruption. Recensie

The Life of Chuck ebbs and flows in its quality and enjoyability, but overall the exploration of the meaning of life and coming to terms with our own mortality strongly resonates. Recensie

The Friend is a moving story about friendship, life and grief, with wonderful performances by Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, and Bing the dog at the heart of it. Recensie

This is a film made by women, for women, and it is our privilege that we get to have it. Recensie

Friendship doesn’t reach new heights in that way, but at least it’s still got that Tim Robinson comedic sensibility, commentary, and performance at its core. This one is for Tim Robinson fans only, old and new alike. Recensie

Tired and predictable, the film is just not worthy of its star, the incomparable Ben Stiller. Recensie