Movie reviews of Filipe Freitas

Hypnotic and haunting from start to finish, the film is ultimately so genuine it's hard to resist. The tragic story it holds deeply shakes, provoking a deep feeling of injustice and helplessness. Review

The script is strong and its only sin is the unnecessary tail, which should have been cut out in order to let the retaliation speak louder. Miracle is an uncompromising howl of righteous fury anchored by stark performances and a competent direction. Review

It's a demanding sit, a film both conscientious and indulgent, hopeful and exasperating. There are no high points to be found since the film excludes any sentimentality to better bring out the complexity of feelings. Review

All this is formidably detailed under the astringent direction of Bourgeois-Tacquet, who also sets an effective pace for her fun-to-watch story. Review

At its best, the film offers the clear-eyed objectivity of a healing program, while still establishing a moral outrage. It’s a tough topic tackled with open-hearted sincerity by director and co-writer Iciar Bollaín. Yet, the film shows some limitations in the insight offered about ETA. Review

The chemistry between the two leads, Adeel Akhtar and Claire Rushbrook, is remarkable. Review

Pine's ability to carry a sad weight on his shoulders isn't entirely lost here, but the film is nothing special. Even the resolution is simply not exciting enough. Review

This is a charming and thoroughly sweet movie that creates a desire in us to know more about this culture. It’s particularly worth seeing for the untouched nature of Bhutan as well as the honest depiction of the village life and the karmic connection established between hosts and guest. In terms of plot, on the other hand, it’s more than predictable what we see here, yet there's no lying or condescending from the director. Review

By swinging between melodrama and heaviness, the film made a bit difficult for me to connect with a story that, being interesting, could have worked better. The performance of Ben Foster is convincing, but this well-intended biopic borders on the watchable. Review

The multiverse is packed with uninteresting characters, strained parallel realities, a bunch of foolish situations, and long action sequences that fail to thrill… There is only the mess, without the fun. And we are bored! Review

The production values are outstanding, starting with the first-class cinematography by Matthew Chuang and ending with the outstanding score by Mark Bradshaw. The fascinating You Won’t Be Alone grabbed me and didn't let go until the very last minute. It’s absorbing, enigmatic and satisfying in ways that are out of the ordinary. Review

The idea is not bad, but Schoenbrun lacks cinematic arguments, approaching the topic with a minimalistic style in need of a stronger grip and more captivating scenarios. Review

The apprehension and heaviness in Bad Roads may put you off, but it won’t leave you indifferent. Review

This is a very conventional cat-and-mouse thriller that doesn't go anywhere. Now and then, the mischievous eloquence of its characters can still feed a few smiles among the long list of regrets, but this Ambulance quickly got its engine flooded and conked out. Review

Tom Gormican’s sophomore feature reveals audacity in its conception and releases a certain energy, but sins by letting things down gradually. Review

The rapture of The Good Boss is fed by Bardem’s charisma, the smart and humorous lines, and the fluidity of the story. What we have here is playful cinema at its breeziest, one that combines incisive social commentary and a fierce, funny sneer. Review

This brooding, monstrously barbarous thriller doesn't languish in the graphic, but makes sure to expose it to view, scene after scene. With a devilishly intelligent move toward the end, the film shows the evil that contaminates the hearts of these criminals. Review

Too many elements get lost in the sauce because it’s easier to denounce than construct something clear. Despite the prevailing dark tones, the awarded cinematography of Vladislav Opelyants revealed distinctness. Review

It’s a visceral experience that, unabashedly, takes the podium for this particular topic, alongside European contemporary classics such as Vera Drake and 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. Review

Moved by genuine love and monumental compassion, Great Freedom becomes an accomplished picture as a result, succeeding beyond all possible sentimental trappings that are common to the genre. Review

The film is remarkably interpreted by Bogdan, and well seconded by Boris Isakovic, who manages to get on our nerves while impersonating the condescending head of the local social service department. Review

Denoting a certain grim integrity, the film has its visual beauty exceeded only by the gruesomeness of the violence. As for the rest, there’s a scarce amount of cleverness here. Review

Endorsing the patterns of several classics but endowing them with unbridled new audacity, this shocker also provides substantial gore. Review

If you’re into unpretentious, funny films that offer multiple scenarios as a 70-minute escapist entertainment, then the cinematic ingredients of Sexual Drive should be enough for you to have a good time. Review