Movie reviews of Filipe Freitas

The personifications are remarkable, the pace is exciting, and the real ambition felt throughout is an aspect that intrigues. Review

I knew Caught By the Tides would not disappoint, as a raw emotional power permeates the entire film. Review

Daaaaaali! is as fake and annoying as its title. The cast is great, the film is not. Review

Though not groundbreaking, this political documentary tells us we all need to demand more from our politicians, advocating for a more compassionate solution. Review

Kendrick delivers an effectively unsettling film—directing without unnecessary embellishment, allowing the stark horror of the crimes to speak for itself. Zovatto brings a deeply unnerving intensity to Alcala, adding layers of dread each time he’s on screen. Review

Offering content that is frightening on a deep and dark level, The Seed of the Sacred Fig packs an absolute cinematic punch that draws viewers into its mesmerizing spell of madness, obsession, and resistance. Review

Set against scenic landscapes, Bookworm brings feel-good charm and beautiful visuals. While it could have leaned more into its quirky potential, and though some scenes feel slightly off and the finale a bit forced, the film maintains solid family-friendly appeal and leaves viewers with a warm sense of happiness. Review

While packed with Burton’s trademark surrealism, the plot feels chaotic, marked by frantic pacing, loose subplots, and forgettable villains. Review

Much of the action unfolds naturally, steering clear of the melodrama that often dominates family narratives. Unaldi’s unobtrusive filmmaking style shows promise, and the female cast members deliver particularly compelling performances. Review

This well-intentioned but toothless biopic feels academic; its staging remains cold and distant when it should pulse with emotion. Review

Despite these shortcomings, Phoenix always fascinates, though even his brilliance can’t salvage the awkward plot. The film never fully draws you in, but for fans of Phoenix, his performance may be the only saving grace in an otherwise lackluster sequel. Review

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