Movie reviews of Victor Fraga

Ordinary people behave badly, in this collection of mostly cold and banal short stories. Review

This is an effective, high-octane absurdist comedy that would have benefitted from a longer runtime. Review

A jarring, minimalistic score helps to sustain a sense of tension and imprisonment throughout the entire 21 minutes of this short film. Review

Very sad disease kills plantation labourers in Africa, in this extremely sombre allegory of Portuguese colonialism. Review

A story infused with tenderness and optimism, and wrapping up with a small yet potent gesture of emancipation. A movie worth giving a chance! Review

Two young Moroccans experience homosexual love and prostitution, in this delicate tale of oppression and liberation. Review

Despite the interesting premise, Nothing in its Place lacks vim and vigour. Review

The outcome is a warm and intimate love letter to an artist little known to younger audiences. Review

Momoko’s aspirations are deeply rooted in Japan’s strict gender roles. It would probably take a female to director to uproot those orthodoxies, yet those professionals are few and far between. The Japanese film industry remains just as gendered as the rest of the society. Review

Quiet and exuberant arthouse film ruminates on the sensory bond between humans and animals. Review

The characters of Singapore-born and Taiwan-based Nelicia Low’s debut feature are as flat as a pancake. Review

Maria's perfect, happy marriage begins to collapse for no apparent reason, in this this humanistic Norwegian drama. Review

People find catharsis and oppression within the walls of their hotel room, in this mysterious episodic drama from China. Review

These characters are multidimensional and emotionally complex, caught between tradition and subtle emancipative gestures, between shattered dreams and fortuitous serendipities. Review

This is an effective fantasy drama blending impressive CGI, warm and elegant cinematography, and strong performances. Review

The interactions are warm and tender, the intimacy is moving, and Nik is an adorable father. But that’s about it. Review

The story itself is a little inscrutable. It lacks the political vigour and emotional strength of Petri’s widely acclaimed film. Review

The excess of open ends have a negative impact on the movie’s ability to engage and enrapture. Review

Stéphane Brizé’s latest creation is a paean to fortuitous serendipities, and a reminder that abrupt departures are an integral part of life. It’s scarcely original and innovative, yet it remains urgent in its simplicity. Review

The movie journey is as aimless as the characters incursion into the forest. Review

The outcome is a sinister and exquisite thriller, borrowing devices from documentary practices. A political thriller that grips viewers with subtle suspense devices, instead of the more familiar bang-bang and silly car chases. It feels palpably real. Review

I Saw the TV Glow is an uplifting fable, populated with feel-good, emo adolescent guitar songs. A little sweet, a little nutty. These flavours are crafted in order to please the palate of young film lovers. Review

The exact meaning? Your guess is as good as mine. A thought-provoking and enigmatic piece of filmmaking. Review

Observational nature offers insight into the life of moths and the human beings researching them, in a film experience oscillating between the hypnotic and the soporific. Review