A list of 2025 releases seen this year at theaters in SF and Sydney, and on VOD.

Initial bluesky-reactions to the higher rated films included. You can find reviews of everything on letterboxd. In alphabetical order, by star rating…

5⭐

28 Years Later
A consistently surprising film, both in its beauty and where it goes thematically.

I’m sad I saw this on a bloody plane instead of a loud and large theater.

Garland and Boyle’s talents pair perfectly.

Boots, boots, boots… how did that audio come together? It’s magic.

Hamnet
Utter, utter devastation. A masterpiece of emotions from Chloe Zhao.

Jessie Buckley gives one of the best performances I have ever seen. Ever.

Felt a literal weight on me as the credits rolled.

That darn kid Hamnet actor has a bright future ahead of him.

Ugh, even the bird farewell!

Hard Truths
Rays of warmth and uproarious, cutting insults before the cold comes in. And does it ever.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste is like Mother Nature herself.

I’ve never felt a depiction of back pain as acutely.

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Rose Byrne gives herself to the screen in remarkable fashion. A tour de force that leaves you reeling.

One of those films where you can walk out happy before the opening title comes in.

It Was Just an Accident
Searing. Defiant. And some incredible bureaucratic humour!

Panahi is peerless in what he creates, given his circumstances.

I thought Soderbergh’s Presence had ending of the year locked up. LOL. Unbearable tension and the scariest squeak bookends perfectly.

The Mastermind
Kelly Reichardt is one of the most interesting directors working today, and this is another deliciously crafted slice of Americana from her!

Josh O’Connor plays a consummate, dour douchebag of a family man.

Lovely editing, and that playful, propulsive score.

No Other Land
The cowardly and systematic dehumanisation of a community, who somehow, endure.

Impossibly infuriating and dispiriting.

There is power in the camera, for those brave enough to keep on filming.

Pathetic it can’t get distribution. Thank you, Roxie!

One Battle After Another
They say timing is everything, and whew! Overwhelmingly chaotic good being channeled by PTA and his reputation.

How’d he convince WB to bankroll this?

DiCaprio has never been more likeable. Ensemble of the year surround him.

That bangin’ Greenwood score reaches far and wide!

Most interesting car chase I’ve seen in a while.

Walked out of the theater to a huge Mexican wedding happening outside. Divine.

Some dialogue and jokes sadly recalled Licorice Pizza, his worst by far.

Sorry, Baby
Well, that’s one way to announce yourself to the world, Eva Victor!

Actor, writer, director to a tender, complex gift of a film that overflows with warmth.

A tight, but mighty ensemble round it out. Cannot go wrong casting Hedges as a good dude!

Continue reading →