Anna Smith
Tomatometer-approved critic
Movies reviews only
| Rating | T-Meter | Title | Year | Review |
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Sharper (2023) |
Moore is tremendous; other performances vary perhaps a little more than they are meant to... - metro.co.uk
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| Posted Feb 25, 2023
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What's Love Got to Do with It? (2022) |
A fun, big-hearted blend of culture. - metro.co.uk
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| Posted Feb 25, 2023
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Rye Lane (2023) |
This is a sunny, irreverent take on life and love, following two strangers over the course of one eventful day, and more -- though it’s at its most exhilarating when playing out in real time, Before Sunrise-style. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Jan 24, 2023
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Alice, Darling (2022) |
It’s a believable portrayal of the impact of gaslighting and brainwashing: Alice’s conviction that she’s at fault will resonate with many audiences. - Time Out
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| Posted Jan 24, 2023
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Where the Wind Blows (2022) |
Where The Wind Blows succeeds in creating a vivid, stylish picture of two complicated men -- and it is certainly never dull. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Dec 21, 2022
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Girl Picture (2022) |
Its breezy humor comes with a razor sharp script, a sophisticated structure and visual flair, making it a confident and compelling contender. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Dec 15, 2022
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Bantú Mama (2021) |
With excellent cinematography from DP Sebastián Cabrera Cheli, Bantú Mama is a powerful film about connection and cultural exchange, marking both Albrecht and Herrera as talents to watch. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Dec 14, 2022
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Nocebo (2022) |
Actress Eva Green is always a good indicator you’re in for something stylishly weird. - metro.co.uk
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| Posted Dec 09, 2022
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Anonymous Club (2021) |
The reclusive Brit-and-Grammy nominee is gradually coaxed from the shadows during the course of this stylised 16mm anti-rock-doc. - metro.co.uk
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| Posted Dec 09, 2022
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Charlotte (2021) |
A sobering animated biopic... - metro.co.uk
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| Posted Dec 09, 2022
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Christmas in the Caribbean (2022) |
An exciting late contender for 2022’s worst movie. - metro.co.uk
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| Posted Dec 09, 2022
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The Silent Twins (2022) |
If you’ve ever been curious about the psychic link between twins, this film is for you. - metro.co.uk
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| Posted Dec 09, 2022
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Causeway (2022) |
Causeway will offer plenty for fans of thoughtful, quality dramas that touch on humanity, trauma, connection and the kindness of strangers. - Time Out
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| Posted Nov 09, 2022
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Beautiful Beings (2022) |
Beautiful Beings goes to very dark places, including depicting sexual abuse. But it leaves us with a glimmer of hope for these kids who may not have much going for them, but do have each other. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Nov 07, 2022
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Becoming Giulia (2022) |
It’s interesting to see a documentary exploring the challenges for a new mother returning to work -- and when that new mother happens to be a prima ballerina, the results are especially fascinating. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Oct 27, 2022
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Creature (2022) |
Creature is a bittersweet love story that allows the viewer to fill in the blanks with their own imaginations. While clearly aimed at a thoughtful arthouse crowd, it succeeds in making dance feel accessible and intimate. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Oct 18, 2022
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Inland (2022) |
Ultimately, Inland may raise more questions than it answers, but it’s a remarkable calling card with performances to savor. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Oct 17, 2022
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Klokkenluider (2022) |
It’s a small film with a big message, and humor as dark as you’d expect from the star of Utopia, Hyena and other bleak British fare. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Oct 12, 2022
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The Wonder (2022) |
It’s Pugh and Cassidy who are especially remarkable in this story of faith versus science, and a strong-willed woman trying to do the right thing in a man’s world. - metro.co.uk
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| Posted Oct 11, 2022
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My Father's Dragon (2022) |
This Netflix release has its own distinctive style, and should entertain youngsters who, like Elmer, are both in search of adventure and trying to make sense of the adult world. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Oct 10, 2022
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Forever (2022) |
It’s deliberately uncomfortable to watch, as if we are spying on a small group in their darkest hour. But despite its sad subject matter, Forever ultimately strikes a note of hope about the strength of familial love. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Oct 05, 2022
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Il Boemo (2022) |
[Strains] under the weight of biographical information. But it’s still a strong biopic that has something to say about musical creativity and opportunity, as well as the colorful lifestyle of 18th century Venetians. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Sep 29, 2022
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Siccità (2022) |
It doesn’t pack a huge punch, but it’s a diverting drama whose topical themes range from the environment to the way people deal with a pandemic. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Sep 12, 2022
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The Hanging Sun (2022) |
The Hanging Sun is a workable and good-looking thriller, but it stays on the surface rather than staying with you. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Sep 12, 2022
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Nezouh (2022) |
Director Soudade Kaadan... continues to impress with this empathetic story of life under siege. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Sep 11, 2022
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Emily (2022) |
The film feels a little too long, but it gives an involving perspective on Brontë’s interior life, exploring themes such as gender, independence, creativity, mental health and sexuality. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Sep 10, 2022
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In Viaggio: The Travels of Pope Francis (2022) |
It doesn’t offer easy answers, and it certainly doesn’t suggest that the Catholic Church has them either -- but it’s a moving reflection on the world’s trials, and a tribute to those who seek to change them. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Sep 07, 2022
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Amanda (2022) |
At its best, it recalls the work of Miranda July or Noah Baumbach, but sometimes it feels willfully quirky for the sake of it... Fans of the directors mentioned should definitely check it out, though, and it’s great to see this genre in Italian cinema. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Sep 06, 2022
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Blue Jean (2022) |
McEwen leads a very effective cast in this poignant personal-political drama, which also happens to have a cracking retro soundtrack. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Sep 06, 2022
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Monica (2022) |
Monica is a gently-paced film that doesn’t pack an obvious emotional punch, but carries rewards for those invested in the characters and the subject matter. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Sep 06, 2022
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For My Country (2022) |
Performances are strong and characters are complex: Hami is clearly keen to avoid stereotype. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Sep 05, 2022
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Husband (2022) |
Husband is an uneasy and uncertain watch that provokes thought about relationships and feelings while occasionally amusing, in an uncomfortable sort of way. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Aug 24, 2022
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The Narrow Road (2022) |
A thought-provoking insight into Hong Kong lockdown life, with terrific performances and a tangible atmosphere. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Aug 22, 2022
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Winners (2022) |
Winners may not have Oscar potential itself, but it’s likely to win over audiences and leave them with a smile. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Aug 17, 2022
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A Room of My Own (2022) |
It’s a charming, affecting drama that explores the awkwardness and enforced intimacy of a flatshare, but goes on to tackle much more than that, including domestic violence, drink spiking and LGBTQI+ issues. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Jul 11, 2022
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Tenéis Que Venir a Verla (2022) |
It’s a pleasure to spend 64 mins with these four -- and ultimately, the filmmakers responsible for introducing us to them. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Jul 11, 2022
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Ramona (2022) |
A sharp, urban character portrait with a relationship that may or may not be romantic, yet engages to the end. And it marks both Bagney and Hernández as cinematic talents to watch. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Jul 11, 2022
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June Zero (2022) |
These three stories don’t flow together perfectly, nor do they dig as deep into the themes as they might. But, it’s an original angle on a historic moment with a few striking scenes that will stay in your mind. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted Jul 06, 2022
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The Blue Caftan (2022) |
Touzani eyes their predicaments with sensitivity and grace, although Mina’s character is perhaps remarkably saintly in the circumstances... But this remains mainly a poignant story. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted May 31, 2022
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Elvis (2022) |
What happens when the director of Moulin Rouge! makes a film about Elvis? A lot of shake, rattle and razzmatazz. - metro.co.uk
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| Posted May 27, 2022
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Showing Up (2022) |
From Certain Women to First Cow, Reichardt has delivered deep and powerful storytelling. Seeing her commit more fully to her lighter side is both refreshing and slightly frustrating by comparison. - Time Out
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| Posted May 27, 2022
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Domingo and the Mist (2022) |
The pace of Domingo And The Mist feels almost too leisurely at times, but it gives ample time for reflection and it looks gorgeous -- credit to cinematographer Nicolás Wong Díaz here. Performances are subtle but strong: Ureña has a quiet, humble dignity. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted May 26, 2022
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Corsage (2022) |
It’s riveting stuff, aided by Vicky Krieps’s bold and brilliant turn. - Time Out
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| Posted May 24, 2022
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The Worst Ones (2022) |
Directed by Lise Akoka and Romane Gueret, it sees a film crew hit a working class French town, with thought-provoking and sometimes darkly funny results. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted May 23, 2022
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Joyland (2022) |
Joyland remains a thoughtful, well performed and engrossing drama set in a culture that’s shifting, and not always with ease. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted May 23, 2022
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Return to Seoul (2022) |
Freddie’s journey is complicated, and the structure reflects that. It’s a journey worth taking. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted May 23, 2022
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Aftersun (2022) |
While this is not explicitly autobiographical, it certainly feels like a very personal piece of work, and all the better for it. Oh, and the 1990s pop soundtrack is a joy. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted May 22, 2022
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The Stranger (2022) |
You’re left with an admiration for the extraordinary police work that usually remains secret by its very nature -- and this quietly compelling insight will stay with you for a while. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted May 20, 2022
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Love According to Dalva (2022) |
"Dalva" isn’t always an easy watch, but it’s a rewarding and thought-provoking one that marks Nicot as a promising talent. - Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted May 20, 2022
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Harka (2022) |
Harka is at its best when going for gritty realism, inviting us into the life and routine of a man who’s no simple victim, but a complex character whose fate is easy to invest in.
- Deadline Hollywood Daily
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| Posted May 19, 2022
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