Mae Abdulbaki

It’s honest and willing to go to uncomfortable places without ever feeling exploitative. It’s a raw and real portrayal of how sexual assault can happen and the mental and emotional turmoil that comes after.

Rental Family is practically poetic in its handling of its themes. It gets to the root of human emotions and how they’re affected by the world around us and the decisions made by others. It’s a heartwarming film that asks thoughtful questions, and I promise you won’t be disappointed by its answers.

The film is a compelling moral character study and a breathtaking thriller that steps on the gas and never lets up. It’s a perfect addition to Anvari’s already robust work as a filmmaker.

Petite Maman is the kind of film that lays itself bare without ever being over-the-top, shaping itself into a story that lingers in one’s memory for a while after it’s over.

Watching Tár is akin to listening to a symphony orchestra — it's moving, passionate, and will leave one wanting more long after the lights come up.

I was taken to another place watching Sinners, and I have no doubt audiences will walk away having been moved and simultaneously entertained by this gripping, multifaceted story that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible and, ideally, more than once.

It’s soulful, tender — an understated triumph. Song’s directing and writing is confident, bringing so much heart and nuance to a simple story that is inspiring, delicate, and evocative.

I Carry You With Me poignantly captures the ache, the beauty of the characters’ love, and the pieces that get left behind in pursuit of something new.

Ghostlight bridges the gap between art and reality, blending a poignant narrative that aims to better understand a loved one and the expression of grief.

The psychological thriller is clever, sharp, and intoxicating, even in its eeriest moments. There’s a charm and depravity that are all too real, hanging over every scene as it makes us wait with bated breath for the big reveal that comes in glimpses and acts as stark contrasts to the characters’ initial excitement.

Pitch-perfect performances elevate this magnificent film that I can’t say enough good things about.

It’s rare for a final film in a horror franchise to deliver character development, a chilling story, and a satisfying ending for the characters. The Conjuring: Last Rites does all three. As a farewell to the Warrens, Chaves balances the terrifying with the heartfelt to great effect.

With an outstanding cast and compelling themes, In the Heights soars, bringing emotional beats together in a celebration of culture and community.

Bolstered by an incredible cast, the film offers commentary on filmmaking as an art and the lengths the characters will go to outshine each other.

It’s got everything — tense chase sequences, anxious and wary phone calls, and heart-to-hearts between Sarah and Ash that underscore their characters’ need for true connection. There have been so few exceptional thrillers in recent years, but Relay is certainly one of them.

Black Bag is engaging and refreshing precisely because it is so personal, raising the stakes to the highest level without having to be extravagant in its set pieces.

With strong characters and a twist that meaningfully adds to their story, Long Weekend is an engaging romantic tale that offers a satisfying journey.

Miller’s film is deceptively simple, but there is a tremendous amount of depth and nuance. Viewers will walk away thinking a lot about the film, and a second or third watch is needed to fully absorb the layers within its story.

Masterfully written and directed, Saint Maud is a captivating, compelling, and disquieting horror film that is distinct and incredibly intense.

The film is grounded, avoiding sensationalism and empty indulgences.

While The CW’s Arrowverse brought Crisis to life in its own way, the animated version takes things to the next level in an adaptation that is at once sorrowful and thrilling.

It’s a movie that will have a lasting impression on the audience as its themes, execution, and sharp, lustrous visuals fully take hold, leaving viewers with a lot to think about.

It might be a Formula One promotional movie at its core, but at least it’s a damn good film.

There is a lot of love put into the making of this film and it shows in every single scene. It’s one of the best romantic comedies in a while, and not one to miss.

It’s a harrowing, visceral, poignant biopic that will surely make you shed a tear or two regardless of whether you knew the Von Erich story.

Somewhat disorienting and riddled with deep-rooted anxiety, fear, and uncertainty that is expertly portrayed, All My Friends Hate Me is a standout.

Neville lingers long enough, painting a picture of a lost soul who brought so much of himself to the world while also wondering about his place in it.

The film is chilling, balancing its actually scary horror with a lot of heart, advancing the Warrens’ story and providing audiences with a change of pace from their usual cases.