Mae Abdulbaki

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.

It’s the little moments and details that turn it into something more profound and lovely.

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.

With a moving performance by Andrew Scott, the fantasy drama is compelling and captivating as it tackles grief, loneliness, and all that is lost to trauma and the inability to move on past loss.

Killers of the Flower Moon is immeasurably captivating and compelling; it’s chilling and emotional, and I doubt anyone will walk away from the film — especially considering the way its ending is set up — without feeling moved by what they’ve just witnessed.

Campion’s film is gorgeously crafted and detailed, emotionally effective, and layered in shades of meaning about masculinity. Mesmerizing in every way, The Power of the Dog is a triumph.

At times, the movie is deeply compelling, but its complexities can get lost in the shuffle and repetition of the same points. Striking cinematography and philosophical reflections can’t make up for this too-slow film that pokes at life’s meaningful moments without inspecting them further.

The Father dives deep into the mind, delivering an engaging film that is unsettling, achingly sad, and is strengthened by Zeller’s assured narrative.

All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt’s non-linear approach requires patience and its character development is a bit thin, but the film is stunning, thought-provoking, and poignant, with each frame lovingly executed.

The film is compelling and quietly thought-provoking as it peels back the layers of the relationships at the forefront, while also showcasing the discomfort that follows but isn’t always picked up on.

Chevalier, about the violinist and composer Joseph Bologne, is magnetic, a historical fiction that elevates itself beyond the conventional biopic to deliver a memorable drama about its subject's life.

Nuanced, thoughtful, and deeply effective, Gyllenhaal’s movie is assuredly executed, uplifted by a strong, striking performance by Olivia Colman.

It’s meant to shock and disgust — and it does — but while Infinity Pool starts off interestingly enough, its take on power, corruption, and privilege only goes so far.

With personal and generational trauma at the forefront of the story, Eisenberg delivers a heartwarming film that strengthens family ties and underscores the difficulty in speaking about the pain between its members, no matter how close they used to be.

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.

West Side Story is visually entrancing, emotional, and the choreography and staging magnetic even when certain aspects of the story don’t always work.

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.

There's an air of tranquility about it and Spielberg does well to balance a few comedic moments with a whole lot of heart. Even the more dramatic moments are depicted with patience and warmth. It's as if Spielberg is softly wading through his own memories, pulling open the doors to see each one with a lot of light and love in tow.

I’m Still Here is an evocative, nuanced portrait of family and the lasting imprint of politics.

The film has its fair share of intoxicatingly gripping moments and watching Kaluuya as Hampton is visceral and empowering. Unfortunately, it never feels like the story gets out of its own way enough to flourish, nor does it explore the complexities needed to emphasize and humanize the characters in the way that it should.

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.

Earth Mama is the kind of film that draws you in and keeps you hooked with its powerful storytelling and the layered intimacy within Nomore’s understated performance.

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

His Three Daughters is a balancing act. The characters are layered and the story is so simple yet thoroughly touching and, at times, painful to watch because of the flood of emotion that comes through.

Limbo handles its themes with enormous grace, balancing despair with levity and a realism that makes this drama emotionally intense and worthwhile.

The film is actress Regina King's directorial debut and it's a timely, wonderfully resplendent exploration of the men behind the renown, stripped of their titles while among friends and ready for the next stage in their lives.

Despite being all over the place, Antlers can be gripping and potently disconcerting, with good character development making up for its pitfalls.

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