Almamula (2023)- Review and Summary
Juan Sebastian Torales’ “Almamula” demonstrates that for gay youth, religion can be far scarier than the demons it preaches about.
NewFest
The Lost Boys (2023) – Review and Summary
Zeno Graton’s “The Lost Boys” is an LGBTQ+ drama that creates a lovely atmosphere within a juvenile hall, but you may wonder where exactly this story is headed.
Something You Said Last Night (2023) – Review and Summary
“Something You Said Last Night” exists in the very tame depiction of LGBTQ+ issues, and as much as it makes clear that something is going on with the lead, it doesn’t dig deep in any form or fashion to get you interested.
Coming Around (2023) – Review and Summary
Sandra Itäinen and Eman Abdelhadi’s documentary “Coming Around” displays the pain and beauty of generational change and intersectionality for a Muslim gay woman.
Golden Delicious (2023)- Review and Summary
Jason Karman and Gorman Lee’s “Golden Delicious” is a fine coming-of-age story with a coming-out story we’ve seen all too often.
National Anthem (2023) – Review and Summary
Luke Gilford’s queer cowboy movie “National Anthem” exudes so much warmth that it bursts from the screen and wraps its arms around you.
Chestnut (2023) – Review and Summary
Chestnut,” with its lukewarm three-way romantic drama, is watchable but not must-see cinema.
Eileen (2023) – Review and Summary
At the minimum, “Eileen” delivers entertaining performances worth the ticket price, and at max, you will witness at least one performance worthy of a major accolade.
This Place (2023) – Review and Summary
Addressing both characters’ individual cultures and how sometimes the personal clashes with the timing of something romantic, “This Place” is less about causing butterflies and more about how the timing of love can be imperfect, but people can make time if they can and want to.
The White Lotus: Season 2/ Episode 1 “Ciao” [Premiere] – Recap/ Review (with Spoilers)
The return of “The White Lotus” not only gives us the iconic Tanya again but a slew of other notable characters and a new murder mystery.
The Inspection (2022) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
In this moving, biographical first feature from writer/director Elegance Bratton not only gives a stirring film but pulls from Jeremy Pope and Gabrielle Union the best performances of their careers.
Blood Hana (2022) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
Love blossoms, and apparently in a literal sense for Lily, as a new classmate catches her eye.
Hidden (2022) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
Being caught is always the worst nightmare but can it be different when you’re a girl and the person is of the same sex?
Close (2022) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
Male intimacy, and what western society is still adjusting to, makes “Close” a notable exploration of a loving friendship between two boys.
The Spirit God Gave Us (2022) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
While the church is one way to meet people, what about meeting other men when you’re not sure of yourself?
All I Ever Wanted (2022) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
“All I Ever Wanted” reminds you that sometimes, what you desire, has always been there.
Lucky Fish (2022) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
“Lucky Fish” gives you the kind of cute moment between two people that can bring on happy tears.
The Birth Of a Beautiful Butch (2022) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
“The Birth Of A Beautiful Butch” shows you why being your authentic self is the key to internal and external confidence
On The Radar: Newfest’s 34th Annual New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival
Newfest’s 2022, 34th annual film festival starts October 13th, featuring diverse LGBTQIA+ productions and here are our picks of what should be on your radar.
P-Valley: Season 2/ Episode 2 “Seven Pounds of Pressure” – Recap/ Review (with Spoilers)
Between an offer for The Pynk, Mercedes dealing with a demon, Clifford’s birthday, a Megan Thee Stallion sighting, and more? A lot is going down in the valley.
The Best of 2021 – Television & Anime
Originally in order of season finales, but now in no particular order, here are many of the best shows whose season or series ended in 2021, or we only got a preview of.
Luv U Cuz (2021) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
With an FX/ Adult Swim vibe, Luv U Cuz might be one of the strangest animated shorts out of NewFest but might be one of the most memorable things we’ve seen overall.
Noor & Layla (2021) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
A chance encounter leads to an unexpected relationship as faith creates an instant bond, but what’s to happen once the fun is over?
Car Therapy: Season 1/ Episode 2 “Uncoupling” – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
As we mourn the end of Insecure, Car Therapy: Uncoupling reminds you of the show’s origins.
Girls & The Party (2021) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
There is a level of intimacy in our daily lives that we take for granted, but things are slowed down in Girls & The Party, and what usually is a forgettable series of moments are embraced.
More Happiness (2021) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
More Happiness is a bit strange and doesn’t really venture to demystify itself.
The First Time (2021) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
The First Time gives you webcomic-turned short web series vibes, but it is not long enough.
Carino (2021) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
In this three-minute short, we get an innocent and adorable showing of the lengths someone will go through for a crush.
All Boys Aren’t Blue (2021) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
Throw three monologues, we recount how a young man named Matthew found strength in community, through his Grandmother and eventually, himself.
The Novice (2021) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
I want you to imagine the intensity in Black Swan mixed with Whiplash, and in that volatile mix, you’ll get Isabelle Fuhrman in The Novice.
Under My Skin (2021) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
While Under My Skin may make you question “Where is this going” and “Why are four people playing one person?” you never get bored.
Sweetheart (2021) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
Sweetheart may not craft the best conflicts or resolutions, but it excels when it comes to teen romance and family dynamics.
Gossamer Folds (2020) – Review/Summary (with Spoilers)
Despite its subject matter, there is something surprisingly tame about “Gossamer Folds,” which shows how tolerance and acceptance develops over hate.
Ellie and Abbie (And Ellie’s Dead Aunt) (2020) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
Despite a few painfully awkward moments, “Ellie and Abbie (And Ellie’s Dead Aunt” does ultimately give you what you need from it.
Tahara (2020) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
In what may feel like a prequel to “Shiva Baby,” Rachel Sennott is joined by Madeline Grey DeFreece for another awkward funeral situation.
Dating Amber (2020) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
“Dating Amber,” set in 1995, reminds you how much has changed in 25 years as we follow two Irish teens dealing with being ostracized for their sexuality.
Shiva Baby – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
Dancing on the tightrope between cringe and funny, “Shiva Baby” presents Rachel Sennott as someone on the cusp of mainstream fame.
Fish Head (2020) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
In this quiet drama, a young girl, on the brink of puberty, wonders what the end result might be.
Were You Gay In High School (2020) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)
“Were You Gay In High School” has the quality and appeal of something you’d think was released on Wong Fu’s YouTube channel due to its comedy and heart.