NewFest — A–Z of films

Through her focus on what might seem like a narrow issue, Lamorre mines a rich vein of history.

Bliss is one of those films whose craft may not immediately be apparent to the average viewer, but it’s a beautifully constructed piece of work.

Frequent close-ups build on the chemistry between the actors to capture that feeling when one individual suddenly seems bigger and brighter and louder than everything else in the world.

All the archetypes of giallo are here, just filtered through a queer lens.

It never quite tips over into surrealism, but Kash lets events play out without too much explanation, plunging us into this world and then leaving us to find our own way.

A remarkably accomplished piece of storytelling.

The performances are relaxed and natural, the focus less on doing than on being.

Bruno Polidoro’s cinematography gives the film an airy quality which enhances the sense of possibility even within Joana’s small world.

By animating the whole movie, Rasmussen makes the story feel more immersive and of a whole piece.

A tender-hearted comedy with a deep understanding of what it feels like to be a child.

Like the best country songs, it uses a simple format well, and it’s the sincerity, charm and good humour of its contributors that carries it.

Caudeli has a talent that goes beyond the mere provision of puzzles.

In telling the story of a man hitherto forgotten by history, director Brian Vincent captures a side of that celebrated scene never seen before, putting all the rest in context and exploring the nature of fame from an unusual perspective.

To demonstrate so clearly that an intersex body can be a source of pleasure and joy, in a context shaped not by pornographers but by intersex people themselves, is nothing short of revolutionary.

One of the most impressive documentaries of the year.

This is a stunning first feature.

Pariah is not apologetic or even coy about the high school senior's lesbianism, nor is it graphic or titillating in presenting it.

The role is a gift for Negga, who has always evinced considerable talent but has not previously had the chance to demonstrate her abilities to this extent.

Merricoffer's performance will keep you rivetted.

Quirky and a little uneven but appealingly sweet.

A piece that is deeply personal, punk in its aesthetic, and all the more powerful for both.

Funny, sensitive, engaging, and full of real characters whom you can really care about.

Drifting through the angst-ridden conversations of a classic New York drama before morphing into something more like giallo, the film makes a positive asset of its low production values, which give it a sense of freshness and urgency.

In its quiet, observational way, Sediments gets closer to the experience of what it means to be trans than any number of more direct interrogations.

It's a beautifully written script and the performances are top notch.

A storyline that sometimes feels rushed or contrived is balanced here by a solid performance from Hartley and a tender one from Barlow.

A sensitive and insightful tale with a lot of emotional resonance.