Do you usually write letters to people who don’t exist? “Dear Santa” (2024)

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directed by Bobby Farrelly
© 2024 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Ho, ho, ho! Is this the time we can finally meet to argue and eat so much we can’t move anymore? Indeed! Of course, some of you celebrate Christmas in peace and joy, like in those cute songs, and some others don’t do anything specific that day and just try to survive till the end of the year, which is also fair. Personally, I don’t celebrate Christmas, but I love winter and this December mood, so I have to recommend you something Xmassy to watch. And since I’m also quite sarcastic, this year I’m writing about “Dear Santa” – a comedy like no other. We get to know little Liam (Robert Timothy Smith), who’s a lovely primary school student. The family has lost Liam’s brother, which also led to tensions between the parents, who seem not to notice how that influences Liam. Anyway, the boy has one more issue to deal with, which is dyslexia. He keeps making mistakes and his classmates make fun of him for that, except Emma (Kai Cech), Liam’s crush. His disorder is actually very important in this story because when he writes a letter to Santa, he accidentally addresses it to Satan (Jack Black). And since the global post works incredibly well, the letter indeed reaches Satan, who decides to pay Liam a visit. The confused boy is sure that this man is Santa, and Satan doesn’t correct him to have a bit of fun. Liam is given three wishes from the red guy, which sounds like a dream come true, but nothing comes without a price… I’ve seen quite average ratings, but I actually enjoyed this comedy. Especially, since I’m tired of all those copy-paste romcoms, so a dyslexic boy meeting Satan sounds like a brilliant idea to me. I agree that some jokes were cringy, but in the end, I liked it more than another “girl from a big city goes to a little town and meets the most handsome man there and it’s Christmas time”. Jack Black is a marvellous comedian, so I never get bored with his performances. Perhaps it’s not a film to watch with your grandparents or that annoying aunt that feels offended by literally everything, but if you’re looking for a ridiculous production with Xmassy vibes, then that’s a great choice. Anyway, no matter what you’re planning to do these days, eat well, sleep well, take care of yourself and don’t get surprised to see Jack Black in your living room one night. Merry and bright!

My rating: 6/10
S.

Cut. Perfect. “Sentimental Value” (“Affeksjonsverdi”, 2025)

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directed by Joachim Trier
© 2025 Nordisk Film. All Rights Reserved.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present you a potential Oscar winner in 2026. Would I award it myself? I don’t know, because I haven’t seen all the nominated films, but I have a feeling it may be a strong candidate. Not only is this production well-made, but it may also play with the Academy members’ emotions. How come? First, let me tell you a few words about the plot. We get to know two adult sisters, Agnes and Nora (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas & Renate Reinsve), who’ve lost their mother and get a chance to rebuild the connection with their absent father, Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård). The man is a film director who recently has been dealing with some career issues. He meets with his daughters and makes a surprising offer – he wants Nora, who works as an actress, to play in his new production. The woman doesn’t even think about it because there’s no way she can imagine working with her father. Gustav decides to hire an American actress to play the role that is very personal because the film is based on the man’s family history. What comes out of this situation is for you to see, I don’t want to spoil too much. However, I mentioned at the beginning that some cinema people may actually feel extra engaged in this story. The reason why I think so is because an artist’s life is quite specific. It’s not just a job they do, it’s their identity, their passion. So building ordinary relations with artists can be quite challenging. I’m not saying they are incapable of loving someone or starting a family, but you need to accept that their work will always influence your relation. Mostly because art is a tool to fight our inner demons and artists tend to be quite complex people. They can be angels, but you need to read the instruction how not to cut their wings. And also learn to be patient when they focus too much on being artists and not your beloved one. So it’s not an easy adventure, but I’m sure for many it’s a great one. Even though at first you may dislike the character of Gustav, at some point things can change. Also, this film is an important lesson to all the children of difficult parents that there’s a reason why they are like this. You don’t have to accept it, but sometimes it’s worth to remember. This story gives a lot of food for thought and I’m guessing they may win the golden guy for that.

My rating: 7/10
S.

There’s one winner and no finish line. “The Long Walk” (2025)

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directed by Francis Lawrence
© 2025 Lionsgate. All Rights Reserved.

It’s a film about walking. Period. Can’t remember more accurate title of a film to be honest. It’s literally a looooong walk. But I’m still writing about it, which means I liked it, right? Right. And I believe you should try it as well. Before watching the film, I actually decided to read the book it’s based on. The title is the same and it was written by Stephen King, under his pseudonym Richard Bachman. I like to read books first, because then I can imagine the story myself. However, if I watch the film first, later, I just see the same pictures while reading. So I grabbed that novel and hoped for a fun ride, but instead I got incredibly bored. The general idea is amazing, but the way it was written – it was really difficult to keep on going. Even though the book is pretty short, it took me a long time to finish it. So I was quite discouraged before watching the film, but luckily, the adaptation is way better! We move to some alternative times where the US is in a huge economic crisis. Therefore, any way of earning money for living is worth trying. Any. In order to give people a chance to improve their life and also to entertain everyone, there’s a long walk organised. 50 young men (in the book there are 100) voluntarily sign up to walk nonstop across the country. Sounds easy? Well, there are some rules to follow. You cannot stop, you cannot walk slowly, so basically you cannot rest. And if you do, you get a warning. What happens after the 3rd warning? Well, the volunteer finishes the walk… and his life. Where’s the end of this? Simple – wherever the one before last dies. There can only be one winner. So as I said, I loved the idea for this story. To be honest, that’s exactly how I imagine the future – people will be doing anything to survive. Perhaps such long walks become an actual tradition… You may think it’s insane to sign up for something like this, but if the prize is huge and can significantly improve your life, then you don’t think twice. However, if you don’t like reflecting on such future, I may also share that to me this long walk is a metaphor for coming of age. All the volunteers are young men who see it as a competition, but then, during the walk, they start learning life lessons – both heart-breaking and uplifting. Just like in life. And it kind of depends on you how you walk your way, but there’s also a lot that cannot be controlled. Wait, is it again a depressing interpretation? Damn, I guess it is. Anyway, the film is much better than the book (I’m sorry Stephen/Richard), because I actually felt engaged in the story and not bored by the fact they’re just walking. Also, the ending is different in the film and, in my opinion, waaaay better! So if you haven’t read the book, you may skip it. But if you have and didn’t like it, then give this adaptation a chance. I hope you won’t be disappointed.

My rating: 6/10
S.

Daddy, are you there? “Clean, Shaven” (1993)

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directed by Lodge Kerrigan
© 1993 DreamWorks Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

We’ve just lost Peter Greene, a very characteristic actor known from “Pulp Fiction” or “Mask”, but today, in order to remember his work, I’d like to recommend you a film you probably haven’t heard of. In this story, we get to know Peter Winter, a man suffering from schizophrenia, who’s just left a mental institution and is about to start his life in the real world. He actually has a daughter that has been adopted by another family and he wishes to find her. But, as you can imagine, with his disorder, it’s a big challenge. Generally, this film was made to present what schizophrenia looks like from the perspective of a person suffering from it. Some critics say it looks horrible, dark and disturbing – but hey, that’s what mental illnesses look like, you know? Luckily, I’m not schizophrenic myself, but the topic of mental issues is close to me, so I was very curious how the director created the character of Peter. And in my opinion, he did a marvellous job. Do you know that 1 in about 300 people in the world has schizofrenia? And no, they aren’t all in hospitals or any other institutions. Many of them live among us, struggling to survive and not let the disorder exclude them from the society. It’s an everyday battle that healthy people can’t understand. That is why I’m glad and thankful for this film, because it may actually open your eyes and make you realise what it’s like to fight with your own mind. It’s very raw and realistic, so if you’re a sensitive person, then make sure you’re ready to experience it. Peter Greene had an incredibly difficult task as an actor, yet he nailed it. I had chills watching him, which means he’s either very talented or spent a lot of time preparing. Could be both. Anyway, what else makes this film important? It spreads a message that we shouldn’t judge the book by its cover. I know, I know, boring phrases. But just think about it – even if we’re aware of that, we still tend to misjudge others. If a homeless person approaches you on the street, what’s your first thought? I bet it’s “oh they’re an addict who needs money for more alcohol/drugs”. Do such people exist? Yes, but it doesn’t mean everyone shares the same story. The same with mental illnesses – they don’t define people, so please, be open-minded and try to get to know the person before creating their picture in your head. A very important film for humanity, so make sure to watch it. Peter Greene – rest in peace.

My rating: 8/10
S.

Welcome to the headquarters of the human resistance. “Bugonia” (2025)

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directed by Yorgos Lanthimos
© 2025 Focus Features. All Rights Reserved.

With each new film, I like Lanthimos more and more. I have to admit that I wasn’t such a big fan of his productions before. To me those were good ideas, but in the end I was a bit disappointed with the final outcome. However, his latest films are totally my cup of tea, and “Bugonia” excited me way more than I’d expected. At the beginning, we follow Michelle (Emma Stone), who’s a CEO of a pharmaceutical company, and one day she’s kidnapped by two men – Teddy and Don (Jesse Plemons & Aidan Delbis). When the woman wakes up in a basement, she notices that her hair has been shaved. One of the kidnappers explains that it’s to prevent Michelle from contacting her ship. If you feel confused, no worries – that’s the point. Generally, Teddy believes that he detains an alien who, together with its alien buddies, wants to destroy humanity and… honeybees. And since Teddy’s hobby is beekeeping, then you understand it’s clearly necessary to do something about it. As ridiculous as it seems, the film is fantastic. At first, you have no idea what’s going on and you feel like you’re missing something, but in fact, it’s just such a weird story. Then, you may start questioning the genre of this production, because at one point you laugh, at another you are concerned, and then, when you think nothing will surprise you anymore, Yorgos decides to blow your mind. Personally, I still don’t know exactly what this film is about. Of course, I have lots of scenarios in my head, but I guess I don’t feel like choosing just one option. Also, after watching, I recommend you to read a bit about the ritual of bugonia, so you can find out where the title comes from. It actually helps understanding the whole story, but make sure to watch the film first. Is it the best picture of 2025? I don’t know, but surely it’s on top. Should Emma Stone get another Oscar? I believe so. Maybe I’m not being objective because I adore her as an actress, but she again showed a new set of skills in building the character of Michelle. So if she ends up with her 3rd Oscar, I wouldn’t complain at all. Also, the marketing team did a great job. Apparently, you could find fake materials online about the Michelle’s company and herself. Plus, in Los Angeles there was a special free screening of “Bugonia”, but in order to see the film, you had to be bold. They even provided a barber at the entrance so you could shave your head on the spot. I love it! Would you shave your head?

My rating: 8/10
S.

The bait always dies. “Taking Lives” (2004)

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directed by D. J. Caruso
© 2004 Warner Bros. Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome to the film where you can see probably the best role of Ethan Hawke (obviously, according to my personal opinion). What’s funny is that the same actor, when asked about the film many years later, said it was “terrible”. Oh well… I mean, I wouldn’t say it was terrible. But first, let me say a few words about the plot. So we begin by watching two teenage boys who meet on a bus and this way we get to know the antagonist – the details are for you to see, no spoilers. Over twenty years later, Illeana Scott (Angelina Jolie), an FBI agent, is trying to catch a very sneaky murderer. The man steals his victims identities, which makes it difficult to find him. It looks as if each crime was committed by someone else, but it’s still the same guy. At some point she interviews James Costa (Ethan Hawke), who was a witness of the latest murder, and the man becomes a very important person in this case. In fact, except being helpful in tracking the murderer, he bonds with Illeana on a personal level. From now on, the woman has to be incredibly careful, because her new companion might actually be in danger. So, let’s get back to Hawke’s opinion – I wouldn’t say it’s a terrible film. It’s actually a quite entertaining story with plot twists and great acting. I felt engaged and liked the ending very much, which isn’t that common for me when I watch thrillers. However, in my opinion, this story could have been told in a more attractive way. I didn’t feel enough thrills to consider it an actual thriller. It was a nice production, but I feel like the director didn’t make a thriller that it should be out of it. Still, if you’re looking for some action, brilliant actors, some suspense and a mystery to solve – then you will enjoy it for sure. Perhaps someone could remake it in the future and make it darker, more intense? That’s just a humble suggestion from my side.

My rating: 7/10
S.

You always gotta connect on a human level. “Steve” (2025)

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directed by Tim Mielants
© 2025 Netflix. All Rights Reserved.

First of all – great casting. After watching the film, I cannot imagine a better actor to play the role of Steve. Cillian Murphy had an incredibly difficult task to do and he managed. Oh, he managed… Today I’m recommending you a drama, which may be important to all the saviours reading it right now. I’ll explain later. We get to know Steve, a headteacher of a specific school. There are only boys who have certain behavioural issues… or as someone could say “a bunch of hooligans”. As you can imagine, working in such school isn’t the easiest job in the world. Each student is a different story. A rather complex and dark story. So the staff must be very careful and patient while working with the boys. Steve, despite lots of obstacles, believes in helping those young people and he wants to make sure that they will actually find their purpose in life. Easier said than done. Especially since everyone around you have already given up on those children and the financial situation of the school is bad. This is a story about a man who wanted to be a saviour. Or perhaps needed to be a saviour. Steve has done something that makes him feel guilty and fighting for his students is a way to atone for it (not spoiling). What’s sure is that Steve needs help himself, but he ignores it and keeps on being the shoulder to cry on for others. And that’s not improving his own state. That is why I wrote about saviours at the beginning – if you feel like one, then watch this film. I used to be a saviour, but at some point I realised that I cannot save the world, not even the neighbourhood. And if I keep trying to do what’s impossible, I’ll be destroying myself. There were days where I didn’t care about my basic needs like sleeping or eating because I wanted to do something for someone else. Don’t reach this point. And if you have, it’s time to change your habits. One thing I’ve learned for good is “if you want to help others, you first need to help yourself”. Why do you think it’s the parent who puts an oxygen mask on their face first and then saves their child? Exactly. But is it simple? Not at all… I know it myself. If you’re vulnerable and empathic, giving up on someone because you’re not in the best shape is out of the question. That is why we should watch such films like “Steve” and treat them as reminders.

My rating: 6/10
S.

This is healthcare. Period. “The Devil Is Busy” (2024)

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directed by Geeta Gandbhir & Christalyn Hampton
© 2024 HBO Documentary Films. All Rights Reserved.

It’s 2025 and we still need to make films to share awareness about basic human rights. Oh well… but if that’s the case, then it’s great people make such productions. Today, I’d like to recommend you a short documentary about one of the most controversial issues nowadays. The person that we mostly follow here is Tracii, the head of security at one abortion clinic. We get to see the daily life of the staff from her perspective. And as you can imagine, it’s not easy. Such places are still not accepted by some groups, so you may not only see them protesting in front of clinics, but also use a variety of things to harm the employees and patients. That is why women have to be protected in order to go through the procedure. Before watching this documentary I was aware of the protests that happen nearby abortion clinics because I live in a country where such things take place as well. The protestants even use toxic substances against the staff or they break windows/doors. However, this short film actually opened my eyes on the level of fear, anxiety and pain that women go through. If a woman decides to have an abortion, she is already under a massive stress. You never know why she makes such decision and, let’s be honest, it’s none of your business, because, in the end, she’s the one who would have to raise this child. So imagine you’re in such situation, you dress up, go to the clinic and you see people willing to hurt you for even being there. It’s insane! Each person may have their own beliefs, but you have no right to traumatise others for making decisions about their own life. That is why I admire people like Tracii, who work everyday in such environment and still give so much support to their patients. They are those superheroes we don’t often hear about, so maybe it’s time to finally talk about them. You may start from this documentary. And I wish you such wonderful people on your path in case you need help.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Is this what the end of the world feels like? “Sirāt” (2025)

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directed by Óliver Laxe
© 2025 BTeam Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

When I heard of this film, I was sure it’s a family drama that may turn into a crime story or thriller. Obviously, I hadn’t seen any trailer (as always), so I entered the world of “Sirāt” totally unaware. Would I watch it again? No. But am I glad I had a chance to experience it? Definitely yes. At the beginning, we get to know Luis (Sergi López), a father of two. His older daughter has disappeared and the man cannot contact her anyhow. That is why he decides to travel to Morocco with his younger child Esteban (Bruno Núñez Arjona) and search for the missing girl. They meet people raving and enjoying electronic music there, and at some point Luis is told about another big raving party in a dessert, where he might actually find his daughter. Even though the journey to that dessert is difficult, the man and the boy are determined to give it a try. They join a group of ravers and hope for a happy ending. Will it be happy? It’s for you to see. I have to say I was reflecting on this film for a long time. The story itself isn’t anyhow complicated, but the hidden messages are quite hard to understand. At least while watching. I needed to think about it all for a day or two to create my own interpretation. There won’t be any spoilers here, at least not any significant ones: I’m mostly focused on the differences between Luis and the ravers. The man is terrified and hopeful to find his missing child, and he doesn’t agree to accept she might not want to be found or she might not be with us anymore. He wants to achieve his goal and nothing can stop him. The ravers, however, adapt to life in their own way – they might not be achieving their goals, but they focus on themselves and the present. Seems like a great way to live, right? Well, while watching the film I felt the director shows us those two opposite approaches to life in order to make us come to a conclusion that perhaps it’s good to compromise. Maybe something in the middle of the scale is the right choice. If I could say what this film is about in one word, to me it’s about balance. We need balance in our lives not to lose ourselves and cross the line, even unconsciously. But I was reading some reviews of this story and I feel like each person has a different reflection, which is amazing. It means this film is of good quality and different people might find something for themselves there. I encourage you to check it out as well.

My rating: 7/10
S.

In the span of life, that’s near everything. “The Magic of Ordinary Days” (2005)

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directed by Brent Shields
© 2005 Empire Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

What about a Hallmark romance? But wait! Don’t close it yet! Give me a chance to encourage you, because I believe it’s worth your time. Really, no jokes. I found this film one day and thought – yeah, I need something easy to follow with a predictable screenplay. Well, it’s not the most complicated story, but it’s not that boring either. We follow Livy (Keri Russell), a young woman who gets pregnant by a soldier, who serves during World War II. Her family doesn’t approve of this, because she should get married first, and then have a child. You know, like a real decent woman back then. That is why Livy is sent to a farm where she’s forced to marry a local man, Ray (Skeet Ulrich). Those two couldn’t be more different. She’s an educated woman with big ambitions and a dream to explore the world, and he’s a simple farmer who works hard and focuses on his everyday life. However, Ray agrees to marry Livy and raise her child in order to build a family. Even though the woman ends up in a new community, she’s warmly accepted, which helps her adapt to the situation. Still, she still misses her old life and hopes to reunite with the child’s father. In the meantime, she also starts building a lovely relation with Ray. What happens next – is for you to see, and you might be surprised. It’s not an ordinary romance, because WWII is a significant background to it. We know what kind of tragedy that was, yet we’re following two people living in a farm, just living their life and hearing about the battles happening far away. Some may say it’s a film showing that women shouldn’t dream big, just settle down and find happiness in such ordinary life. However, I see something different here. Juxtaposing the war with the life on the farm, we may actually realise that this “boring” existence may be a real goal to reach. Some people out there would love to have their own house and loved ones beside them. So sometimes the real magic really is in those ordinary days. I swear, I enjoyed this film for its simple, yet forgotten message. So if you’re in need of a story that will hug you tight, go for it.

My rating: 7/10
S.