Whiskey for the pain. “Together” (2025)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Michael Shanks
© 2025 Neon. All Rights Reserved.

Have you ever seen some couple acting as if they were glued to each other? Disgusting, I know. And there are clever people on this planet who decided to make a horror out of it. Genius, I know. And I watched it… and I enjoyed it. Masochistic, I know. But hey, since you keep reading this post, it means you’re also curious about this sick idea. So, let’s go! We get to know Millie and Tim (Alison Brie and Dave Franco), who have been a couple for several years and one of them wishes to take the next step, while the second one hesitates. They decide to move to a house in the countryside and… no, it’s not another haunted mansion, that would be too easy. The creepy part is more ridiculous. One day, the couple go on a hike and accidentally fall into an underground cave. They stay there for the night, during which Tim does something… silly (you will see) and in the morning, the lovebirds wake up attached to each other. Literally – their legs are kind of glued. Weird? That’s just the beginning, because after that night, Millie and Tim will stay very, very close… At first, I was rather confused and didn’t like the chaos I experienced, but the longer I was watching, the more I understood this film’s form. It is a horror, but you are supposed to have fun during it as well. So if you don’t take those scenes seriously and don’t expect to get scared, then I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. The film is a bit disgusting (or more than a bit, depending on your sensitivity), but it’s also a romance, which is highly visible between Millie and Tim. Personally, I was just guessing that the filmmakers wanted to mock those real-life “glued” couples and it made the whole experience an absolute blast. When you see such people in public, don’t you think “oh just eat each other finally, for god’s sake…”? Well, I do. And this horror kind of made my dream come true. Also, the ending was quite surprising to me, which doesn’t often happen when I watch spooky films. Maybe it’s not a perfect production, but it’s definitely fresh and that’s what I appreciate the most.

My rating: 7/10
S.

To live with our hearts open. “Hamnet” (2025)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Chloé Zhao
© 2025 Focus Features. All Rights Reserved.

Oscars are coming, but I do not really care. Because if “Hamnet” doesn’t win as the Best Picture, I don’t even want to hear about it. According to me, no film of the nominees is as good as “Hamnet”. Not even close. If you want to see a quality cinema with spectacular acting, amazing costumes and production design, engaging story full of real emotions – then that’s it. Chloé Zhao takes us back to the times of William Shakespeare, but, unlike in other films, the spotlight is put on his wife, Agnes Hathaway (Jessie Buckley). She’s said to be a forest witch’s daughter, which seems to attract William (Paul Mescal) even more. Well, he had a specific type, can’t lie. He’s fascinated by Agnes’ bravery and love for nature, while she’s mesmerised by William’s imagination and storytelling skills. Those two fall in love and have 3 children, which seems like a perfect life. Unfortunately, William spends a lot of time in London working on his plays, while Agnes misses his presence at home. The things get even more complicated when their only son, Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe), is suffering from a serious illness and Agnes’ healing skills seem to be insufficient. I don’t want to spoil more, because it’s really worth experiencing this story to the fullest. Since we know very little about Shakespeare’s family life, the screenplay is fictional, but there are several facts it’s based on. I feel like Chloé Zhao wanted to create the character of Agnes to show she’s more than just a famous writer’s wife. That she had to be a strong individual to go through the reality she was living in. It’s a story about how unusual love can be and how differently each person searches for ease in case of experiencing incredible pain. What Jessie Buckley does in this film is… out of this world. I had chills watching each scene and she made me forget it’s not real. But Jessie’s emotions were beyond being real. Thanks to her, the character of Agnes was complete. Also, she represents the uniqueness of women, which may show in numerous ways, far from common stereotypes. But at the same time, the film doesn’t make William the bad one. Instead, we get the message that those two needed to complement each other, even though they were different human beings with their own needs, values and weaknesses. To me, this film is also a lesson that a quality relation may flourish in unprecedented circumstances and it’s important to connect on a profound level. Anything shallow is of little importance. I believe each person may benefit from seeing “Hamnet” and get whatever they need from it at the moment. I did and I’m thankful. This is the best picture of 2025. Nothing more to add.

My rating: 9/10
S.

It was time to change it all. “Two People Exchanging Saliva” (“Deux personnes échangeant de la salive”, 2024)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Natalie Musteata & Alexandre Singh
© 2024 The New Yorker. All Rights Reserved.

Probably the best short film I’ve seen in years! Period. Now go and watch… You’re still here? Ugh, fine. So let me tell you shortly why you must see this one. It’s a dystopian story about a world where intimacy is a crime. Kissing another person is forbidden, so nobody brushes their teeth in order to discourage potential physical contact. In the same world, people don’t use money – instead, they are being slapped in the face. The more expensive the service, the bigger number of slaps. In case you’re confused, I’m a huge fan of dystopian productions, so to me it’s incredibly interesting! Anyway, we need a protagonist – and that’s Malaise (Luàna Bajrami), a young woman who’s just got a job at a fancy departement store. One day, she meets an important client, Angine (Zahra Amir Ebrahimi), a wealthy housewife that spends a lot of money on shopping there. Malaise approaches her quite directly, which surprises the cutomer, but at the same time catches her attention. From now on, Angine requests Malaise to be her personal assistant during shopping at the store. The connection they’re bulding doesn’t look that professional anymore and the chemistry is quite visible. But how to get intimate in the world deprived of it? Even though the idea for this story might seem ridiculous, I absolutely loved it. First, the value of money is presented as physical violence that people accept. To me, it’s a visualisation of how much we sacrifice to get the things we want. Perhaps we’re not being slapped in real life, but just think how much energy and effort you put into earning money that you later spend. Isn’t it some kind of self-violence as well? Second, we get a strange picture of forbidden attraction, which reminds us how ridiculous it is to restrict people from loving who they want. In this case, the two ladies cannot deepen their relation because of the silly kissing rule. It is aburd, isn’t it? So now, let’s return to our reality – isn’t it absurd to stop two people of the same sex to love each other? Do people of different sexual orientation than hetero must put on masks and pretend to be someone else? Do they need to “eat garlic” and “avoid toothpaste”? Can’t even describe how much food for thought this short film has given me and I really hope you will find a moment to see it. My absolute winner this year!

My rating: 9/10
S.

I am the reaper of death. Now say my name! “The Alabama Solution” (2025)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Andrew Jarecki & Charlotte Kaufman
© 2025 HBO. All Rights Reserved.

Is it okay to murder the murderer? Well… I won’t answer this question, but I invite you to another philosophy lesson on this blog, and all that because of “The Alabama Solution”. It’s a documentary that may really play with your mind and values. In 2019, the filmmakers, Andrew and Charlotte, visited one state prison to record some religious event taking place. As they were there, several prisoners approached them in secret to share that they’re being abused on a daily basis. Imagine, a person who committed a crime (even a murder) asks you for help because they’re in danger. What do you do? Andrew and Charlotte decide to investigate and, with the participation of the prisoners, they create this documentary to show the reality behind bars. What you will see is drastic and heart-breaking, but at the same time incredibly confusing. I believe no person should be allowed to torture or kill another one, without exceptions. However, it was difficult for me to sympathise with the prisoners, because they weren’t there without a reason. Once again, they should be punished for their crimes, but additional harming is definitely an example of power abuse. Unfortunately, I do imagine why people might ignore this problem – in the end, they would care about the criminals who had perhaps hurt their beloved ones. It is an extremely difficult topic and the documentary made me reflect on it for a long time. I wish it was a series, so we could dig deeper and try to create several answers to those complex questions. The film left me curious, but not fully informed, at least not as much as I’d like. Technically, it’s an average documentary, but the idea for it makes it outstanding. If you’re ready for such philosophical experience, I highly recommend it.

My rating: 6/10
S.

Sometimes you can just smell a horrendously shitty day on the way, can’t you? “The Paper” (1994)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Ron Howard
© 1994 Universal Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Today, I’m taking you to a newspaper office, where you’re going to have a short internship. We’re following Henry (Michael Keaton), the editor of The New York Sun, a tabloid paper. Working there means you need to drink a lot of coffee, stay glued to the phone (and back then they weren’t using cellphones, so imagine the struggle), walk and talk super fast, and also ignore the fact that you get paid a lame amount of money for all this effort. However, Henry seems to like his job very much, but he also wishes to move his career forward and try working in a slightly more prestigious office. We’re watching one day of his workday, during which he has to make a difficult decision. Two bodies of white businessmen have been found. According to the police, two African-American teenagers are the responsible ones for this crime. In Henry’s opinion, it’s just an unfounded arrest, and when he gets the information that proves the boys’ innocense, the newspaper office has to choose between bad and worse. They may either publish the next-day paper sharing the police’s statement, or they may actually inform the public that the teenagers aren’t guilty. The first choice is wrong from the moral point of view, but the second one might have serious consequences on the whole team. Except a thrilling case, we also get a picture of a typical workday at an editorial office, which looks interesting for an ordinary viewer. There are also numerous jokes typical for this profession and those times, so the film can be highly enjoyable for many people. And if you’re planning to study journalism, maybe it’s the best thing to see before choosing your path. You’re welcome.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Who’s fighting? I’m racing. “F1” (2025)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Joseph Kosinski
© 2025 Warner Bros. Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

It took me a lot of time to sit down and watch this film. I couldn’t force myself to see it in the cinema… I mean, it’s a film about car racing… No offence, but I see absolutely nothing tempting about this activity. However, since so many people recommend it and it’s nominated to Oscars, I just had to make myself a big mug of coffee and watch it. And unfortunately, I still see no point in driving around the circle, but I do think this film looks entertaining and from the technical point of view – it is spectacular. So I’m taking you for a ride in F1! Put on the helmet, fasten the seatbelt and check your insurance. At the beginning we get to know Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), who used to be a very successful F1 driver in the 90s, but a horrible accident forced him to finish his career. One day, he’s offered to become a mentor for another driver and help him in winning the upcoming races. I mean, the story is as simple as tying sandals, so if you already have an idea how things will go – you’re probably right. And everything here is correct – the screenplay, the plot twists, the acting etc. So it is a complete production. Is it outstanding as a story? Not at all. But the work put into creating this film is enormous. The thing that fascinates me the most is how they managed to shoot the action from the inside of the car, where, as you know, there’s very little space. I guess it’s good that Apple produced “F1” because they were using iPhones in such scenes. Perhaps promoting the usage of their phones as professional video cameras was even the main point of making the film – who knows, just my hypothesis. So, to sum up – it’s a fun action/drama to watch if you appreciate great visual effects and you like cars. Then, you’ll have the time of your life. And even though I still don’t feel the enthusiasm about Formula 1, I try to be objective and point out the good sides. For sure I understand the nomination for the best editing, sound and visual effects, but the best picture… well, that’s questionable. Still, I cannot say it’s a bad production and I believe it truly deserves a recommendation. But risking your life for driving in a circle is something I’ll never support and this story hasn’t changed my mind.

My rating: 7/10
S.

How to make you cry in 13 minutes? “Forevergreen” (2025)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Nathan Engelhardt & Jeremy Spears
© 2025 Nathan Engelhardt & Jeremy Spears. All Rights Reserved.

Who would have thought that I would feel like crying while watching a short animation about a bear and a tree… Since it’s a short film, my post will be rather short as well, so I don’t spoil too much. It’s one of the animations nominated to Oscars and my personal favourite this year. It tells the story of a little orphaned bear that finds a friend in a big tree. They create a lovely bond and become a quite unusual family, I could say. However, one day the little bear is tempted by something strange in the forest that doesn’t belong there. The tree tries to stop the bear from following the unwelcome thing, but sometimes curiosity wins no matter what… I’m so impressed that the film crew managed to tell such a meaningful story in only 13 minutes. On the one hand, they presented the importance of keeping nature safe and not destroying its ecosystem by our silly human actions. On the other hand, it’s also a story about making mistakes, which are sometimes inevitable, and learning lessons that lead to positive changes in the future. Except the messages coming out of this film, I have to appreciate the beautiful and unique animation style. It took the film crew over 5 years to make it, which sounds incredibly impressive. Let me say – this production was worth all this time. It’s my winner this year for sure.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Life is more precious than dignity. “The Children Act” (2017)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Richard Eyre
© 2017 A24. All Rights Reserved.

Staying in the topic of protecting children, I’d like to recommend you a drama that is based on a real story. It’s again about not being able to help, despite the great will, just this time it’s from a different perspective. We get to know Fiona Maye (Emma Thompson), a judge specialising in familly matters. One day, she’s given a case of a 17-year-old who suffers from leukaemia and the doctors have to perform a blood transfusion. The procedure wouldn’t be in question unless the boy was from a family of Jehovah’s Witnesses. According to their rules, blood transfusions are forbidden, no matter what. Don’t ask me, ask the cult. Anyway, even though Adam’s (Fionn Whitehead) life is in danger, his parents are loyal to their religion. Since the boy has been growing up in the community of Witnesses, he also thinks it’s right to refuse the procedure. However, in such case the hospital must seek permission from the court in order to save a minor. Fiona meets Adam and sees the teenager is willing to respect his religion, but the judge has to follow the law. And the law says: save the child. After the procedure, Adam has to accept a slightly new reality – he is living “against” his god’s will. Fiona might actually be the person who shows the boy that it was the right thing to do. Will she manage? That’s for you to see. Generally, it’s a film where two different people with different life values meet and try to understand each other. Also, the story reminds us that sometimes our good intentions might not be perceived the same way by someone else. So the question is: if you really believe in doing something to protect another person, should you do it against their will? The case presented in the film is serious, but we tend to “help” others on a daily basis. But do we really help them, or we believe we help them? If you enjoy such philosophical reflections, this drama will give you a lot of food for thought. Also, Emma and Fionn give a wonderful acting performance full of various emotions.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Please, come. “The Voice of Hind Rajab” (2025)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Kaouther Ben Hania
© 2025 The Party Film Sales. All Rights Reserved.

I really wish I didn’t have to see this film, but at the same time, I’m incredibly thankful to the film crew for making it. And if only everyone in the world saw it… maybe things would be different? I don’t know… but I know it’s an absolute must-see, whoever you are. Please, don’t watch any trailers – just go and watch this docudrama, because lack of knowledge will actually intensify the experience. I hadn’t heard of this case before seeing the film and I felt like one of the characters – wondering what happens next. We’re taken to 2024, January the 29th, and observe the work of the Palestinian Red Crescent. At some point, Omar (Motaz Malhees), answers probably the most terrifying call one can imagine. It’s a 6-year-old girl from Gaza, trapped in a car full of murdered family members, and she’s asking for help. What would you do if you got such call? Because I would pass out from stress. Luckily, Omar has the support of a more experienced colleague, Rana (Saja Kilani), who continues the conversation with the girl, but even she struggles with emotions. In the end, there’s an innocent child over there and all you can do is sit at your desk and hope for a miracle. And if you think the idea for this film is already heavy enough, better fasten your seatbelts. It is a fictional production, but it’s based on a real story and, what’s the most traumatising for me, you can hear the real recordings of the girl and volunteers from that day. They are mixed with the actors lines, but the fact that you can hear real people who went through this nightmare… it’s unbelievable. I was speechless. Because it’s not just a story that is supposed to manipulate our emotions – not at all. It happens right next to us. Children are left alone, scared, in danger, without their families. All that because some assholes want more money and power. This is the voice of Hind Rajab and I hope everyone will stop to listen to it. It’s one of the most devastating films I’ve ever seen.

My rating: 8/10
S.

They really lived. “Secondhand Lions” (2003)

SashLeave a comment
directed by Tim McCanlies
© 2003 New Line Cinema. All Rights Reserved.

Another legendary actor has left us here… Robert Duvall, known for his spectacular roles in top films, has definitely made a significant impact on cinema. However, today I won’t recommend any of the most common productions he starred in, and instead, I’m taking you to a farm in Texas. It’s 1962 and a teenager named Walter (Haley Joel Osment) is sent to live with his eccentric uncles, Hub and Garth (Robert Duvall & Michael Caine). The men are said to have a big fortune, but they are living a rather simple life. Their favourite activity is sitting on the porch and shooting at salesmen. I mean, I feel them. I’d add religious cult followers and postmen with bills… Anyway, the uncles aren’t really thrilled to welcome Walter, but soon, the boy shows them that he might be quite useful here. They begin to bond and the men tell him the stories of their travelling adventures. They sound ridiculous and hard to believe in, but at the same time it’s a quite entertaining activity. Generally, it’s an adorable and quite absurd comedy that might cheer your whole family up. I actually never heard of it before, but I decided to see it now and I’m sure I’d have loved it as a child as well. I guess I don’t need to mention that the acting here is of the best quality – in the end, we get three very talented gentlemen. But what I enjoyed the most was the message coming out of this story. Or actually, two messages. One – live your life to the fullest and say “yes” to whatever shows up on your way. Two – don’t stop living to the fullest even when you’re older. I often joke that I’m too old for doing something (and I’m not really old), but in fact – I wish to stay active and spontaneous until my last day on this planet. And I hope you will finish this film with a similar reflection. Thank you Mr Duvall for your work, rest in peace.

My rating: 7/10
S.