Foreign

A miraculous, multi-generational film that wildly weaves three interconnected lives of gay men through eras of 1932, 1937, 2017 in Spain. Directed by Javier Calvo and Javiar Ambrossi it is catastrophically choreographed, poignantly profound, revelatory in its sadness, heartbreaking in the hubris of men not given a choice in their proclivities. Commencing with “Carlos” (Milo Quifes) a man with an …

The fifth season of this most compelling, compassionate close to “documentary” style series, screams with realism, almost beyond comprehension, but truthful, lived by the actors; suffering, grief and pain sears viewers to the core; brutally beautiful, undeniable unpreparedness of Israel on October 7th, 2023. Painfully strenuous to watch, but necessary, primarily, respectfully, for the creators: Lior Raz a former commando …

Horror has a powerful appeal for devoted fans across demographics, location, gender, and education. Dark, surreal films are often shown late at night at film festivals, and some of the most insightful conversations unfold in those quiet, haunting early-morning hours. Years of addiction, sampling horror mania from all cultures has led to ultimate discrimination in filmmakers’ horrific imaginations; perpetual competition …

Filmmakers are often generous in their observations and perspectives, showing less judgment toward the “other” and balancing the opposing side of the equation. “Unidentified,” directed by Saudi Arabian filmmaker Haifaa al-Mansour—one of Saudi Arabia’s first and finest female directors (“Wadjda,” “Mary Shelley”)—reflects her universal, inclusive, and intelligent sensibility. Now living in California, al-Mansour emerges from a Saudi film culture that …

Peneflix rarely reviews films on streaming platforms, but I have been eagerly awaiting this highly controversial film from Israeli director Nadav Lapid (“Ahed’s Knee”). It is worth viewing for its insight into the experience of an Israeli whose life is constantly overshadowed by the specter of death. “Yes” follows a contemporary pianist “Y” Ariel Bronz, his wife “Yasmin” Efrat Dor, …

Following 2025’s scintillating spy thriller “Black Bag” Steven Soderbergh’s “The Christophers” blazingly brilliant duet, between artists “Julian Sklar” (Ian McKellen, is born for the role and takes flight in every provocative scene) and “Lori Butler” (superior Michaela Coel, perpetually taunts Julian); nearing death Julian’s children (“Barnaby”, James Corden, and “Sallie”, Jessica Gunning) hire Lori to complete his unfinished canvasses and …

“MARTY SUPREME”, was SMOKE/STACKED!!!!! Proof that “bad press” does not always lead to positive results. It was an interesting, stunningly attired evening, where the unnominated “Oscar” winner was Ozempic, succeeding in a myriad of size 2, zip ups; missed the rollie polies (pregnant exceptions). Host Conan O’Brien, blissfully starred in his sobriquets’ celebrating his Oscar fantasies; poise prevailed; not only …

Every year, my selections, based solely on what I feel should win, not “will” win fall short of victory. 2025 was an empyrean film year, in Hollywood and Foreign; and all nominees are worthy of their respective nominations. Having seen all the films, several times, my choices are: BEST PICTURE: MARTY SUPREME BEST DIRECTOR:  PAUL THOMAS ANDERSON  “ONE BATTLE AFTER …

A venerable couple, depicted tirelessly by Lesley Manville, “Stella” and Ciaran Hinds, “Gerry” whose marriage has been frozen in predictably for days, months, years. Directed by Polly Findlay this retired, bored, lackluster, Irish Catholic duo, take a hiatus in Amsterdam; searching for rejuvenation spurred by Stella’s religiosity; unaided by Gerry’s perpetual alcoholism. From the outset bleakness and doom prognosticate at …

No longer do you have to wait! Streaming devices feature films nominated for Academy Awards; yes, at times you must pay “theatre prices” but never denies the tranquility of your favored couch. Here are a few features on Amazon Prime and Netflix. ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER: 13 Academy Award nominations; a crowd esteemed, but not mine (Sean Penn is worth …