Mehnificent

In a landscape filled with espionage thrillers, Black Bag ventures into the murky waters of betrayal and intrigue, directed by the esteemed Steven Soderbergh and penned by David Koepp. The film, released on March 12, 2025, in France and shortly thereafter in the United States, stars a lineup of talent including Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, and Pierce Brosnan, all attempting to weave a narrative centered on a top-secret software leak and the moral quandaries that follow. Yet, despite the film's enticing premise, the final product lands solidly in the "good, not great" category. It reveals the frustrating reality of a story with remarkable potential, yet ultimately squandered by poor pacing and underdeveloped characters.

Cold Wallet, the 2024 thriller directed by Cutter Hodierne, dives headfirst into the chaotic world of cryptocurrency, perfectly capturing the mania surrounding digital assets, meme coins, and the ever-looming specter of rug pulls. With a plot that is as relevant as today's headlines, the film follows a ragtag group of Redditors who, after losing their savings to a notorious crypto scam, resort to drastic measures. Their scheme leads them to the secluded mansion of the enigmatic Charles Hegel, played by Josh Brener, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown that blends dark comedy with moral ambiguity. As the film explores the lengths to which everyday individuals will go in the pursuit of justice—or money—it increasingly pushes viewers into a whirlwind of ethical dilemmas and tension.

In the realm of psychological horror and apocalyptic dread, M. Night Shyamalan's Knock at the Cabin, finds itself at a crossroads, unfortunately veering towards the forgettable rather than the frightful.

It’s What’s Inside, the 2024 cinematic cornerstone (or pitfall) brought to you by the innovative Greg Jardin. With a cast that reads like a “who’s who” of talented up-and-comers—Brittany O’Grady, Gavin Leatherwood, and a few others I may forget as soon as the credits roll—you might think I was in for a treat.

In a landscape rich with horror and psychological thrillers, I felt a pang of disappointment after watching "Longlegs," directed by Osgood Perkins and featuring a talented cast including Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, and Alicia Witt. While I had hoped the film would stand out, it instead floated somewhere in the realm of mediocrity.

Despite the mixed reviews circulating online, I couldn't ignore the allure of “Criminal.” Critics have noted a disjointed plot and uneven character development, with some expressing disappointment in how the film utilizes its talented cast.