Movies

The date on which Exterritorial rolled out on Netflix is not likely to be emblazoned on the calendars of film lovers, unless, perhaps, as a cautionary tale for aspiring directors on how a minor thrill premise can be spun into an inextricable web of misdirection, empty conspiracy, and conspicuous plot-fumbling. If Christian Zübert set out to make a woman-on-the-brink action yarn about the delirium of maternal loss and the cruel machinery of power, what we get instead is a would-be mystery that squanders its own slender promise, often wandering the consulate’s echoing corridors with as little purpose (and with as much head-scratching immunity to security) as its protagonist.

If you thought the world of cinema had run out of questionable portrayals of culture, think again! Jacques Audiard's Emilia Pérez arrives with all the grace of a hippo on a tightrope, attempting to navigate the complex realities of Mexican culture through a haze of clichés and half-baked musical numbers.

Elevation, the latest post-apocalyptic action thriller directed by George Nolfi, I was hoping for an engaging adventure that would blend tactical survival with emotional stakes. After all, the film stars Anthony Mackie and Morena Baccarin, both actors known for their compelling performances. Unfortunately, what unfolded before me was a cinematic trainwreck of boredom, confusion, and missed opportunities.