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Jimmy and Stiggs film review by UK film critic Hope Madden. Starring Joe Begos, Matt Mercer directed by Joe Begos. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Jimmy and Stiggs Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: Aug 12, 2025 Directed by: Joe Begos Written by: Joe Begos Starring: Joe Begos, Matt Mercer Few filmmakers capture drug fueled horror mayhem quite like Joe Begos (Bliss, VFW) . His latest is an exercise in minimalism. Not in terms of drugs or mayhem, just filmmaking. An alien invasion horror flick, Jimmy and Stiggs sees Jimmy (Begos), an out of work filmmaker, hitting the stuff hard in his LA apartment when he blacks out and loses an entire night. Certain an alien abduction was involved, and that those slimy sardine MF’ers are coming back for him, he calls his best friend Stiggs (Matt Mercer) for advice. The thing is, Stiggs is six months sober and hasn’t spoken to Jimmy in ages. In fact, in an opening sequence shot go-pro style from Jimmy’s inebriated point of view, we learn that Stiggs isn’t interested in producing Jimmy’s new film, news that sends Jimmy spiraling. Still, worried for his old friend’s sanity and welfare, Stiggs shows up at Jimmy’s place just in time for the aliens to return. What Begos creates, in a quick 80 minutes with mainly two actors and one increasingly and impressively demolished set, is DIY filmmaking at its most profanity strewn. Given the sheer volume of cocaine and whiskey, the incoherence of the plot feels right at home. Begos amplifies the nuttiness with wild cuts, possible dream sequences, time shifts, and the periodic use of first person, go-pro POV sequences. The result is a dizzying, black-light colorful excuse to bash practical FX aliens to bits and let their day-glo goo decorate the apartment. On the downside, Begos is no actor, and even 80 minutes of isolation with Jimmy and his coked-up ranting feels too long. Mercer fares better, leading some Apocalypse Now type insanity that plays really well in this context. Jimmy and Stiggs was shot over 4 years, beginning during lockdown and extending until completion, mainly in Begos’s LA home. It’s a wild bit of alien fun that fades to black just before it outstays its welcome. About the Film Critic Hope Madden Theatrical Release, Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Fearless film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Sheila Daniel, Maggie Kelly, Nashattar Kang, Nages Amirthananthar, Aileen Edwards, Anne Gache directed by Noella Mingo. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Fearless Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Nov 30, 2025 Directed by: Noella Mingo Written by: Noella Mingo Starring: Sheila Daniel, Maggie Kelly, Nashattar Kang, Nages Amirthananthar, Aileen Edwards, Anne Gache A feature-length documentary about six women who moved to Britain following the Second World War. This film was written and directed by Noella Mingo. After World War II, Britains was in great need of people to fill in positions in areas such as transport, manufacturing and healthcare. In response, citizens from Commonwealth countries were requested to come to Britain and contribute to the demanding situation. Among them were these six women: Sheila Daniel, Maggie Kelly and Aileen Edwards from the Caribbean, Nashattar Kang and Nages Amirthananthar from India and Anne Gache from Ireland. These six individuals give interviews in this informative documentary, telling their story, starting from their childhood, how and why they ended up making the move to the United Kingdom, the challenges they faced after arriving and how they have lived since then. Through the interviews, a rich collection of photographs revealing various stages throughout their lives and archival footage (all methodically edited by Ken Mizutani), viewers will become familiar with these wonderful individuals and their inspiring stories and how they built their lives in Britain. All this is supported by a good selection of songs, including Cooking Up A Rhythm by Jonathan Boyle, Shakin' All Over by Johnny Kid & The Pirates and A Mother's Love by Lord Tanamo. Additionally, this feature also provides an account of what life was like in Britain decades ago, with racism and injustice making life difficult. There are several historical facts that are referenced, including the Partition of India, the 1958 Notting Hill Race Riots, the Race Relations Act 1968 and the creation of the NHS, making the viewing dramatic and educational. Dy documenting the lives of several women who moved to Britain not long after WWII and pointing out significant political issues, this feature provides a commentary about reminiscing the past, childhood memories, appreciating achievements, making life-changing decisions, building a life, immigration, racism and inequality. People who view this documentary will become get to know six likeable individuals who moved to Britain for work following WWII and will also get an idea of how things were there during those times. This is an informative film and one that acknowledges the joys of living life. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Indie Feature Film, Documentary < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Sharper film review by UK film critic George Wolf. Starring Julianne Moore, Justice Smith, Briana Middleton, Sebastian Stan directed by Benjamin Caron. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Sharper Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: George Wolf | Posted on: Feb 15, 2023 Directed by: Benjamin Caron Written by: Brian Gatewood, Alessandro Tanaka Starring: Julianne Moore, Justice Smith, Briana Middleton, Sebastian Stan It may not be a textbook Rashomon approach, but director/co-writer Benjamin Caron leans on a similar structure in his impressive feature debut for Apple Originals, Sharper. Set up in chapters named for the main personalities, the film first introduces us to Tom (Justice Smith, from Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Pokémon: Detective Pikachu ). Tom owns a struggling bookstore in NYC, and is mostly estranged from his billionaire father, Richard (John Lithgow) and his new wife, Madeline (Julianne Moore). But when Tom sells a book to PhD student Sandra (The Tender Bar ‘s Briana Middleton), a relationship begins. And a few weeks later, Tom is offering to give Sandra thousands of dollars to settle her troubled brother’s debts with some bad guys. He gives her the satchel full of cash, and watches her walk away. Yeah. So, right away, we’re on Tom’s side. But then, we get Sandra’s backstory, which includes some important details about her life before walking into that bookstore, and about her shady brother. And then there’s the relationship between Richard and Madeline, which gets plenty complicated with the sudden arrival of Madeline’s ne’er-do-well son, Max (Sebastian Stan). Caron, from TV’s The Crown, Andor and Sherlock , weaves the agendas together with a fine hand, revealing mysterious secrets just when they can add the most fun to the journey. And this is an entertaining slice of life on the grift, one leaning more toward gloss and polish than neo and noir. The performances are all stellar, which ironically adds to the film’s slight stumble at the finish line. That final twist will not be hard to sniff out, even for mildly experienced film buffs. But we believe these people know all the angles, and when a character calls out a con midway through, it should only increase the chance that their antenna would be up for this same play later on. But heists and cons are just fun, aren’t they? And Sharper is a well-crafted and clever one, even with a finale that dulls its edges a bit. About the Film Critic George Wolf Digital / DVD Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Boomslang 2: The Dinner film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Ryan Vincent, Rori Flynn, Dominique Willingham, Susan Louise O'Connor, Bruno Oliver, Matt Anspach, Yakov Kolontarov, Mari Muscio, Olivia Haley Young directed by Justin Schwan. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Boomslang 2: The Dinner Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Feb 17, 2022 Directed by: Justin Schwan Written by: Allen Osborne Starring: Ryan Vincent, Rori Flynn, Dominique Willingham, Susan Louise O'Connor, Bruno Oliver, Matt Anspach, Yakov Kolontarov, Mari Muscio, Olivia Haley Young Extraordinary things are taking place inside a restaurant. This dark comedy short is the follow-up to the multi-award-winning Boomslang of 2020 and it provides quite a humorous and entertaining experience. Basically, the narrative consists of two stories that are connected, both of which take place in the same restaurant that is called 'The Second Wife'. A man named Erik Boomslang enters this eating establishment and after a brief and awkward conversation with the owner, he sits at a table. Shortly after, the ghost of a woman who was murdered by him appears. That woman was Harriet and she is in a rather cheerful mood. The two of them have a friendly conversation about the afterlife and she explains that the purpose of her arrival is to prevent Erik from killing again. The second story involves a friendly gentleman named Barnard, a wealthy philanthropist, who meets a group of three youngsters at the restaurant, with the intention of helping them. Right from the start, this amusing film attracts the viewer's attention with cheeky and awkward dialogue. There is talk about what it is like being in Heaven, about deceased celebrities, an argument with a waiter and a Fosse dance. There is dark humour, adult humour and the conversations are interesting and fun to listen to. The protagonists deliver entertaining performances and it is clear that they are having fun with their character. Flynn, Willingham and Oliver are quite amusing in portraying cheerful individuals and Vincent is pretty good as a calm and laid back serial killer. Adam Gharib does a great job with the cinematography and special mention goes to the clothing. The music that is heard throughout has a sort of comedic tone and effectively accompanies the scenes. Praise also goes to the dance scene which is wonderfully choreographed by Jahna Frantziskonis. This short is an entertaining experience with well-written dialogue, interesting characters and performances that succeed in being quite a joy to watch. Throughout its twelve-minute duration it never loses its ability to be comical and it will most likely provide the audience with a good laugh. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Matrix Resurrections film review by UK film critic Hope Madden. Starring Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II directed by Lana Wachowski. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Matrix Resurrections Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: Dec 21, 2021 Directed by: Lana Wachowski Written by: Lana Wachowski, David Mitchell, Aleksander Hemon Starring: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II December is the month for outrage on the big screen. Whether Adam McKay’s latest blistering comedy Don’t Look Up, Radu Jude’s audacious indictment Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn , or Lana Wachowski’s return to the power grid that made her famous, movies this December are really, really angry. And who can blame them? As the filmmaker resurrects her Matrix series, Wachowski makes sure to point out just how prescient her pleather & action groundbreakers really were. Back in ’99, Thomas Anderson (Keanu Reeves) had to make a choice. He woke up to the fact that reality itself was harsh and inconvenient and you couldn’t just say what you wanted to hear and convince others that was reality. In 2021, Thomas Anderson is a rich video game designer living in a reality where people insist that their own narratives are the truth regardless of the facts. Anderson’s story involves, once again, waking up to harsh truth and finding true love. There are battles, action sequences, grudges and nostalgia aplenty—more than enough to delight fans of the trilogy looking for a little pandering. But that plot, slight as it is, creates a frame on which Wachowski can hang a lot of indignation. The strange synergy between the logical evolution of Anderson/Neo’s story and Wachowski’s rage is what makes The Matrix Resurrection strangely satisfying. Take Act 1’s monologue from Anderson’s video game business partner (Hamilton ‘s Jonathan Groff, priceless) as to why they have to make another Matrix video game: Warner Brothers wants a sequel to the trilogy and they own the rights and will make it with or without us. That’s not an explanation about Wachowski’s return to the cinematic franchise she thought she put to bed in 2003, it’s dialog. Well, it’s both. Her film goes on to reiterate the danger in a false world. “If we don’t know what’s real, how do we resist?” Most often she uses a diabolically smug Neil Patrick Harris to voice her wrath, but again, the context she created about living in two realities could not possibly lend itself better to this treatment. The film looks good. It’s too long, but all of them are. (All of the Matrix films, or all films in general? Both.) The action doesn’t entirely live up to the originals, but how could it? Carrie-Anne Moss is still a force of nature, Reeves is better at being confused than any actor working today, and the balance of new faces, old faces, and younger replacements for familiar faces works. Resurrections hits a level of meta that risks alienating core Matrix fans, but whether Wachowski wins on her own terms with a box office success or she sinks her franchise into obscurity with a bomb, there’s little doubt she’s the one making the choices here. About the Film Critic Hope Madden Theatrical Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Call Out film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Adam Gammage, Dan Rutter directed by Jack Linsdell. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Call Out Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Apr 4, 2022 Directed by: Jack Linsdell Written by: Jack Linsdell Starring: Adam Gammage, Dan Rutter The misadventures of a clumsy washing machine repairman. Barry (Gammage) fixes up washing machines for a living and he is also a family man. One day, he is called to take care of a machine in a restaurant, where he encounters an unusual man (Rutter). This enjoyable comedy relies mostly on slapstick humour. The audience follows poor Barry around, as he deals with difficult customers, who pretty much ignore him and do not acknowledge his work. The majority of the narrative takes place inside the restaurant, with Barry interacting with Rutter's character, while at the same time trying to do his job. Barry is a bit careless and bumps into people or knocks things over, creating funny moments that are the highlights of this film. The strange man he meets at the restaurant seems to be managerial as he knows where things are and constantly appears and leaves rather suddenly. Generally, the atmosphere is lighthearted throughout, although there are also moving scenes. The screenplay explores extensively the life of Barry and Gammage's performance is vital in order to make the film work and he does a great job. Barry is a polite and hard-working guy, who also happens to be quite clumsy. His pleasant and childlike personality will most likely earn the viewer's approval and one will probably feel for him as he is unacknowledged and treated badly by customers and keeps on having accidents. Director of photography Laurence Scott develops good cinematography and the entertaining music goes well with the comedic atmosphere. This short provides an insight into the life of a decent, careless and unappreciated person. With plenty of humorous accidents and some heartwarming moments, this viewing offers an amusing experience. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Imperfect film review by UK film critic James Learoyd. Starring Regan Linton, Megan McGuire, Lucy Roucis directed by Brian Malone, Regan Linton. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Imperfect Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: James Learoyd | Posted on: May 5, 2024 Directed by: Brian Malone, Regan Linton Written by: *N/A Starring: Regan Linton, Megan McGuire, Lucy Roucis Imperfect is as simultaneously heartwarming and heartbreaking a documentary as you will ever see. It’s important, and it’s occasionally profoundly upsetting; but it’s equally sweet and hopeful. It shows a team of actors with disabilities working towards a production of ‘Chicago’ - but that’s just the surface. It’s a film about passionate artists who are forced to live with a unique struggle – struggles few of us know. What this piece offers is a unique insight into how these individuals persevere... though more significantly, how they channel their love of performing despite limitations. The subjects of Imperfect create something extraordinarily special, and as does the documentary itself in showcasing such a sincere display of talent, solidarity and strength. One of the best elements of the documentary is the way the viewer becomes deeply and personally familiar with so many real people: whilst the focus is the production, we get some very interesting, often heartbreaking, insights into the lives of those we’re seeing (their daily lives, how they choose to approach their situation). This particular manner of constructing the movie’s overall narrative is effective in both building anticipation and creating a deeper empathy in the audience. They’re also an incredibly charming and humorous group with a real sense of self, a love for what they do. Having the spectator share in their experience and worldview is a valuable use of the form. The form in question, technically speaking, is quite minimalistic – focusing purely on those on screen or using narrative editing to accentuate a point. My meaning being that the film does not attempt to have a kind of colourful style or any operatic, transitional sequences (as documentaries often attempt) and nor does it need to. This is a movie about people, and purely that; a more stylistically expressive mode of doc-storytelling may even serve to undermine the very real struggles depicted. But despite this, the filmmaking is of quite a high quality: namely, the range of coverage provides the film with great scope. There is a deeply sad element to this piece in that one of the wonderful performers – Lucy Roucis – tragically passed away. It’s a difficult event which is addressed most respectfully. Its inclusion in the film is essential in paying tribute to their incredible work; it’s also a beautiful showcase of how much she gave to the world through her art. Imperfect is a deeply touching portrait of so many lives. It affirms a belief in artistic practice creating a strong bond; a sense of togetherness. It holds a lovely sentiment. Though sad as many events shown may be, the film is also a heartfelt celebration embracing individuality. The group supports each other in every way they can – something we can all aspire to. The film’s main focus - Regan Linton - encounters their own conflicts, doubts as creative director of the production, but what she crafts demonstrates just how much value and companionship a situation like this offers. Any viewer with that kind of passion inside them will appreciate the piece and those featured in it. About the Film Critic James Learoyd Indie Feature Film, Documentary < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Bread Winners film review by UK film critic Patrick Foley. Starring Barry Del Sherman, Pancho Morris, Wylie Keele directed by Connor Haines. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Bread Winners Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Jul 28, 2025 Directed by: Connor Haines Written by: Connor Haines Starring: Barry Del Sherman, Pancho Morris, Wylie Keele Bread Winners is an elusive and shapeshifting short film that is darkly comic and heart-poundingly intense. The film opens with a phone call from Hank Carver (Barry Del Sherman) to the manager of a gun store chain, Wade Nelson (Pancho Norris). What begins with a seemingly normal query about a pistol recently purchased takes a menacing turn, as Carver reveals his connection to the store goes much deeper than a normal customer. A tragedy in his past drives him to place Wade in a terrifying predicament, toying with the manager as he reveals his true intentions. Much like Hank Carver, Bread Winners enjoys toying with its audience, never settling into a consistent tone and repeatedly changing course and vibe in its short running time. This is not a negative – far from it. It is a strength of the film that guarantees audiences will remain glued to the screen as Hank and Wade’s conversation develops. Jumping between a dark comedy, an intense thriller and even revenge horror allows director Connor Haines to explore the story and its ramifications for his characters whilst also having fun with them and keeping the overall film just about light enough to find fun in. Barry Del Sherman’s performance as Hank is standout. His gunslinger drawl conjures control, cool and cut-throat. But as his background and motivations become clearer, it is obvious that he is a man carrying a great deal of regret and guilt, and is using his contact with Hank as a way to lash out. The assumed outcome most viewers will be expecting is terrifyingly believable given the efforts both director and performer make to add life to Hank. Pancho Norris is similarly enjoyable as Wade - a forgettable store manager placed in an unforgettable dilemma. Norris’ ability to extract humour from Wade’s cowardice is another key piece of maintaining the lightness of the film. Haines does an impressive job in creeping up tension throughout the film. It is no secret to the viewer from the get-go that Carver’s motives for ringing the store are sinister, but their real purpose is withheld until critical story moments. As his mental state is explored, the unpredictability of the story becomes gripping, as his background means any number of outcomes suddenly become possible. The twin settings of Carver’s confined vehicle (parked in an undisclosed location) and Wade’s office (where he balances the life-and-death nature of his call and the unknowing tomfoolery of his coworkers) makes the second half even more engaging. Bread Winners may not comfortably fit any traditional category, but it is undeniably memorable and electrifying. Some may find its topic uncomfortable or even unfit for humour, but those who enjoy some darkness will be enthralled by this daring short. Watch our Video Film Review of Breadwinners on YouTube. About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Choice film review by UK film critic George Wolf. Starring Elijah Khodyrev, Vladislav Demchenko directed by Igor Federov . HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Choice Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: George Wolf | Posted on: Oct 25, 2023 Directed by: Igor Federov Written by: Igor Federov Starring: Elijah Khodyrev, Vladislav Demchenko Writer/director Igor Federov crafts a terrific debut with The Choice , a tense, taut and well executed mystery thriller. Taking inspiration from both the societal impact and creative restrictions of the pandemic, Federov is able to mine impressive payoffs from an almost one-man show in a nearly one-room setting. The one man is Matvey (Elijah Khodyrev), and the room is where he is set up as a nighttime call center operator for Russia’s Frount Bank. It is the near future, when massive unemployment and numerous bank failures have spawned a new government via coup, but little relief for the struggling. Matvey is accustomed to angry and irate callers, but Daniel (Vladislav Demchenko) is a different animal. His voice is calm but menacing. Daniel is watching Matvey at work, he’s watching Matvey’s family at home, and he has a laser target pointed squarely at Matvey’s head. The demand? Right old wrongs by transferring money from the account of a V.I.P client. The setup doesn’t exactly blaze new trails, but the ways Federov consistently rises to its inherent challenges make the film an engaging and satisfying ride. The action here is all tech and talk, but through creative shot selection, crisp editing and precise sound design, Federov builds palpable tension around headsets, computer screens, digital switchboards, and voices on the line. And, as Matvey tries to buy time and seek help, Federov’s script reveals secrets that slyly shift the balance of power while deepening our investment in predator as well as prey. At just 77 minutes, The Choice might seem a bit brisk, but the story never feels slight. Federov resists the urge for padding he doesn’t need, cementing a debut feature that reaps plenty of benefits from the instincts of a smart new talent. About the Film Critic George Wolf Indie Feature Film, Film Festival < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Corey Bulloch writes movie reviews for UK Film Critic. As one of the talented UK film critics, find out more here. Corey Bulloch With a lifelong passion for cinema and a degree in film production from the University for the Creative Arts, writing film reviews seemed inevitable. I have been writing reviews for my own website since April 2019 but am looking forward to expanding and learning at UK Film Review. My review style mostly examines how the technical aspects and narrative blend together to deliver the best cinematic experience but I always open-minded about how a film tries different ways to tell a story. My favourite film is The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) it was the film that started my obsession with movies and filmmaking, and while I have seen many other amazing films since then, Jack Skellington’s adventure has always had a special place in my heart. Glad to be part of the team and hope my reviews help you find your next favourite film. Follow On Twitter Read My Film Reviews

Tyger film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Dylan Edwards, Shaun Dooley, Natasha O'Keeffe, Gerald Kyd directed by Alexander Milo Bischof. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Tyger Film Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Feb 6, 2024 Directed by: Alexander Milo Bischof Written by: Dylan Edwards, Alexander Milo Bischof Starring: Dylan Edwards, Shaun Dooley, Natasha O'Keeffe, Gerald Kyd A troubled man travels through England in order to reach Scotland, where his former partner and child are. Joe (Edwards) has just been released from prison and arrives at Margate, where he is provided with accommodation at a building and joins a rehabiliation program under the guidance of Neil (Dooley). Joe intends to save enough money so he can go to Scotland and be with his daughter, Grace and her mother. Joe keeps himself to himself, goes for walks along the beach, works out, develops a rapport with Neil and ends up getting employed by him. However, a terrible act forces Joe to go on the run and desperately make his way to Scotland. This feature is a heavy drama that follows a man whose life seems to have reached a dead end. The atmosphere is generally downbeat throughout, without much presence of joy. Although Joe gets friendly with Neil, who has his own tragic past, things do not look very bright for him, as he keeps to himself and has noisy neighbours. And just when it looks like he is on a steady path, the atrocious event occurs and Joe grabs his stuff, steals a bicycle and hits the road. Along the way, he visits a former acquaintance from his days in the army, has a meaningful conversation with a priest and goes through more dramatic experiences with other people. Some of the experiences he has on his way to his destination are either bad and reflect on his past mistakes, while others offer a glimpse of hope for him. The character of Joe is a broken man. Edwards's superb and emotional performance creates a reserved, quiet war veteran and former prisoner, who is suffering from war trauma and is torn apart by his past. He now lives in a world where there does not appear to be anything left for him, his sole purpose being to reach his destination. Commendations go to Bischof's wonderful directing, which includes well-executed long takes and fantastic establishing shots, that are supported by Ariel Artur's moody cinematography. The soundtrack contains a selection of poetic and beautiful songs that significantly add to the atmosphere. This film could be categorised as a road movie drama about regrets, loss and inner struggles. It is a sad and painful journey but also a powerful one that explores the hardships of life. Beautifully shot, with strong acting and a devastating ending, this feature is a memorable viewing that offers a hard-hitting perspective on life. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Digital / DVD Release, Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Tulip film review by UK film critic Swati Verma . Starring Carlos Tejeda, Helena Dvornicka directed by Gregory Romein . HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Tulip Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Swati Verma | Posted on: Mar 23, 2023 Directed by: Gregory Romein Written by: Gregory Romein Starring: Carlos Tejeda, Helena Dvornicka The writer-director Gregory Romein likes to focus on the stories on high stakes driven narratives to showcase the turbulent nature of emerging digital money and what effects it can have on cryptocurrency content creators through the character of Mr. Biz (Carlos Tejeda). The plot of the short film-Tulip revolves around Mr. Biz a crypto Youtuber who gets caught in the euphoria of the markets before it comes crashing down. The name of the film Tulip, the font and the colour, as well as the poster has been kept simple with no technical jargon so that the viewers can become familiar with the dynamic industry of cryptocurrency and also build an emotional connection with the content and make it relatable for a larger section of the audience. The movie opens with a black screen followed by a mid-shot of a WhatsApp conversation a voice notes that assists the makers to establish the subject matter it deals with. A series of mid-shots, close-up shots, and extreme close-up shots are utilised to track the daily routine of the male protagonist and provide a sense of being involved with the audience as the storyline moves on smoothly. The combination of white, blue, green, black, and grey colour pallet, set design, lighting, dialogues, costume, hair, makeup, and props elevate the essence of the virtual buying and selling and key messages Tulip is trying to communicate. The editing skills are effectively used to highlight the overlap between the time spent juggling normal day-to day activities and as a crypto Youtuber. Carlos Tejeda plays Mr. Biz a crypto Youtuber who has developed an interest to step into the world of digital currency to find a way to deal with his problems with his father. Tejeda beautifully portrays the conviction as well as the expertise required to come up with new ideas every day for each video being uploaded on the social media platform. The young actor also depicts the emotional trauma efficiently adding an element of realism giving a chance to the viewers to learn from the film. Helena Dvornicka as Ms. Ayers becomes the much-required emotional support in times of need for Mr. Biz. Both of them connect because presently their life situation matches. Dvornicka understands the nuances of the character arc given to her and portrays the multiple layers with the help of body language, dialogues, and gestures giving a whole new perspective to the way we look at life in general. Tulip talks about the need to keep ourselves updated with the changing technology, explore societal transformation, and adopt the fresh trend of digital currencies. The dramatic piece reiterates the importance of human contact especially when one wants to combat loneliness to beat issues like mental illness in the long term. The comedy film restates that just like the coin every industry also has two sides to it if someone has enjoyed the good things he or she should also be ready to face the brunt as change is the only constant. The cinematic piece tells us that achieving success in the virtual world of cryptocurrency but being close to the real world is also crucial as most people must learn the tricks to handle both success as well the popularity they receive. About the Film Critic Swati Verma Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >