Magazine Articles, Film Reviews & Other Works

PATHFINDER: RECLAIMING THE NATIVE NARRATIVE WITH WINDING PATH

THE STORIES WE STILL NEED: QUEER FILMMAKING IN UTAH

Film Review: Civil War

“Civil War is intentionally unemotional, apolitical and apathetic toward the American identity.”

Film Review: Riddle of Fire

"With so many charming kid performances, good vibes and slices of blueberry pie to go around, it’s disappointing that the undercooked ending leaves such a bittersweet taste in the mouth.”

Sundance Film Review: Skywalkers: A Love Story

“Part-thriller, part-romance and part-heist film, Skywalkers: A Love Story performs a delicate balance of genres.”

Sundance Film Review: Handling the Undead

“Handling the Undead is a well-crafted re-contextualization of a familiar monster that ruminates on how to mourn loss when it’s staring you in the face.”

Film Review: Thin Skin

“Despite a few weak performances, Thin Skin soars where it counts and paints a picture of an artist on the rise despite the pain of the darker sides of life.”

Film Review: Egghead & Twinkie

“Egghead & Twinkie is a low-budget comedy that wears its heart and influences on its sleeve, and it’s sure to resonate deeply with its target audience.”

Slamdance Film Review: New Religion

“. . .the ability to perceive [time] allows us a sense of history. In Keishi Kondo’s New Religion, history is something enviable when you have so little of it.”

Film Review: Squeal

“If you’re interested in an odd, international, indie-folk fairy tale that will leave you dizzy trying to discern meaning, then Squeal is worth the watch.”

Slamdance Film Review: Yelling Fire in an Empty Theater

“Yelling Fire in an Empty Theater is a timeless, double-layered slice of youth and indie culture that is sure to gain praise.”

Sundance Film Review: Good One

“Drawing on the writer-director’s own experiences as a teenage girl, Good One offers a realistic portrayal of the silver lining that defines male friendship and the relationship between father and daughter, and how those dynamics falter.”

Film Review: Talk to Me

“[Talk to Me] grips you by the wrist and pulls you along with Mia deeper and deeper, punching you in the stomach with each twist of the arm. You’re keeping pace with Mia as she descends into her breakdown, asking yourself, ‘How much of this is real? Which spirits, if any, can she/we trust?’”

Slamdance Film Review: Mad Cats

“A fun concept with fantastic direction and consistent, laugh-out-loud jokes, Mad Cats’ few flaws aren’t enough to hold it down for long.”

Film Review: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

“With Glass Onion, Johnson continues to make quality, satisfying mysteries in an age of mystery boxes and poorly executed “surprise twists” that prove well-written characters and expertly crafted tension can get just as much of a rise out of audiences.”

Film Review: The White Fortress

“[The White Fortress is] a beautiful but fleeting moment left to be forgotten in the years ahead.”

Film Review: American Night

“Overstuffed and muddled by the nonlinear storytelling, the stylish-yet-mostly-standard American Night searches desperately for meaning.”

Sundance Film Review: Will & Harper

“Will & Harper tasks itself with making sure its hopefully wide audience (the film has yet to be picked up for distribution) sees that the thunderous thrill of being trans is nothing to be afraid of. . .”

Film Review: Barbie

“Barbie doesn’t just make a toy seem real; it makes that toy’s literal and philosophical journey to reality the core of its story. . .It’s an inspiring message worth digging into, and even if you don’t feel like digging, there’s still plenty to enjoy.”

Slamdance Film Review: A Perfect Day For Caribou

“A Perfect Day For Caribou’s metaphor is a little obvious, but following Herman and Nate through their shared blood and flawed traits is a quiet fascination.”

Film Review: Pivot Pals

“Pivot Pals’ ending message is a familiar one of kindness and friendship. What makes it unique, however, is its optimistic outlook on what the kids of today and tomorrow have to offer us, and what they can offer themselves when the hard times come along.

Film Review: We Were Hyphy

“For a documentary about a niche cultural movement from almost 20 years ago, We Were Hyphy is a testament to the craft and the love of those behind it that you can’t help but be drawn in.”

Film Review: Agnes

“The distinct split at the middle of the narrative gives the impression that this is two stories, neither of which get a satisfying ending. . .”