Film-Forward

Family drama

Frankie | TIFF 2019

If Portugal becomes overrun with tourists, blame can go to director Ira Sachs’s new drama.

The Farewell

An empathetic comedy/drama that suggests how one feels about telling the truth—whether to be forthright at all times—depends on the culture.

Ray & Liz

British photographer turned filmmaker Richard Billingham has re-created his teenage years of the 1970s and early ’80s, and in doing so has constructed an epiphany-free zone.

Three Peaks

Three Peaks, with nary a hint of violence, manages to be the most nerve-racking, menacing film of the year.

De Lo Mio | BAMcinemaFest 2019

The festival can boast of its own discovery, the world premiere of director Diana Peralta’s debut film, a family drama of regret and remembrance.

Shoplifters

A moving drama focusing on characters living on society’s periphery and winner of this year’s Palme d’Or at Cannes.

1985

A young gay man with HIV/AIDS comes home to Texas for Christmas with the intent of coming out to his conservative, deeply religious, working-class parents.

For Izzy | NewFest 2018

two families growing into one in this part faux-documentary, part-sincerest of drama.

Life & Nothing More

The struggling everyday life of a working-class African American family in Northern Florida.