Terrifier 3 – "There is no hope. There is no God."

Sienna struggles to recover from the horrific massacre caused by Art the Clown, while he continues his spree of gruesome killings.

The film’s age restriction is far more justified than that of Saw 3. Just a glimpse of the chainsaw sodomy, a female character’s self-harm involving broken glass, or the copious amount of bloodshed and unmatched levels of violence from the silent yet grotesquely charismatic clown illustrates this. Art the Clown cements himself as a new horror icon with his chilling pantomimes replacing speech. The film finally delivers a plot that touches on themes like resilience and the ongoing battle with trauma. It’s also worth warning deeply religious audiences, as the movie parodies numerous religious symbols. In short, it’s a film of ingeniously creative executions.

The Wild Robot – "Kindness is not a survival technique."

A robot learns the language of animals and raises a gosling.

Amidst the deluge of sequels, this film is a refreshing exception, offering a heartwarming tale. The story captivates as it celebrates compassion, evoking profound emotions. Roz, a servant to her programming and the system that created her, embarks on a journey of emancipation, while the bird must find its place among its kind despite its differences. This adaptation offers everything one expects from animated films: charming animals, simple yet impactful themes, and deeply moving sentiments. The animals, without typical anthropomorphism, are endearing and humorous. The film isn’t sugarcoated, addressing complex topics like death head-on. It redefines the notion of family within a fundamentally original plot. How can one deny the charm of a world where friendly carnivores defy the food chain?

Louise Violet – "It’s not a woman’s job."

A schoolteacher takes a post in a rural village, struggling to fill her classroom as she faces the resistance of the parents.

The film highlights the value of education and the challenges faced by teachers in implementing compulsory schooling, especially when it meant pulling children away from farm work. The heroine faces hostility in a rural, misogynistic, and archaic society, with no support from the educated elite. Already impressed by Grégory Gadebois in Le Fil, this film solidifies my admiration for his humane and sincere performances. A modest film that sheds light on a crucial struggle.