Portraits of ladies on fire: ‘SMOOTH TALK’ and ‘GIRLFRIENDS’ share more in common than a home at Criterion
1985’s ‘SMOOTH TALK’ and 1978’s ‘GIRLFRIENDS’ have recently entered the Criterion Collection. We take a deeper look at what unites these films as reflections of the second wave of feminism.
![[Interview] The Timelessness of ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON’ is Timely](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/RAYA-ONLINE-USE-217-57-118final_2K.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Interview] The Timelessness of ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON’ is Timely
What do the creatives and character voices have to say about RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON’s timely qualities?
‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON’ Review: A Powerfully Layered, Profound Disney Classic
RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON takes place in a fantastical realm. However, its rooted in real world complexities.
![[Interview] ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON’ Makes Way For A New Heroine](https://i2.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/RAYA-ONLINE-USE-fullcomp_publicity_raya001_6k_709film.0042_RGB.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Interview] ‘RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON’ Makes Way For A New Heroine
A sneak peek at your new favorite heroine(s) from Disney’s RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON.
‘STRETCH’ and ‘THURSDAY’: Kino Lorber allows two dark comedies to see the light on Blu-ray
Two movies where our heroes’ new start may result in their worst day ever.
![[Review] ‘BILLIE HOLIDAY’ is held together by Andra Day’s electrifying performance](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/the-united-states-vs-billie-holiday.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Review] ‘BILLIE HOLIDAY’ is held together by Andra Day’s electrifying performance
‘THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY’ is not an exceptional film, but it is a work worth watching, and not solely for Andra Day’s performance.
![[Fresh on 4K] ‘CROODS: A NEW AGE’ – colors dazzle and humor stings in fun family film](https://i1.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/10E34_SQ500_S68_1_F112_4K_FINAL-scaled.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Fresh on 4K] ‘CROODS: A NEW AGE’ – colors dazzle and humor stings in fun family film
Our love for THE CROODS: A NEW AGE has only grown since it released on disc this week. Some thoughts on the new 4K release:
![[Review] Visions of terror reimagined in surprisingly good ‘WRONG TURN’ reboot](https://i1.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/WRONG-TURN-4-scaled.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Review] Visions of terror reimagined in surprisingly good ‘WRONG TURN’ reboot
Although it’s admittedly beholden to clichés, ‘WRONG TURN’ keeps from falling into enough narrative traps to arrive at an exciting destination that clutches you by the throat.
‘BILLIE EILISH: THE WORLD’S A LITTLE BLURRY’ Review: Wholesome Coming-Of-Age Documentary Offers An All-Access Pass
Savvy superstar Billie Eilish skyrockets to fame, but stays humble in this wholesome music documentary.
Kino Lorber releases an eternally cool doc, a sleeper neo-noir from Soderbergh, the Elijah Wood-starring ‘THE WAR’, and more
New batch of releases from Kino Lorber. What’s worth buying, renting, or skipping?
![[Video Interview] Julie Delpy on the psychology of her characters in heartfelt drama ‘MY ZOE’](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/012_Berlin-Zoes-School_ISABELLE_Julie-Delpy_MY-ZOE_4567-scaled.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Video Interview] Julie Delpy on the psychology of her characters in heartfelt drama ‘MY ZOE’
Fresh Fiction spoke with Ms. Delpy recently (via Zoom) to discuss some of the eye-opening themes in her latest film ‘MY ZOE’ as well as the psychology of the characters she pens.
Virtual Cinemas: ‘HEARTWORN HIGHWAYS’ brings a loose, lyrical feel of the Texas bygone era
Being released by Kino Marquee in virtual cinemas across the country, the documentary gets the chance to make its mark on a modern audience.
![[Review] ‘WILLY’S WONDERLAND’ – Nicolas Cage at the showbiz slaughterama](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ww_image.jpeg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Review] ‘WILLY’S WONDERLAND’ – Nicolas Cage at the showbiz slaughterama
A caffeinated Cage battles animatronic robots, need we say more?
![[Interview] Pico Alexander brings modern swagger to period drama ‘DICKINSON’](https://i2.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Dickinson_Photo_020201-scaled.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Interview] Pico Alexander brings modern swagger to period drama ‘DICKINSON’
Ahead of the season 2 finale, we spoke with actor Pico Alexander about his character’s bravado, fame, and the series unique style.
‘FOR ALL MANKIND’ Video Interview: Joel Kinnaman and Shantel VanSanten on new season’s themes of growth, sacrifice
We spoke to Joel Kinnaman and Shantel VanSanten about where their characters are, the growth they’ve experienced through the show, parenting, and sacrifice. Watch the video>>
![[Interview] Deborah Newhall fashions character from cloth in ‘I CARE A LOT’](https://i2.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/ICAL-Final-First-Look-HIGH-RES.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Interview] Deborah Newhall fashions character from cloth in ‘I CARE A LOT’
We break down I CARE A LOT’s key wardrobe with the costume designer.
![[Review] ‘THE MAURITANIAN’ wages war against the bureaucracy of cruelty in fact-based story](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/the-mauritanian-P760_SG_01109_R_rgb-scaled.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Review] ‘THE MAURITANIAN’ wages war against the bureaucracy of cruelty in fact-based story
Tahar Rahim’s and Jodie Foster’s performances help elevate case of unjust imprisonment.
‘A GLITCH IN THE MATRIX’ director asks deep, thought-provoking questions about our reality with latest documentary
We spoke with director Rodney Ascher (ROOM 237, THE NIGHTMARE) about the nature of our reality, balancing complex ideas, and how A GLITCH IN THE MATRIX causes us to think about life’s patterns.
![[Video interview] ‘JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH’ cast take on a revolution](https://i1.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/thumbnail-1.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Video interview] ‘JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH’ cast take on a revolution
We discuss growth lessons, poetic inspirations, and the art of delivery in their depiction of Black Panther Party leader Fred Hampton’s betrayal by an FBI informant.
‘BARB & STAR GO TO VISTA DEL MAR’ Review: Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo Create A Delightfully Daffy World
You’ll want to go places with Barb and Star.
![[Interview] Michael Fimognari soundtracks character & artistry with ‘TO ALL THE BOYS: ALWAYS AND FOREVER’](https://i2.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/TATB3_Unit_10099_R.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Interview] Michael Fimognari soundtracks character & artistry with ‘TO ALL THE BOYS: ALWAYS AND FOREVER’
The cinematographer-turned-director returns to the director’s chair for this final outing – and leaves a lasting impression.
![[Interview] ‘FLORA & ULYSSES’ Cast Find Their Super Strengths in Comedy Courtesy of a CG Squirrel](https://i2.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FLORAANDULYSSE_03084118-1.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Interview] ‘FLORA & ULYSSES’ Cast Find Their Super Strengths in Comedy Courtesy of a CG Squirrel
This adaptation of an award-winning novel has some fun behind-the-scenes stories – including if they ever thought about using a real squirrel.
‘BLISS’, ‘A GLITCH IN THE MATRIX’ question the nature of our reality
This weekend sees two films exploring computer simulation with varying results.
![[Interview] ‘MINARI’ composer Emile Mosseri crafts the sound of the American Dream](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/19-19_EMILE-MOSSERI-SCORING-HOCO-S2_21.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
[Interview] ‘MINARI’ composer Emile Mosseri crafts the sound of the American Dream
Get to know a little bit about a fantastic composer – and how he helped craft a magnificent movie.
![‘THE BLAZING WORLD’ Review: A Fantastical, Feminine Neon-Drenched Journey Down A Rabbit Hole [Sundance 2021]](https://i2.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/THE-BLAZING-WORLD-a.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
‘THE BLAZING WORLD’ Review: A Fantastical, Feminine Neon-Drenched Journey Down A Rabbit Hole [Sundance 2021]
Carlson Young proves she’s a confident, perceptive storyteller with lots to share.
‘LET HIM GO’ author Larry Watson on the subtle beauty of his adapted story
A candid conversation with author Larry Watson, whose American neo-Western drama novel was turned into a film, starring Kevin Costner and Diane Lane.
![‘JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH’ Review: Spotlights a Revolutionary [Sundance 2021]](https://i0.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/JUDAS-A.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
‘JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH’ Review: Spotlights a Revolutionary [Sundance 2021]
Shaka King’s biopic has some great ideas that don’t all meld cohesively.
![‘LAND’ Review: Robin Wright Goes Into The Wild In Stirring Directorial Debut [Sundance 2021]](https://i2.wp.com/freshfiction.tv/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/LAND-a.jpg?resize=389%2C389&ssl=1)
‘LAND’ Review: Robin Wright Goes Into The Wild In Stirring Directorial Debut [Sundance 2021]
Wright lands an auspicious debut with this grief-infused survivalist flick.
‘HOW IT ENDS’ Sundance Film Fest Review: A Mumblecore MELANCHOLIA
This off-beat dramedy’s pleasures and poignancy wears thin by the time it ends.
‘CODA’ Sundance Film Fest Review: A Perfectly Poignant, Feel-Good Film
Siân Heder’s remake of a 2014 French film is absolutely winning.