Film festivals are truly a great place to discover new voices. This is Lilian T. Mehrel’s fantastic debut feature, created when she won the AT&T Tribeca Untold Stories grant. I’ve always been into mother-daughter tales, especially since my late mom was a single parent who loved traveling, but we never got to take a trip …
Tag: directorial debut
MSPIFF 2026 Review: Don’t Call Me Mama (2026)—A tense, atmospheric Norwegian forbidden romance that’ll leave you shaken
One of the main reasons I enjoy film festivals is that they frequently expose me to fresh talent in cinema. Last Thursday, I got to know Norwegian writer/director Nina Knag, whose gripping, atmospheric, and subversive debut drama will both excite and frustrate you in the best way. The phrase 'Don't Call Me Mama' is never …
FlixChatter Double Reviews: featuring directorial debuts of Kristen Stewart – ‘The Chronology of Water’ & Kate Winslet – ‘Goodbye June’
Welcome to FlixChatter’s first double reviews edition of 2026! Today’s theme is the directorial debut by a pair of acclaimed actresses: Kristen Stewart and Kate Winslet. The Chronology of Water is a film that tells the story of a woman who battles through childhood abuse, addiction, and toxic relationships, ultimately discovering her voice through writing. …
FlixChatter Review: ANEMONE (2025) – Daniel Day-Lewis hasn’t lost his mastery & passion for his craft, as his son Ronan is still honing his directorial flair
Anemone will likely be known primarily as the comeback film for Daniel Day-Lewis after an 8-year self-imposed ‘retirement’ after he filmed Phantom Thread with PTA. Notably, this film is a family affair as it’s directed by Daniel’s son, Ronan Day-Lewis, and the two also collaborated on the screenplay. The ancient Greek term "anemone" means "windflower," …
FlixChatter Review: ELEANOR THE GREAT (2025) – Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut is decent, but June Squibb is always great
June Squibb is a national treasure! It’s astonishing that she finally got to play a leading role in Thelma last year, more than 65 years after her acting career began. But better late than never, as I’m thrilled to see her portray the film’s title role once again, this time in Scarlett Johansson’s directorial …
FlixChatter Review: BONJOUR TRISTESSE (2025) – this slow-burning drama is visually lush with an evocative summer vibe but lacks a satisfying ending
Bonjour Tristesse is the ultimate Summer movie as it’s set during a Summer holiday in the South of France, where 18-year-old Cécile (Lily McInerny) is spending time with her father Raymond (Claes Bang) and his latest girlfriend, stunning dancer Elsa (Nailia Harzoune). Cécile spends her days swimming and relaxing with her new French boyfriend Cyril …
FlixChatter Review: Jane Austen Wrecked My Life (2025) – this French rom-com captures the essence of Austen as its heroine charts her own literary and romantic path
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman of a certain age on the brink of spinsterhood must be in want of a love life. But is it though? Agathe Robinson (Camille Rutherford) is in her early 30s, she works at the iconic Parisian bookshop Shakespeare and Company, and dreams of becoming a …
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