Drama Reviews and Features | Little White Lies

Genre Drama

Two people lying together on a red surface against a dark background.
Review

Opponent – a searing, psychological immigrant drama

by David Jenkins

An Iranian immigrant in Sweden seeks solace in their national wrestling team in this riveting story of internal torture.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
An older man sitting at a desk, reading from papers by the light of a desk lamp in a dimly lit room.
Review

Close Your Eyes review – Erice only deals in masterworks

by David Jenkins

The legendary Spanish filmmaker returns with his first feature film in 32 years, which centres on the strange case of an actor who disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

5
Anticipation
5
Enjoyment
5
In Retrospect
Two individuals in a desert landscape, one wearing a green hooded garment reaching out to the other.
Review

Io Capitano review – disassociation turned surreal fantasy

by Katherine McLaughlin

Two Senegalese teenagers embark on a perilous journey to Europe in Matteo Garrone’s affecting drama about the migrant crisis.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Young person wearing a blue and grey striped hat and a blue winter coat, looking thoughtful.
Review

Evil Does Not Exist review – beautifully precise

by Xuanlin Tham

Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s drama about a mountain village threatened by a new development is a haunting depiction of the gulf between capitalism and environmentalism.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
5
In Retrospect
Two people riding a bicycle on a rural road, with one person wearing a striped top.
Review

Drift review – attempts to shock without the aspect of surprise

by David Jenkins

A Liberian refugee attempts to rebuild her life with the assistance of a sunny American tour guide in Anthony Chen’s scattered drama.

3
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Two women, one with long dark hair and the other with long blonde hair, standing side by side outdoors.
Review

Silver Haze review – messy in a lifelike, truthful way

by David Jenkins

A mental health nurse struggling to come to terms with traumatic events from her past falls in love with one of her patients in Sacha Polak’s tough but honest drama.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Three men in military uniforms and hats, one appears to be giving instructions to the others.
Review

Disco Boy review – a bold yet banal character study

by Marina Ashioti

Two men in search of a better life meet by chance in the Niger Delta – one in the French Foreign Legion, the other a revolutionary with dreams of becoming a dancer.

3
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect
Young woman smiling in red scarf, warm lighting.
Review

The Sweet East review – packed with salty goodness

by David Jenkins

A high school student embarks on a bizarro road trip through contemporary America in Sean Price William’s idiosyncratic feature debut.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Two people sat in a grassy field, one wearing a white shirt and the other a blue shirt.
Review

The Delinquents review – comic twist on classic crime saga

by David Jenkins

The worst criminals in the world find deeper meaning in their lives in this hilarious odyssey from Rodrigo Moreno.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Four adults in a classroom setting, a young woman in a red jumper seated at a desk holding a coffee cup.
Review

The Teachers’ Lounge review – a chain-reaction melodrama

by Isaac Feldberg

A new teacher is tasked with finding out which of her students is responsible for a series of thefts in Ilker Çatak’s drama.

3
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect