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A spoiler free review of CatVideoFest 2022 begins with its confidence as a documentary. Directed by Will Braden, it is shaped by a clear authorial point of view. At story level, installment, beloved and annual shape the central setup, but the later turns are best left for the film to reveal. Those ingredients give the film a useful foundation, but the lasting impression depends on how well it balances mood, character and momentum. ⁠ What works is the sense of curiosity behind

On the Come Up does not need a plot heavy introduction to make its case. This is a comedy shaped by performance, pacing and a strong central hook. Directed by Sanaa Lathan, it leans on Jamila Gray and Noa Dior Rucker to give the material a human centre. The spoiler light setup draws Story, Bri and Facing into the same story, creating a specific hook without requiring a long recap. From there, execution matters more than novelty. ⁠ The humour lands most consistently through ch

There is an appealing directness to Christmas Bloody Christmas. It knows it is a horror film, understands the expectations attached to that label, and then looks for small ways to give the material its own voice. Directed by Joe Begos, it leans on Riley Dandy and Sam Delich to give the material a human centre. At story level, It's Christmas Eve, Tori and Santa Claus shape the central setup, but the later turns are best left for the film to reveal. ⁠ The horror works best thro

Paul's Promise approaches its family material with more interest in character than a quick synopsis might suggest. Directed by Matthew Reithmayr, it leans on Ryan O'Quinn and Linda Purl to give the material a human centre. The spoiler light setup draws Paul Holderfield, American South and inspiring into the same story, creating a specific hook without requiring a long recap. The film's first job is to make that setup feel worth following, and it establishes the necessary stak

At its best, You Won't Be Alone works as a horror film that puts tone and performance ahead of empty explanation. Directed by Goran Stolevski, it leans on Noomi Rapace and Alice Englert to give the material a human centre. At story level, Macedonia, isolated and mountain shape the central setup, but the later turns are best left for the film to reveal. The result has a recognisable personality from the opening stretch. ⁠ Its most effective weapon is anticipation. The film und

Gone in the Night is a thriller with a clear idea of the experience it wants to create. Directed by Eli Horowitz, it leans on Winona Ryder and Dermot Mulroney to give the material a human centre. The spoiler light setup draws When Kath, Her and Kath into the same story, creating a specific hook without requiring a long recap. That is enough context to enter the film without spoiling the turns that give it shape. ⁠ The thriller elements work through controlled information. The

A spoiler free review of A Love Song begins with its confidence as a romance. Directed by Max Walker Silverman, it leans on Dale Dickey and Wes Studi to give the material a human centre. At story level, West, campground and rural shape the central setup, but the later turns are best left for the film to reveal. Those ingredients give the film a useful foundation, but the lasting impression depends on how well it balances mood, character and momentum. ⁠ The film works when it

Dreamin' Wild does not need a plot heavy introduction to make its case. This is a biographical drama shaped by performance, pacing and a strong central hook. Directed by Bill Pohlad, it leans on Walton Goggins and Zooey Deschanel to give the material a human centre. The spoiler light setup draws Musical, Donnie and Joe Emerson into the same story, creating a specific hook without requiring a long recap. From there, execution matters more than novelty. ⁠ Its strongest choice i

There is an appealing directness to The Eight Mountains. It knows it is a drama, understands the expectations attached to that label, and then looks for small ways to give the material its own voice. Directed by Felix van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch, it leans on Lupo Barbiero and Cristiano Sassella to give the material a human centre. At story level, Italian Alps, The Eight Mountains and Pietro shape the central setup, but the later turns are best left for the film

Joyland approaches its comedy material with more interest in character than a quick synopsis might suggest. Directed by Saim Sadiq, it leans on Ali Junejo and Rasti Farooq to give the material a human centre. The spoiler light setup draws Pakistani, Bollywood style and youngest into the same story, creating a specific hook without requiring a long recap. The film's first job is to make that setup feel worth following, and it establishes the necessary stakes efficiently. ⁠ Its

At its best, Meet Me in the Bathroom works as a documentary that puts tone and performance ahead of empty explanation. Directed by Will Lovelace and Dylan Southern, it leans on Ryan Adams and Julian Casablancas to give the material a human centre. At story level, New York, New York City and immersive shape the central setup, but the later turns are best left for the film to reveal. The result has a recognisable personality from the opening stretch. ⁠ Its best passages come fr

Holy Spider is a thriller with a clear idea of the experience it wants to create. Directed by Ali Abbasi, it leans on Zar Amir Ebrahimi and Diana Al Hussen to give the material a human centre. The spoiler light setup draws Iranian, Mashhad and Spider Killer into the same story, creating a specific hook without requiring a long recap. That is enough context to enter the film without spoiling the turns that give it shape. ⁠ The thriller elements work through controlled informat