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THE HOUSEMAID – A Review by Jenn Rohm

Jenn Rohm
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THE HOUSEMAID – A Review by Jenn Rohm

Fans of Frieda McFadden’s 2022 novel The Housemaid will soon see the story brought to the big screen, with the film set for release on December 19, 2025. I entered the screening with minimal prior knowledge, aware only of the title, its literary origin, and the names of the two female leads, and I am grateful for that decision. Experiencing the film without preconceived expectations greatly enhanced its impact. I will remain as spoiler-free as possible so that audiences can enjoy the same immersive experience in theaters.

Sydney Sweeney stars as Millie, with Amanda Seyfried portraying Nina Winchester. The performances delivered by these two actresses—and the way they elevate one another—are exceptional. Both demonstrate a clear understanding of their roles and execute them with precision and intensity. Brandon Sklenar appears as Nina’s husband, Andrew Winchester, and Elizabeth Perkins portrays Mrs. Winchester. Each brings a strong, assured presence to the screen, clearly grasping the demands of their characters and meeting them effectively. Their collective commitment allows the entire ensemble to perform at a high level.

Viewers should be mindful of the film’s rating when considering it for younger audiences. Additionally, discretion is advised when choosing viewing companions, as the film contains mature themes that may be uncomfortable in certain settings.

The film is well paced; its momentum is such that the only reason I checked the time was to determine whether it was close enough to the conclusion to step away briefly. Fortunately, it was, and I did not miss a moment. Director Paul Feig’s vision is evident in the film’s striking camera work and purposeful lighting, both of which heighten the viewing experience. His established reputation for championing stories with strong female leads is clearly reflected here, and the film benefits greatly from that perspective in the director’s chair.

Having seen the film, I am now eager to read the novel and return for a second viewing. This is a story that rewards revisiting; once familiar with its twists, subsequent viewings reveal details whose significance may not be immediately apparent the first time.

 

Director: Paul Feig

Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar

MPAA Rating: Rated R for strong/bloody violent content, sexual assault, sexual content, nudity and language.

Selig Rating: 5 stars

Runtime: 2h 11m

Release Date: December 19, 2025

Genre(s): Psychological Thriller

Trailer: The Housemaid trailer

Movie Site: The Housemaid website

 

The Selig Rating Scale:

5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.

4 Stars – Good movie/show

3 Stars – OK movie/show

2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…

1 Star – Total waste of time.

MARTY SUPREME – A Review by Jenn Rohm

Jenn Rohm
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MARTY SUPREME – A Review by Jenn Rohm

Like last year, we have an end-of-year film release starring Timothée Chalamet that has generated significant awards buzz before its public release.  This film has been in development for many years, including Chalamet learning and playing table tennis since 2018.  He has also personally funded and designed customized, logoed merchandise, much of which he has worn during promotional interviews.  I am, of course, referring to Marty Supreme.

The story is inspired by Marty “The Needle” Reisman, who sought to bring greater recognition to table tennis, or ping pong, in the United States.  The audience is introduced to Marty Mauser, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet, in his early twenties—confident, self-assured, and convinced that his life will unfold exactly as he envisions, regardless of outside opinions or real-world obstacles.  The film follows a chaotic period of less than a year in his life as he pursues international table tennis competitions.  The timeline is dictated by an underlying subplot with a fixed number of months, which results in several secondary storylines feeling unrealistically compressed.  While the framework of a cohesive story exists, it is ultimately filled with fragmented moments passed between characters, leaving the audience to process and interpret the experience long after the film ends.

The technical elements that contribute to a successful film—cinematography, set design, costume choices, music selection, and ensemble casting—largely meet expectations for a well-crafted production.  From the opening scenes, the time period feels authentic, and the setting of New York City is immediately established.  Even the most minor details are carefully considered.  While the script and camera focus primarily on central characters, background figures blend seamlessly into each scene, grounding Marty’s raw and impulsive energy.  Director Josh Safdie brings a clear vision to his solo directorial debut.  He draws on techniques that have proven effective in the past while also experimenting with new ideas.

The framing and camera angles used during the table tennis matches effectively replicate the emotional highs and lows associated with contemporary sports viewing, despite the sport’s smaller fan base.  These choices create an immersive sense of being present at the competitions.  During a match in Tokyo, the crowd’s emotions are palpable, as is their allegiance to each player.

Chalamet’s portrayal of Marty is convincing, capturing the self-centered nature of a young man in his early twenties who is determined to shape his own destiny at any cost.  Rachel, portrayed by Odessa A’zion, has grown up alongside Marty and understands him intimately.  She is unafraid to stand her ground and can be subtly manipulative in pursuit of her desires.  However, she takes responsibility for her choices and remains aware of their potential consequences.  Another key figure is Kay Stone, played by Gwyneth Paltrow, an aging starlet who serves as both mentor and temptress to Marty.  She understands who she is and the path that brought her there, though a part of her still clings to youthful dreams left unfulfilled.  Marty’s mother, Rachel, portrayed by Fran Drescher, and her neighbor and friend, Judy, played by Sandra Bernhard, are strong female characters who have lived and are doing their best to navigate life.

This only scratches the surface of the extensive cast.  Every performer, including those in minor roles such as shoe store shoppers, restaurant cooks, and tournament spectators, contributes meaningfully to the film’s momentum.

The sole element that felt inconsistent with the time period was the music selection.  As a child of the 1980s and familiar with the lyrics, I personally appreciated these choices.  Alongside Daniel Lopatin’s original score, tracks such as Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” Alphaville’s “Forever Young,” The Korgis’ “Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime”, and Queen’s “I Want to Break Free” are featured, among other synth-pop, classic rock, and eclectic selections.  Ultimately, the music played a significant role in shaping my overall experience of the film.

This is a polarizing film that will create those that love it and those that do not.  As I stated the story/script did not work, and the characters, while reflective of people I have met, are not ones that I want to spend time with.  The technical aspects are worthy of paying attention to and making note of on ways to make a good film.

 

Director: Josh Sadfie

Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion

MPAA Rating:

Selig Rating: 3 stars

Runtime: 2h 30m

Release Date: December 25, 2025

Genre(s): Drama, Sport

Trailer: Marty Supreme trailer

Movie Site: Marty Supreme website

 

The Selig Rating Scale:

5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.

4 Stars – Good movie/show

3 Stars – OK movie/show

2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…

1 Star – Total waste of time.

DFW FILM CRITICS CHOOSE “ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER” AS BEST FILM OF 2025

Cynthia Flores
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DFW FILM CRITICS CHOOSE “ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER” AS BEST FILM OF 2025

The Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association voted the epic drama ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER as the best film of 2025, according to the results of its 32nd annual critics’ poll released today. Following is a complete list of award winners, with choices listed in order of votes received.

 

BEST PICTURE

Winner: ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER

Runners-up: SINNERS (2); MARTY SUPREME (3); HAMNET (4); SENTIMENTAL VALUE (5); TRAIN DREAMS (6); FRANKENSTEIN (7); JAY KELLY (8); BUGONIA (9); IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT (10)

 

BEST ACTOR

Winner: Leonardo DiCaprio, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER

Runners-up: Timothee Chalamet, MARTY SUPREME (2); Michael B. Jordan, SINNERS (3); Ethan Hawke, BLUE MOON (4); Joel Edgerton, TRAIN DREAMS (5)

 

BEST ACTRESS

Winner: Rose Byrne, IF I HAD LEGS I’D KICK YOU

Runners-up: Jessie Buckley, HAMNET (2); Renate Reinsve, SENTIMENTAL VALUE (3); Emma Stone, BUGONIA (4); Chase Infiniti, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER (5)

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Winner: Stellan Skarsgard, SENTIMENTAL VALUE

Runners-up: Benicio del Toro, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER (2); Sean Penn, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER (3); Paul Mescal, HAMNET (4); Adam Sandler, JAY KELLY (5)

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Winner: Teyana Taylor, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER

Runners-up: Amy Madigan, WEAPONS (2); Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, SENTIMENTAL VALUE (3); Odessa A’zion, MARTY SUPREME (4); Wunmi Mosaku, SINNERS (5)

 

BEST DIRECTOR

Winner: Paul Thomas Anderson, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER

Runners-up: Ryan Coogler, SINNERS (2); Chloe Zhao, HAMNET (3); Josh Safdie, MARTY SUPREME (4); Guillermo del Toro, FRANKENSTEIN (5)

 

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

Winner: SENTIMENTAL VALUE

Runners-up: IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT (2); THE SECRET AGENT (3); NO OTHER CHOICE (4); SIRAT (5)

 

BEST DOCUMENTARY

Winner: THE PERFECT NEIGHBOR

Runners-up: 2000 METERS TO ANDRIIVKA (2); ORWELL: 2+2=5 (3); COVER-UP (4); COME SEE ME IN THE GOOD LIGHT (5)

 

BEST ANIMATED FILM

Winner: KPOP DEMON HUNTERS

Runner-up: ARCO

 

BEST SCREENPLAY

Winner: Paul Thomas Anderson, ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER

Runner-up: Ryan Coogler, SINNERS

 

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Winner: Autumn Durald Arkapaw, SINNERS

Runner-up: Adolpho Veloso, TRAIN DREAMS

 

BEST MUSICAL SCORE

Winner: Ludwig Goransson, SINNERS

Runner-up: Alexandre Desplat, FRANKENSTEIN

 

RUSSELL SMITH AWARD (best low-budget or cutting-edge independent film)

Winner: IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT

 

The Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association consists of 26 broadcast, print and online journalists from throughout North Texas. For more information, visit dfwcritics.com or follow us on Bluesky @dfwcritics, or on Facebook or X (formerly Twitter) @dfwfilmcritics.

DAVID – A Review by John Strange

John Strange
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DAVID – A Review by John Strange

The new film from Angel Studios tells the story of a young shepherd with a great destiny in a way that all ages can enjoy.  Most people today know the story of David, the young shepherd, who slew the giant soldier, Goliath, from our youth.  But there is so much more to the story of the boy who steps forward to save his nation.

The film gives us a view of David’s life before the fateful day he is anointed as the future King of Israel.  That day drops him into a world he never expected to see, one where his sound judgment and courage are needed to protect and lead his people.

This doesn’t mean to imply that the lad has an easy time or that his decisions don’t have repercussions for those around him.  They definitely do.

The filmmakers filled this movie with songs to guide the story along.  The songs are well written (by Misha Hoyt and Marty Goetz) and performed beautifully by the voice cast.

Watching the young man blossom into the leader his people need is a remarkable story that happens to include an element of faith.  It helps that the animators did a great job, and the dialogue is excellently performed by the cast of voice actors, including Brandon Engman (young David), Phil Wickham (David), Asim Chaudhry (King Achish), Adam Michael Gold (King Saul), and Brian Stivale (Samuel).

David is an excellent film for the holiday season, both Christmas and Hanukkah.  Take your family or your friends to see this story on the big screen!

 

Director: Phil Cunningham, Brent Dawes

Cast: Brandon Engman, Phil Wickham, Mick Wingert, Asim Chaudhry, Katie Bernstein, Ashley Boettcher, Mark Whitten, Brent Mukai, Will de Renzy-Martin, Reina Ozbay, Kamran Nikhad, Lauren Daigle, Adam Michael Gold, Mark Jacobson, Mark Silverman

MPA Rating: PG

Selig Rating: 5 Stars

Runtime: 112 Min.

Release Date: 12/19/2025

Release Location: Angel Guild (Angel Studios)

Language: English

Genre(s): Animation, Family, Musical

Trailer: DAVID Official Trailer

 

The Selig Rating Scale:

5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.

4 Stars – Good movie/show

3 Stars – OK movie/show

2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…

1 Star – Total waste of time.

ELLA MCCAY – A Review by Cynthia Flores

Cynthia Flores
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ELLA MCCAY – A Review by Cynthia Flores

Ever since 1984, when James L Brooks had a triple win at the Academy Awards, with best picture, best director, and best adapted screenplay for Terms of Endearment, he has been the one to watch. I’ve enjoyed every film he’s made since then, whether it is as a writer, director, or both. He has been nominated for the Oscars for films as excellent as 1997’s Jerry Maguire and one of my favorite movies of all time, 1998’s As Good As It Gets. Films that most moviegoers know and love.

​He hasn’t directed a feature film since 2010. But has stayed busy and popular on television productions. Ever hear of a little show known as The Simpsons? Yeah, he’s stayed busy. So his return with this new film that he has written and directed, called Ella McCay, is a real treat for me. I’ll admit it, I’m a fan. I love his style of humor. The way he handles conversations between the characters. And his ability to show humor and absurdity in heartbreaking situations. All his talent and style are on display in this new film.

​This movie, Ella McCay, opens with an introduction by the narrator Estelle (Julie Kavner), who is both Ella’s assistant and friend. Estelle sets the stage for Ella McCay’s story: a 34-year-old lieutenant governor of an unnamed, seemingly New England state. Everything changes for Ella when her longtime mentor, Governor Bill (Albert Brooks), suddenly accepts a cabinet position in the new Obama administration. Ella is thrust into the role of governor, making her the youngest woman ever to hold the office, and must quickly adjust to the new responsibilities and scrutiny.

As the Story Goes On, her perfect life with her high school sweetheart husband, Ryan (Jack Lowden), is not all it’s cracked up to be. She married into what she thought was a normal, typical family. She was attracted to that, having grown up in a very dysfunctional one. Her family was headed by her womanizing father, Eddie (Woody Harrelson), and her long-suffering mother, Claire (Rebecca Hall). If it hadn’t been for feisty Aunt Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), Eddie’s older sister, Ella, and her little brother, Casey (Spike Fern), they would have had no stability at all in their lives.

I don’t want to give everything away because I want people to see this film. As the story continues, Ella faces the challenges of taking over the helm of a governorship from a very popular man and the stress that puts on her marriage. Meanwhile, her father’s resurfacing in her and her brother’s lives after a 13-year absence is a perfect storm for old and new wounds alike. As the saying goes, “When it rains, it pours.” Now, it is pouring buckets around her, and Ella has to dig deep, leaning into support from her aunt and her favorite bodyguard, State Trooper Nash (Kumail Nanjiani), to make it through.

​In general, Ella McKay will probably not be on anyone’s short list for awards. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t an awesome film, worthy to be sought out at the theaters this holiday season. James L. Brooks is so good at capturing family dynamics and eliciting great, quirky performances from his cast that you will walk away feeling better than when you walked in. For example, one subplot is the romance between Ella’s little brother, Casey, and Susan (Ayo Edebiri). It’s so sweet, funny, and touching at times that you wish it were a bigger part of the film. Spike Fearn does a brilliant job playing a tortured, brilliant mathematician who just wants to be loved the way he is. That is a sentiment most people can relate to.

​​I give Ella McCay 4 stars. It’s a funny and heartwarming take on politics, centering on a flawed but genuine human heart. Take your favorite person to a theater near you and enjoy this sweet film.

 

Directed by: James L. Brooks

Written by: James L. Brooks

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 1 hr 55 min

Comedy, Drama

Release: In Theaters Dec 19th

Starring: Emma Mackey, Woody Harrelson, Kumail Nanjiani, Jamie Lee Curtis, Spike Fearn, Jack Lowden, and Julie Kavner

 

The Selig Rating Scale:

5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.

4 Stars – Good movie/show

3 Stars – OK movie/show

2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…

1 Star – Total waste of time.

Prime Video Announces The CEO Club, Sets Premiere Date and Debuts Key Art

Dev Shapiro
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Prime Video Announces The CEO Club, Sets Premiere Date and Debuts Key Art

Today, Prime Video announced the series title along with the premiere date, and unveiled key art for the highly anticipated docu-series, The CEO Club. The eight-episode season will debut worldwide in more than 240 countries and territories on Monday, February 23, exclusively on Prime Video. The docu-series follows legendary athlete and businesswoman Serena Williams, award-winning artist and “Queen of Latin Pop” Thalia; former model and fashion designer Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger; Market America | SHOP.COM CEO Loren Ridinger; supermodel, beauty entrepreneur, and founder of Cay Skin Winnie Harlow; founder of Conteur Capital and wellness expert Hannah Bronfman; and founder, CEO and designer of ISA Grutman jewelry & Rangel, Isabela Rangel Grutman.

Where power meets purpose, The CEO Club dives deep into the world of these trailblazing female CEOs as they navigate the triumphs and challenges of both their professional and personal lives. Redefining what it means to lead in today’s world, these women enter the next phase of their careers with confidence and clarity forged by life experiences.

“As an executive producer, I’ve had so much fun helping bring this series to life. Celebrating the brilliance, ambition, and sisterhood of women I admire and call friends has been incredibly special” said Serena Williams, Executive Producer and Cast Member.

The series is produced by Blink49 Studios, with Tara Long and Nadine Rajabi serving as executive producers, alongside Nine Two Six Productions, with Serena Williams and Caroline Currier serving as executive producers.

“The CEO Club is a powerful testament to what happens when women step fully into their brilliance, leadership, and influence,” said Tara Long, President, Unscripted and Nadine Rajabi, EVP, Unscripted, both with Blink49 Studios. “These multi-hyphenate CEOs aren’t waiting to be invited in — they are building their own tables, shaping new legacies, and redefining what power looks like.”

Shot in a compelling docu-style, The CEO Club highlights each of the women’s individual journeys, collective camaraderie, and the power of women supporting women.

“Together with Tara, Nadine, and Serena, we helped bring The CEO Club to life through honesty, vulnerability, and intention,” said Thalia, Dee Hilfiger, Loren Ridinger, Winnie Harlow, Hannah Bronfman, and Isabela Grutman. “We opened the doors to our worlds from the triumphs, to the challenges, and the moments that shaped us. We can’t wait for audiences to be inspired to lead with purpose and confidence.”

The CEO Club is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Blink49 Studios.

Makenzie Phipps Receives Hometown Honors in Bluefield, Virginia

Dev Shapiro
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Makenzie Phipps Receives Hometown Honors in Bluefield, Virginia

The Town of Bluefield, Virginia, together with Southwest Virginia Community College and Graham High School, celebrated hometown star Makenzie Phipps with a special recognition ceremony. Honoring her remarkable musical talent and her unwavering community spirit, Bluefield proudly presented Makenzie with the Key to the Town, the Outstanding Citizen Award, and a formal proclamation declaring December 6, 2025, as ‘Makenzie Phipps Day.’ This tribute not only acknowledges Makenzie’s national achievements but also shines a spotlight on the pride she brings to her hometown.

“It was such a wonderful ceremony that my hometown threw for me,” shares Phipps. “This small town girl is so appreciative of the kindness and support that I’ve gotten from my community. All of the recognition they gave me means the world, and I will continue to do everything in my power to keep making Bluefield proud!”

The ceremony took place on Saturday at Fincastle Restaurant, located in Bluefield, Virginia. Members of the community were invited to attend this special event and join town leadership in celebrating one of Bluefield’s brightest ambassadors.

“Makenzie has carried the name of Bluefield with grace, humility, and excellence,” said Bluefield Mayor Donnie Linkous. “We are thrilled to recognize her achievements and to thank her for being a true role model for our region. Declaring December 6th as ‘Makenzie Phipps Day’ is a well-deserved tribute to her impact and to the joy she brings to all who hear her sing.”

OUR HAPPY PLACE – A Review by Jenn Rohm

Jenn Rohm
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OUR HAPPY PLACE – A Review by Jenn Rohm

People have different tastes, including in the kinds of films they enjoy, and I want to acknowledge that upfront.  Although I don’t typically watch horror movies, particularly psychological horror, I can still recognize craft, talent, and thoughtful filmmaking when I see it.  I offer this disclosure because my 4-star rating comes from someone outside the genre’s usual audience.  If your preferences often align with mine, please keep in mind that this genre is not part of my regular viewing.

The film’s official synopsis captures its premise best:

“Raya’s life has been turned upside down since she began caring for her bedridden husband. Tormented by relentless nightmares each night, and each morning, she wakes lost and disoriented in shallow graves in the woods, with no memory of how she got there or how to get home. Then, the next night, it happens again – visions of tortured women—their whispers growing louder, their presence bleeding into her waking life. As supernatural forces close in and the boundary between dream and reality shatters, she uncovers a chilling secret buried within the woods—and within herself. The women from her nightmares are no longer just dreams. And when she wakes in the deepest grave yet, she knows exactly what she must do.”

 

 

During the pandemic, Paul Bickel and Raya Miles relocated to their home in Big Bear Lake rather than remain in Los Angeles.  With time, limited resources, and the natural environment around them, they developed Our Happy Place. The production faced challenges ranging from cast isolation to filming scenes while acting in them, working with sparse special-effects equipment, and creatively engineering solutions, including using video calls for scenes between Raya, Raya Miles, and Amy, Tracie Thoms.  As restrictions eased, additional scenes with more cast members were completed, followed by editing, scoring, and the full post-production process.  The result is a thoughtful and skillfully crafted psychological horror film.

The film uses multiple visual styles to create tension and immersion: home-video-style flashbacks, intimate framing that puts viewers directly in unsettling moments, and effective lighting cues that signal shifts in time, season, and memory.  Streaks of orange light in certain flashbacks subtly reinforce the return of traumatic recollections.  These choices keep viewers engaged and uneasy in the best way.

David Hernandez’s score is a standout element.  He leans into emotional storytelling and tension-building, creating musical cues that enhance the film’s psychological layers.  The effect is reminiscent of the cultural impact of the Jaws theme, augmented, of course, by contemporary sound design and technology.

Editing by Jim Holdridge, with additional polish from Producer David Ho and Paul Bickel, results in a film with well-managed pacing.  It accelerates during high-tension sequences, slows appropriately for character-driven moments, and includes brief touches of humor that offer relief without breaking the overall mood.

Finally, the performances, particularly Raya Miles’, who carries the majority of the film alone, deserve recognition.  In a post-pandemic world more attuned to the emotional demands of isolation, her ability to anchor the story with depth and relatability is impressive.  Her performance is reminiscent of Willem Dafoe’s in Inside, in that it sustains viewer investment with minimal direct interaction.  Tracie Thoms adds warmth, grounding, and well-timed humor that reinforce Raya’s humanity and the passage of time, echoing the lived experiences many had during lockdown.

For fans of psychological horror, and for aspiring filmmakers interested in how to create a deeply personal, resourceful, and emotionally resonant film—Our Happy Place is well worth watching.

 

 

Director: Paul Bickel

Cast: Rya Miles, Paul Bickel, Tracie Thoms, Eugen Byrd

Selig Rating: 4 stars

Runtime: 1h 30m

Release Date: December 7,2024

Genre(s): Psychological Horror

Trailer: Our Happy Place Trailer

 

 

The Selig Rating Scale:

5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.

4 Stars – Good movie/show

3 Stars – OK movie/show

2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…

1 Star – Total waste of time.

The Key Biscayne Film Festival Expands with Star-Studded 2026 Edition

Dev Shapiro
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The Key Biscayne Film Festival Expands with Star-Studded 2026 Edition

The Key Biscayne Film Festival (KBFF) is swiftly establishing itself as a distinctive and essential part of South Florida’s cultural landscape. Created as an intimate, community focused alternative to larger metropolitan festivals, KBFF brings world class cinema and international talent to local movie lovers in a place where cinephiles from all over the world love to meet. The third annual KBFF is set to take place January 29 – February 1, 2026 in the idyllic setting of Key Biscayne, Florida, a precious jewel of the Greater Miami area.
KBFF founders, Key Biscayne residents Isabel Custer and Maite Garrido Thornton, bring deep industry experience to the festival’s foundation. Custer is a local filmmaker whose resume includes stints with cinematic giants Darren Aronofsky and Julie Taymor, and Garrido Thornton is an Emmy-award winning television producer with a background at CNN, CNBC, and CBS 4 News. They combined their experience and expertise to bring a shared vision – a festival that celebrated film and brought the Key Biscayne community together – to life.

“Championing local stories has always been our compass,” said Custer. “But we’re just as energized about our ever expanding slate, and embracing comedy this year, which is a genre audiences have been truly craving this year.”

“Part of my vision in co-founding the Key Biscayne Film Festival was to bring award winning films from some of the world’s most reputable and respected filmmakers directly to our community,” said Garrido Thornton. “That, alongside highlighting local filmmakers and bringing together panels from some of the industry leaders. Our goal is to bring the island stories that uplift us, move us, and spark meaningful conversations and I’m confident this year will not disappoint.”

Intimate Screenings, Big Stories, Unforgettable Conversations 

Over the past two years, the KBFF has established a reputation for screening films from renowned storytellers and local talent, and allowing festival attendees to connect with talented storytellers. The buzzworthy From Russia with Lev, produced by Rachel Maddow was featured in this year’s festival followed by an exclusive discussion with director Billy Corben and producers Nicole Pritchett and Alfred Spellman. The festival also featured the directorial debut of actor and Miami-native Danny Pino, Union de Reyes. Natalie Martinez, another Miami-native and star of Apple TV’s Bad Monkey joined producer Alexis Garcia for a captivating Q&A and mingled with festival guests afterwards. One of the most unique moments was the screening of the award-winning In the Whale. Festival guests were treated to a conversation with director David Abel and surprise guest Michael Packard, the fisherman who was swallowed by a whale and is the real-life subject of the film. Another winner from the previous edition of the festival is A Swim Lesson, directed by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack.

“It’s a beautiful festival that inspires filmmakers to make great films,” said director/producer David Frankel of Devil Wears Prada, the upcoming Devil Wears Prada 2, Collateral Beauty and so much more.

Events are held at the Key Biscayne Community Center and Paradise Park, where guests can watch films under the stars and even enjoy a picnic.

Spotlighting Community and the Next Generation of Storytellers

The Key Biscayne Film Festival’s mission extends to inspiring and cultivating the next generation of storytellers right here in South Florida. Each year, the festival hosts a Youth Filmmaking Workshop where middle and high school students can learn the craft of movie making from experienced filmmakers. This year’s event featured director Frank Kelly and festival co-founder Isabel Custer. The workshop is totally free and students are able to submit and screen their own films at the festival. Last year, student filmmaker Gaby Mesa’s short film In the Blink of an Eye, took home the festival’s prize for Spotlight on Youth.

The festival also partners with community organizations like It Takes a Village (ITAV) to ensure that every member of the community can participate and have their voices shine. It Takes a Village is an organization dedicated to creating an inclusive community for neurodivergent children and their families. The partnership between the organizations allows participating children to exercise their creativity, develop skills, and tell their own stories.

“Creating their own artistic work is both therapeutic and empowering,” says ITAV founder Chiara Bergonzi.  “It allows children to explore a new field, express themselves through the arts, collaborate with peers, volunteer, and gain confidence.”

The emphasis on community and highlighting local artists extends beyond the screen. The official poster for the upcoming festival was created by Sonia Sanchez Nieto, a local artist and art teacher at St. Agnes Catholic Academy.

A Bigger, Bolder KBFF Celebrates Year Three

With the third annual film festival fast approaching, organizers are preparing to announce the latest slate of films. While previous years highlighted themes related to the oceans, environment, and the South Florida community, the KBFF has opened its submissions to a wider range of genres and subject matters, promising its most dynamic lineup of films yet. Additional news and announcements, including official selections, will be forthcoming.
“I feel like it’s a very intimate environment, just the right size. You’re surrounded by people who love film and you get access to the filmmakers. Being able to ask questions and get into details with the filmmakers is a wonderful experience,” said Underwater DP, Pete Zuccarini (Avatar, Life of a DP.

The upcoming festival will also debut showings at the newly opened Village Chamber Theater as well as screenings at the iconic Paradise Park. Attendees can expect to enjoy the same amazing access to filmmakers along with opportunities to connect with their neighbors over a shared passion for film. To be the first to learn about the upcoming film showings and to reserve tickets as soon as they become available, follow @kbfilmfestival on Instagram or subscribe and get get more information in general at kbfilmfestival.org.

OH. WHAT. FUN. – A Review by Jenn Rohm

Jenn Rohm
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OH. WHAT. FUN. – A Review by Jenn Rohm

December is upon us, which means the holiday season has officially begun. With frigid weather hitting parts of the United States—including regions that rarely see the cold—it’s the perfect time to curl up at home with your favorite treats and enjoy some holiday films.  We have the standard classics centered on male leads, as well as the predictable yet charming Hallmark staples.  This year, Amazon MGM Studios opted to adapt Chandler Baker’s 2021 Amazon Original Stories into a feature film.

At the outset of Oh. What. Fun., we hear Claire (Michelle Pfeiffer) listing holiday movies that place men front and center.  Titles like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Santa Clause, and Home Alone all make the cut.  She then notes how often wives, mothers, and the quiet “glue” of the family go unappreciated, setting up the expectation that this film will shine a spotlight on what often goes unnoticed during the holidays.  We’re introduced to her husband Nick (Denis Leary), tinkering in the garage with a toy for the grandchildren. (I understand the choice of a gift involving many small pieces, though the toy selected doesn’t quite match the age of the fraternal twins.)  Claire has been planning holiday menus, activities, and decorations since January 1, and now, with family arriving, festivities are officially underway.  After a long day of cooking and cleaning, she collapses into bed well after midnight.  The following morning, the family heads out to an event in two separate cars, but as they pull away, Claire is not in either vehicle.  Realizing she has been left behind, she packs a bag and sets off on an adventure of her own.

Reflecting on the films Claire mentions, I noticed several playful nods to these classics, such as accidentally leaving someone at home and sharing a motel room with a stranger.  Spotting these moments adds a fun layer to the viewing experience, and it’s something I plan to pay closer attention to the next time I watch.

The cast delivers strong, lively performances, and it’s clear they were enjoying themselves throughout filming. Felicity Jones plays Channing, the eldest child, navigating the familiar and often awkward space between adulthood and reverting to old family dynamics. Her husband, Doug (Jason Schwartzman), stands slightly on the outside, looking in; as an only child, he earnestly tries to connect with the larger, louder family.  His attempt to strike up a conversation with Taylor (Chloë Grace Moretz), while pretending to read an upside-down book, is especially endearing.  Sammy (Dominic Sessa), the youngest, is still comfortably avoiding adulthood, and his emo rendition of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is an unexpectedly delightful twist.

The soundtrack is another highlight of the film. By weaving together holiday music, classic rock, and current hits, the film creates a dynamic mix that feels both familiar and fresh. Each musical cue fits seamlessly with the scene it accompanies, helping to maintain the movie’s momentum and enrich its emotional beats.

The film has a few missteps, but none of them meaningfully detracted me from my enjoyment. It never aims to be an awards contender, and it doesn’t need to be. Instead, it offers a warm, humorous reminder of the unsung labor that makes the holidays magical. And as Claire suggests, take note of the three words she longs to hear—and start saying them to the person who makes your holiday season as special as it is.

 

 

Director: Michael Showalter

Cast: Michelle Pfeiffer, Denis Leary, Felicity Jones

MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for some drug use, sexual material, and strong language.

Selig Rating: 4 stars

Runtime: 1h 47m

Release Date: December 3, 2025

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Genre(s): Comedy, Holiday

Trailer: Oh. What. Fun. trailer

Movie Site: Oh. What. Fun. website

 

The Selig Rating Scale:

5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.

4 Stars – Good movie/show

3 Stars – OK movie/show

2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…

1 Star – Total waste of time.

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