Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door (La habitación de al lado) marks his ambitious English-language debut but falters in delivering the emotional depth and narrative strength of his earlier works. While Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore shine with extraordinary performances, the film’s exploration of euthanasia feels restrained, with artificial dialogue and a lack of genuine reflection. A poignant quote from James Joyce—“... the snow falling faintly through the universe and faintly falling, like the descent of their last end, upon all the living and the dead”—highlights the fleeting beauty of the film but also its inability to fully connect with its profound themes.

Coralie Fargeat's The Substance ambitiously critiques society’s obsession with youth and beauty but falters under the weight of its 141-minute runtime. While Demi Moore delivers a poignant performance as a fading actress turned to desperate measures, the film’s heavy-handed satire and caricatural elements dilute its impact. Despite moments of brilliance, it feels like a missed opportunity, with its thought-provoking themes undermined by uneven pacing and lack of narrative depth

Juror No. 2 delivers a compelling and introspective courtroom drama that examines complex themes of justice, accountability, and moral responsibility. Nicholas Hoult’s nuanced performance as a juror grappling with his possible role in a crime elevates the film, making it an emotionally charged exploration of the human condition. Clint Eastwood’s direction crafts a quietly gripping narrative that stands out for its thoughtfulness and depth, offering a refreshing change from today’s blockbuster-driven cinematic landscape.

Gladiator 2 delivers epic battles, stunning visuals, and a timeless tale of survival and destiny. Denzel Washington’s commanding performance and Ridley Scott’s masterful direction elevate the sequel, though it falls short of the emotional depth of the original. While it may not reach the heights of its predecessor, it remains a captivating and thoroughly enjoyable return to Ancient Rome. Fans and newcomers alike will find plenty to admire in this grand spectacle.

Junkyard Dog (Chien de la Casse) is a quietly intense exploration of male friendship and the complexities of masculinity set against the backdrop of rural France. The film shines with strong performances, particularly from Raphaël Quenard as the charismatic yet volatile Mirales, but struggles with pacing and underdeveloped character dynamics. While it doesn’t fully realize its thematic potential, Junkyard Dog offers a thought-provoking experience that lingers in its subdued atmosphere.

"Thirteen Days," directed by Roger Donaldson, masterfully transports viewers back to the heart-pounding tension of the Cuban Missile Crisis. With a stellar cast led by Kevin Costner and Bruce Greenwood, the film dives deep into the inner workings of the Kennedy administration as they grapple with the impending nuclear threat. Steven Culp's portrayal of Robert F. Kennedy adds emotional depth to the story, while the film's meticulous attention to historical accuracy and deliberate pacing create an authentic sense of dread and unease. Through its captivating narrative and exploration of the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by leaders, "Thirteen Days" stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of diplomacy in averting global catastrophe.