The latest film to hit the screens, ‘River’, is captivating audiences with its unique premise and whimsical charm. Directed by Junta Yamaguchi, the film follows the staff and clients of a Japanese inn who find themselves stuck in a short time loop, rewinding every 120 seconds. As the characters try to process their situation in exactly two minutes, the film transitions from a goofy comedy to a bittersweet romance, creating a wistful mood reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli feature.
Lead by Riko Fujitani’s character Mikoto, the ensemble cast delivers a performance that keeps viewers engaged throughout the film. Despite the intervention of a deus ex machina to resolve the plot, ‘River’ maintains its whimsical charm and leaves a lasting impression on its audience.
For those looking for a different kind of viewing experience, ‘Sight: Extended’ offers a unique take on augmented reality. The film follows the agoraphobic Patrick as he immerses himself in an enhanced reality through a new app called Refresh. As Patrick’s life transforms into a video game where he is the triumphant hero, the film explores the seductive and toxic nature of technology.
In the realm of science fiction, ‘Ozma’ presents a surreal and eccentric world where a man grapples with strange experiences and the fabric of reality. Directed by Keith John Adams, the film offers a noir oddity set in London with a jazzbo score and a plot that intrigues viewers with its unconventional storytelling.
Meanwhile, ‘The Creator’ takes audiences on an action-packed journey as a solitary hero must protect a simulant who holds the key to peace between humans and artificial intelligence. Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film draws parallels to the Vietnam War-movie genre while exploring themes of sentience and the blurred lines between friends and foes.
Lastly, ‘The Moon’ follows the staff of the Korean space program as they attempt to reach the moon amidst challenges and setbacks. Directed by Kim Yong-hwa, the film showcases the resilience of the human spirit as the characters face relentless catastrophes in space.
With a diverse range of films to choose from, viewers are sure to find something that piques their interest and offers a unique cinematic experience.
