Film & TV

May 7, 2024

In Review: “Challengers” serves

By Lucy Dixon

Luca Guadagnino’s star-studded sports drama “Challengers” hit theaters on April 22, an exhilarating 131 minutes of friendship, tension and steamy heartbreak.

May 2, 2024

Antonio Sánchez dazzles in “Birdman Live” 10th Anniversary

By Lea Vazquez

For the 10th anniversary of the release of "Birdman," Sánchez embarked on a North American and European tour, playing his music live alongside the movie.

April 24, 2024

“Monkey Man”: a politically charged action debut

By Sindhu Ananthavel

The directorial debut of actor Dev Patel moves with confidence and tenacity, making it a refreshing addition to the action genre.

April 9, 2024

Nowhere: Gregg Araki’s auteur sex infused dramedy

By Lea Vazquez

On March 2, the Pollock Theater screened “Nowhere” in collaboration with KCSB as part of the theater’s “CWC Presents: Revisiting the Classics” series.

March 11, 2024

“The Tragedy of Macbeth”: Joel Coen and Frances McDormand discuss their latest project

By Kirill Vorobyev

Joel Coen's adaptation was screened at UCSB's Pollock Theater on Feb. 29.

March 11, 2024

The return of the sci-fi: “Dune: Part Two” studies the politics of power

By Anna Zerouali

“Dune: Part Two” was released in the United States on March 1 and has been at the forefront of online and media conversations.

March 7, 2024

The results are in: The Daily Nexus’ official Academy Awards predictions

By Lauren Chiou

Artsweek Editor and Nexus Awards Analyst Lauren Chiou’s predictions for the upcoming Academy Awards, which take place in Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre on March 10.

February 29, 2024

Interthinking the Arts and Sciences: György Kepes brought to life through new documentary

By Anna Zerouali

The Carsey-Wolf Center hosted a screening of the documentary film “György Kepes: Interthinking Art + Science.” Kepes, a Hungarian artist, professor and visionary, was brought back to life.

February 29, 2024

“The Beekeeper” lacks buzz

By Sindhu Ananthavel

Directed by David Ayer and produced by Jason Statham, "The Beekeeper" weaves an elaborate path toward a dull thud of a climax, its few exciting moments of action bookended with bloated dialogue. 

February 25, 2024

SBIFF 2024: Heather Graham’s disastrous second film “Chosen Family” closes out festival

By Lea Vazquez

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival closed their festival with the world premiere of "Chosen Family," both starring and directed by Heather Graham.

February 23, 2024

SBIFF 2024: “The Cowboy and the Queen” documentary is a historical feat

By Rahul Unni Aravindakshan

The film explores the unlikely relationship Salinas born horse trainer Roberts had with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

February 22, 2024

SBIFF 2024: Two UCSB student documentaries featured at festival

By Stella Mullin

“The Salt on our Skin” and “841” were created by UCSB students through the Coastal Media Project nine-week summer program. 

February 20, 2024

SBIFF “The Fight for Black Lives” Premiere: Filmmaking as Activism

By Caitlin Scialla

The Fight for Black Lives,” which premiered at SBIFF, centers on the health disparities faced by Black Americans, underscoring the experiences of Black mothers and newborns.

February 20, 2024

SBIFF 2024: “Ezra” in review

By Kirill Vorobyev

“Ezra” doesn't aspire to be a masterpiece, but it will warm your heart, make you smile and, when the credits roll, it will invite you to reflect.

February 20, 2024

SBIFF 2024: “Io Capitano” is profound and raw

By Jasmine Kwan

From the mind of director Matteo Garron, yet another transcendental, thought-provoking film reexamining and reconstructing the traditional migrant story from an authentically stark lens was created.

February 17, 2024

SBIFF 2024: “Dance First” falls flat on US premiere

By Anna Zerouali

“Dance First” seems to be more of a theoretical conversation about the mistakes he has made and the ones he chose to take responsibility for, whether or not he directly caused them.