Film & TV

January 4, 2022

“Survivor: 41” Review: Advantage-geddon Hinders a Likable, Diverse Cast

By Sam Franzini

A year and a half after the end of last year’s mega-season “Winners at War,” a new Sole Survivor has been crowned.

December 25, 2021

In Review: Dasha Nekrasova’s Debut Feature “The Scary of Sixty-First” Is Undeniably Intriguing Yet Ultimately Disorienting

By Makenna Stark

“The Scary of Sixty-First,” is a psychological thriller that explores the disempowerment that can result from uncovering atrocities as horrific as those committed by Epstein.

December 2, 2021

In Review: “Tick, Tick… Boom” is a Love Letter To Jonathan Larson and All Creatives

By Amitha Bhat

“Tick, Tick… Boom” revitalizes one’s creative nature, validates the idea of pursuing your passion and urges the audience not to give up just yet: There’s more to come. 

October 8, 2021

Artsweek Picks: The Buzziest Coming Attractions of Fall 2021

By Sunidhi Sridhar

Here is Artsweek’s selection of upcoming movie releases you should check out in the coming weeks! 

August 30, 2021

In Review: “The White Lotus” Turns Paradise Problems Into Hit HBO Drama

By Sam Franzini

The show is a slice of life during a week at a beach resort in Hawaii, where a gaggle of rich guests arrive and immediately cause trouble.

August 4, 2021

In Review: Shyamalan Delivers Silly Thrills in “Old”

By Katie Caracciolo

Shyamalan’s fans, as well as moviegoers simply looking for a fun way to spend a fully engrossing 108 minutes, will be pleased.

July 25, 2021

Announcement of “Deltopia” Film Is Met With Community Backlash

By Marisol Cruz

The opinions of actual UC Santa Barbara students and I.V. community members have undermined the directors’ “as honest as possible” approach.

April 23, 2021

Oscars 2021: Everything You Need to Know About the Best Picture Nominees

By Luc Le

Cinema’s biggest night is once again upon us — here’s everything you need to know about this year’s nominees. 

April 18, 2021

SBIFF 2021: Sacha Baron Cohen Accepts Outstanding Performer Of The Year Award

By Ryan Miller

Following his award-winning performances as Borat in “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” and Abbie Hoffman in “The Trial of the Chicago 7,” Sacha Baron Cohen was honored with the award.

April 15, 2021

Forget the Remake and the Reboot. Are We Entering the Age of the Cinematic Redo?

By Luc Le

After a years-long social media campaign by devoted DC Universe fanboys to #ReleaseTheSnyderCut, director Zack Snyder’s version of 2017’s “Justice League” has finally arrived.

April 12, 2021

SBIFF 2021: Four Filmmakers Win The Outstanding Directors Of The Year Award

By Marisol Cruz

The award ceremony celebrated four filmmakers who “pushed the boundaries in their storytelling and created films that showcase the art of filmmaking at its best.”

April 7, 2021

SBIFF 2021: Carey Mulligan Wins The Cinema Vanguard Award At The Santa Barbara International Film Festival

By Sunidhi Sridhar

The tribute, which honors actors who have “the tenacity to forge new ground in their craft,” was in recognition of Mulligan’s electrifying performance in “Promising Young Woman."

April 4, 2021

SBIFF 2021: On Opening Night, “Invisible Valley” Treads Familiar Ground in Unfamiliar Territory

By Luc Le

The film follows the lives of those in the Coachella Valley over the course of four seasons, from the farmworkers toiling in the fields to the revelers at the music festival.

February 26, 2021

In Review: Chloé Zhao’s Quiet, Contemplative “Nomadland” Has a Different Vision for the American Dream

By Luc Le

To save us from this reality comes Chloé Zhao’s “Nomadland,” a tale of freedom, empathy and hope — and one that might just be one of this year’s best films. 

February 22, 2021

In Review: Lee Isaac Chung’s “Minari” Confronts the Reality of the American Dream

By Katie Caracciolo

Though the Golden Globes wrongly classifies it as a foreign language film, “Minari” is one of the truest contributions to the American storytelling tradition.

February 16, 2021

The Six Best Films from Sundance Film Festival 2021

By Luc Le

The (virtual) 2021 Sundance Film Festival showcased the immense talent and uncompromising vision of some of the best independent filmmakers working today.