Cassandra Naud emerges as a striking new talent in the film “Influencers,” presented by IFC Films. With a relatively slow week for new releases, this is an opportune moment to reflect on 2025 by sharing brief reviews of 13 notable films I encountered last year. Many of these titles enjoyed a fleeting presence in North Texas theaters, disappearing quickly—a trend that seems increasingly common.
Bogotá: City of the Lost
The influx of innovative Korean cinema continues with this Netflix offering, which tells the story of a South Korean student (played by Song Joong-ki) who finds himself stranded in Colombia during the late 1990s. Under the influence of his uncle (Kwon Hae-hyo), a smuggler of Korean goods, he becomes embroiled in a life of crime, selling affordable knockoffs in Bogotá’s commercial district. The film follows the classic arc of crime dramas, showcasing the rise and inevitable fall of its characters while also exploring the rich cultural clash that makes it engaging.
Bring Them Down
This film, directed by Christopher Andrews, garnered an honorable mention in my review of directorial debuts. It briefly screened at AMC Grapevine Mills in February 2025, only to vanish before I could offer my thoughts. A traditional Irish thriller, it chronicles a long-standing feud between two rural families over sheep grazing rights, featuring dialogue largely in Irish. Barry Keoghan and American actor Christopher Abbott bring authenticity to the language, creating a visceral experience laced with violence.
Hedda
The collaboration between Nia DaCosta and Tessa Thompson deserves recognition, even if it doesn’t always receive the same attention as Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s partnership. In this adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler,” DaCosta reimagines the titular character as a Black, gay woman in the 1950s. Thompson delivers a powerful performance as a ruthless materialist willing to sacrifice her ex-girlfriend (Nina Hoss) for personal gain, with production values that enhance the film’s visual allure.
Influencers
Cassandra Naud, who has a prominent birthmark, uses it to her advantage in the sequel “Influencers,” following her character’s journey from the previous film. Portraying a con artist adept at manipulating social media influencers, she mirrors Patricia Highsmith’s Tom Ripley for the digital age, navigating through relationships and deception with both men and women. The cleverness of writer-director Kurtis David Harder elevates the film, making it a must-watch for Naud’s performance alone.
Julie Keeps Quiet
This Belgian film, which includes executive producers such as Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka and acclaimed directors Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, tackles a poignant narrative. Starring Tessa van den Broeck as a promising young tennis player, the story unravels after the suicide of a star athlete and the suspension of their shared coach. First-time director Leonardo van Dijl captures the nuances of tennis training, creating an intimate exploration of the coach-athlete dynamic.
Left-Handed Girl
Edited by Oscar-winner Sean Baker, this film by director Shih-Ching Tsou tells the story of a 5-year-old girl (Nina Ye) grappling with the stigma of being left-handed, as imposed by her superstitious grandfather (Akio Chen). As she navigates her childhood fears, deeper family issues emerge. This Netflix offering is a heartfelt addition to the canon of Taiwanese domestic dramas, showcasing Tsou’s unique perspective through the eyes of a child.
On Becoming a Guinea Fowl
This Zambian film opens with a jarring scene that sets the tone for the narrative— a woman discovers a dead body on a remote road, someone she recognizes but ultimately leaves behind. Directed by Rungano Nyoni, the film is a vibrant exploration of local culture, while also tackling the dark realities of family dynamics when faced with the revelation of a relative’s abuse. It serves as a critical commentary on societal complicity in protecting offenders.
Parthenope
In this Italian drama, the titular character is hailed as the most beautiful woman in the world, portrayed by Celeste dalla Porta. The film explores her journey from aspiring actress to anthropologist. A notable moment occurs when she meets her favorite author, John Cheever (played by Gary Oldman). Writer-director Paolo Sorrentino’s love for SSC Napoli is evident, though this film feels somewhat beneath his capabilities as a storyteller.
Queens of Drama
This French film presents a darker take on the K-Pop phenomenon set in 2045. Narrated by drag queen and YouTube influencer Steevy Shady (Bilal Hassani), it recounts the tumultuous relationship between secretly gay pop star Mimi Madamour (Louiza Aura) and punk singer Billie Kohler (trans actor Gio Ventura). The film explores the toxic nature of fandoms and the personal struggles of its characters, with Mimi’s catchy hit “Pas touche!” resonating with audiences.
Resurrection
This Chinese film has captured the attention of critics, though it did not make my top tier. It marks my introduction to director Bi Gan, whose narrative unfolds in a world where humanity has sacrificed dreams for immortality. Jackson Yee plays a character who defies this consensus, hiding within films to continue dreaming. While the plot can be elusive, the film’s surreal journey through Chinese cinematic tropes is captivating.
Tornado
Following a decade since his debut “Slow West,” John Maclean returns with “Tornado,” a samurai film set against the backdrop of 18th-century Scotland. Koki stars as a traveling puppeteer who must wield her sword to avenge her father’s murder (portrayed by Takehiro Hira, who also stars in several other projects this year). Maclean’s adeptness at crafting visually striking narratives enhances this unique blend of genres.
The Ugly Stepsister
In stark contrast to “Sentimental Value,” Emilie Blichfeldt’s retelling of Cinderella offers a fresh perspective from the viewpoint of the stepsister (Lea Myren). As her mother weds an older widower, she struggles with jealousy towards her beautiful step-sister (Thea Sofie Loch Næss). The film’s grim narrative, marked by body image issues and family pressure, is powerfully complemented by the film’s striking production design and costumes.
Watch the Skies
This Swedish film generated controversy with its innovative approach to dubbing; actors re-recorded their dialogue in English while AI technology synchronized their lip movements. Dubbed “vubbing,” the technique raises questions about the future of foreign films. Nevertheless, the film explores the psychological depths of UFO cults, combining intriguing character studies with impressive special effects, and features standout performances, particularly by lead actress Inez Dahl Torhaug.
