Women Talking

After learning the truth about a shocking and horrific act committed by male members of their colony, the women and children of an unnamed and remote Mennonite community come together. Unable to read or write, community members Ona (Mara), Salome (Foy), Scarface (McDormand), Agata (Ivey) and Mariche (Buckley) organize the women to discuss their unfortunate circumstances while the men are away. They determine that they have three options: do nothing, stay and fight, or leave the only home they have ever known. With time working against them, the women must decide their future, not only for themselves but also for their colony.

Director: Sarah Polley. Stars: Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Frances McDormand, Judith Ivey, Emily Mitchell, Kate Hallett, Liv McNeil, Ben Whishaw, Sheila McCarthy, Michelle McLeod. 2022. 104 mins. Drama.

Christmas Bloody Christmas

Closing up the record store late on Christmas Eve, store owner Tori Tooms (Dandy) and her employee, Robbie Reynolds (Delich), head out for a drink with friends Jay (Ray) and Lahna (Madison) from a local toy shop. Unbeknownst to the group, a robot Santa from the toy shop has malfunctioned and its programming has reverted to a secret one tied to the U.S. Department of Defense. As the psychotic Santa animatronic wreaks terror and mayhem on the town, Tori and Robbie must escape the robot’s deadly wrath if they want to live to see Christmas morning.

Director: Joe Begos. Stars: Riley Dandy, Sam Delich, Jonah Ray, Dora Madison, Jeff Daniel Phillips, Abraham Benrubi, Jeremy Gardner, Graham Skipper, Kansas Bowling. 2022. 86 mins. Horror.

Ghost Town

In 1877, struggling drifter Soloman (Conway) comes across an isolated town in rural Arizona. Eagerly accepting a job as the local barman, Soloman settles into his new quiet life. But when strange supernatural occurrences begin to overtake the town, as a newcomer, he is immediately suspected by the other townsfolk. In order to clear his name, Soloman must investigate the goings-on before he falls victim to the hangman’s noose. 

Director: Owen Conway. Stars: Owen Conway, Robert Sprayberry, Eva Hamilton, Becky Jo Harris, Brittany Mae, John Marrs, Amelia Haberman. 2023. Thriller.