Tom O’Brien
@thomaseobrien.bsky.social
*Writer/Podcaster for Next Best Picture,
*Contributing Writer @GoldDerby
*Member: @WGAWest, @DorianAwards, @TelevisionAcad
*Contributing Writer @GoldDerby
*Member: @WGAWest, @DorianAwards, @TelevisionAcad
THE PENGUIN LESSONS is based on the true story of teacher Tom Michell (Steve Coogan) who works at an Argentinian private school in 1976. The vibe is very Dead Poets Society, but when a character is abducted by secret police in an otherwise fluffy teacher film, it's an uneasy narrative fit. GRADE: C+
April 5, 2025 at 9:41 PM
THE PENGUIN LESSONS is based on the true story of teacher Tom Michell (Steve Coogan) who works at an Argentinian private school in 1976. The vibe is very Dead Poets Society, but when a character is abducted by secret police in an otherwise fluffy teacher film, it's an uneasy narrative fit. GRADE: C+
Disney's SNOW WHITE boasts fine work by Rachel Zegler & solid new songs. But Gal Gadot is lousy as the Queen & the CGI dwarfs are downright creepy. It simply seems to exist as yet another cash grab for the studio, one that seems to be increasingly less lucrative for the Mouse House. Good. GRADE: C+
April 3, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Disney's SNOW WHITE boasts fine work by Rachel Zegler & solid new songs. But Gal Gadot is lousy as the Queen & the CGI dwarfs are downright creepy. It simply seems to exist as yet another cash grab for the studio, one that seems to be increasingly less lucrative for the Mouse House. Good. GRADE: C+
Michael Fassbender & Cate Blanchett play a pair of married spies trying to sniff out a traitor in their midst in Steven Soderbergh's crackerjack thriller BLACK BAG. At a taut 94 minutes, he doesn't waste a frame or one word of David Koepp's marvelously twisty script. 2025's best so far. GRADE: A-
March 26, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Michael Fassbender & Cate Blanchett play a pair of married spies trying to sniff out a traitor in their midst in Steven Soderbergh's crackerjack thriller BLACK BAG. At a taut 94 minutes, he doesn't waste a frame or one word of David Koepp's marvelously twisty script. 2025's best so far. GRADE: A-
A shy Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid) is nicknamed NOVOCAINE due to a condition that keeps him from feeling physical pain. When new girlfriend Sherry is taken hostage in a bank heist, Nathan gives chase. The film's first act is a lovely romance, but soon the film turns very violent. It's a mix that works.
March 19, 2025 at 5:51 AM
A shy Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid) is nicknamed NOVOCAINE due to a condition that keeps him from feeling physical pain. When new girlfriend Sherry is taken hostage in a bank heist, Nathan gives chase. The film's first act is a lovely romance, but soon the film turns very violent. It's a mix that works.
In EEPHUS, Carson Lund’s beauty of a comedy, two teams of guys of various ages and waistlines meet for 1 final game at their soon-to-be-demolished stadium. The writing is sharp, the ensemble is superb & the cinematography is appropriately autumnal. A great American indie. #Eephus @musicboxfilms.com
March 13, 2025 at 8:51 PM
In EEPHUS, Carson Lund’s beauty of a comedy, two teams of guys of various ages and waistlines meet for 1 final game at their soon-to-be-demolished stadium. The writing is sharp, the ensemble is superb & the cinematography is appropriately autumnal. A great American indie. #Eephus @musicboxfilms.com
ON BECOMING A GUINEA FOWL expertly walks a fine line between dark comedy & tense drama as a brave Zambian woman exposes the history of molestation of the women in her family at the hands of her own newly-deceased uncle. A superb & brutal takedown of the complicity of silence. #OnBecomingAGuineaFowl
March 13, 2025 at 8:48 PM
ON BECOMING A GUINEA FOWL expertly walks a fine line between dark comedy & tense drama as a brave Zambian woman exposes the history of molestation of the women in her family at the hands of her own newly-deceased uncle. A superb & brutal takedown of the complicity of silence. #OnBecomingAGuineaFowl
Where can you find the Best Picture nominees this weekend?
ANORA - Theaters
THE BRUTALIST - Theaters
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN - Theaters
CONCLAVE - Peacock
DUNE: PART TWO - Max, Netflix
EMILIA PÉREZ - Netflix
I'M STILL HERE - Theaters
NICKEL BOYS - MGM+
THE SUBSTANCE - MUBI
WICKED - Theaters
ANORA - Theaters
THE BRUTALIST - Theaters
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN - Theaters
CONCLAVE - Peacock
DUNE: PART TWO - Max, Netflix
EMILIA PÉREZ - Netflix
I'M STILL HERE - Theaters
NICKEL BOYS - MGM+
THE SUBSTANCE - MUBI
WICKED - Theaters
February 28, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Where can you find the Best Picture nominees this weekend?
ANORA - Theaters
THE BRUTALIST - Theaters
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN - Theaters
CONCLAVE - Peacock
DUNE: PART TWO - Max, Netflix
EMILIA PÉREZ - Netflix
I'M STILL HERE - Theaters
NICKEL BOYS - MGM+
THE SUBSTANCE - MUBI
WICKED - Theaters
ANORA - Theaters
THE BRUTALIST - Theaters
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN - Theaters
CONCLAVE - Peacock
DUNE: PART TWO - Max, Netflix
EMILIA PÉREZ - Netflix
I'M STILL HERE - Theaters
NICKEL BOYS - MGM+
THE SUBSTANCE - MUBI
WICKED - Theaters
PADDINGTON IN PERU faces the unenviable task of following 2017's "Paddington 2," widely considered to be one of the best sequels in film history. Directed by Dougal Wilson, this latest chapter is admittedly a step down from the previous films directed by Paul King, but it's not without its charms.
February 27, 2025 at 5:27 AM
PADDINGTON IN PERU faces the unenviable task of following 2017's "Paddington 2," widely considered to be one of the best sequels in film history. Directed by Dougal Wilson, this latest chapter is admittedly a step down from the previous films directed by Paul King, but it's not without its charms.
For months, you all told me that THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO was great. I was a tad skeptical. I'm a skeptic no more. This film not only gives you the satisfaction of seeing a much-deserved revenge but also makes you question how that desire for vengeance can rot your soul. Wow. #thecountofmontecristo
January 17, 2025 at 12:47 AM
For months, you all told me that THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO was great. I was a tad skeptical. I'm a skeptic no more. This film not only gives you the satisfaction of seeing a much-deserved revenge but also makes you question how that desire for vengeance can rot your soul. Wow. #thecountofmontecristo
The very witty & very gay A NICE INDIAN BOY, in which a shy Indian doctor (an adorable Karan Soni) meets the boy of his dreams (Tony winner Jonathan Groff), clings to every single romcom rule. But so what? It delivers what we all want: a big gay Indian wedding at the end. #ANIceIndianBoy #PSIFF
January 16, 2025 at 8:42 PM
The very witty & very gay A NICE INDIAN BOY, in which a shy Indian doctor (an adorable Karan Soni) meets the boy of his dreams (Tony winner Jonathan Groff), clings to every single romcom rule. But so what? It delivers what we all want: a big gay Indian wedding at the end. #ANIceIndianBoy #PSIFF
While a true story, THE PENGUIN LESSONS, the latest from Peter Cattaneo ("The Full Monty"), plays as a standard grumpy-teacher-earning-students'-respect trope. Because it's set in 1976 Argentina, "the disappearances" also play a part in the story, making for an uneasy fit. #ThePenguinLessons #PSIFF
January 15, 2025 at 9:16 PM
While a true story, THE PENGUIN LESSONS, the latest from Peter Cattaneo ("The Full Monty"), plays as a standard grumpy-teacher-earning-students'-respect trope. Because it's set in 1976 Argentina, "the disappearances" also play a part in the story, making for an uneasy fit. #ThePenguinLessons #PSIFF
I know we're all primed to be down on LOST LADIES because India picked it as its Oscar entry rather than the brilliant "All We Imagine As Light." But it's a delightful mistaken-identity romcom that actually gets better as it goes along. Don't hate the player, hate the game. #LostLadies #PSIFF
January 15, 2025 at 9:15 PM
I know we're all primed to be down on LOST LADIES because India picked it as its Oscar entry rather than the brilliant "All We Imagine As Light." But it's a delightful mistaken-identity romcom that actually gets better as it goes along. Don't hate the player, hate the game. #LostLadies #PSIFF
Filmed over 21 years, the new doc SABBATH QUEEN focuses on gay rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie and the changes he's made in his life - even adopting a drag persona - to bring warring Jewish factions together. Even if its narrative jumps around a bit too much, Lau-Lavie is fascinating. #SabbathQueen #PSIFF
January 15, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Filmed over 21 years, the new doc SABBATH QUEEN focuses on gay rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie and the changes he's made in his life - even adopting a drag persona - to bring warring Jewish factions together. Even if its narrative jumps around a bit too much, Lau-Lavie is fascinating. #SabbathQueen #PSIFF
In SACRAMENTO, Michael Cera and Michael Angarano (who also directed) play manboys with definite commitment issues who take a road trip rather than face the next chapter in their lives with the women in their lives (Kristen Stewart and Maya Erskine). Slight but very affecting. #Sacramento #psiff
January 13, 2025 at 2:41 AM
In SACRAMENTO, Michael Cera and Michael Angarano (who also directed) play manboys with definite commitment issues who take a road trip rather than face the next chapter in their lives with the women in their lives (Kristen Stewart and Maya Erskine). Slight but very affecting. #Sacramento #psiff
The film adaptation of Shannon Pufahl's novel ON SWIFT HORSES focuses on a Korean War vet (Will Poulter), his wife (Daisy Edgar-Jones) & his brother (Jacob Elordi) who are tied together by blood, even as the latter two explore their own queer impulses. Sluggish and unfocused. #OnSwiftHorses #psiff
January 13, 2025 at 2:21 AM
The film adaptation of Shannon Pufahl's novel ON SWIFT HORSES focuses on a Korean War vet (Will Poulter), his wife (Daisy Edgar-Jones) & his brother (Jacob Elordi) who are tied together by blood, even as the latter two explore their own queer impulses. Sluggish and unfocused. #OnSwiftHorses #psiff
Director Soi Cheang's #TwilightOfTheWarriorsWalledIn is a glorious homage to the great Hong Kong martial arts films of the 1980s, with dazzling fight choreography, a wonderfully cheesy '80s look & garishly decked-out henchmen (Philip Ng, below, who steals the film). Deliriously entertaining. #PSIFF
January 13, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Director Soi Cheang's #TwilightOfTheWarriorsWalledIn is a glorious homage to the great Hong Kong martial arts films of the 1980s, with dazzling fight choreography, a wonderfully cheesy '80s look & garishly decked-out henchmen (Philip Ng, below, who steals the film). Deliriously entertaining. #PSIFF
One of the great things about #TheDayTheEarthBlewUp, the first Looney Tunes film made for theaters, is how reverent it is to the history of the franchise, even while giving it a contemporary spin. Daffy Duck is excellent as always, but it's Porky Pig's finest work in decades. #psiff
January 13, 2025 at 12:56 AM
One of the great things about #TheDayTheEarthBlewUp, the first Looney Tunes film made for theaters, is how reverent it is to the history of the franchise, even while giving it a contemporary spin. Daffy Duck is excellent as always, but it's Porky Pig's finest work in decades. #psiff
Joachim Lang's biopic of the famed South African choreographer JOHN CRANKO covers his time heading up the Stuttgart Ballet, where he demands perfection from his dancers at the barres and from his men in the bars. The film's a bit chilly, but as Cranko, Sam Riley is excellent. #JohnCranko #psiff
January 10, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Joachim Lang's biopic of the famed South African choreographer JOHN CRANKO covers his time heading up the Stuttgart Ballet, where he demands perfection from his dancers at the barres and from his men in the bars. The film's a bit chilly, but as Cranko, Sam Riley is excellent. #JohnCranko #psiff
I really love directors who take big swings, but with big swings can come big misses. Such is the fate of LOVE ME, a post-apocalyptic romance between a buoy & a satellite who assume the avatars of an Instagram couple (Kristen Stewart, Steven Yeun). It's a concept in search of a movie. #LoveMe #psiff
January 8, 2025 at 11:39 PM
I really love directors who take big swings, but with big swings can come big misses. Such is the fate of LOVE ME, a post-apocalyptic romance between a buoy & a satellite who assume the avatars of an Instagram couple (Kristen Stewart, Steven Yeun). It's a concept in search of a movie. #LoveMe #psiff
François Ozon's latest, WHEN FALL IS COMING, begins as a delicate character study of a spry retiree (a terrific Hélène Vincent) with worries that she's losing her memory. But it quickly turns into Chabrol-like thriller that reveals how not everyone is whom they appear to be. #WhenFallIsComing #psiff
January 8, 2025 at 11:37 PM
François Ozon's latest, WHEN FALL IS COMING, begins as a delicate character study of a spry retiree (a terrific Hélène Vincent) with worries that she's losing her memory. But it quickly turns into Chabrol-like thriller that reveals how not everyone is whom they appear to be. #WhenFallIsComing #psiff
The little-seen but makeup-shortlisted WALTZING WITH BRANDO centers on the years when Brando worked with an architect to build an ecological Tahitian paradise. How's the makeup? The work on Billy Zane is excellent and worthy. But the film leaves much to be desired. #WaltzingWithBrando #psiff
January 8, 2025 at 11:35 PM
The little-seen but makeup-shortlisted WALTZING WITH BRANDO centers on the years when Brando worked with an architect to build an ecological Tahitian paradise. How's the makeup? The work on Billy Zane is excellent and worthy. But the film leaves much to be desired. #WaltzingWithBrando #psiff
Actor Embeth Davidtz makes a strong directorial debut in her adaptation of Alexandra Fuller's memoir #DontLetsGoToTheDogsTonight. But you'll likely remember the film most for Lexi Venter, age 7, who delivers what I believe is the best performance by a child under 8 since Quvenzhané Wallis. #PSIFF
January 8, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Actor Embeth Davidtz makes a strong directorial debut in her adaptation of Alexandra Fuller's memoir #DontLetsGoToTheDogsTonight. But you'll likely remember the film most for Lexi Venter, age 7, who delivers what I believe is the best performance by a child under 8 since Quvenzhané Wallis. #PSIFF
THE #PSIFF International Directors Panel #2. Great lineup!
Magnus von Horn (THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE)
Rich Peppiatt (KNEECAP)
Jiří Mádl (WAVES)
Maura Delpiro (VERMIGLIO)
Baltasar Kormákur (TOUCH)
Pat Boonnitipat (HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES)
Matthew Rankin (UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE)
Magnus von Horn (THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE)
Rich Peppiatt (KNEECAP)
Jiří Mádl (WAVES)
Maura Delpiro (VERMIGLIO)
Baltasar Kormákur (TOUCH)
Pat Boonnitipat (HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES)
Matthew Rankin (UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE)
January 7, 2025 at 5:46 AM
THE #PSIFF International Directors Panel #2. Great lineup!
Magnus von Horn (THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE)
Rich Peppiatt (KNEECAP)
Jiří Mádl (WAVES)
Maura Delpiro (VERMIGLIO)
Baltasar Kormákur (TOUCH)
Pat Boonnitipat (HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES)
Matthew Rankin (UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE)
Magnus von Horn (THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE)
Rich Peppiatt (KNEECAP)
Jiří Mádl (WAVES)
Maura Delpiro (VERMIGLIO)
Baltasar Kormákur (TOUCH)
Pat Boonnitipat (HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES)
Matthew Rankin (UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE)
@emasasic.bsky.social and I are here at the #PSIFF International Directors Panel. And this is just the first of 2 panels today!
Mohammad Rasoulof (THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG)
Mati Diop (DAHOMEY)
Walter Salles (I’M STILL HERE)
Halfdan Tondel (ARMAND)
Gints Zilbalodis (FLOW)
Mohammad Rasoulof (THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG)
Mati Diop (DAHOMEY)
Walter Salles (I’M STILL HERE)
Halfdan Tondel (ARMAND)
Gints Zilbalodis (FLOW)
January 7, 2025 at 5:44 AM
@emasasic.bsky.social and I are here at the #PSIFF International Directors Panel. And this is just the first of 2 panels today!
Mohammad Rasoulof (THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG)
Mati Diop (DAHOMEY)
Walter Salles (I’M STILL HERE)
Halfdan Tondel (ARMAND)
Gints Zilbalodis (FLOW)
Mohammad Rasoulof (THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG)
Mati Diop (DAHOMEY)
Walter Salles (I’M STILL HERE)
Halfdan Tondel (ARMAND)
Gints Zilbalodis (FLOW)
FROM GROUND ZERO, Palestine's shortlisted Oscar entry, is a collection of shorts by 22 Palestinian directors set amid the rubble of war. Like any anthology, the quality varies from short to short (though most hit home) with many involving kids & all reflecting a sense of loss. #FromGroundZero #PSIFF
January 6, 2025 at 5:54 PM
FROM GROUND ZERO, Palestine's shortlisted Oscar entry, is a collection of shorts by 22 Palestinian directors set amid the rubble of war. Like any anthology, the quality varies from short to short (though most hit home) with many involving kids & all reflecting a sense of loss. #FromGroundZero #PSIFF