Genius (2016)

A film that focuses on an algorithm for a dating app that will bring viewers in for a surprise.

The external threat invaded the domestic environment at the most valuable moment: grieving.

It’s dark, uncomfortable, and there are things that don’t make sense.

The Summer I Turned Pretty series adapts the beloved trilogy into a bingeworthy TV show and introduces a new generation to Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah.

The social issues The Half of it takes on are handled well, between the antagonization brought on to Ellie for her race and the conflict that arises from her being gay. Both aspects of her character are built up over the course of the film and don’t seem abrupt or rushed. The film shows racism towards Ellie and her and father in varying levels, from having her schoolmates specifically address her as "Chinese girl” to the fore mentioned way her Dad is treated due to language barriers. The same can be said about Ellie being a lesbian. While she never truly “comes out” in the narrative, that does not undermine her journey of self-discovery from being meaningful. These ideas aren’t thrust upon the viewer in a preachy manor, the scenarios that occur feel believable given the rural setting. The film presents watchers with problems whom those like Ellie may face, and leaves us to sit with them and reflect.

An Indonesian film that brings strong representation of Asian descent in this heart-warming tale of a woman and her dog.