A Queer Review of the Austin Film Festival (2023)
Highlighting the many ways in which AFF 2023 illustrated that the queer experience is not a monolithic one.

There’s an uproar in the small fishing village, as the greedy businessman Consul Warming forces the fishermen to work both day and night. The kind-hearted Pastor Strøm defends the men, but he’s immediately suspended and eventually goes to the dogs. When a violent storm puts both the consul and his daughter – Strøm’s beloved – into danger, the vicar from the sea defies both his position and the forces of nature to save them. (Stumfilm.dk)
Highlighting the many ways in which AFF 2023 illustrated that the queer experience is not a monolithic one.
Two movies that do a fantastic job in conveying the ongoing struggle for racial justice are Selma (2014) and Just Mercy (2019).
Few movies deal with aging (particularly aging women) with as much compassion as Relic does. Yet it’s not sickly sweet and not a soapbox rant against ageism. Relic simply is, allowing the horror to seep in quietly and carefully.
This film was filled with great plot points. Unfortunately, they all contradicted each other and clashed. Had the premise of Awake been more consistent and accurately portrayed the real world aspect, I think this could have been an extreme success.
Frozen II is not quite direct to DVD Disney sequel level, but if it wasn’t for the spellbinding animation and budget, it certainly would be.
"Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?" shows viewers how the star became who she is today.