A Look Inside the Ivy and Bean Film Series
The tale of two friends spans three films and gives wonderful representation for young girls everywhere.

A portrait of Norma Pla through the research journey of Solve, a feminist social science student. Fascinated by the defiant figure of Norma, who led the fight for pensioners' rights in the 1990s against neoliberal reforms, Solve explores her legacy through encounters, interviews, and archival material.
The tale of two friends spans three films and gives wonderful representation for young girls everywhere.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is the most human movie of the year. It is based on the 2010 short of the same name that follows a big-hearted, little shell named Marcel as he navigates through life in a human-sized world.
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.
The Invitation takes a creeping look at two simple premises: reuniting with forgotten friends and new-age spiritualism. Though one seems a bit scarier than the other, the film heightens social awkwardness to a macabre level that puts an uncomfortable look on when the social taboo of grief is put on public display.
This Agni Kai looks cool and is funny as well!
"Driveways" is a nuanced portrait of an Asian American family, touching on themes of loss, growth, and belonging.