"The World to Come": A Stunning Period Romance
Mona Fastvold’s nineteenth century lesbian romance is emotionally charged, restrained, and poetic without feeling forced.

After discovering that the Empress is actually Lung Erh, a member of the St Dragon Sect, and that she imprisoned the real empress. Lung Erh, is bent on eliminating the person who disclosed her true identity, Wai Siu Bo. But more complications ensues when Lung Erh is assigned to protect the Prince, whose servant is none other than Wai Siu Bo.
Mona Fastvold’s nineteenth century lesbian romance is emotionally charged, restrained, and poetic without feeling forced.
This short film was an overall creative success.
Behind all the action, 'Space Sweepers' is a surprisingly heartfelt and progressive story about building community.
If you enjoy Japanese cinema, absurdly violent action films, gangster flicks, or joyfully strange cinema, 'Why Don’t You Play in Hell?' is a must-see.
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.
This documentary moves chronologically through Black representation in horror films, revealing the genre's connections to Black history.