Sudden Thunder (1990)

Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 film "Pyscho" is an American film classic that still resonates today.

'Barbarian' is horror infused with something ridiculous that makes the whole thing entertaining.

With a cast of exceptional and exclusively openly gay actors, "Boys In The Band" takes on themes of homophobia, racism, vanity, and substance abuse.

Vivarium is an uncomfortable and startling look at how easily progress devolves in the face of overwhelming stress.

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.

One of the great achievements of this film is its ability to challenge the mind and to force you to try to process information in a different way than you’re used to.