The Last Mark (2022)

"La Noria" deftly subverts audience expectations as it explores childhood grief, anxieties, and pain. The award-winning short shows us that often our monsters are often sprung from our darkest places.

(Disclaimer: Harmful Language) In celebration of Pride Month, Father's Day, and father figures (and whoever supports you), I revisit Moonlight's brief but spectacular character, Juan. With overarching themes tied to masculinity, I reexamine his intimacy with Little.

As one of the women said in the film, friendship in your teens is “as important as any lover” and it’s clear they lived that philosophy throughout their early adult lives as well.

At its heart, it’s a fond tribute to an influential artist and thus one that can speak to everyone’s inner artist, even if it lacks the sincere commentary you may wish to see.

Director and writer, Miles Marti, brilliantly created a film that captures the story of a kid that learns a new reality all within the walls of her classroom. Tears Of Knowing lightly steps into the devastation of loss through a childhood lens, and presents a perspective that is not often acknowledged. Though grief and loss are important aspects, the film also showcases excellent portrayals of trust, innocence, and naivety.

Tara Thorne’s film is equal parts emotional and comedic, illustrating the beauty and the pain of long term relationships.