Claustrophobic and Oppressive: “Armand” Delivers Tension and Depth
A claustrophobic and intense school-set chamber drama by Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel, winner of the Camera d’Or at Cannes and Norway’s Oscar entry. When an…
The Scraps Index
Movie reviews
Explore the authoritative voices in cinema with Scraps from the Loft‘s movie reviews. From blockbusters to indie gems, our collection of in-depth analysis and passionate critiques bring the world of movies to your fingertips. Discover new favorites, revisit classics, and join the conversation on the latest cinematic trends. Whether you’re a film buff or a casual viewer, our collection is your go-to source for thoughtful, engaging, and controversial perspectives on films from around the globe.
761 articles
Out of the Woods: The Blair Witch Project Turns 25
The Blair Witch Project redefined horror with raw authenticity, primal fear, and blurred reality, leaving a haunting legacy 25 years after its groundbreaking debut.
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence: Nagisa Oshima’s Exploration of War and Cultural Conflict
Nagisa Oshima's Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence explores war, honor, and repressed desire through complex relationships and cultural conflict.
“The Room Next Door” Review: A Beautiful but Hollow Almodóvar Film
Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door falters in English, weighed down by stilted dialogue and missing the vibrant soul of his Spanish films, despite its…
“In the Mood for Love” Is a Masterpiece of Subtle Passion
In the Mood for Love reveals love’s fleeting essence, poised between longing and restraint, inviting viewers to experience a romance suspended in fragile moments.
Why “2001: A Space Odyssey” Remains a Timeless Classic
Fifty-six years ago, on December 12, 2001: A Space Odyssey was released.
Ghostbusters (1984) | Review by Pauline Kael
Ghostbusters is uneven: Bill Murray’s sly humor shines, but weak direction, rigid visuals, and a flat script undermine the film's potential despite a solid…
Ghostbusters II (1989) | Review by Pauline Kael
Ghostbusters II is funnier, lighter, and more relaxed than the first. Bill Murray shines, jokes land effortlessly, and the film delivers feel-good vibes.
Eastwood Explores Individualism and Justice in Juror #2
Eastwood's Juror #2 confronts truth, justice, and individualism, closing with a profound moral dilemma. If it's his last film, it’s a perfect farewell.
Murder and Obsession in Peter Jackson’s “Heavenly Creatures” | Review
In the 1950s, two teenagers blur fantasy and reality in an obsessive bond, culminating in the murder of one of their mothers. An enigmatic…
“Vermiglio”: An Intense Drama About War, Motherhood, and Female Identity | Reviews
A sincere and honest film with its audience, confirming the director's personal and insightful cinematic vision. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Venice…
Sounder (1972) | Review by Pauline Kael
Sounder is a moving film about Black resilience, blending emotional depth and modern consciousness to transcend its genre with powerful performances and direction.
The Bibi Files, a Thread Connecting Corruption and War
The Bibi Files reveals Netanyahu’s corruption and its ties to the Gaza war, screened in Toronto despite being banned in Israel due to privacy…
Scorsese’s Christ: Preaching Love, Needing to Love
The Last Temptation is a highly creative and liberal interpretation of the Gospels, portraying a Jesus who is insecure, fearful, conflicted, and who preaches…
The Gospel According to Godard: Hail Mary [Je Vous Salue, Marie]
Je vous salue, Marie explores the tension between soul and body, transcendence and immanence, as Godard reinterprets the Virgin Mary's story with a modern…
4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days: Enduring the Unendurable
Mungiu's film is disturbing and shocking, but it evokes pity and calls for compassion: it asks the viewer to stay close to the protagonists…
The Room Next Door (2024) by Pedro Almodóvar | Reviews
Almodóvar’s “The Room Next Door” reflects on death and storytelling through two estranged friends, blending visual beauty, fiction, and existential inquiry.
Maria (2024) | Reviews
Maria by Larraín deconstructs Callas and Jolie, blending reality with art in a haunting study of stardom, featuring a captivating performance by Jolie.
Joker: Folie À Deux (2024) | Reviews
Joker: Folie à deux is a daring sequel that defies expectations, blending humanity with madness. Todd Phillips crafts a moving, explosive film that redefines…
Luca Guadagnino’s Queer: A Bold Adaptation of Burroughs’ Novel
Guadagnino's Queer is a bold yet imperfect attempt to visualize Burroughs' intricate narrative. The film reflects on desire and self but occasionally falters.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Shines at Venice 81: A Gothic Revival by Tim Burton | Reviews
Thirty-six years later, Burton's mischievous spirit opens Venice 81. Kaleidoscopic, irreverent, a transversal gothic, always illuminated, suspended between thrill and fairy tale. A gaze…
“The Crow” Returns: Bill Skarsgård’s Struggle to Escape Brandon Lee’s Legacy | Review
The new adaptation of James O’Barr's comic seeks to break free from the cult status of the Brandon Lee film but is little more…
Les Indésirables (2023) by Ladj Ly | Reviews
Les Indésirables portrays the harsh realities of life in a Parisian banlieue, where death, political corruption, and social unrest intertwine.
The Greatest Sci-Fi Film (N)Ever Made – On the Silver Globe (1988) by Andrzej Żuławski
Andrzej Żuławski’s "On the Silver Globe" is a censored, unfinished sci-fi epic that explores power and idolatry with visionary intensity and haunting visuals.
The Weight of Friendship (and Love) – The Third Man (1949) by Carol Reed
A noir-thriller set in post-war Vienna, "The Third Man" explores the complexities of friendship and betrayal. Orson Welles' Harry Lime captivates with his cynical…
Childhood Secrets and Sexuality in “Monster” by Hirokazu Kore-Eda | Review
Kore-eda's Monster explores shifting perspectives, unveiling complex truths about childhood, sexuality, and relationships, though it lacks the impact of his best works.
M. Night Shyamalan “Trap” | Review
Trap is a dual-layered thriller that challenges the audience's perception of reality. Shyamalan crafts a claustrophobic narrative where appearances deceive.
Alien: Romulus – Disney’s First Take on the Classic Sci-Fi Saga | Review
The seventh chapter in the saga centered on the conflict between humans and xenomorph aliens, Alien: Romulus by Fede Alvarez follows the familiar formula,…
Apollo 13: A Flawlessly Executed Film That Fails to Capture the True Tension of History
"Apollo 13" tells a sanitized story of courage, glossing over deeper political context, with flawless heroes. It’s technically solid but lacks dramatic tension and…
Despicable Me 4 Review: Slapstick Humor and Action in Gru’s New Chapter
Despicable Me 4 is packed with slapstick humor, plenty of music, and pure fun, but leaves little room for reflection and features an abundance…