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Outside the Spotlight
Sharing thoughts on cinema and showcasing up-and-coming creators from across the globe.
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'Gifted Pain' Review: A Martial-Arts Inspired Action Thriller Of Trauma And Survival
'Gifted Pain' by writer/director Tobias Jon is a gritty indie vigilante-esque drama with a dark, stylish edge.
4 days ago5 min read


'The Professional Parent' Review: An Oscar-Qualifying Short Film On Hard Truths In Slovakia
Oscar-qualifying short-film 'The Professional Parent' by writer/director Erik Jasaň tackles social problems and difficult truths in a poverty-stricken part of Slovakia.
Nov 29, 20254 min read


'Roses on the Vine' Review: A Quiet Story of Love and Survival
Jon Shaivitz feature film writing and directorial debut 'Roses on the Vine' is a quiet story of love and survival as a father and daughter do their best under difficult circumstances.
Nov 15, 20254 min read


'Lyvia's House' Review: A Slow-Burn Indie Thriller With A Dash Of True Crime
'Lyvia’s House' is a moody indie thriller inspired by true events. Though uneven at times, its noir twists, bold dual-role casting, and polished visuals make for an unsettling slow-burn that lingers.
Sep 26, 20255 min read


'The Wildman of Shaggy Creek' Review- A Nostalgic, Family Friendly Coming-of-Age Creature Feature
A heartfelt, retro-inspired creature feature for the whole family! 'E.T' and 'The Goonies' vibes with a Bigfoot mystery.
Jul 31, 20255 min read


'Leviathan' Review: James Mansell's Short Film Is Gripping, Gritty And Worthy Of Feature-Length Treatment
In 'Leviathan', director James Mansell adapts Bradley Harper's 'A Knife in the Fog' into a gripping short film set against the backdrop of the Jack the Ripper murders. With standout performances and BBC-quality production, this gripping and gritty short begs for a full-length follow-up.
Jul 27, 20253 min read


'Shadows of the Past' (2025) Indie Movie Review: A Nightmarish Horror Anthology
Luz Carables' 'Shadows of the Past' blends retro horror vibes with surreal anthology storytelling. With haunting visuals, eerie atmosphere and a folkloric edge, this indie film taps into old-school scares while showcasing bold creative ambition.
Jul 7, 20254 min read


'The Film Lost to Time' (2024) Indie Movie Review - A Haunting, Lynchian Dive into Obsession and Lost Media
Retro Video Pictures and Brandon Espana is Lynchian effort 'The Film Lost to Time'- a feature about obsession and lost media.
Jun 25, 20254 min read


Beyond the Rainbow: 4 Unconventional Must-Watch Movies For Pride Month
Discover a list of underrated LGBTQ+ movies that explore queer identity in nuanced, unconventional ways. These films don’t rely on stereotypes- they thrive in subtlety, subtext, and emotional truth. A fresh take on Pride Month viewing.
Jun 18, 20255 min read


'Tornado' Movie Review: John Maclean’s Samurai-Western Is a Slow-Burning, Blood-Soaked Return to Form
'Tornado' is a moody samurai-Western from 'Slow West' director John Maclean- set in 1790s Scotland, it’s a stunning, slow-burn thriller with standout performances from Kōki and Tim Roth.
Jun 16, 20253 min read


'The Phoenician Scheme' Review: Another Wes Anderson's Visual Masterpiece- But Is It Style Over Substance?
Wes Anderson’s 'The Phoenician Scheme' is a vibrant, visually striking film packed with quirky characters and a star-studded cast. But beneath the candy-coloured palette, does the story truly hold up? Dive into Outside the Spotlight's review to find out.
Jun 6, 20252 min read


REVIEW: 'Mickey 17' (2025): Bong Joon-ho's Oddball Sci-Fi Comedy With Robert Pattinson Is A Quirky And Bold... Masterpiece?
Bong Joon-ho's Mickey 17 stars Robert Pattinson, Mark Ruffalo, Toni Collette , Steven Yeun, Naomi Ackie, Anamaria Vartolomei and...
Feb 16, 20253 min read
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