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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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'A Night with Nathan' Review: A Poignant, Hopeful Comedy-Drama
Brent Baird's emotional comedy-drama explores themes of masculinity and mental health through an unlikely friendship.

Alex Leptos
6 days ago4 min read


INTERVIEW: Dalila McFarlane-Martin On Her Debut Short Film 'RELOAD'
RELOAD takes place in London's underground club scene and is a vibrant and music-heavy short with a lot to say.

Alex Leptos
May 86 min read


'The Sky's Forest' Review: A Fresh Indie Sci-Fi Horror Twist On Bigfoot
An eerie indie sci-fi horror, 'The Sky’s Forest' blends Bigfoot myth with extraterrestrial mystery, delivering atmosphere, intrigue and a fresh genre twist.

Alex Leptos
Apr 15 min read


'Say Less' Review: A Tense Teen Drama Feature From Director Michael Kellman
'Say Less' review: Michael Kellman’s debut feature film is a teen drama that blends tension, awkward humour and emotional honesty as one chaotic night spirals out of control.

Alex Leptos
Mar 114 min read


'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.

Alex Leptos
Jan 175 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.

Alex Leptos
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.

Alex Leptos
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.

Alex Leptos
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.

Alex Leptos
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.

Alex Leptos
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.

Alex Leptos
Jun 25, 20254 min read


REVIEW: 'Cohabitation' (2022), a thriller feature by Lauren Barker
While former paramedic Emily tries to live a low-key life to cope with her PTSD, her new roommate has other plans--and a long-held...

Alex Leptos
Feb 13, 20234 min read


REVIEW: 'AVA: A Twist in the Road' (2021), a drama feature by Catherane Skillen
Ava has lived a charmed life with the love of her life for over 25 years. In one instant the unthinkable happens and she loses it all,...

Alex Leptos
Aug 1, 20224 min read


INTERVIEW: Dana Ziyasheva On New Podcast, Movies and Career
Dana Ziyasheva, photo by Kirill Varshavskiy The whacky world of Dana Ziyasheva’s GREATLAND is expanding, this time in podcast form. How I...

Alex Leptos
May 26, 20227 min read


REVIEW: 'Spirit Quest' (2021), a comedy feature by Brent Lydic
Old friends go on a hallucinogenic mushroom trip through the desert to face their fears, doubts, and failures in hopes of coming to...

Alex Leptos
Jan 9, 20224 min read


REVIEW: 'Greatland' (2020), a sci-fi feature by Dana Ziyasheva
In a pleasure-filled dystopia lorded over by a computer called Mother, a teenage boy escapes to save his childhood sweetheart from a...

Alex Leptos
Oct 15, 20215 min read


REVIEW: 'Nicole' (2020), a dark comedy-drama feature by James Schroeder
Nicole is the story of a mysterious woman who is desperate to find love. She meets a gentleman named John on-line. They go on a first...

Alex Leptos
Sep 29, 20214 min read


REVIEW: 'Kin Dread', a thriller feature by Adrian León
An anti-social sound designer with retrograde amnesia discovers a string of murders in his building but when the carnage triggers...

Alex Leptos
Sep 20, 20215 min read


REVIEW: 'The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater', a comedy-drama feature by Binary Star Pictures
With only 30 days to repay a massive loan, a disgraced art historian is forced into a scandalous scheme: win the heart of, and then...

Alex Leptos
Sep 6, 20216 min read


REVIEW: 'The Hunter's Anthology' (2021), a mystery thriller series by Smithline Films
Six strangers find themselves trapped in a New York City subway by Mac, a mysterious man who claims to be a demon hunter. Insisting one...

Alex Leptos
Aug 27, 20215 min read
