Marc Webb’s SNOW WHITE is a strong live-action musical adaptation—one that exceeds expectations in the best way. Rachel Zegler shines like never before, carrying the film from start to end. Her presence on screen is absolutely spellbinding. She can act, she can sing, but her performance doesn't fully overshadow weaker moments, especially the Evil Queen’s underwhelming scenes. It feels like a few opportunities were missed.

Radu Jude picks up an iPhone and reminds us how absurd and broken our world is. KONTINENTAL ‘25 is one of the must-see films of this year’s Berlinale and by far my favorite. It’s a singular and hilarious look at capitalism—especially the housing crisis—as well as nationalism, fascism, past and present conflicts, and religion. My Golden Bear.

Tarik Saleh’s EAGLES OF THE REPUBLIC is a huge disappointment for me. On paper, it’s a decent political thriller/drama, but I only found myself engaged in the final act, where the film finally begins to reveal its chilling potential. Fares Fares and Lyna Khoudri are both strong, though.

Kleber Mendonça Filho has nothing left to prove—he’s the ultimate cinephile and a true lover of movie theaters among filmmakers. And you can feel it in THE SECRET AGENT, a gripping tribute to ‘70s cinema from the heart of Recife—Filho’s hometown. It might take a while to get going, but it’s worth the wait. Wagner Moura wouldn’t be stealing that Best Actor award.

I’M STILL HERE is devastating. It left me emotionally drained and exhausted, overwhelmed by its dramatic swing and the almost imperceptible glimmer of hope. Fernanda Torres gives a heartbreaking, raw, and complex performance—undoubtedly the best lead performance of 2024.

NOSFERATU is an impressively somber and macabre tale. Robert Eggers offers a distinct look at the mythic story, with great care and respect. Jarin Blaschke’s cinematography is stunning—at times profoundly inventive and breathtaking. The entire cast deserves acclaim (notably Bill Skarsgård and Nicholas Hoult), but Lily-Rose Depp stands out. She is not just excelling in her role; she fully inhabits it with profound dedication and commitment.