Tag Archives: Dark Comedy

Review in Brief: The Ballad of Wallis Island (2025)

Posted on December 24, 2025 by Sam S-P

Much like the similarly rural Wales-set BRIAN & CHARLES, THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND is an elliptical, low-key and bittersweet tale of lost souls finding meaning. Rich superfan Charles (Tim Key) underhandedly reunites former musical and romantic partners Herb (Tom … Continue reading →

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Bugonia (2025) Short Cut Review

Posted on November 22, 2025 by Sam S-P

https://secondcutpod.substack.com/p/bugonia-2025-short-cut-review SSP

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Review in Brief: The Ugly Stepsister (2025)

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Sam S-P

A pitch-black, gnarly, body-horror heavy retelling of the Brothers Grimm version of the Cinderella fairytale from Norwegian filmmaker Emilie Blichfeldt. The terminally shy Elvira (a mesmerising Lea Myren) competes with her beautiful new stepsister Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Næss) and … Continue reading →

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Review in Brief: Vice (2018)

Posted on July 10, 2019 by Sam S-P

Reminder: a compelling protagonist doesn’t have to likeable, or good, they just have to be interesting. Dick Chaney was, and remains, an evil bastard, but he and his rise to power behind the throne is fascinating nonetheless. Adam McKay approaches … Continue reading →

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