REVIEW: The Aviary [2022]

What’s in the way of your joy today? Freedom is an escape from society’s invisible cages. So, Seth (Chris Messina) teaches his followers at The Aviary to emancipate themselves from those walls. He serves as their quasi-psychoanalyst conducting what he’s coined “barrier therapy” (or BT) to allow them to open themselves up to what it is they truly want outside of the norms civilization feeds them. And they love him for it. They embrace his teachings and enjoy his hugs while walking lockstep into the New Mexican desert to inhabit…

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TIFF12 REVIEW: Aftershock [2013]

“I’ll buy you a new hand” When opening credits begin with ‘an Eli Roth film’, you should know what to expect. While not quite his creatively—it’s directed by Nicolás López—the torture porn maestro does get a writing credit to accompany his producer and star statuses. With an act structure pretty much identical to Hostel, the fact it is less polished and includes a much more pronounced comedic bent allows viewers to experience a different reaction. Its Chilean setting provides a wealth of partying to be had by our leading trio…

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