Cody Allen

Nov 24, 2024 | thecurb.com.au | Cody Allen

In Green Border, director Agnieszka Holland turns a devastating lens on the European refugee crisis, crafting a grim and necessary experience that challenges not only our empathy but our understanding of human decency in the face of political cruelty. The film opens with the innocent beauty of an aerial shot, where the vast green expanse of a forest seems to promise something peaceful, even hopeful.

Nov 10, 2024 | thecurb.com.au | Cody Allen

In a dazzling collision of fantasy and reality, Anora unfolds the whirlwind romance between an erotic dancer and the son of a Russian oligarch, crafting a hilariously subversive adventure that is as poignant as it is entertaining. Directed by the visionary Sean Baker, this film emerges as a quintessential magnum opus—an immaculate work of art that transcends the ages. With each frame, Baker transforms the mundane into the extraordinary.

Oct 26, 2024 | thecurb.com.au | Cody Allen

Shiori Itō’s story is not just one of resilience; it’s an unflinching act of courage that left me shaken, inspired, and deeply moved. Watching Black Box Diaries, I found myself pulled into her world, feeling her pain, her frustration, and ultimately, her strength. This documentary is a deeply personal account of her harrowing experience of sexual assault, shining a harsh light on the shocking failures of the Japanese justice system.

Oct 10, 2024 | thecurb.com.au | Cody Allen

There’s something undeniably captivating about the world of teenagers in film. These characters navigate the ups and downs of adolescence with a mix of sass and vulnerability, embodying the complexities of youth while remaining irresistibly watchable. From the iconic moments of Mean Girls to more contemporary stories, the portrayal of teen girls on screen shines a light on their adventures, friendships, and the drama that keeps us coming back for more.

Oct 2, 2024 | thecurb.com.au | Cody Allen

Everyone loves a good party game, but what happens when the stakes get dangerously high? It’s What’s Inside takes that familiar fun and twists it into something much darker. Greg Jardin, serving as both writer and director, uses sci-fi to unravel deep-seated emotions like jealousy and tension, turning a pre-wedding celebration into a chaotic, mind-bending nightmare.