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In Die My Love, director Lynne Ramsay brings us a dark and intense exploration of psychological uneasiness, anchored by Jennifer Lawrence's powerful performance. Lawrence shines in her role, delivering what might be one of her best performances to date. She embodies a character that is both complex and troubled, making her the standout element of the film.

Robert Pattinson also delivers a commendable performance, though it is Lawrence's portrayal that truly anchors the narrative. While Pattinson's role adds depth, it's Lawrence's character who drives the story, even when she becomes increasingly difficult to empathize with. There were multiple moments where I either felt uncomfortable or bored. Those are not two things that go well together.

The film's thematic ambitions also feel muddled. As the plot progresses, the narrative seems to lose its footing, spinning its wheels and ultimately failing to deliver a satisfying resolution. This leaves the film feeling unbalanced, with its strong start gradually giving way to a less engaging experience. I was in fact completely on-board with this relationship story at the beginning, but this film becomes almost too self-indulgent.

Overall, while Die My Love boasts stunning cinematography that's absolutely going to stay with me, which I give the film the biggest credit for, it ultimately struggled to keep its momentum for me. Jennifer Lawrence definitely kept me engaged, but where the film ends up just felt unfulfilling to me. And a terrific performance from Jennifer Lawrence, it ultimately struggles to maintain momentum. This one will not resonate with a broad audience, and I find it difficult to recommend it. There are a lot of weird choices made here that made me scratch my head. It's not god awful, but it didn't work for me.

Jay Kelly is a film I heard a lot of buzz around during the festivals, but I didn't know much about it. In the film we are taken on a reflective journey through the life of an older actor by the name of Jay Kelly (George Clooney). The film's narrative cleverly weaves between past and present, offering a poignant look at the protagonist's journey. The choice of sending his physical self into past scenarios was unique. While the plot moves along smoothly, it does have moments that feel a bit slow, suggesting the film could benefit from tighter pacing.

George Clooney delivers a standout performance, truly embodying the character and capturing the essence of his persona. Adam Sandler also shines in a fantastic supporting role, adding emotion and charm to the film's ensemble. I think Adam Sandler is the best part of the film in general, as I think he's given the best material to work with. Before I jump into the other aspects I liked though, I have to give props to Billy Crudup's very small role here. His one long scene he has with Clooney blew me away in terms of his range. An amazing scene that shows what the business can do to someone who couldn't make it.

The film's subtle score complements its quiet tone, allowing the viewer to focus on the introspective moments. This quiet atmosphere is well-crafted, making the film feel both intimate and reflective. The film is almost too calm for its own good though and a few exciting moments almost feel out of place in context with the rest of the film. Still, I thought the tone made for a very nice, relaxing watch.

In conclusion, while Jay Kelly may have benefited from a bit more exploration and complexity, its ending leaves a lasting impact that will have viewers reflecting on their own life, even though this is about a famous actor. It's a film that's both enjoyable as a casual viewing experience and thought-provoking in ways I wasn't expecting it to be. It's definitely worth recommending, even though I didn't think it took its story far enough. Overall, Jay Kelly is still a very good film.

Train Dreams is a film I'd heard praised endlessly throughout the festival circuit, yet somehow I never managed to catch it, until now. With its arrival on Netflix, I finally dove in, and I'm happy to report that the acclaim is well-deserved. In my view, this is one of the standout films of 2025. The story itself is simple, but the level of craftsmanship behind the camera elevates it into something genuinely special.

The film follows Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton), a man pulled away from his quiet life with his wife and child to help build a railroad. That's all I'll say plot-wise, because the beauty of Train Dreams lies in how its narrative unfolds with such natural rhythm that revealing any major developments would ruin the experience. Along the way, Grainier encounters a variety of characters, and among the supporting cast, William H. Macy is the clear standout-his presence injects warmth and liveliness into every scene he appears in. Still, the film ultimately rests on Edgerton's shoulders, and he delivers a performance that anchors every frame.

I've long admired Edgerton's work, and while I'm hesitant to declare this his single greatest performance, it certainly comes close. What he achieves here is powerful yet remarkably understated, and he is the primary reason the film moved me to tears. Every emotion he expresses feels finely tuned and lived-in, a testament to both his craft and Clint Bentley's restrained direction. Bentley's filmmaking style gives Edgerton the space to deliver something quietly fantastic.

Though I never saw Bentley's smaller directorial debut Jockey, I did enjoy Sing Sing, which he co-wrote. But Train Dreams feels like the purest expression of his artistic vision. The framing by cinematographer Adolpho Veloso and the beautiful score by Bryce Dessner give the film an unexpected richness and personality. I loved how deeply the film engages with questions of life without ever slipping into melodrama. For me, Train Dreams stands tall as one of the year's very best films-and the more I reflect on it, the more it feels like a strong contender for my number one spot. I absolutely loved it.