Yes, we should be entirely way done with 2021, but permit us to close the books on this difficult year with one last belated feature whose title is not meant to be a backhanded compliment to the films, nor scolding and yes, generally relative as many people did see them, but not most (and yes, there will be some overlap with our Best of 2021 coverage, though it’s minor)

READ MORE: The 25 Best Films Of 2021

While most of us remain inside with far too many streaming options dangled in front of our eyes,  it doesn’t appear general audiences will be returning to theaters for movies that contain anything less than three Peter Parkers uniting on screen anytime soon.

Continue reading The 25 Best Films Of 2021 You Didn’t See at The Playlist.

Shatara Michelle Ford’s directorial feature debut “Test Pattern” arrives as more than a mere test run. A devastating drama concerning sexual assault, the modest 82-minute film colors how Evan and Renesha’s perfect love story is put on pause by a traumatic event. Evan (a fully felt Will Brill), cute in his awkwardness, is an amiable tattoo artist with surfer dude vibes. The type of guy who brings a tidy plant as a gift to a tidy dinner date.

Continue reading ‘Test Pattern’: Strong Performances Steady A Devastating Sexual Assault Drama at The Playlist.

Society’s darkest impulses come to the surface in Kino Lorber’s newest release, “Test Pattern.” In the film, a couple experiences unimaginable trauma as they navigate a system built on negative constructs. It’s a story that continues to resonate as issues centering around racism, sexism, sexual assault, policing, and patriarchy remain at the forefront. Filmmaker Shatara Michelle Ford’s project is already receiving attention thanks to wins at both the BlackStar Film Festival and New Orleans Film Festival; the former seeing this psychological drama take the Lionsgate/STARZ Producer Award.  

READ MORE: 52 Films Directed By Women To Watch In 2021

Ford is amassing an impressive list of accolades.

Continue reading ‘Test Pattern’ Trailer: Society’s Darkest Impulses Come To The Surface In This New Thriller at The Playlist.