"Survive" is a wild, low-budget French disaster movie that packs more surprises than an unplumbed toilet in a wasteland. Director Frédéric Jardin takes us on a dreamlike journey where a family on a Caribbean cruise suddenly finds themselves stranded in an infinite desert after the Earth's poles reverse. With arresting visuals and invested performances, this post-apocalyptic thriller delves into family dynamics with raw emotion amidst the chaos. It's like watching Luc Besson's debut film meet Moebius in an unexpected and engaging adventure. "Survive" may have its quirks, but it works brilliantly within its limitations, delivering a surreal grandeur that is both captivating and memorable. Grab your compass and join this bizarre yet compelling cinematic voyage!

"Hard Truths" is like a box of chocolates filled with bitterness and bite-sized sarcasm. Marianne Jean-Baptiste's powerhouse performance as the perpetually angry Pansy Deacon is a sight to behold, as she spews venom on everyone from family members to unsuspecting strangers. Mike Leigh's exploration of human complexity and pain is both exhausting and illuminating, with touches of humor and tenderness scattered amidst the chaos. The film delves into themes of unhappiness, family dynamics, and the struggle for empathy in a world full of hurt. Jean-Baptiste shines alongside Michele Austin as her warm-hearted sister Chantelle, providing moments of respite from Pansy's relentless fury. While not top-tier Leigh, "Hard Truths" presents a vivid portrait of psychic pain and familial wreckage that lingers long after the credits roll. So buckle up for this rollercoaster ride through one woman's never-ending rage – it may not be pretty, but it sure packs a punch.Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

"Birdeater" is like a wild bush party that starts off with promise but ends up leaving you feeling more lost than a kangaroo in the Outback. The film's cocktail of toxic masculinity, verbal grenades, and druggy mayhem may have some stylistic chutzpah, but it ultimately fails to cast its spell on the audience. With characters ranging from nakedly feral to mildly interesting, this nightmarish Australian tale takes too long to get to the point and stretches itself thin with preposterous events and indecisive faux endings. While the performances of Shabana Azeez and Mackenzie Fearnley stand out as genuinely unnerving, "Birdeater" fails to engage beyond its surface chaos. It's like trying on a pair of tough leather boots that just won't break in – uncomfortable and ultimately forgettable. So skip this one unless you're into watching zoo animals more captivating than some of these characters!