"The Friend" is a heartwarming and introspective exploration of grief, friendship, and the unique bond between humans and animals. Naomi Watts delivers a powerful performance as Iris, a woman grappling with loss while reluctantly caring for Apollo, the Great Dane left behind by her deceased mentor Walter (played charmingly by Bill Murray). The film skillfully navigates themes of mortality and emotional support through the lens of Iris's relationship with Apollo, beautifully portrayed by Bing. With strong supporting performances from Carla Gugino, Constance Wu, and Sarah Pidgeon, "The Friend" strikes a delicate balance between sadness and humor as it delves into the complexities of coping with death. Directors David Siegel and Scott McGehee bring Nunez's novel to life with poetic narration that adds depth to the characters' emotional journeys. Ultimately, this sentimental tale reminds us that sometimes all we need in times of sorrow is a furry friend by our side. Grade: B+

"On Swift Horses" spins a tale of forbidden love in the 1950s, where societal norms clash with personal desires. The film follows Julius and Muriel as they navigate their feelings for same-sex partners amidst a backdrop of deception and risk-taking. While the chemistry between Julius and Muriel is palpable, it's the illicit loves they find that truly test their resolve. As they gamble with their futures, each character faces the consequences of pursuing what society deems unacceptable. With nuanced performances from its cast, including standout turns from Daisy Edgar-Jones and Will Poulter, the movie weaves a complex narrative that explores themes of self-discovery and defiance in an era marked by secrecy and prejudice. Director Daniel Minahan crafts a visually stunning period drama that delves into the complexities of relationships against all odds, culminating in a poignant finale that captures the essence of risking it all for love.

"Alain Guiraudie's 'Misericordia' is the kind of film that makes you question whether you're watching a thriller or a dark comedy on mushrooms. With its cast of eccentric characters and twisted plot, this French gem takes you on a journey through small-town strangeness and murky morality. Félix Kysyl shines as Jérémie, a man caught in a web of love, lust, and suspicion among the locals. From flirtatious encounters to grubby murders in the forest, Guiraudie crafts a tale that's both unsettling and oddly hilarious. The film's refusal to adhere to typical thriller tropes keeps you guessing until the very end. So buckle up for an offbeat ride filled with inscrutable chaos agents, queer undertones, and unexpected twists that will leave you questioning your own moral compass. In 'Misericordia,' guilt may be optional, but entertainment is guaranteed."

"Death of a Unicorn" is a wickedly clever and fantastically twisted take on the mythical creature narrative. Writer-director Alex Scharfman weaves a tale that not only delves into the darker side of corporate greed and health inequity but also manages to deliver some truly ferocious unicorn carnage. With elements of satire, anti-capitalist themes, and nods to classic monster movies like "Jurassic Park," this film stands out as a bold and imaginative debut. The story follows lawyer Elliot Kintner (played by the ever-charming Paul Rudd) who inadvertently kills a unicorn with his car, setting off a chain of events that lead to the discovery of magical healing properties in unicorn blood. As the Leopold family seeks to profit from this newfound cure-all, they are confronted by vengeful adult unicorns seeking retribution for their fallen offspring. The ensemble cast shines, with standout performances from Jenna Ortega as Ridley, Richard E. Grant as the dying pharmaceutical billionaire Odell Leopold, Téa Leoni as the philanthropic yet cunning Belinda Leopold, and Will Poulter as their affluenza-addled son Shepard. The dynamic between Elliot and Ridley adds depth to the narrative, culminating in an emotionally resonant conclusion. Visually, the film blends practical and digital effects to bring its monstrous unicorns to life in terrifying fashion. The creatures evoke both awe and fear reminiscent of classic creature features, making for thrilling cat-and-mouse sequences that pay homage to iconic monster movie setups. While "Death of a Unicorn" may not reinvent the wheel when it comes to monster movies or family dynamics, its sharp wit, social commentary on greed and exploitation cloaked in mythical allegory make it an engaging watch. Scharfman's subversive take on unicorns challenges traditional perceptions while delivering entertaining thrills with heart thanks to Rudd and Ortega's compelling performances. In essence: "Death of a Unicorn" is more than just your average fantasy romp—it's a darkly comedic exploration of human nature wrapped in horned horror spectacle that will leave you simultaneously amused and horrified at humanity’s capacity for both destruction and redemption.

"Princess Mononoke" is a lush, epic tale that blends ancient folklore with modern themes of environmentalism and feminism. Director Hayao Miyazaki's bold departure from his previous works results in a complex and adult script that captivates audiences with its mystical journey through a world where gods, humans, and industry collide. The film's rich characters, led by the headstrong Lady Eboshi and the wolf princess San, navigate conflicts of power and nature's balance with depth and nuance. With stunning animation, an elegant score by Joe Hisaishi, and a narrative that transcends traditional animated storytelling, "Princess Mononoke" stands as a captivating masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, history, and social commentary into an enchanting cinematic experience. Miyazaki's vision comes alive on screen in a way that not only entertains but also inspires contemplation on the delicate interplay between progress and preservation in our ever-changing world. Cheers to this fairy tale for grown-ups that proves animation can be profound as well as visually stunning!