Small Crimes (2017)

A former policeman finds himself stuck in the consequences of his past deeds after he gets out of prison.

'Small Crimes' is a police thriller that takes one by surprise. The main character is a proper morally gray individual, skilfully brought to life by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and the events unfolding on the screen are unexpected and surprising, giving the film an alert and satisfying rhythm.

Director:  E.L. Katz    

With: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Robert Forster, Jacki Weaver, Molly Parker

Rating: 8/10

The Grudge (2020)

A single mum policewoman is intrigued by the story of the house where she moved into and its connection with an old case of her new detective partner.

'The Grudge' is a horror film that simply continues the legend and curse of the original films rather than trying to make a remake. The idea is not bad, but the implementation leaves much to be desired. Many talented names got put together (Bichir, Riseborough) but not so much for the screenwriters' side, with them throwing in a random heap: cheap jump scares, time jumps without warning or purpose, questionable character choices and dramatic scenes without an anchor, and they just put that on repeat. Made no sense whatsoever

Director:  Nicolas Pesce     

With: Demián Bichir, Tara Westwood, Andrea Riseborough, Junko Bailey, Lin Shaye, David Lawrence Brown, Zoe Fish, John Cho, Betty Gilpin, Jacki Weaver

Rating: 6/10