Highlight Films of The Festival: |
Vizeit Reviews's Official Preview of ChiFilmFest 2023 |
Capsule reviews only! Select films will include full reviews!
Here are the highlighted films from CIFF. Some movie reviews will include exclusive interviews with the directors and actors. However, some films will be under embargo until the film's release. |
Read our official preview coverage of this year's upcoming the 59th Chicago International Film Festival!
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Capsule Reviews:
© 2023 NEON, Les Films Pelléas, and Les Films de Pierre.
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Anatomy of a Fall
Directed by Justine Triet. USA Release Date: October 13th
Courthouse dramas can go in either direction but Anatomy of a Fall takes it in a slow yet chilling direction. A film about marriage, accusations, and trust within the family. It asks deep questions about our trust within our relationships and how can we regain it while questioning our identity. A reflection of our actions leading to death and that is what the film explores deeply when the protagonist steps into the courtroom for the first time. Packed with excellent performances including Sandra Hüller, beautifully chilling cinematography, and smooth writing, this is a film that should not be missed in cinemas.
Full Review Now LIVE HERE! |
© 2023 GKids, Toho, and Studio Ghibli.
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The Boy and the HeronDirected by Hayao Miyazaki. USA Release Date: December 8th
Hayao Miyazaki has done it again! Almost nearly a decade, Miyazaki presents a beautiful film about mortality and love through his iconic stunning animation. A lot of emotional depth and skyrocketing moments that will leave you joyful and sad. His occurring themes are present once again and by the end of the film, you will beg for more Miyazaki stories. I hope he gets a chance to direct another one since this may be his last one. A huge winner in animation cinema and a huge return for Studio Ghibli!
Full Review Coming Soon... |
© 2023 A24, Film4, Access, Polish Film Institute. JW Films, and Extreme Emotions.
© 2023 AmazonMGMStudios, MRC, LuckyChap Entertainment, and Lie Still.
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The Zone of InterestDirected by Jonathan Glazer. USA Release Date: December 15th
Haunting, immersive, and transcendent, The Zone of Interest doesn't hold back its material and shows you a completely different perspective of a normal family. However, outside of the family's life, it is a completely different life that we only hear sounds of. Company by its fantastic soundtrack, the film presents this film in a whole new way that you may love or hate. Yet, it will spark debate on the style of the film. It is a risky film that will hold your breath until the very end and you won't regret it.
Full In-Depth Review Now LIVE HERE! SaltburnDirected by Emerald Fennell. USA Release Date: November 22nd
If you have seen Emerald Fennell's first film Promising Young Woman, you will see similar aspects from that film to her sophomore film. However, if this is your first time watching one of her works, you are in for a treat. This is a wicked yet jolt of a film that explores desires, identity, and control. There are interesting editing moments that will make you feel uncomfortable or appreciate the risks Fennell takes. It's a bold film that will make you laugh, disgusted, and shocked. Truly one of the most unexpected films of this year. See the film without watching at least one of the trailers, especially the main one.
Full Review Now LIVE HERE! |
© 2023 Apple Original Films, The Ink Factory, Fourth Floor Productions, Jago Films, Storyteller Productions, and 127 Wall Productions.
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The Pigeon TunnelDirected by Errol Morris. USA Release Date: October 20th
After getting to know this brilliant author, David John Moore Cornwell (better known as John le Carré), the documentary successfully lets the audience take in the ideologies that Carré formed into a compelling view of his work and life. A deep documentary with great re-creation scenes and smooth pacing that doesn't waste its time. Plus, I love the mixture of his work alongside his personal story from the height of the Cold War into the present day. By the end of the film, I'm eager to read one of his books and uncover the stories that I will await.
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North American Premiere
© 2023 Darksky Films, Choppe Productions, and Queensbury Pictures/ |
Departing SeniorsDirected by Clare Cooney. USA Release Date: February 2024
Just another day at high school...or so we thought. Departing Seniors twists the high school drama into a quirky slasher film that has personality and creativity. With a strong lead performance from Ignacio Diaz-Silverio and interesting direction from Clare Cooney in her first feature directorial debut, this is a film that many young adults will surely connect to. However, the screenplay suffers a lack of depth with certain characters including the protagonist. Even the horror felt empty yet, the cinematography saved the film's atmosphere and provided more clarity with the kills. This is still a unique indie Chicago-based film that every student filmmaker should be on the lookout for.
Full Review in February 2024... |
CIFF 2023 Winners:
The featured winners of the 59th Chicago International Film Festival.
For the full list of winners, head to the Cinema/Chicago page to see who won in other categories!
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