The Wasteland List: 35th Annual Philadelphia Film Festival Day 1
How often do you sit there thinking about what to watch? You might have an endless watchlist that keeps piling up (I certainly have one myself). Sometimes you are just in the mood for a type of film or a certain filmmaker or actor and want to take yourself into a deep dive. As someone who watches so many movies, I have people asking me for recommendations all the time. One of the best feelings as a cinephile is recommending a film and that person loves it. Take this wealth of cinematic knowledge and experience and enjoy some recommendations on me. Genre. Subgenre. Filmmaker. Actor. Composer. Writer. Genre. Story. Trope. Cliché. Any other cinematic elements or them. Here is The Wasteland List:
35th Annual Philadelphia Film Festival Day 1
Tangles (2027)
How heavy is the weight of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis on someone and their family? Based on the beautiful graphic novel by Sarah Leavitt, director Leah Nelson brings the story of an adult lesbian artist to life who navigates the deterioration of her beloved mother. The striking black-and-white animation gives the film great texture as Nelson leverages some magical realism and Sarah’s creative style. Tangles has a sharp balance between deeply affecting emotion while delivering some hearty laughs along the way. The film explores the effects this diagnosis has on Sarah along with her father and sister. There is an added layer of connection as Sarah navigates a new and passionate connection with Domino and tries to be a supportive daughter across the country. Tangles does not shy away from the raw passions of life nor the horrible truths of Alzheimer’s. The cast really ties it all together with excellent turns from Abbi Jacobson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Seth Rogen, and more.
The Only Living Pickpocket in New York (2026)
Have you ever wanted to be teleported back into the 1970s with a classic and timeless type of story? Noah Segan delivers exactly that with his new crime-thriller The Only Living Pickpocket in New York. The film has a rich visual palette that has the texture of retro 70s films with a jazz-centric score that makes the film feel like one of the coolest things to hit the big screen in a while (courtesy of cinematographer Sam Levy and composer Gary Lionelli). This lean thriller is not even 90 minutes, but it tells an engaging story, with strong character work, and a classic tale of an aging man navigating a world that has left him behind. John Turturro’s Harry picks the wrong pocket, and it makes for the worst day possible as he attempts to save his disabled wife. The film is peppered with intriguing characters, memorable moments, and plenty of humor and emotion. Turturro’s performance is one of the best of his career as he delivers engrossing reactions, expert dance moves, and some disarming emotion. A top-notch ensemble, great atmosphere, and a rich (if familiar) narrative make for a wonderful little time capsule.
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