The Wasteland List: 35th Annual Philadelphia Film Festival Day 2
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 2
The Assassin(s) (2026)
What is one of the greatest powers of cinema? Films can bring history and culture to life with visceral energy and harsh reality. One of the most significant moments in modern Korea took place in 1974 when a news editor, police officer, and journalist were caught up in a harrowing situation of political unrest including assassinations on major political leaders. The Assassin(s) is a bit too clunky in its first act to rise to greatness (a lot of the heavy dialogue moments feel a tad boring and some of the film making in the early moments falls flat) but it certainly finds its footing. A layered narrative is anchored by a core trio of strong performers who bring the fear, emotion, and paranoia of this situation to life. There are a few moments that are just incredible from a filmmaking standout (including one of the most haunting and intense hallway scenes you might find). Not perfect but Hur Jin-ho’s film still has some greatness and enough to appreciate.
Love is the Monster (2026)
How far would a dying woman go to protect her granddaughter? Love is the Monster is a powerful artistic expression that combines a deeply human experience with a twisty geo-political/dystopian genre tale. Neto Villalobos’ film is a striking experience with plenty of texture, crisp lighting, and a vivid expression of this distinct setting. The film is overflowing with tension and suspense (with the score playing a tad heavy-handed but still undeniably powerful) as the film puts the audience and the dying protagonist on edge. The most impactful element of the film is the rich screenplay that plays with subtlety and detail instead of beating the audience over the head with expositional dialogue. The world-building is low-fi but fully realized which crafts an engrossing experience. The themes are powerful as well as navigating intergenerational conflict as well as bigger class struggles. Paulina Garcia delivers a powerful and commanding performance that anchors the film. The desperation that she displays is quite powerful and makes for an increasingly tense and challenging experience. The final moments are haunting and will leave you shaken.
Paper Tiger (2026)
How does auteur James Gray navigate a period crime-thriller? Gray’s work has ranged from excellent to underwhelming but he always delivers in creating a powerful and striking visual experience. Paper Tiger is a fully engrossing experience with a textured and dynamic visual palette (including great work by cinematographer Joaquin Baca-Asay). The graining film-like milieu matches the period of the film perfectly. The tension and suspense that Gray building will leave you shaken, including a few set pieces that feel like some of the best filmmaking in film this year. A confrontation in a car, a home intruder, and a climactic showdown all shined brightly in Gray’s hands. The brotherly conflict and the Russian mafia elements are compelling while the mother’s personal journey feels a bit more disconnected. The performances are strong with the trio of Miles Teller, Scarlett Johansson, and Adam Driver all making this film crime-thriller a worthwhile and engaging experience.
Club Kid (2026)
What is one of the most electrifying films of this year so far? Club Kid just might be the little film that could look out for this fall movie season. Writer/director/star Jordan Firstman crafts one of the most dynamic films capturing the clubbing scene while delivering a powerful father-son story that will make you cry. Firstman’s film is a sobering experience that shows the excitement and hedonism of clubbing but also the adverse effects of drugs and this unhealthy party culture. Club Kid is one of the most unabashedly queer films as well with such a wonderful ensemble of characters from all walks of life. Firstman crafts a tone that delivers both consistent, riotous laughter and plenty of deep emotion. You will be filling that theater with laughter and will probably shed a few tears along the way as well. Firstman’s performance is powerful and engaging as he brings the sharp dialogue of his script impressively while also selling the emotion. His chemistry with young Reggie Absolom is powerful and electric (as their growing connection as father and son is powerful). The filmmaking is excellent with the club and partying sequences owning some of the most unique and dynamic visuals in film this year. Firstman has a special film as his debut with Club Kid.
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