Welcome to CFTCA’s monthly digest for May 2025, a roundup of recent reviews, features, interviews, and more by CTFCA critics. This month’s digest centers on coverage of the 51st edition of the Seattle International Film Festival, which ran from May 15-25. Read on for reviews of the films our critics watched.
Film Reviews
“But instead of taking the typical route of a dramedy bromance about two men bonding after a devastating loss, Sweeney goes for something darker, something twistier. His take on the genre will both break your heart and make your skin crawl.”
Find more of Elizabeth’s work on The Celluloid Correspondent.
“Shot in 16mm and performed in a dry, semi-improvisational style, Stephens and Hernandez strike a fantastic tonal balance between intrigue, grief, and kitschy absurdist comedy.”
Find more of Eric’s work on The Insert.
“…Overall, Deraspe’s adaptation remains a gorgeous and heartfelt depiction of letting passion be your compass and a rebuke of the material world, all the while being a sharp reflection of corporate life.”
Find more of Isaac’s work on Film & Froth.
“Sorry, Baby isn’t one of the best films of the year, but it is the first film of a talented new filmmaker that will hopefully be here for a long time.”
Find more of Taylor’s work on Drink in the Movies.
In this roundup, Nick Tiffany gives his thoughts on a variety of SIFF features, including Evergreens, La Salsa Vive, Bitter Gold, and more.
Find more of Nick’s work on his website.
Interviews
Multi-Hyphenate wonder Annapurna Sriram sat down with Nick Tiffany to discuss her debut feature film, “Fucktoys.” After selling out shows and merch, Annapurna reflects on the emotion behind this 8-year creative journey and speaks on her own journey as a creative that helped shape this story. It’s a wonderful and informative conversation that dives into so many “taboo” topics that the film lays bare and invites the audience to witness without judgement.
Find more of Nick’s work on his website.
Irish filmmaker Claire Frances Byrne brought her debut film Ready or Not to the SIFF and stopped in for a terrific chat with Nick about coming of age films, keeping storytelling authentic, and showing how universal our teenage experiences really are.
Find more of Nick’s work on his website.
