Greetings again from the darkness. Psychologists long ago concluded that ‘belonging’ is a fundamental human social need. Finding our ‘peeps’ … a group of similar folks to share life with … plays a significant role in our identity – who we are. Documentarian Julie Wyman turns her focus … and her camera … onto herself as she searches for her own place.
It’s a bit disturbing, and kind of heartbreaking, to watch as Julie interviews her parents. Claiming they thought she was “normal” as a kid, properly ruffles Julie’s feathers as she reminds them of the many times she brought up the issue when she was younger. Julie’s sister acknowledges school fights over Julie’s proportions, and then we see an analysis of da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man … right down to the optimal limb to torso to height percentages.
Dwarf culture becomes the story here as Julie meets with Little People of America. The most famous and successful dwarf actor, Billy Barty, was a co-founder of the organization in 1957. Mr. Barty passed away in 2000 at the age of 76, but the organization continues with participation from many. Julie seems to be testing the waters to determine if she will be accepted, as her proportions are considered ‘partial dwarfism’. What she finds is a group who collaborates with and protects each other.
The battles with medical research and big pharma reminded me of some of the same issues faced by the hearing-impaired community. Should attempts be made to ‘normalize’ or should the group be accepted in their natural state. Although I am not part of either community, it has always seemed to me that the individuals should decide on their own. There are plenty of hearing-impaired who choose hearing aids or Cochlear implants, and if growth hormones or other options are available for dwarfism, then these folks should be allowed to choose … free from backlash and judgment.
Julie Wyman’s film does a nice job addressing this, as well as her own situation. There are a few familiar faces you might recognize in Little People of America, including actors Mark Povinelli (NIGHTMARE ALLEY, 2021), Sofiya Cheyenne (“Loudermilk”), Matthew Jeffers (“New Amsterdam”), and Katrina Kemp (“Spider-Man”). There is also a quick shot of Danny Woodburn (Mickey from “Seinfeld”) at an event. The line that will surely stick with most viewers is the admission that dwarfism makes one “invisible, but always on display”.
Premiering on PBS Independent Lens on April 6, 2026
Posted by David Ferguson 
Greetings again from the darkness. The first documentary from Cindy Meehl was her award-winning profile of ‘horse whisperer’ Buck Brannaman in BUCK (2011). It was a fantastic profile of an interesting man, and Ms. Meehl’s latest provides an even more personal look at artist James Grashow and his six-decade career, culminating in his masterpiece, “The Cathedral”.
Greetings again from the darkness. If you see something, say something. If you know something, say something. If you fear something but aren’t sure, say something. Such is the world we live in today … the world our children live in today. Somehow that same world also revolves around social media and the insatiable desire to be ‘seen’. The first feature film from writer-director Oscar Boyson and co-writer Ricky Camilleri takes on these somewhat conflicting societal issues, and they do so with an approach that’s at times absurdist, often comical, and always a bit frightening (in a real world way).
Greetings again from the darkness. As one who readily admits to unabated cringing at most romantic-comedies, it’s with a certain burst of pride that I acknowledge that this one from first time writer-director Matthew Shear is actually quite entertaining, and possesses a minimal cringe factor. There are likely a couple of reasons for this. First, Mr. Shear, who also stars in the film, has clearly been influenced by his time acting on filmmaker Noah Baumbach’s sets, and the second reason would be the most welcome presence of Amanda Peet in her first big screen role in 10 years.
Greetings again from the darkness. The first feature film from writer-director Julie Pacino (daughter of screen legend Al Pacino) is a whirlwind of creativity that is not likely one for the masses. The film has a surreal, dreamlike style that disorients us through the use of color and imagery. In fact, the hazy symbolism is well done and speaks to the ongoing effects of childhood trauma.
Greetings again from the darkness. Not many interesting stories feature a 1991 Toyota Camry as a main focus. The exception is this one based on the real-life journey of Seattle’s Amanda Ogle. Directed by Stephanie Laing and co-written by Jonathan Keasey and Brant Bolvin, it’s a story of Amanda’s tenacity and perseverance, and how it is sometimes possible for the little guy/gal to win.
Greetings again from the darkness. What a welcome relief it is to watch a movie designed specifically for kids. No double entendres or secret winks of wit … just a straight-forward movie to entertain kids and provide a simple life lesson about the importance of friendship. Of course, parents will recognize the title as that of the 2008 mega-bestselling kids book by Deborah Diesen.
Greetings again from the darkness. As we are unfortunately learning yet again … there are no upsides to war. There are the deaths and injuries that occur to soldiers and citizens. There is destruction of property and cityscapes. And there is the cost to those who are neither soldiers or government officials – the ‘quiet cost’ of war. Writer-director Silvio Soldini (BREAD AND TULIPS, 2000) and co-writer Doriana Leondeff have adapted the 2018 award-winning novel, “At the Wolf’s Table”, by Rosella Postorino, which itself was based on the remarkable story WWII survivor Margot Wolk told a German journalist about her time spent as a food taster for Hitler.
Greetings again from the darkness. Alexis Lloyd was inspired by Irvin D Yalom’s 2005 novel, “The Schopenhauer Cure”, to create his web series, “Group”, as well as this follow-up feature film, which he wrote and directs. I have not watched the series, but Lloyd backs off a bit on the life and death focus for the film, choosing instead to allow the sometimes chaotic elements of group therapy to guide the way.
Greetings again from the darkness. We are all well aware of what entitlement looks like, and in this documentary, co-directors Gabriel London and Charlie Sadoff take a look at what the other side can look like. These students are born into high-risk areas – crime and poverty surround them, and education is not always a priority. It’s the Washington Urban Debate League that opens doors for these students.
Movie Reviews from the Dark 