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”.
The line dividing passion from obsession can be mighty thin, and James Grashow teeters between the two. Lest you think that’s a negative, it should be noted that Mr. Grashow is a spirited man who admittedly ‘loves life’ and fears death. When not exhausted or in pain, he’s a charming man dedicated to his craft … especially this latest project for a serious collector. Grashow, who is 79 when the project begins, doesn’t state this is his final project, but he cracks, “I pray I get to finish it”. The film follows him over the next three years as he works on the intricate details of the demons, the cathedral itself, and of the face of Christ.
Grashow claims that ideas have always hit him like ‘thunderbolts’ and his marriage of more than 50 years to Guzzy is a testament to both of them. She is certainly protective of her artist husband who always puts the work over his health. Documentarian Meehl includes some archival photographs and footage of Grashow’s work dating back to 1966. Much of this cardboard sculpting has a whimsy feel, yet the artistry is evident to all. We even see his sketch work on album covers for Deep Purple and Jethro Tull, as well as many sketches for periodicals over the years. The man has been prolific in producing art.
Grashow’s daughter recounts how he slyly introduced her to the magic in life, and in fact, the artist claims the ‘engine for creativity is play’ … and even in his 80’s, he’s able to play while working. As an example, this is the first film I’ve ever watched where ‘demon nipples’ are discussed (and carved). He admits that he could never spell or do math, but he always had a talent for art. This final masterpiece is truly spectacular, and he says it represents life and death, mortality, and eternity. James Grashow passed away in late 2025 … what he referred to as life’s “extra innings”. Depending on one’s perspective of the life of an artist, viewers are likely to pull varying thoughts from the film. I believe James Grashow would be fine with that.
Opens at the Quad Cinema in NYC on April 3, 2026 before expanding to additional markets nationwide.
Posted by David Ferguson 
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.
Greetings again from the darkness. Starting over in life is really a misnomer. We like the phrase ‘new beginning’, but in fact, it’s just the next phase in our journey called life. Still, a significant break or traumatic event can certainly change one’s outlook and that’s what Amy Landecker (“Your Honor”) examines here with her feature film directorial debut. In addition to directing, Ms. Landecker also wrote the script, produced the film, and has the lead role.
Movie Reviews from the Dark 