Ah, the start of the summer movie season- there’s really nothing like it. Being able to whisk yourself away to an air-conditioned theater with endless popcorn sounds like my version of heaven. While the month itself was a bit of a personal downer, I did watch some great films to boost my spirits! Writing these favorite lists has really helped the year move along, and soon enough, it will be time to cram for award season.
Like last month, I was about to watch about 14 movies in May. Newer titles make up the majority of what was watched. Over the coming months, I’m hoping to catch up on some of the newer physical media I’ve got!
Runner ups: Blue Chips, Backrooms, An Autumn Summer, Mortal Kombat 2, and Labyrinth.
Forastera (2025), Dir. Lucía Aleñar Iglesias
Synopsis: “During her Mallorca summer, Antonia recognizes similarities with her late grandma. She develops an influence over her mourning grandpa through dress-up, blurring who inhabits who.”
My thoughts from my review originally posted on InSession Film: “For those seeking a sweetly unusual take on navigating grief, Iglesias’s debut is more than worth the watch. Its heartfelt approach to life’s most difficult aspects doesn’t judge how people grieve. Rather, it accepts the many ways grief shapes those who experience it with captivating performances and warm summer rays.”
Read my full thoughts here!
The Butcher’s Blade (2026), Dir. Liu Wenpu
Synopsis: “A low-ranking constable faces persecution, becomes a scapegoat in a theft case, and gets rescued by his teacher. Now caught between serving corrupt officials or fighting for freedom, he must choose his path.”
My thoughts from my review originally posted on Nexus Point News: “The year hasn’t been action-heavy with new releases, which makes something like The Butcher’s Blade so enticing. A new straight-to-digital action wuxia that showcases the best high-energy fights of the year. Even with a story that is bare bones, there’s rarely a minute of the film that isn’t ramping up or ramping down from its intense action. Liu Wenpu directs a high-stakes tale of a constable who wants to do the right thing, even when it seems impossible.”
Read my full thoughts here!
I Love Boosters (2026), Dir. Boots Riley
Synopsis: “A fearless crew of inventive young women turn shoplifting into a radical act of defiance.”
My quick thoughts: I know everyone keeps describing this as live-action Looney Tunes, but it’s entirely true! I also got Who Framed Roger Rabbit? vibes as well. There’s purpose in every frame, every moment, and every layered joke in Boots Riley’s newest film. It’s got an incredible cast; Keke Palmer is at the helm of this anti-capitalist film, and she leads with style and charm. It’s a film that I’ll look back on and appreciate that I saw it in a packed theater during the times we are living in. The use of real sets and practical effects is such a key component of the film and makes it one of the most unique films I’ve ever seen.
A review from a trusted critic!
Is God Is (2026), Dir. Aleshea Harris
Synopsis: “Two sisters embark on an epic quest for revenge, confronting a charged family history that pushes them to extraordinary lengths.”
My quick thoughts: From the opening scene of Harris’ debut, Is God Is, I was hooked. A revenge thriller that doesn’t hold your hand through its tragic revelations, it shoves it right in your face. An unapologetically violent and emotional story that focuses on the shared experience of black women. There’s a style that oozes from each moment that is exciting to witness in a filmmaker at the start of their career. Kara Young is the perfect lead for such a film; she has an intensity that instantly draws you in.
A review from a trusted critic!
Obsession (2025), Dir. Curry Barker
Synopsis: “After breaking the mysterious “One Wish Willow” to win his crush’s heart, a hopeless romantic finds himself getting exactly what he asked for but soon discovers that some desires come at a dark, sinister price.”
My thoughts from my review originally posted on Nexus Point News: “Barker’s debut film is nothing short of a horror masterpiece, directing, writing, and editing a film that propels itself into best-of-the-year status. With knock-you-off-your-feet performances from Navarrette and Johnston, Obsession is a gnarly examination of control, obsession, and autonomy within relationships.”
Read my full thoughts here!
Well that’s it for May! I’m looking forward to so many films in June. First to check off my list is Masters of the Universe, which I have been unabashedly excited for since the first trailer. So let’s see what ends up on next month’s list of favorite firsts!
A film lover from Mid Michigan who is a voting member of Michigan Movie Critics Guild, and North American Film Critics Association.
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