SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS descends upon theatres in victorious form, taking the #1 spot at the Box Office in its debut with $30 million this weekend from 4,071 theates for Warner Bros. It gets 54% on the Tomatometer, falling short of the 90% score its Predecessor got in 2019, opening with $53 million.

SCREAM VI slips to second spot but is still going strong with $18 million from 3,676 theatres for Paramount Pictures, a two-week total of $76.5 million.

Third goes to CREED III with $15.8 million for United Artists Releasing/Warner Bros. It has made $128.1 million over its three weeks of release.

65 is fourth with $5.5 million from 3,405 theatres for Sony Pictures, a two week take of $22.1 million

ANT-MAN & THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA rounds this Top Five out with $4.7 million, a total $206.4 million over five weeks for Disney/Marvel.

Toronto got a huge surprise tonight as international megastar Keanu Reeves made an appearance at the Canadian Premiere of JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4. This latest Film in the celebrated Franchise, got the Red Carpet treatment and then some as The Black Academy, presented the affair at Scotiabank Theatre. The organization aims to empower, elevate and promote equality among the Black community and one of its founders, Scarborough’s very own Shamier Anderson, also happens to star in the Film as Tracker. Director Chad Stahelski also joined Anderson and Reeves for an introduction of the Screening.

While there was originally a Red Carpet set to take place at the Premiere, the unexpected passing of star Lance Reddick, who stars as Charon, had altered plans for this, out of respect. Stahelski took a moment to remember Reddick when introducing the Film to the audience.

This latest chapter in the John Wick franchise has already received much praise, with Critics calling it the best film yet out of the four films. Toronto-raised Reeves also surprised the audience at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin last week.

See highlights below:

Though bittersweet, this was such an incredible night, and a special energy could be felt throughout the theatre as everyone was processing both excitement and grief at once.

Lionsgate and Cineplex Pictures release JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 4 March 24, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: George Pimentel/Mr. Will Wong)

We cannot rayve enough about RAYE. The British Singer-Songwriter actually isn’t quite a newbie. She surfaced in 2018 and quickly was recognized with BRIT Award nominations. She’s written for the likes of John Legend and Beyoncé and it doesn’t get bigger than that. Her debut album was supposed to come quite some time ago but never surfaced and finally we get MY 21st CENTURY BLUES, her phenomenal debut released independently via Human Re Sources and distributed by The Orchard in Canada.

You’ve most definitely heard her single “Escapism” (ft. Shake 070), an intricately-layered journey into a dark place as Raye recounts dealing with a painful breakup through distraction. It has charted impressively on the Top Ten of the Canadian Hot 100. This however is only the tip of the iceberg. She has so much to say and so much range, but you can only witness it if you give her Album a proper listen. She’s been through so much to get where she is today, and we’re a huge fan.

Such a joy meeting RAYE, this her first ever visit to Toronto. She was so lovely, still donning makeup from her fabulous appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last night. An intimate, sold-out show is next tonight at The Velvet Underground, followed by an opening spot for Kali Uchis this May at Coca-Cola Colisseum.

She is just incredible live! See the powerful performance here of “Ice Cream Man“, a song which bravely faces her experience with a trauma:

Some Snaps:

A Highlight Reel from her show at The Velvet Undergound:

MY 21st CENTURY BLUES is now in stores. Stream it here.

(Photo/video credit: Human Re Sources/Mr. Will Wong)

Fae Pictures is announcing the launch of their first original premium drama short-form series, Streams Flow From A River, coming to Super Channel Fuse in Canada and launching On Demand beginning April 1, 2023. Super Channel is available via most cable providers across the country, as well as streaming live and On Demand with Amazon Prime Video Channels and Apple TV+. The series is directed by Chinese Canadian writer-director Christopher Yip (Fishboy), born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. It is Executive-Produced by Christopher Yip and Shant Joshi (Framing Agnes), co- executive produced by Abdul Malik (Peace By Chocolate), and produced by Lindsay Blair Goeldner (I Like Movies).

The six-episode short-form series is a character-driven drama about the invisible struggles immigrant families face while trying to make a home in the West. A freak snowstorm traps a dysfunctional Chinese Canadian family together in their rural Albertan hometown, forcing them to confront events from a decade ago that tore them all apart. Today’s generation of immigrant kids bear the burden of the traumas we grew up with and the need to address the wounds of generations past. Hundreds of years of unspoken pain, trickling down like a river. What can we do with these streams flowing over us?

The Canadian Film Fest announced Streams Flow From A River as an official selection in this year’s slate, their first series in the festival, reflecting a need for more Canadian-made premium drama series. It will screen during the Canadian Film Fest’s opening night, March 28 at 9 p.m. ET, exclusively on Super Channel. To learn more about the festival, visit canfilmfest.ca.

The series stars Jane Luk, Simon Sinn, Liam Ma, Danielle Ayow, Jinny Wong, Raymond Chan, Adrian So and Dana Liu, with Benjamin Sutherland, Brett Houghton and Wesley French.

Streams Flow From A River is produced in association with Super Channel, with the participation of Ontario Creates, Independent Production Fund, Bell Fund and Canada Media Fund.

Canada has a proud moment at SXSW ’22 with BLACKBERRY premiering to raves, following its Berlin Premiere earlier this year.

Synopsis:

Directed by (and co-starring) Matt Johnson (The Dirties, Operation Avalanche), the film tells the story of the meteoric rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone, and stars an ensemble cast including Jay Baruchel (This Is The End, Knocked Up), Glenn Howerton (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, A.P. Bio), Cary Elwes (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Saw), Saul Rubinek (Hunters, True Romance), Rich Sommer (The Devil Wears Prada, Mad Men), Martin Donovan (Tenet, Big Little Lies), and Michael Ironside (Total Recall, Scanners).

Johnson and co-writer Matthew Miller adapted the screenplay from the #1 National Bestseller “Losing the Signal: The Untold Story Behind the Extraordinary Rise and Spectacular Fall of BlackBerry,” written by Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff.

Elevation Pictures and IFC Films release BLACKBERRY May 12, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: IFC Films/Elevation Pictures)

By David Baldwin

Sarah (Lydia Leonard) is a successful building developer in London with a well-guarded secret: she is deathly afraid of flying. To overcome her crippling fear, she joins the ‘Fearless Flyers’ course alongside other individuals suffering from Aerophobia. The final test is a trip on a real plane, which happens to coincide with the day Sarah is supposed to be going on vacation with her boyfriend and his daughter. And what should be a simple trip to Iceland becomes an ordeal no one saw coming.

NORTHERN COMFORT, named after an Icelandic beverage, is a cringe-inducing comedy that will have you wincing and laughing just as often as you are absolutely terrified for these poor souls. Co-Writer/Director Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurðsson puts the whole gang through absolute hell on their journey to getting over their fear and then delights in reshuffling the deck and completely changing the game in the second half of the Film. It manages to maintain the same tone throughout thankfully, but the jarring number of subplots becomes a lot to digest, as does the fleeting directions the Film continuously wanders into. When it is simply about Sarah and her journey, the Film is fairly solid. When it diverts into showcasing the supporting characters’ half-baked agendas, it gets a little lost in the weeds (or blowing snow drifts as it were).

That said, the Cast which Sigurðsson has put together here is game for anything and relishes in the madness that ensues. Leonard does a great job carrying the Film and balances the comedy and scarier elements quite well. Simon Manyonda has a whole lot of fun as an instructor who is in way over his pay grade, while comedian Rob Delaney drops in for an eyebrow raising extended cameo. Who really lets loose however is Timothy Spall, who goes for broke from start to finish. I only really know him as a dramatic actor (and as that rat of a wizard Peter Pettigrew from the Harry Potter series), so seeing him as the radically unhinged Edward was just as wild and chaotic as all the mayhem he gets up to in the Film. He is having a blast and easily steals the show.

NORTHERN COMFORT screens at SXSW ’23 as follows:

Mar 12 at 2:00pm at Stateside Theatre

Mar 13 at 6:15pm at Rollins Theatre at The Long Center

Mar 16 at 7:15pm at Violet Crown Cinema 2

Mar 16 at 7:45pm at Violet Crown Cinema 4

Keri Russell stars in upcoming Netflix series THE DIPLOMAT! Here is a first look! It arrives April 20, 2023.

THE DIPLOMAT:

Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) is the new US Ambassador to the United Kingdom. She was supposed to go to Afghanistan. She’s great in a crisis zone. In a historic home… less so. War is brewing on one continent and boiling over on another. Kate will have to diffuse international crises, forge strategic alliances in London, and adjust to her new place in the spotlight — all while trying to survive her marriage to fellow career diplomat and political star Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell). From showrunner Debora Cahn (THE WEST WING, HOMELAND), THE DIPLOMAT is a high-stakes, contemporary political drama about the transcendence and torture of long-term relationships, between countries and people. Also starring David Gyasi, Ali Ahn, Rory Kinnear, and Ato Essandoh, with executive producers Debora Cahn, Janice Williams, and Keri Russell.

Series Credits:

Episodes: 8 episodes x 1 hour
Creator/Showrunner/Executive Producer: Debora Cahn
Executive Producers: Janice Williams, Keri Russell, Simon Cellan Jones (Episodes 101-102)
Producer: Dan Toland
Starring: Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi, Ali Ahn, Rory Kinnear, and Ato Essandoh
Guest Starring: Celia Imrie, Michael McKean, Nana Mensah, T’Nia Miller, Miguel Sandoval
Filming Location: London, Cotswolds, Paris

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Blue Mountain Village, Southern Ontario’s premier four-season destination announced Blue Mountain Film Festival (BMFF), led by Festival & Artistic Director, Helen du Toit, returns to the Blue Mountain Village Conference Centre from June 1-4, 2023. Once again, BMFF invites film-lovers and filmmakers to connect, be inspired and escape into the idyllic mountains to enjoy the very best in international and Canadian cinema. Early bird tickets are available by visiting the BMFF website.

Recently awarded the Best New Festival by Festival & Events Ontario, BMFF plans to showcase 25 feature films from around the world for its film-loving public, with a showcase on Ontario-based productions. Joining du Toit in the programming of this year’s lineup is veteran film curator Penelope Bartlett, most recently the Director of Programming for the Criterion Channel. Both du Toit and Bartlett previously worked together at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

“When the opportunity to work with Helen on BMFF came up, it was an immediate ‘yes!,” said Penelope Bartlett. “There are few events more special than an intimate film festival where people come together to bask in the best of cinema. Similar to Telluride, I love that BMFF is set in a locale which encourages community, discovery and that the patrons have a huge appetite and appreciation for international film. I am delighted to join the team this year.”

Additionally, BMFF welcomes back industry professionals for a second year of the Creative Forum, which includes 6 Industry Sessions over 2 days. The inaugural conference last year hosted some of the industry’s most sought-after leaders including Patricia Rozema, Jennifer Baichwal, Dan Bekerman, Shant Joshi, Jane Tattersall, Sheila Hockin, Karen Harnish, Phillip Barker, Elisa Sauvé, Nyla Innuksuk, Danny Iron, and Allison Black.

“Watching BMFF launch into the welcoming arms of the public and industry last year will always be a special highlight of my career. Penny and I are currently deep in programming to bring audiences a vibrant new edition and we can’t wait to share it with our patrons and peers,” said Helen du Toit, Festival & Artistic Director. “The locals and visitors who come to escape into the magic of the film festival are deeply curious about culture and storytelling from around the world. You don’t need to spend too much time in the Blue Mountain area before realizing what a majestic place it is, from the location to the community – we couldn’t ask for a more enthusiastic locale to showcase the BMFF 2nd edition.”

Working with the Blue Mountain Village team and Marni Moreau, Director of Partnerships, duToit plans to grow BMFF’s sponsorship and community support. This year’s sponsors include Blue Mountain Village, Blue Mountain Resort, Bruce Grey Simcoe, Town of The Blue Mountains, Directors Guild of Canada (Ontario), Telefilm Canada, Film Finances Canada, Sutton Entertainment, Urban Post, Grey County, Simcoe County, Tatham Engineering, Primont Homes, and Mountain Life Magazine.

About the Blue Mountain Village
Between the foot of the Niagara Escarpment’s scenic Blue Mountains and the rugged shores and crystal-clear waters of Georgian Bay, the picturesque Blue Mountain Village is Southern Ontario’s premier four-season destination. A cobblestoned pedestrian village framed by turn-of-the-century Ontario architecture, the Village offers a wide variety of family accommodations, award-winning festivals and events, over 50 unique shops and restaurants, Iwa Spa, and much more. For a complete listing of Village events, please visit www.bluemountainvillage.ca

About Blue Mountain Resort
Blue Mountain Resort is Ontario’s largest mountain resort. Winter at the Resort boasts 43 ski and snowboard trails across 365 skiable acres, enhanced by a world-class snowmaking system. Summer months offer a variety of activities including golfing at Monterra Golf, playing on the attractions in the Adventure Park, and hiking or biking in the 30km trail network in the Explore Park. At the base of the Mountain, guests can enjoy a stay in one of the 1,000 luxury accommodation units in the pedestrian Village. With 53,000 square feet of state-of-the-art conference space, Blue Mountain caters year-round to groups and special events. Blue Mountain is owned by Alterra Mountain Company. Visit www.bluemountain.ca for more information.

For more information on Blue Mountain Film Festival visit bluemtnfilmfest.ca.

Back for its 12th edition, the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival invites young audiences and cinephiles for a weekend of bold new films and special events, with free movies for anyone under 25*. Hot off the heels of its Berlin premiere, where it won the Crystal Bear for best film in the Berlinale’s Generation 14plus sidebar, Mexican director Sofía Auza’s unconventional coming-of-age feature debut Adolfo will kick-off the Festival as the Opening Night Film. From April 14–16, 2023 audiences hungry for original stories can celebrate rising filmmakers and diverse programming, representing the hope, creativity, and power of the next generation. Additional programming and special guests will be unveiled in the coming weeks. Programmed for youth, by youth, the Next Wave Film Festival offers free Official Selection films for anyone under 25. Tickets are available starting today for TIFF Members and TIFF Under-25 Pass holders, and to the general public on March 17, 2023.

This year’s Official Selection shines a spotlight on nine debut and sophomore features ― from Spain, France, Mexico, Iran, United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, USA, and Canada ― that bring an authentic and diverse representation of youth-centric perspectives, without feeding into the “angsty teen” stereotypes. Highlights include: Auza’s North American premiere of Adolfo, which follows two strangers who meet by chance at a bus stop and decide to find a new home for their cactus companion; Pilar Palomero’s Canadian premiere of San Sebastián–winning La Maternal, exploring vulnerability and hardships of teen motherhood and chosen families, featuring many first-time actors; Simon Rieth’s North American premiere of the genre-mixing debut feature Summer Scars, following two brothers bound by a dark secret; So Yun Um’s Canadian premiere of the hybrid documentary-memoir feature debut Liquor Store Dreams, asking personal and resonant questions on reconciliation and generational healing through stories of Korean liquor store owners and their families; Charlotte Regan’s Canadian Premiere of the Sundance-winning hit and feature debut Scrapper, a reconnection story between a precocious girl and her child-like father (Regan was listed as “28 Rising Female Filmmakers to Watch in 2023” by IndieWire); and Zeno Graton’s North American premiere of the debut feature The Lost Boys, exploring questions of masculinity, found family, and freedom when a new detainee enters a youth detention facility.

Some screenings will be followed by in-person Q&As with the directors including: Auza, Um, Holland, and Regan; and more special events to be announced in the following weeks. Select titles will also be available on digital TIFF Bell Lightbox starting April 12.

“Dedicated to increasing access to cinema for young audiences, the Next Wave Committees’ brilliant voices and vision permeate through this year’s festival lineup with powerful stories of love, community, and family, in all its forms,” said Ikoro Huggins-Warner, Senior Coordinator, Youth Impact. “Look no further than the Opening Night Film, Adolfo, a heartwarming journey of unlikely friendship formed over the course of one fateful, fleeting night. Punctuated by bold, refreshing direction, like so many of the incredible films in this year’s selection, Adolfo finds its honesty in overcoming struggles together, and discovering connection and resilience in unexpected places.”

TIFF Bell Lightbox will be transformed into a retro time machine, promising interactive activations at the Opening Night Party with basement slumber party vibes, dance floors, and a clothing swap. Young audiences can revel in the weekend festivities: Battle of the Scores, a live musical showdown where four bands settle the score; Young Creators Co-Lab, presented by the City of Toronto, a full day of connective and engaging industry talks and workshop for emerging filmmakers and creatives; Young Creators Showcase of short films by emerging filmmakers from across Canada; and Lost & Found: There are so many worlds, a free public art exhibition featuring multi-media works by artist kaya joan and curated by the TIFF Next Wave Committee. Complete festival details, schedules, and ticket information are all available at tiff.net/nextwave.

Ranging in age from 15 to 18, the TIFF Next Wave Committee is made up of 12 teen film enthusiasts, many of whom are young creators and filmmakers from across the Greater Toronto Area. With the guidance of TIFF staff, the Committee is charged with planning major teen-oriented events year-round at TIFF Bell Lightbox, including the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival, a one-of-a-kind talent incubator.

“I am beyond excited to share this incredible lineup of films that young people wouldn’t otherwise be exposed to with our audience. We care deeply about amplifying diverse and innovative creators at TIFF Next Wave, and so celebrating these unique films that explore underrepresented themes and stories is going to be such a joy,” said Ellie Tripp, TIFF Next Wave Committee Member. “Beyond the film lineup, this year’s festival is centered around the theme of Lost & Found ― an exploration of world-building, futurity, and how the stories we carry with us as young people inform our relationship to place.”
TIFF Members and TIFF Under-25 Free Pass Holders receive access to year-round TIFF benefits including free access to more than 300 Cinematheque screenings. To learn more and join as a TIFF Member, visit tiff.net/under25.

*Free tickets are limited to 2 tickets per film screening for anyone under 25

2023 TIFF NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL LINEUP

TIFF Next Wave Presents: Rye Lane
March 29, 7pm

Celebrate the upcoming TIFF Next Wave Film Festival with this advance screening of Raine Allen-Miller’s funny and touching debut film, Rye Lane. Prior to the screening, audiences are invited to attend the opening reception of Lost & Found: There are so many worlds exhibition at 5pm.

Lost & Found: There are so many worlds by kaya joan
March 21 to April 30

Lost & Found: There are so many worlds features multi-media works by kaya joan created on found and recycled substrates from around the city, investigating the stories that exist in the in-between spaces held in place. The works in this exhibition reach into the infinities that stretch between past, present, and future to explore multiplicities of being in relation. Audiences are also invited to join a collective collage-making workshop facilitated by kaya joan on April 1. For more information on kaya joan and the event visit: tiff.net/events/art-exhibition-lost-and-found.

TIFF Next Wave Film Festival Official Selection
April 14–16
Films marked with an asterisk (*) will be available to rent on digital TIFF Bell Lightbox starting April 12.

Adolfo dir. Sofía Auza *
Mexico/USA | 2022 | Spanish | North American Premiere

Egghead & Twinkie dir. Sarah Kambe Holland
USA | 2022 | English | Canadian Premiere

La Maternal dir. Pilar Palomero
Spain | 2022 | Spanish | Canadian Premiere

Liquor Store Dreams dir. So Yun Um
USA | 2022 | English, Korean | Canadian Premiere

Scrapper dir. Charlotte Regan
United Kingdom | 2022 | English | Canadian Premiere

Summer Scars dir. Simon Rieth
France | 2022 | French | North American Premiere

Summer With Hope dir. Sadaf Foroughi *
Canada/Iran | 2022 | Persian

The Lost Boys dir. Zeno Graton
Belgium | 2023 | French | North American Premiere

The Ordinaries dir. Sophie Linnenbaum *
Germany | 2022 | German | Toronto Premiere

Battle of the Scores & Opening Night Party
April 14, 8:30pm

Discover the next wave of movie and music talent as four up-and-coming bands score a short film for one big prize. Visit @TIFF_NET on Instagram in April to see the films, hear the scores, and cast your vote. The final showdown will take place at TIFF Bell Lightbox on April 14, during the TIFF Next Wave Opening Night Party, featuring retro sights and sounds, with a variety of interactive Lost & Found activations.

Young Creators Co-Lab
April 15, 9am – 3pm

The Young Creators Co-Lab, presented by the City of Toronto, is a gathering space for young and emerging artists in Toronto to connect with industry professionals and learn about all things film. The Co-Lab offers a full day of connective and engaging programming for filmmakers and creatives. Session topics include Screenwriting for Film & Television with Vera Santamaria (How to Be Indie, Bojack Horseman, PEN15), a deep dive into the writing process and the keys to being a great storyteller; an IndustryTok panel with content creators discussing their process from ideation to production, and TikTok’s growing influence as a platform for innovative storytelling; and a series of breakout sessions with industry professionals discussing their experience navigating the film landscape, and advice for young students and graduates about various Pathways into the Industry.

Young Creators Showcase
April 16, 7:30pm

Celebrating the work of young and emerging filmmakers, this shorts programme touches on themes of belonging, family, and finding connection in the people and communities closest to us. From animation to documentary, these 13 films by the next wave of Canadian filmmaking talent feature a dynamic mix of voices, visions, and methods of storytelling. They showcase daring new ways youth are engaging in film to create honest, intersectional stories about their experiences.

Castaway dir. Shamiso Chigwende
Canada | 2021 | English | Canadian Premiere

Execution Triptych dir. Giran Findlay
Canada | 2022 | English

Hoa dir. Tram Anh Nguyen
Vietnam/Canada | 2022 | Vietnamese

In the Whiteness dir. Niya Ahmed Abdullahi
Canada | 2022 | English, Harari | Canadian Premiere

Inside Groove dir. Elizabeth Wei Yun Albrecht
Canada | 2022 | English | Canadian Premiere

Late Bloomer dir. Emma Cheuk
Canada | 2022 | English | Toronto Premiere

majboor-e-mamool (What Will You Do When I’m Gone?) dir. Haaris Qadri
Canada | 2022 | Urdu, English

Ms. Butterworth’s Cherry Pie dir. Cameron Lightly
Canada | 2021 | English | North American Premiere

On the Cosmic Shore dir. Luvleen Hunjan
Canada, India | 2022 | Punjabi | International Premiere

Ozigwan (Tail of Serpent) dir. Cole Forrest
Canada | 2021 | English, Anishinaabemowin | World Premiere

Bawang Merah Bawang Putih (Shallots and Garlic) dir. Andrea Nirmala Widjajanto
Canada/Indonesia | 2021 | Bahasa Indonesia, English

The Mess We’re In dir. Jamie Lam
Canada | 2022 | English, Cantonese | Toronto Premiere

The Year Long Boulder dir. Brielle LeBlanc
Canada | 2022 | English | Toronto Premiere

Additional information is available at tiff.net/nextwave.

By David Baldwin

It is the late 1980s and Henk Rogers (Taron Egerton) is looking for a hit. The Video Game Designer and salesman is hemorrhaging money, but may have found his salvation in a game called Tetris. He is not the only one who wants a piece of it though, and once he learns that the IP rights belong to the Soviet Union, Henk decides he is going to travel behind the Iron Curtain and negotiate for them himself.

Did that sound convoluted? Well, there are a whole lot more rights-related shenanigans where that came from on top of family drama and light Nintendo-related nostalgia. Some of the story has been clearly embellished (particularly a bit cribbed from the Oscar-winning Argo), yet it stays grounded enough to keep your attention. I loved how Lorne Balfe incorporated the music from Tetris into his Score, yet could have done without the recurring neon-soaked 8-bit motif anytime a setting changed.

While Henk’s story is straight-forward enough, it feels like it is at odds with the bigger tale Director Jon S. Baird and Writer Noah Pink are more interested in telling: the dying days of the Soviet Union and all the corruption that goes with it. The shady individuals, the double-crossing deals, the KGB, the spying, Gorbachev, all of it is fascinating and often downright terrifying. There are a whole lot more of these elements in the Film than you might imagine – considering it is called TETRIS – and I think it suffers from having them smashed-together with Henk’s story.

TETRIS is a well-made film despite these qualms and I enjoyed watching it. Egerton is just as charismatic and committed as always, and his chemistry with Nikita Yefremov, who plays Tetris architect Alexey Pajitnov, is wonderful. Had Baird and Pink focused more on that budding friendship or made a separate movie about the inner workings of the USSR, then we could have had a much more cohesive picture about one of the most ultra-popular pieces of media ever created, rather than the messy film we did get.

TETRIS screens at SXSW ’23 as follows:

Mar 15 at 6:00pm at Paramount Theatre

Mar 16 at 5:15pm at Alamo Lamar E