For the 16th Twin Cities Film Fest, I saw five of the films featured.

The big highlight for me was “Hamnet,” which is now my favorite film of the year, as the opening night selection. It was also nice to get together with my Minnesota Film Critics Association colleagues that night before the film for happy hour.

Here are some quick thoughts on the five films I watched:

“Hamnet”
4.5/5
Much like director Chloé Zhao’s 2020 film “Nomadland” hit me like a ton of bricks, “Hamnet” did, too. So many little and big moments in the last half of “Hamnet” made me well up, overcome with emotion. I will post a full review of this film on The Feed closer to the release date in late November.

“Rental Family”
4/5
I really loved this latest entry in the Brendan Fraser Renaissance. He is fantastic in this, as is the ensemble surrounding him.

“She Dances”
4/5
It was great to have star Audrey Zahn in attendance for a Q&A after the film. She gives a breakout performance alongside her father, Steve Zahn, who also co-wrote the screenplay. Perhaps my favorite part, though, was seeing the elder Zahn reunite on screen with friend and “Reality Bites” co-star Ethan Hawke. This film has such beautiful portrayals of friendship, and these two veterans really sold their on-screen relationship.

“Bugonia”
3.5/5
Having seen “Save the Green Planet,” the 2003 South Korean film that “Bugonia” was based on, just last year, director Yorgos Lanthimos managed to make this story a little less bizarre but still totally bonkers.

“Hedda”
3.5/5
While “Hedda” is a stunning feast for the eyes, it does teeter on being a bit boring at times. But the incredible cast, namely Tessa Thompson and Nina Hoss, manage to make Nia DaCosta‘s latest into a quick little thriller that is worth watching.

Thanks to the staff and volunteers at the Twin Cities Film Fest, along with Nemer Fieger, for the media pass and making sure I had tickets to these five films.