klncl Reviews

Chad (2021–2024)

Laugh out loud funny

[8/10 · 20 January 2024]

I don't understand the hate for this show at all, although people seem to love to hate projects from any past SNL cast members. It's legitimately well written and funny - every episode makes me laugh out loud, and they use cringe humor without going too overboard. Nasim Pedrad as a teenage boy is so funny. One of the main writers worked on Parks and Rec and you can get a bit of that style of humor here, too. I'd recommend if you enjoyed PEN15, Never Have I Ever, Eighth Grade, even Nathan For You. It takes you back to those awkward teenage years just wanting to feel cool in a hilarious way, so glad the second season got a new home on the Roku channel.

Inshallah a Boy (2023)

Gripping and beautifully done

[10/10 · 15 January 2024]

Loved this film so much. An engaging and intense story of a woman's fight - not struggle - against patriarchal tradition and law. It's so rare for a male filmmaker to write and portray women so realistically and well. It was an intense film and story without ever feeling heavy handed. The film evokes visceral responses in the audience as you follow the main character's quest. The story is both unique in that it deals with Jordan specific laws, however so universal in portraying the ways archaic oppression affects women. Amazing acting by all but particularly by the actress playing Nawal, the main character. Every character felt layered and none felt one dimensional. So impressive that this was the director's first feature and can't wait to see more from him.

Sirens (II) (2022)

Unique look into the Middle East's first female metal band

[10/10 · 7 October 2022]

Loved this doc about the first all female metal band from the Middle East! Baghdadi did a great job of exploring life in Lebanon not only as a metal musician but also as a woman - after all, it's all related. It's not easy to be an all female band anywhere, let alone in a region where metal is still more of a nascent genre. The doc also included the effects of the economic crisis and the Beirut explosion on the women's lives and journey as a band. The filmography was really beautifully done and I enjoyed the score as well. I found myself listening to the band nonstop after even though I'm normally not a metalhead. I can't wait to hear more from these women and follow their trajectory!

Medusa (I) (2021)

symbolic + gripping + funny

[10/10 · 1 August 2022]

Medusa was both ominous and funny with very well executed satire of religion. The symbolism that filmmaker incorporated was so powerful. The film was also aesthetically beautiful to watch and has an excellent soundtrack. A gripping and engaging film, highly recommend.

Welcome Home Nikki Glaser? (2022)

funny & charming

[9/10 · 24 May 2022]

This show is super sweet and every episode makes me laugh out loud a lot. Her interactions with her parents are hilarious and it's cool to see more of Nikki off stage.

Petite Maman (2021)

beautiful + sweet

[10/10 · 3 May 2022]

One of the most touching films i've seen in a long time, the scenes with the girls are so tender and sweet, it brought me to tears multiple times but not out of sadness. It will take you back to being a child in the best way. Beautiful directing, a film that will stay with me.

Wadjda (2012)

a gem of a film!

[10/10 · 13 November 2020]

The director did such a good job keeping it heartwarming without ignoring the realities of girls' and women's lives in saudi. a feel good without being fluffy. the film did a great job of exposing the inequalities women and girls face without being at all heavy handed. you'll find yourself loving and rooting for wadjda!