Matthew St.Clair
@mattstclair92.bsky.social
GALECA/OFTA Member and RT-approved film critic. Editor of Cinematic Words of a Chaotic Gemini, writer found at AwardsWatch, Movie Marker, Roger Ebert, Polygon, Little White Lies, etc.. (He/They)
Since the new RESIDENT EVIL movie is out, I did a write-up on how, even as it caused ire before its release for not being super-accurate, the perfect film adaptation is, and should remain, pure myth. Take a look!
‘Resident Evil’ and the Myth of the Perfect Adaptation
An analysis on how the perfect film adaptation doesn’t exist and also, a plea to embrace imperfection.
matthewstclair.substack.com
Besides the fact it's not even a horror-comedy despite having small funny moments, OBSESSION going the Musical/Comedy route at the Globes I think deprives Inde Navarrette of an easier win for Actress-Drama. Because Actress-M/C is already competitive with Julianne Moore and Olivia Wilde.
My latest Fantastic Fest review of the Kazakh horror film ÜREI is now live. Take a look!!
Fantastic Fest 2026: “Ürei” Review
An unsettling thriller guided by a virtuoso central performance by Tynyshgul Sultanberdieva where the effects of loss and isolation are as scary as acts of horror.
matthewstclair.substack.com
Hot take: Even though PRIMETIME features a sometimes shirtless Robert Pattinson, Eric Rahill is the most attractive actor in the film.
Over at Substack is an article I've been nervous about writing on but is something I've been meaning to write into words: The debate involving celebrity activism and the nature of voice in our current political climate. Take a look!
On Celebrity Activism and the Nature of Voice
An analysis on the role of celebrity activism and the very nature of speaking out in our current political climate.
matthewstclair.substack.com
To go to NYC tomorrow despite the storm or not go? Idk if it'll be as bad as projected but my gut is giving me mixed feelings.
Lon Chaney made a few movies that keep you on the edge of your seat~ The Unknown, Hunchback. To think we only have 30 odd of his films with over 100 lost. Preserve film. Buy Physical Media. Watch more Lon Chaney movies. 💪🏻🖤💿🎬
Lucky McKee@luckymckee.bsky.social · last wk.105 years later and this flick pummels my heart for 55 minutes straight on a Thursday night. Cannot overstate how much I adore LC.
For my latest Fantastic Fest write-up, I reviewed my two favorite titles: NO REST FOR THE WICKED and JIM QUEEN, which also happen to be non-English language queer-themed films. Take a look!
Fantastic Fest 2026: “No Rest for the Wicked” and “Jim Queen” Reviews
Capsule reviews of two foreign queer-themed genre titles that premiered at this year’s Fantastic Fest.
matthewstclair.substack.com
FYC: Merritt Wever for Best Supporting Actress, PRIMETIME
My own Top 10 shows of the 21st century* (subject to change)
Happy first day of #NYFF64! I saw some good movies pre-fest and wrote about them: crookedmarquee.com/crooked-marq...
Crooked Marquee's New York Film Festival 2026 Preview — Crooked Marquee
The 64th New York Film Festival kicks off tonight, and we’ve got some recommendations, including “Fjord,” “NAZA,” “Making Marie Antoinette,” “Tender Loving Care,” and the restored “The Devils.”
crookedmarquee.com
My latest #FantasticFest review is of the slasher film PLATYPUS by Joshua Gratton. Take a look!
Fantastic Fest 2026: “Platypus” Review
An old-school slasher pic that is invitingly chaotic.
matthewstclair.substack.com
My first #FantasticFest review is of Agata Trzebuchowska's feature directorial debut SICK, which I preferred when it acted as a "growing old is scary" thriller rather than when it more risque mode. Take a look!
Fantastic Fest 2026: “Sick” Review
An uneasy “growing old is scary” thriller with skilled direction that outweighs a mixed script.
matthewstclair.substack.com
Over at Substack, I did an overview/reminder of Best Director being potentially another all-male five being deeper than just AMPAS plus the Natalie Portman meme that circulates every awards season. Take a look!
99th Oscars: Best Director- Will We See *That* Meme Again?
An overview on Best Director potentially being another all-male five and reminder of how it’s deeper than just the Academy.
matthewstclair.substack.com
Since I'll be (virtually) covering Fantastic Fest this year, I did a write-up on some of my most anticipated festival titles. Take a look!!
Top 5 Most Anticipated Titles for Fantastic Fest 2026
A brief run through of some my most anticipated titles premiering at this year’s Fantastic Fest.
matthewstclair.substack.com
#NowWatching JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS (2001) #nfotd
So, the films I managed to get #NYFF tickets for: Club Kid Misty Green A Long Winter Naza Nowhere to Lay My Eyes Nitrate Kisses (4K restoration)
My remote review of Anuparna Roy's LOVERS IN THE BLUE NIGHT, which premiered at Venice, is now live on Substack. Take a look!
Venice Film Festival 2026: “Lovers in the Blue Night” Review
An entrancing, well-crafted demonstration of desire in both its danger and liberation.
matthewstclair.substack.com
Hey, Michael Cimino, Brandon Perea. I have an imaginary car that's broken. Can you fine men fix it?
The scene from ZOLA where Riley Keough says "Heyy biiiiitttcccchhhh" remains rent-free in my head. What a performance, too.
Still mixed on DIGGER even after that latest trailer. Either gonna be a bold masterpiece or an overwrought mess IMO Not just saying that because I hate that Tom Cruise has revealed himself as a pro-merger suit.
Wishing safe travels to fellow critics/mutuals attending #TIFF26 and hoping you have a great fest!! Sorry I won't be able to see you awesome people there, but hopefully, next year!!!
