I recently debuted a new film review journal dedicated to indie, microbudget, and student films called The New Cinephile. Here’s a look at the films I reviewed in July 2025. I don’t yet know if I’ll do this every month or if I’ll keep this format, but I figured I’d share the results of my first month of indie reviews.
Seeking Engagement
- Dir. Jacob Halprin
- Comedy (12 min)
Synopsis:
Johnny gets social media clout by posting clips of staged rejections of fake marriage proposals, even as it increasingly alienates him from his friends and family. On his birthday, he plans his biggest scheme yet.
Review:
Seeking Engagement is a bit of guerilla comedy in the spirit of Nathan Fielder, blending fiction and performative reality.
Read the full review and find link to watch for free here
True Affection
- Dir. Wale Matuluko
- Drama (12 min.)
Synopsis:
Sewa, a young woman living in Lagos, Nigeria, faces pressure from her family and peers to wed as she dreams of a more idealized version of romance.
Review:
The film makes tremendous use of light and shadow, which amplify everything else the story is doing regarding murky reality and feeling of uncertainty.
Read the full review and find link to watch for free here
Robotica
- Dir. Isabella Ivos
- Drama (13 min.)
Synopsis:
Jeanne’s career-driven life so thoroughly consumes her life that she feels like a robot. Then she starts transforming into one.
Review:
The film grows gradually more unsettling across its runtime. By the end of the film, it teases body horror and mind control — a full on dehumanization by an omni-present, crushing corporate life.
Read the full review and find link to watch for free here
Verbal Diarrhea
- Dir. Miriam Gabriel
- Experimental (7 min.)
Synopsis:
In this non-fiction video journal, dancer and filmmaker Miriam Gabriel reflects on the complicated, troubling path that led to her career change.
Review:
This is a touching glimpse into the challenges of building your life around the creative process and the dark, complicated ripples of cruelty.
Read the full review and find link to watch for free here
Dirty Towel
- Dir. Callie Carpinteri
- Drama (12 min.)
Synopsis:
Charlie’s mother constantly taught her that sex was shameful and dirty. When she has sex with her boyfriend, Charlie faces down her complex feelings on the matter and hides her secret from her mother.
Review:
The short offers a fully realized scenario of a young woman confronting and accepting her complicated and compromised feelings towards sex.
Read the full review and find link to watch for free here
Anything Helps
- Dir. Max DeFalco
- Comedy (8 min.)
Synopsis:
A broke dad recently separated from his wife cooks up a scam of faking cancer and begging to get a quick influx of cash.
Review:
The film’s craft is pitched perfectly for the story: DeFalco keeps the story lean, giving us just enough to flinch at Doug’s spiral.
Read the full review and find link to watch for free here
Shoebox
- Dir. D’Lo Louis
- Drama (12 min.)
Synopsis:
James faces down two possible futures as his support systems break down and he considers a violent act.
Review:
D’Lo keeps all the different ideas and visual devices of the quick-moving character snapshot in sync, building to that climax to touching effect.
Read the full review and find link to watch for free here
Check out The New Cinephile to keep up with the latest reviews.
Dan is the founder and head critic of The Goods. Follow Dan on Letterboxd. Join the Discord for updates and discussion.