2022’s SXSW documentary competition boasts a wealth of fine films

religion Archives - The Spool

Unraveling pop-culture one thread at a time

The Spool is an irreverent, informative source for film and television coverage, focused on diverse, thoughtful opinions that seek out a greater understanding of the media we love.

Festivals

Sundance 2020: “Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist”

Alexandre O. Phillippe sits down for a long, insightful chat with the legendary filmmaker.

“Messiah” Gets Lost in Narrative Purgatory

Netflix explores the geopolitical implications of the arrival of a Christ-like savior on the world stage, to less than divine results.

The Two Popes Review: The God Couple

Fernando Meirelles explores the complexities of a church in transition in a vibrant, funny film with two divine lead performances.

A Hidden Life Review: Forging Our Own Idea of God

Terrence Malick's three-hour opus examines the links between the theological, the empirical, and the absurdist in his best film in almost a decade.

CIFF 2019

CIFF 2019: Minhal Baig on “Hala”, “Dune”, and Returning to Chicago

The director of the Sundance favorite discusses her coming-of-age tale Hala.

CIFF 2019

CIFF 10/22: “Painted Bird”, “Just 6.5”, “By the Grace of God”, “Hypnotist”

The Painted Bird, Just 6.5, Francois Ozon's By the Grace of God, and the documentary The Hypnotist dominate today's CIFF coverage.

The Day Shall Come Review: Chris Morris Satire Lacks Bite

Tone-deaf obviousness and blunt-force capitalist critiques plague Morris' latest, letting down its good intentions with disappointing bluntness.

The Righteous Gemstones Review: Show, Don’t Televangelism

Danny McBride's latest collaboration with Jody Hill and David Gordon Green doesn't quite keep the faith.

Doc10 2019

Penny Lane on “Hail Satan?”, Religion in Politics, and Making Her First ‘Normal’ Documentary

Documentarian Penny Lane returns to our weekly interview podcast to talk about her deeply funny, insightful dive into The Satanic Temple.

Breakthrough Review: Miraculously Not Bad

The latest in "Christploitation" features a relevant cast, capable direction & a message of hope instead of fear.

The Book of Birdie Review: Atmospheric Chills Abound in This Convent Thriller

Elizabeth E. Schuch’s spooky, atmospheric horror gem prefers to keep its tale of demonic birth and possession filled with atmospheric dread rather than outright shocks. This piece was originally posted on Alcohollywood Secluded from the world, convents offer filmmakers an isolated setting charged with religious significance. This combination especially lends itself especially to tales that ... The Book of Birdie Review: Atmospheric Chills Abound in This Convent Thriller