CIFF Dispatch: Dream Scenario

julianne nicholson Archives - The Spool

Despite a complex, engaging performance from Kate Winslet, the HBO Max limited series about yet another murder in yet another small town doesn't try anything new.

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.

“The Outsider” Ends on a Subdued Note With “Must/Can’t”

Viewers expecting the season finale to have an exciting climax will be disappointed, as characters and grim reality drive the ending.

“The Outsider” Recap: “Tigers and Bears”

The team figures out where to center their attack, as the penultimate episode of the season continues to struggle with pacing.

“The Outsider” Recap: “In the Pines, In the Pines”

Ralph’s stubbornness becomes a liability, and Jack finds a sympathetic ear in a disappointingly below par episode.

“The Outsider” Recap: “The One About the Yiddish Vampire”

Holly presents her case to the team, to less than successful results, & Jack receives an unpleasant lesson in what happens if you displease the Grief Eater.

“The Outsider” Recap: “Que Viene El Coco”

Holly picks up one thread after another, & begins to get a full, chilling picture of what the team might be up against.

The Outsider: “Dark Uncle” Sends an Ominous Message

Ralph reluctantly takes on a partner as a colleague has a brush with the impossible.

“The Outsider” Recap: “Fish in a Barrel” & “Roanoke”

HBO’s adaptation of Stephen King’s supernatural murder mystery is off to an eerie, understated start.

Monos Review: Flawed Guerilla Filmmaking

Alejandro Landes' tense, probing portrait of child soldiers keeps its messages as muddy as its setting.

Festivals

Sundance 2/3 Dispatch: The Souvenir, One Child Nation, Monos

Our Sundance coverage wraps up with a triple feature of a 1980s art-school personal essay, a documentary from China, and a haunting child-soldier tale.

Follow The Spool

We're on Twitter/X here.