written by By Lovia Gyarkye, Daniel Fienberg, Caryn James, The Hollywood Reporter
The Alabama Solution
Relying heavily on footage shot by inmates on prohibited cellphones, Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman’s powerful and gripping documentary isn’t an easy watch, but it’s a crucial one. The film’s focus is on corruption and abuses of power specific to Alabama’s prisons — and the heroism of the men who have found ways to evolve within a system that has no interest in participating in their rehabilitation and denies their basic humanity in every way. — D.F.
Cinematographer: Nick Kraus
Sally
Cristina Costantini’s eye-opening documentary about astronaut Sally Ride beautifully weaves together her personal story, told by the woman who was her partner for 27 years, and a detailed account of the jaw-dropping sexism Ride encountered as the first American woman in space. Affecting and socially relevant, it’s the rare film that is deeply sympathetic but doesn’t sugar-coat its heroine’s sometimes prickly personality. — C.J.
Cinematographer: Michael Latham
Editor: Kate Hackett, ACE
Twinless
A high-wire act of humor and compassion, James Sweeney’s sly and stirring charmer revolves around two young men (played by Dylan O’Brien and Sweeney himself) who form an unusual friendship at a twin bereavement support group. O’Brien does impressive double duty as the irascible protagonist and, in flashbacks, his extroverted gay brother, and the gripping screenplay is pocked with withering observations on grief and loneliness as well as a handful of clever twists. — L.G.
Costume Designer: Erin Orr
