Stephen A Russell

Stephen A Russell is a Melbourne-based arts writer. His writing regularly appears in Fairfax publications, SBS online, Flicks, Time Out, The Saturday Paper, The Big Issue and Metro magazine. You can hear him on Joy FM.

Stephen A Russell's Latest Articles

Is This Thing On? Image: Searchlight Pictures. Streaming on Disney+
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Is This Thing On? review: all-star cast but no all-star result

Just like the troubled marriage it follows, Is This Thing On? struggles to find its way.

We Bury the Dead. Image: Umbrella Entertainment. MIFF 2025
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We Bury the Dead review: gruesomely hilarious Tasmanian survival thriller

In We Bury the Dead, Hobart has been annihilated: cue a future cult classic film with a wow-a-minute story.

Marty Supreme. The titular character, played by Timothée Chalamet, is pictured holding a red table tennis racquet and pointing towards an off-screen opponent. Stan.
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Marty Supreme review: propulsive, frenetic if lightweight fun

Josh Safdie’s solo directorial debut features a who’s who of cameos, gorgeous cinematography, and Timothée Chalamet as the fast-talking, chaotic…

Aud Mason-Hyde and Olivia Colman in Jimpa. Image: Closer Films / Mad Ones Films.
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Jimpa review: supple and rewarding cinema

In Jimpa, director Sophie Hyde explores family dynamics with sensitivity and subtlety.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Image: Sony Pictures. Streaming on Prime Video.
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28 Years Later: The Bone Temple review: beguilingly wild and tender

Candyman director Nia DaCosta proves there’s plenty of surprises yet in this shape-changing and soul-shifting franchise.

The Deb. Photo: John Platt.
Features

10 Australian films we can’t wait to see in 2026

From ocker outback comedies to demonic possession via dinosaurs, here are the Australian films set to make waves this year.

Matt Damon is Odysseus in The Odyssey. Image: Universal Pictures.
Features

10 of the biggest international films heading to our shores in 2026

From catty fashion barbs to monstrous makeovers and under-pressure messiahs, here are the international films to look out for this…

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. Image: A24 / Fat City / Central Pictures. Best international films 2025
Features

10 of the best international films of 2025

In a stupendous year in cinema, it’s been one battle after another to whittle this list of the best films…

Generative AI is becoming more widespread in Hollywood.Image: ScreenHub/Canva
Opinions & Analysis

The Oscars are moving to YouTube – no prizes for guessing why

The Oscars will ditch free-to-air TV in favour of the video-streaming behemoth from 2029. Long live content!

Lesbian Space Princess. Image: We Made a Thing Studios. best films of 2025
Features

10 of the best Australian films of 2025

While it can be a battle to connect the genius work of Australian filmmakers to local cinema audiences, these films…

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