We have a treat this month.

The Cube Cinema Series on May 8 at 7pm will feature the wonderful Late Shift/Heldin (2025), written and directed by Petra Volpe. The film stars Leonie Benesch (Babylon Berlin, The Teachers’ Lounge, September 5) as a nurse who we follow through one challenging night shift in an understaffed and overrun hospital floor.

Late Shift/Heldin

It was Switzerland’s choice for the Oscar long list, but it was not chosen for the Best International Feature short list; I think that was a mistake. It is intense, engrossing, and illuminating. Benesch—who I see as one of the best actresses in the world today—is fantastic as the overworked and overstretched single-mother nurse, inhabiting the part with intelligence, strength, and a fierce humanity.

I highly recommend this film, and if you have friends and or family in the health care industry, they should not miss this screening and discussion. If you enjoy The Pitt, you will love this one. The film is not yet available in the U.S. and is not streaming anywhere.

Once again, we are collecting food for the MSU food pantry, so please bring non-perishables if you can. Donations earn a token for a free drink and popcorn. Tickets and information are available at mca80238.com

In honor of that Best International Feature category at the Oscars, I review this year’s winner.

Sentimental Value (2025)

This multinational production from director Joachim Trier (Thelma, The Worst Person in the World) is a tour de force with a superb ensemble cast headed by Stellan Skarsgård, Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning. You know Skarsgård and Fanning, but Reinsve is one of the most talented actresses in the world, and Ibsdotter Lilleaas perhaps gives the best performance in the film. Along with Trier for Best Director, all were nominated for Oscars.

Sentimental Value

The plot revolves around sisters Nora (Reinsve ) and Agnes (Ibsdotter Lilleaas) and estranged father Gustav (Skarsgård), the latter a film director who is trying to regain his fame. The new production he shops to actress Nora is a semi-autobiographical story about their family and the history in the family home, but Nora refuses to take the part. Fanning (as famous American actress Rachel) takes the role, hoping to break away from her lighter, typecast Hollywood background. The film delves into family dynamics, forgiveness, art, performance, movies, and many other subjects in its meandering, dense plotting.

The story may be the least integral part to the entire production, however; the direction is expertly handled, and all of the technical aspects are outstanding, but the acting is the true heart of the film. The cast shines, and we get to see talented actors who are allowed the time and space to show off their craft. The film recalls the great Swedish director Ingmar Bergman for several reasons, one of which was his touch with actors. The director is a guiding force, but the actors are allowed to move through the material with talent, grace, and awe.

Now available on Hulu and Disney or for rent.

Quick hit: Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die is now available for rent. The searing satire from director Gore Verbinski is not for the faint of heart. When you are presenting sardonic irony through racism, sexism, school shootings, phone addiction, and various other American problems, you are treading on thin ice. It stars Sam Rockwell as a man from the future who claims he is there to help society from imploding. Give this one a try but maybe don’t invite everyone to watch it with you.

Vincent Piturro, PhD, is a professor of film and media studies at MSU Denver. Email him directly at vpiturro@msudenver.edu. For more reviews, search Indie Prof at FrontPorchNE.com.