Joyland

The theme of repression in a regimented society percolates throughout this melancholy and lovely Pakistani film.

Ali Junejo’s performance ranks as one of the finest you’ll see in any year.

What’s in a name? For Pakistani filmmaker Saim Sadiq, there’s so much meaning wrapped up in the title of his extraordinary debut feature, “Joyland.”

There's always emotional authenticity... Everyone gets their moment to shine.

When the final tile is inevitably, predictably, calmly laid, it doesn't make the tragedy any less haunting.

Its richly textured, effortlessly compassionate portrait of LGBTQ identity and desire.

The realistic depiction, clarity of purpose, occasional gallows humor, and crucial message - with equality and freedom of choice at the center - are the reasons for the movie’s success, but the execution is a bit tacky...

In his debut feature, Saim Sadiq crafts a story sensitive in nature and vibrant in visuals while tackling divided gender roles and repressed sexual desires in his homeland of Pakistan.

Joyland is a lyrical and reflective film that’s intimate and tender mixed with nuance and poignancy.

The film’s very existence thus constitutes an act of artistic bravery, even if its low-key melodramatics may feel less resonant (let alone daring) viewed here.