Marama

When a young Māori woman is summoned from New Zealand to North Yorkshire, she uncovers her horrific colonial heritage and is compelled to confront and destroy the titled Englishman who devastated her family. Aided by film's beautiful cinematography, Taratoa Stappard's Marama succeeds as a stunning revenge tale of a Maori woman seeking vengeance for her family and ancestors against the generational crimes of colonialism. Ariana Osbourne is magnificent as a vengeful angel, Mary, and, even though viewers' uneasiness may stem from the film's disturbing atmosphere and cruelty, Mr. Stappard ensures the intended message is well delivered, making him a director to watch. (Jongsuk Thomas Nam)