Courtney Small

Courtney Small

Senior Critic
Courtney is a Rotten Tomatoes approved film critic and co-host of the radio show Frameline. He has written for several publications including POV Magazine, CBC Arts, Exclaim!, Cinema Axis, Leonard Maltin, In the Seats, Black Girl Nerds, and Comix Asylum. He also discusses diversity in cinema as host of the Changing Reels podcast and is a member of the Online Film Critics Society, GALECA, the African American Film Critics Association and is a Golden Globes international voter.

Articles by Courtney Small:


  • One of Ours
    May 4, 2021
    Hot Docs 2021: One of Ours

    An intricately conceived film that shows there is no one size fits all approach to healing, One of Ours is a thought-provoking work.

  • Someone Like Me
    April 29, 2021
    Hot Docs 2021: Someone Like Me Review

    An engaging examination of what it means to be free, Someone Like Me reminds us that no one should be forced to hide their true self.

  • Hot Docs Subjects of Desire
    April 28, 2021
    Hot Docs 2021: Subjects of Desire Review

    Director Jennifer Holness’ Subjects of Desire deftly deconstructs the complicated ways in which race and beauty have intertwined throughout history.

  • Wilson Bethel, Lina Esco, and Josh Peck in DOORS
    March 22, 2021
    Doors Review

    Doors is a high concept sci-fi films that is overflowing with great ideas. But does it live up to its potential?

  • Two of Us
    February 5, 2021
    Two of Us Review

    A stirring reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, Two of Us reinforces the importance of living and loving to the fullest.

  • Homecoming Beyoncé
    January 30, 2021
    28 Films to Stream During Black History Month

    While sifting through the tall grass of streaming content can be overwhelming, Courtney Small has put together a list of great films that you might consider streaming during Black History Month and beyond.

  • The White Tiger
    January 22, 2021
    The White Tiger Review

    The White Tiger offers an honest, if at times satirical, look at the system keeping millions of people pinned beneath the dirty feet of the wealthy.

  • Underplayed
    September 19, 2020
    TIFF 2020: Underplayed Review

    Stacey Lee’s Underplayed presents a sprawling and energetic portrait of a landscape in need of a change.

  • Akilla's Escape
    September 12, 2020
    TIFF 2020: Akilla’s Escape Review

    Charles Officer’s latest, Akilla’s Escape, is a tense and thought-provoking examination of generational gang violence AND a richly layered neo-noir that packs a thrilling punch.