Author | Emma Badame

Emma Badame

Managing Editor / Senior Critic

Emma is a Grade-A pop culture nerd. Aside from garnering her a one-time win on Jeopardy!, she's parlayed that passion into a careerâ interviewing everyone from Emma Thompson to Yorgos Lanthimos. Emma spends her days as a digital content specialist for award-winning features and documentaries, as well as accompanying film Impact Campaigns. Over the years, she has produced extensive coverage of TIFF, Comic-Con, and D23, and has been featured on/in eTalk, CBC News, POV Magazine,The Mary Sue, Cineplex Magazine, Smart Entertainment, MuchMusic, CTV's PopLife, CityTV's Breakfast Television, TALK 1010, and more.

Emma is also a film programmer with the Rendezvous With Madness Film Festival and has served on the Short Film Jury at the AoDR Film Awards. She is also a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic and a member of the Alliance of Women Film Journalists (AWFJ).

If she's not watching movies or TV, she's probably planning another trip to London or watching another British panel show.

Articles by Emma Badame:

August 8, 2025
Interview: Pillow Fright! Programmers Emily Gagne & Danita Steinberg
Pillow Fright’s Emily Gagne and Danita Steinberg discuss their new Hot Docs series and why they’re adding horror to their programming quivers.

July 31, 2025
TCM’s Summer Under the Stars 2025 Slate
From Christopher Plummer to Ruby Dee, tune in for the best ”ªTCM’s Summer Under the Stars annual celebration has to offer. Here’s a rundown of the 2025 slate with our top picks.

July 29, 2025
5 Things We Learned at The Fantastic Four: First Steps Press Conference
From Michael Giacchino’s epic score to the effect Ralph Ineson’s incredible voice has on Pedro Pascal, here are five things we learned at the Fantastic Four: First Steps press conference.

July 24, 2025
Sweet Angel Baby Exclusive Trailer and Poster Premiere
See the exclusive premiere of Sweet Angel Baby’s brand-new trailer and poster now! Then catch the drama when it hits theatres across Canada August 15.

July 23, 2025
Paige Darcy: Reluctant Detective Exclusive Trailer Premiere
Can Paige Darcy: Reluctant Detective use her skills to solve a murder, even when she can’t solve the mystery of how to put her life back together? Watch the exclusive trailer premiere for the comedy now.

July 4, 2025
Jurassic World Rebirth Review: More Whimper Than Roar
Jurassic World Rebirth engenders more of a whimper than a roar, but there’s enough to entertain–even if it’s just surface fun.

June 26, 2025
Exclusive Clip: Danielle Deadwyler in 40 Acres
Catch an exclusive clip from the director R.T. Thorne’s award-winning apocalyptic thriller 40 Acres , starring Danielle Deadwyler.

June 9, 2025
The Life of Chuck Review: Mike Flanagan’s King Adaptation Contains Multitudes
Mike Flanagan’s latest is a refreshing, hope-filled tale bolstered by effective performances from a cast including Tom Hiddleston and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

June 8, 2025
Four Mothers Review: A Charming Tale of Love and Aging
Darren Thornton’s Four Mothers, an Irish remake of the Italian film Mid-August Lunch, is a very easy film to fall in love with.

June 6, 2025
Aontas Review: A Pitch-Perfect Cinematic Puzzle
Irish-language thriller Aontas is a picture perfect puzzle anchored by exquisite performances from Carrie Crowley and Brid Brennan.

June 3, 2025
Exclusive Clip: Endless Cookie
Catch an exclusive clip from the doc Endless Cookie, from Seth and Peter Scriver, which explores the bond between two half brothers, one Indigenous, one white.

May 28, 2025
Blue Mountain Film + Media Festival Preview: Sit Back, Relax, and Movie Out
BMFM 2025 is set to be better than ever! Get a taste of what awaits over the 4 day festival, including 🇨 premieres, international award-winners & a free screening of Star Wars with an Indigenous twist.

May 1, 2025
Interview: Bonjour Tristesse’s Chloë Sevigny and Lily McInerny
Bonjour Tristesse stars Lily McInerny and Chloë Sevigny sit down with That Shelf to talk timeless tales and motivational music.

April 15, 2025
A Night to Remember: The Ultimate Titanic Film
Why the 1958 British film, and not the 1997 Best Picture Oscar-winner, is THE definitive look at the infamous tragedy.

March 14, 2025
Premiere: The Courageous Trailer Exclusive
The Courageous stars Ophélia Kolb as a rebellious mother of three who has had enough of playing by society’s rules. Get a sneak peek now!

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Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother follows Latif, a devout Muslim and hitman whose life takes a turn after his wife’s death leaves him caring for their three children. With his infant refusing formula and their supply of breast milk running out, Latif must navigate a dangerous world of crime and violence while trying to provide for his family. Mahershala Ali delivers an extraordinary performance in this striking blend of crime thriller, dark comedy, and religious parable. Bassam Tariq explores faith, fatherhood, hypocrisy, and forgiveness without losing sight of the tenderness at the film’s heart. Despite some uneven pacing near the end, it’s a bold, moving, and unforgettable film that stands apart from anything else this year. 📝 Full review by Lyle Kruger now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
20 hours ago
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Eva Marie Saint, one of the last silver-screen icons, has passed away at 102. She burst onto the scene with a magnificent supporting role opposite Marlon Brando in On the Waterfront — a role that earned her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar. She went on to memorable parts in North by Northwest, Raintree Country, The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit, Summer and Smoke, Exodus, and The Rainmaker. Her more recent roles included parts in Winter's Tale, Because of Winn-Dixie, and Superman Returns. Originally from Newark, she auditioned for Elia Kazan and was accepted into the Actors Studio, becoming one of a new generation of strong, method actors. One of the last of her Hollywood generation, she leaves us with an impressive career and legacy of over 6 decades! RIP.
5 days ago
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2/9

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ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS TO SEE #THESOCIALRECKONING! Inspired by true events and the whistleblower who started the social media reckoning we’re seeing play out today, this Aaron Sorkin original screenplay is a companion piece to the hit film The Social Network and a true David and Goliath story. Frances Haugen (Madison), a young Facebook engineer, enlists the help of Jeff Horwitz (White), a Wall Street Journal reporter, to go on a dangerous journey that ends up blowing the whistle on the social network’s most guarded secrets. Follow the instructions below, and you'll be entered to win tickets to see the film when it hits theatres on October 9th, courtesy of @sonypictures, @thetarogroup and That Shelf! 📱 Follow That Shelf, 📱 Like this post, 📱 Tell us your favourite based-on-a-true-story movie, and, 📱 Tag the friend you'll bring with you to the movie! @TheSocialReckoning debuts exclusively in movie theatres on October 9, 2026. Giveaway closes on October 7 at 11:59 ET. Open to Canadian residents only. One entry per person. #giveaway #canadacontest #movietickets
6 days ago
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CONTEST: ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN TICKETS TO BRAZIL FILM FEST That Shelf, and @brazilfilmfest want to send you and a friend to see the best of Brazilian cinema in Toronto! 🗓️ Film 1 - Malês (Oct 9, 11 am) 🗓️ Film 2 - Zico, the Samurai of Quintino (Oct 9, 2 pm) 🗓️ Film 3 - The Noise of the Night (Oct 9, 4:45 pM) 🗓️ Film 4 - If I Were You 3 (Oct 10, 11:15 am) 🗓️ Film 5 - The Crime Genius (Oct 11, 11 am) Here's how to enter: 🇧🇷 Follow us and @brazilfilmfest 🇧🇷 Like this post 🇧🇷 Tell us which film you'd like to attend, and 🇧🇷 Tag a friend October 9–11, 2026 📍 TIFF Lightbox | Toronto 🎟️ Tickets & festival details: brazilfilmfest.ca Giveaway closes on October 7. Open to Canadian residents only. Winners will be contacted via DM. 🗓️ Film 1 - Malês (Oct 9, 11 am) Malês is a powerful story of resilience and courage set against the vibrant backdrop of Salvador in 1835. Torn from their homeland in Africa during their wedding ceremony, two young Muslims are enslaved in Brazil. Separated by a cruel fate, they struggle to survive and find one another again as they become caught up in the largest enslaved uprising in Brazilian history: the Malê Revolt. 🗓️ Film 2 - Zico, the Samurai of Quintino (Oct 9, 2 pm) An original portrait of the life and career of Arthur Antunes Coimbra—better known as Zico. The Samurai of Quintino explores the many dimensions of one of football's greatest legends, revealing the unique personality behind the icon. Drawing on Zico's personal archive—made public for the first time—the documentary weaves together stories from his remarkable journey with Flamengo, the Brazilian National Team, and Japan. Featuring Ronaldo Nazário, Maestro Júnior, friends, and family, the film offers an intimate look at the man behind the legend, leading to a surprising encounter with the "Spirit of Zico": an identity as fascinating as it is paradoxical, forged in the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro, yet shaped by values and discipline that found their perfect match in Japan. 🗓️ Film 3 - The Noise of the Night (Oct 9, 4:45 PM) Sônia is a woman who has spent her life burying the wounds of her childhood, feeling unseen and forgotten by her husband
7 days ago
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Verity follows struggling writer Lowen, who is hired to finish the latest book in bestselling author Verity Crawford’s series after an accident leaves her unable to communicate. But while staying at Verity’s home, Lowen discovers a disturbing manuscript that forces her to question everything she knows about the author, her family, and the truth behind what happened. With Anne Hathaway clearly having fun in the title role, Verity embraces the pulpy spirit of ’90s psychological thrillers while balancing darker themes with a playful sense of humour. Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett add strong performances, but it’s Hathaway’s larger-than-life presence and the film’s twists that make this a fun, unpredictable ride. 📝 Full review by Rachel West now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
1 week ago
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5/9

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Primetime takes a dark look at the rise of To Catch a Predator, following disgraced journalist Chris Hansen and the sensationalist television empire built around his “gotcha” investigations. Through the eyes of the people working behind the scenes, the film explores the blurred lines between journalism, entertainment, morality, and the pursuit of ratings. Robert Pattinson delivers a complex performance as Hansen, capturing both his commanding television persona and the contradictions beneath it. With its gritty late-2000s aesthetic and echoes of Network, Primetime becomes a sharp moral fable about the damage caused when sensationalism, ambition, and the desire for authority take priority over empathy and justice. 📝 Full review by Pat Mullen now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
2 weeks ago
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6/9

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Forgotten Island follows best friends Jo and Raissa as their final night together before graduation takes an unexpected turn, transporting them to the mythical island of Nakali. There, they face memory-stealing creatures, magical obstacles, and the possibility that returning home could mean losing the memories of their friendship. Fast, chaotic, and packed with Filipino mythology and pop culture influences, the film embraces its sensory overload rather than slowing down. Its kinetic animation, vibrant visual style, and spirited voice cast make for an exhilarating adventure, while at its heart is a moving story about friendship, growing up, and holding on to the memories that shape us. 📝 Full review by Pat Mullen now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
2 weeks ago
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7/9

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TRAILER PREMIERE! Catch the trailer for Toronto filmmaker @ajuniorgabriel s debut doc, #TheSickling. Badejo chronicles his personal and emotional journey with sickle cell disease–one of the world’s most misunderstood genetic diseases. Through intimate family moments, conversations with medical experts and fellow sickle cell warriors, and raw footage of Gabriel himself, the film reveals the massive invisible weight of chronic illness, the prevalence of systemic medical racism, and the personal cost of survival itself. The film opens in Toronto on October 3 @hotdocs_ and in Montreal on October 5 at @cinemadumusee, then airs on CBC later that month. Check out this exclusive look at the trailer now.
2 weeks ago
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Canadian doc GAIL has been a hit with #TIFF26 audiences. Here’s director @michaelmaxxis and Our Lady Peace’s @duncancoutts after today’s screening, talking about this cinematic story on their super fan from the Bronx.
3 weeks ago
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9/9