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:

June 29, 2024
Exclusive: Doubles Trailer Premiere
Watch the new trailer for Ian Harnarine’s award-winning drama, Doubles , which follows a young Trinidadian man’s emotional journey to possibly save his estranged father’s life.

June 13, 2024
Exclusive: Valley of Exile Trailer Premiere
Watch the first trailer for Anna Fahr’s intense drama, Valley of Exile , which chronicles the journey of two sisters during the Syrian war.

May 27, 2024
Exclusive: A Hundred Lies Trailer and Poster Premiere
Get an exclusive look at the first A Hundred Lies trailer, starring Rob Raco, and a new exclusive poster from Vortex Media.

May 24, 2024
Exclusive: Catch Richard Gere in New Longing Poster & Clip Premiere
Get an exclusive look at the newly released Canadian poster for Longing and a brand-new, emotional clip starring Richard Gere.

April 24, 2024
Watch: An Exclusive Clip from Cash Out!
John Travolta is back in director Randall Emmett’s tense thriller Cash Out. Watch this exclusive clip, courtesy of Mongrel Media, now!

April 5, 2024
Wicked Little Letters Review: Creative Cursing With Colman and Buckley
You had me at Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley! Wicked Little Letters marks the excellent actresses’ second stellar collaboration.

March 9, 2024
Make Your Picks: Download Our 2024 Oscar Ballot!
Hollywood’s biggest night is almost upon us, and it’s time to place your bets on the 2024 Oscars with our ballot!

January 12, 2024
The Book of Clarence Review: Jeymes Samuel’s Sophomore Effort Impresses
Filmmaker Jeymes Samuel brings originality and some truly inspired casting to make The Book of Clarence something truly worth seeing.

November 2, 2023
Hands That Bind: Exclusive Clip
Mongrel Media and That Shelf are serving you an exclusive clip from Kyle Armstrong’s atmospheric drama, Hands That Bind. The film hits theatres, digital & VOD tomorrow!

September 21, 2023
TIFF 2023: A Playlist of Memorable Soundtrack Moments
From Kendrick Lamar to Badfinger and beyond, we round up the memorable needle drops from all the festival films we loved.

September 15, 2023
TIFF 2023: Lee Review
Lee, starring Kate Winslet, more than succeeds in its most important mission: Ensuring ground-breaking war correspondent Lee Miller finally gets her due.

September 11, 2023
TIFF 2023: The End We Start From Review
Mahalia Belo’s debut feature is a poetic and layered look at motherhood and resilience in the face of unexpected disaster.

September 10, 2023
TIFF 2023: Seagrass Review
Meredith Hama-Brown’s insight and instinct for storytelling and her grasp on emotional truth and the power of silence make #Seagrass a truly impressive feature debut.

August 25, 2023
Iron Butterflies Review: A Effective Lesson of Tragedy and Truth
Roman Liubyi’s doc Iron Butterflies is a remarkable deep-dive criminal investigation into the downing of Flight MH17 and the resulting fact-twisting, carefully crafted Russian propaganda

July 22, 2023
Oppenheimer Review: A Masterpiece of Emotion and Entropy
With a career-best performance from Cillian Murphy, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is a veritable feast for the senses that both lives up to and exceeds expectations.

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Remembering Sebastián Lelio (1974–2026). One of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Chilean cinema, Sebastián Lelio built an extraordinary body of work exploring identity, desire, faith, freedom, and the complexities of being human. His films often placed women at the centre of their own stories, approaching their experiences with sensitivity, curiosity, and an unwavering sense of humanity. He first gained international recognition with Gloria, a tender and deeply moving portrait of a middle-aged woman rediscovering herself, which earned widespread acclaim and was later remade in English with Julianne Moore. He went on to direct A Fantastic Woman, which made history as the first Chilean film to win the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. His other notable works include Disobedience, The Wonder, and The Year of the Tiger. Throughout his career, Lelio demonstrated a remarkable ability to move between languages, cultures, and genres while maintaining a distinctive cinematic voice. His films challenged conventions, made room for complicated characters, and invited audiences to see the world from different perspectives. His work leaves an important mark on Chilean cinema and international filmmaking, and his stories will continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
6 hours ago
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1/9

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The Only Living Pickpocket in New York follows Harry Lehman, an aging pickpocket struggling to survive in a city that has moved on from cash and the old ways of doing business. When he unknowingly steals a USB key tied to a dangerous criminal operation, Harry finds himself caught in a race against time that forces him to confront his past and the people he has left behind. John Turturro delivers a tender, compelling performance as a man caught between nostalgia and a changing world, with Steve Buscemi and Tatiana Maslany adding to the film’s strong cast. However, an overly predictable plot and underdeveloped character motivations prevent this crime drama from reaching its full potential, despite its evocative New York atmosphere and glimpses of a more compelling story. 📝 Full review by Andrea Miller now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
4 days ago
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2/9

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Wicker follows a lonely Fisherwoman, played by Olivia Colman, who has grown tired of being judged by her medieval village for failing to meet its beauty standards and expectations of womanhood. She asks a local Basketweaver to make her a husband, resulting in a devoted companion made entirely of willow. But as their unconventional romance blossoms, their happiness begins to threaten the village’s established social order. Blending fairy-tale fantasy with raunchy humour and heartfelt romance, the film offers a thoughtful exploration of gender politics, societal expectations, and the freedom to define happiness on your own terms. Colman and Alexander Skarsgård share charming chemistry, while the imaginative craftsmanship and beautiful visuals bring this strange, whimsical story to life. What begins as an absurd premise becomes a surprisingly tender celebration of love beyond convention. 📝 Full review by Rachel West now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
6 days ago
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3/9

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A Talent for Murder follows reclusive author Patricia Highsmith during her final years in Switzerland, where a publishing representative named Edward Ridgeway arrives hoping to convince her to write another Tom Ripley novel. What begins as a battle of wills soon turns into a dangerous game of manipulation, lies, and murder as the two collaborate on a new story. Helen Mirren relishes the chance to play the sharp-tongued, unpredictable author, trading deliciously cutting insults with Alden Ehrenreich in a gripping battle of wits. While the film occasionally loses momentum and its psychological thriller elements could go further, the strong performances, dark humour, and eerie atmosphere make for an entertaining mystery. 📝 Full review by Colin Biggs now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
1 week ago
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4/9

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Rest in peace, Patrick Stewart (1940–2026). A distinguished actor whose career spanned more than six decades, Patrick Stewart brought an unmistakable presence, intelligence, and depth to every role he inhabited. Best known to generations of audiences as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, he helped define one of science fiction's most beloved characters, carrying that legacy across films, television, and countless adventures throughout the Star Trek universe. He also became an iconic part of the X-Men franchise as Professor Charles Xavier, bringing warmth, wisdom, and humanity to the legendary mutant leader. Beyond these defining roles, his remarkable filmography includes Excalibur, Dune, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and Green Room. Before becoming a household name on screen, Stewart spent years honing his craft with the Royal Shakespeare Company, building a celebrated stage career that reflected his extraordinary command of language and performance. Equally at home in Shakespearean drama, science fiction, comedy, and animation, he was an actor whose versatility extended far beyond his most recognizable characters. His contributions to theatre, film, and television leave behind an extraordinary legacy. Live long and prosper, Sir Patrick.
1 week ago
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5/9

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La Bola Negra weaves together three timelines to explore queer love, identity, and the stories that survive across generations. From a musician navigating love and survival during the Spanish Civil War to a playwright uncovering a forgotten piece of queer history in contemporary Spain, the film connects lives shaped by stigma, loss, and the courage to be true to oneself. With soulful music, a richly interconnected narrative, and outstanding performances led by Guitarricadelafuente and Penélope Cruz, the film becomes a moving tribute to queer artists and the histories that deserve to be remembered. Directors Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo build on Federico García Lorca’s unfinished play to create an expansive, deeply felt celebration of LGBTQ+ lives, love, and artistic expression. 📝 Full review by Pat Mullen now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
1 week ago
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6/9

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With just 34 days before reporting to federal prison, Elizabeth Holmes invites filmmakers Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim into her home for an unrestricted look at her life. What begins as an offer of complete access becomes an unsettling exploration of truth, performance, and the difficulty of knowing who someone really is. Balancing uncomfortable humour with a fascinating sense of ambiguity, the documentary refuses to offer easy answers about Holmes or her carefully constructed public image. Through intimate cinematography, intricate editing, and Fielder’s signature awkwardness, it challenges audiences to question what they’re seeing, making for an ambitious, thought-provoking film that lingers long after it ends. 📝 Full review by Lyle Kruger 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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Rest in peace, Tom Skerritt (1933–2026). A familiar and commanding presence on screen for more than six decades, Skerritt built a remarkable career across film and television, bringing a quiet authority and understated humanity to every role. From Captain Dallas in Alien and Viper in Top Gun to his performances in MASH*, The Turning Point, Steel Magnolias, and A River Runs Through It, he became part of some of cinema’s most enduring stories. On television, he earned an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Sheriff Jimmy Brock in Picket Fences, a role that showcased his ability to balance strength, warmth, and humour. Whether playing a military commander, a father, or a small-town sheriff, Skerritt had a way of making his characters feel grounded and real. With a career spanning generations and more than 170 film and television credits, he leaves behind a body of work that will continue to find new audiences. Thank you for the performances and the lasting mark you left on cinema.
2 weeks ago
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8/9

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Street Fighter brings the iconic video game franchise back to the big screen, following estranged brothers Ryu and Ken as they reunite for the World Warrior Tournament. But with M. Bison plotting to harness the fighters’ power for his own sinister purposes, the competition soon becomes a battle for the fate of the world. Packed with spectacular fight sequences, nostalgic references, and a soundtrack that takes audiences straight back to the ’90s, the film delivers a major upgrade over its predecessor. With a perfectly matched cast, genuinely funny dialogue, and faithful recreations of the game’s signature moves, it balances fan service with entertaining action that newcomers can enjoy, too. 📝 Full review by Sarah Gopaul now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
2 weeks ago
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9/9