Pat Mullen, Author at That Shelf

Pat Mullen

Associate Editor / Senior Critic

Pat Mullen received an MA from Carleton University where his studies focused on adaptation and Canadian cinema. He is the publisher of POV Magazine, Canadaâ€™s destination for documentary culture, and has contributed to other publications including The Canadian Encyclopedia, Beatroute, Awards Daily, Paste, Xtra, Documentary, and his independent blog Cinemablographer. Pat is the president of the Toronto Film Critics Association, a member of the Online Film Critics Society and GALECA, and an international voter for the Golden Globe Awards.

He lives in Toronto with his cat, Fellini.

Articles by Pat Mullen:

August 27, 2026
The Dog Stars Review: Familiar, If Reliable, Tricks
Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, and Josh Brolin star in Ridley Scott’s familiar but serviceable survival thriller The Dog Stars , but Jasper is best in show.

August 14, 2026
The Rivals of Amziah King Review: It’s the Bees’ Knees
Matthew McConaughey stars in The Rivals of Amziah King , a bluegrass-fuelled, honey-toned odyssey that’s a true original.

July 20, 2026
The Stars Align in TIFF’s 2026 Galas and Special Presentations Slate
TIFF announces the Galas and Special Presentations line-up for the 2026 festival including The Stunt Driver and Villeneuve: Rise of a Legend .

July 19, 2026
How The Invite Serves One of the Year’s Best Surprises
Olivia Wilde talks about creating the world of The Invite and bringing the hit comedy to life through collaboration.

July 16, 2026
TIFF Adds Five Titles and Star Power to Special Presentations
TIFF adds five titles to the Special Presentations line-up featuring stars like Cate Blanchett, Naomi Watts, Mahershala Ali, and Margaret Qualley.

July 10, 2026
Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass Lets Audiences Embrace the Stupid
Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass director David Wain tells us about embracing the silly side of life in his comedy about one woman’s quest to bang Don Draper.

July 7, 2026
Being Heumann to Open TIFF 2026
Being Heumann , about disability rights activity Judith Heumann, will open the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on Sept. 10.

July 2, 2026
The Invite Review: Take a Walk on the Wilde Side
Olivia Wilde’s The Invite delivers a ferociously funny, artfully messy, and authentic study of hormone-fuelled humour with one of the year’s best ensembles.

June 25, 2026
The Best Films of 2026 So Far: Is this the Year of Horror?
The best films of 2026 so far include 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Obsession, Backrooms, Disclosure Day, The Furious, Nuisance Bear, Late Shift , and more!

June 18, 2026
Maddie’s Secret Review: Gets Lost in the Sauce
John Early pays homage to campy flicks and TV movies with Maddie’s Secret , but casting himself as the leading lady is a passé one-note joke that overwhelms the film.

June 17, 2026
Leviticus Review: A Visionary Tale of Fatal Attraction
Leviticus is a haunting tale of fatal attraction and a fable about living in a community that teaches you to associate love with fear.

June 12, 2026
Blue Film Review: We Like to Watch
Kieron Moore electrifies as a camboy who understands the pleasure of being watched in Blue Film , Elliot Tuttle’s provocative feature debut.

June 11, 2026
Disclosure Day Review: Hollywood Escapism at Its Biggest and Best
Steven Spielberg reaffirms his status as Hollywood’s king of blockbusters with Disclosure Day , an exhilarating feat of big screen escapism.

June 10, 2026
Adam Shankman Talks STOP! THAT! TRAIN! and Going Off the Rails
An interview with STOP! THAT! TRAIN! director Adam Shankman on bringing the joy of drag to the big screen and having fun going off the rails.

June 5, 2026
Power Ballad Stars Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas on a Song’s Universal Feels
Power Ballad stars Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas, and director John Carney, share what makes a great song timeless and universal.

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The Social Reckoning revisits the world of Facebook, following data scientist Frances Haugen and Wall Street Journal journalist Jeff Horwitz as they investigate the company’s role in spreading harmful content and radicalizing users. Set between 2019 and 2021, the film examines the consequences of prioritizing profit over people in the social media industry. Despite tackling an urgent and relevant subject, Aaron Sorkin’s follow-up struggles to offer fresh insights into the damage caused by social media. While the story raises important questions about corporate responsibility and the power of technology, underdeveloped characters, an awkward central relationship, and uninspired direction prevent the film from reaching its full potential. 📝 Full review by Mel Valentin now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
3 days ago
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1/9

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Six seasons into Slow Horses, Gary Oldman continues to find new layers in Jackson Lamb, the sharp-tongued, dishevelled spy at the centre of the series. In conversation with That Shelf at TIFF, Oldman reflects on playing Lamb over multiple seasons, the character’s history and hidden vulnerabilities, and the parallels between Lamb and another of his iconic spies, George Smiley. He also shares how adapting Mick Herron’s novels allows him to keep discovering new details about a character who carries years of history and baggage. 📝 Full interview by Pat Mullen now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
5 days ago
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2/9

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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).
6 days ago
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3/9

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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.
1 week ago
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4/9

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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
2 weeks ago
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5/9

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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
2 weeks ago
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6/9

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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).
2 weeks ago
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7/9

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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).
3 weeks ago
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8/9

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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).
3 weeks ago
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9/9