*Best of 2025 - Electra - Director Hala Matar

In the timeless allure of Rome, journalist Dylan (Daryl Wein) and his companion, photographer Lucy (Abigail Cowen), find themselves weaving through the historic streets on assignment. Their journalistic pursuits lead them to an enthralling interview with the charismatic but flailing musician Milo (Jack Farthing). Charmed by their company, Milo extends an invitation for a weekend escape to his girlfriend Francesca's (Maria Bakalova) opulent palazzo nestled in the verdant Italian countryside. Yet beneath their professional veneer, Dylan and Lucy harbor a clandestine motive: a meticulously orchestrated plan to abscond with a mythical unicorn painting, a prized treasure Milo once bestowed upon Francesca. Prior to their arrival at the grand palazzo, they are met by the enigmatic and vivacious Francesca, a performance artist whose intuition is as finely tuned as her art. An attempted heist under the cloak of night nearly unravels at Francesca's watchful gaze, compelling Lucy to retreat from their perilous gambit. 

About the filmmaker- Hala Matar is a Bahraini American director based in LA. Electra is her feature film debut. She has directed films for Vice, Nowness and for fashion brands including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Moncler, Kenzo, Vivienne Westwood and Diesel. She made music videos for Interpol, The Voidz, and Poolside. She has worked with a variety of A list talents such as: Kristen Stewart, Chloe Sevigny, Johnny Knoxville, Suki Waterhouse and Matthew Gray Gubler. Her work has been featured in Rolling Stones, Pitchfork, Vogue, NME, Spin, NME, W Magazine