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Rachel West

Rachel West's reviews only count toward the Tomatometer® when published at Tomatometer-approved publication(s).
Biography:

Rachel West is the Senior Online Producer for ET Canada and a featured critic at That Shelf with a B.A. (Honours) in Film Studies from Carleton University. She has interviewed everyone from Michael Fassbender to Miss Piggy and has reported live from TIFF, SXSW, Comic-Con, D23 and the Golden Globes. Her film writing and interviews have appeared in publications including Globalnews.ca, Shaw Connect, The National Post, Toronto Film Scene, Cineplex Magazine, CAA Magazine, and more.

Publications:

Reviews

Movies TV Shows
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026) 92% EDIT “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is a solidly satisfying sequel that builds on its predecessors with gusto, delivering not just a horror movie for the ages, but a spectacular showcase for Ralph Fiennes.” – That Shelf Jan 15, 2026 Full Review Anaconda (2025) 48% EDIT “Directed by Tom Gormican, the film works surprisingly well, targeting an audience that knows and loves the original, while delivering something fresh, ridiculous, and genuinely entertaining.” – That Shelf Dec 24, 2025 Full Review Is This Thing On? (2025) 86% EDIT “A solidly smart and sly adult drama about the demise of a marriage, Will Arnett gives what might be the best big-screen performance of his career.” – That Shelf Dec 19, 2025 Full Review There Are No Words (2025) EDIT “While its emotional sincerity is undeniable, its insular focus and unresolved narrative leave the viewer more as an observer than a participant in Lee’s healing process.” – That Shelf Nov 25, 2025 Full Review Honeyjoon (2025) EDIT “With heartfelt performances and breathtaking scenery, Honeyjoon is a quiet gem about family, grief, and finding connection where you least expect it.” – That Shelf Nov 25, 2025 Full Review Köln 75 (2025) 88% EDIT “Like jazz itself, Köln 75 thrives on improvisation, bold choices, and fearless energy, reminding us that sometimes the most memorable performances happen offstage.” – That Shelf Nov 25, 2025 Full Review Zodiac Killer Project (2025) 90% EDIT “Zodiac Killer Project is self-aware, sharp, critical, and unexpectedly comforting. It is proof that even a dead end can lead somewhere extraordinary.” – That Shelf Nov 25, 2025 Full Review Nechako: It Will Be a Big River Again (2025) EDIT “A human-centred story about persistence, Nechako: It Will Be A Big River Again reminds us that resilience runs deep.” – That Shelf Nov 25, 2025 Full Review Christy (2025) 67% EDIT “Sydney Sweeney delivers a committed, career-best performance, confirming her as a serious and captivating actress. Christy is a study of resilience, the complexities of power in relationships, and the cost of breaking barriers in male-dominated spaces.” – AWFJ.org Oct 6, 2025 Full Review Swiped (2025) 44% EDIT “Swiped may not have anything revolutionary to say, but it’s an effective and entertaining watch thanks to Lily James’ performance.” – AWFJ.org Sep 18, 2025 Full Review The Man in My Basement (2025) 40% EDIT “Anchored by two commanding performances, The Man In My Basement is a film that lingers. It trades in suspense and philosophy rather than cheap thrills, offering an unsettling but rewarding experience for audiences willing to meet it on its own terms.” – That Shelf Sep 16, 2025 Full Review Whistle (2025) EDIT “Whistle fits firmly among niche competition documentaries like Spellbound and King of Kong, delivering a heartwarming, feel-good watch that celebrates talent, dedication, and the quirky joy of a world where every note counts.” – AWFJ.org Sep 16, 2025 Full Review Nika & Madison (2025) EDIT “Eva Thomas shows real promise as a feature-film director. Backed by a great score, Nika & Madison keeps things interesting for its 87-minute runtime, never overstaying its welcome.” – AWFJ.org Sep 16, 2025 Full Review Out Standing (2025) EDIT “Nina Kiri is phenomenal as Perron. Embodying both the physical and emotional challenges, she paints a vivid portrait of a woman pushed to the brink. Her performance, combined with Charbonneau’s direction, highlights Perron’s resilience and strength.” – AWFJ.org Sep 16, 2025 Full Review The Last Viking (2025) 94% EDIT “The Last Viking shows us that even the strangest delusions can lead to genuine, emotional connections. Jensen delivers a film that is as absurd as it is tender, and one of the true gems of 2025.” – That Shelf Sep 16, 2025 Full Review A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025) 36% EDIT “While A Big Bold Beautiful Journey requires a leap of logic, those willing to make the effort and buy into the premise will be richly rewarded by the film’s big heart.” – That Shelf Sep 16, 2025 Full Review Dust Bunny (2025) 85% EDIT “An inventively stylish horror fairy tale, Bryan Fuller’s feature directorial debut is as thrilling as it is heartfelt. Dust Bunny is the kind of film that crawls out from under the bed and straight into cult classic territory.” – That Shelf Sep 12, 2025 Full Review Honey Bunch (2025) 86% EDIT “Though there’s ambition and style here, Honey Bunch never finds its footing. For all its visual flair, the film collapses under the weight of its own ideas.” – AWFJ.org Sep 11, 2025 Full Review California Schemin' (2025) 95% EDIT “Maybe it’s not so shite being Scottish – at least when you’ve got talent, charm, and a great story to tell. California Schemin’ is a compelling underdog tale that is easy for audiences to embrace. ” – That Shelf Sep 11, 2025 Full Review Rental Family (2025) 87% EDIT “While it never pushes beyond comfort viewing, Rental Family works best as a sweet, soft-edged tale about belonging, anchored by Brendan Fraser’s easy-going, warm performance.” – That Shelf Sep 11, 2025 Full Review The Tale of Silyan (2025) 100% EDIT “The Tale of Silyan​ will reward those who seek it out. With sublime images and multi-layered themes, Tamara Kotevska has delivered a worthy successor to ​Honeyland​​ and only further cemented herself as a filmmaker with ​empathy and a unique vision. ” – AWFJ.org Sep 10, 2025 Full Review Little Lorraine (2025) 100% EDIT “Little Lorraine is an arresting debut from Andy Hines, with cinematography by Jeff Powers to bring the village to life. Hines debut transforms a forgotten chapter of Canadian history into a very human drama. ” – AWFJ.org Sep 10, 2025 Full Review Whitetail (2025) 90% EDIT “Nanouk Leopold’s tale is one of tragedy, redemption, and reckoning. It is a slow-simmering suspense in which tragedy threatens to overwhelm at every step. ” – AWFJ.org Sep 10, 2025 Full Review Ballad of a Small Player (2025) 48% EDIT “Despite a few indulgent detours, the film thrives on Colin Farrell’s magnetic performance and Edward Berger’s stylish direction. The result is a flawed yet hypnotic character study that bets big, and mostly wins.” – That Shelf Sep 10, 2025 Full Review Steve (2025) 78% EDIT “A simple tale told well, Steve’s success hinges on its powerhouse performances, anchored by Cillian Murphy and Jay Lycurgo.” – That Shelf Sep 9, 2025 Full Review
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