MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2020

The Melbourne International Film Festival is underway now - streaming more than 110 films spanning 44 shorts, 12 world premieres and 82 Australian premieres, the festival's expansive program features online talks, Q&As, activations and free film program with special surprise screenings, virtual events and performances set to be announced across the three-week Festival.

The SWITCH team have explored this year's virtual line-up - so take a look at our reviews of our top picks below, and check back throughout MIFF 2020 as we add new verdicts!

CORPUS CHRISTI

Dreams, deceit and salvation

Featuring some beautiful images of the Polish countryside, this is a powerful story of sacrifice and redemption.

WENDY

Visually striking, narratively clunky

Despite strong similarities to Benh Zeitlin's earlier 'Beasts of the Southern Wild', some script issues and a sense of overfamiliarity makes this a slog.

FIRST COW

A minimalist portrait of the American dream

Kelly Reichardt points to an alternate reality where it's not the muscle of capitalism that conquers, but rather the sweet companionship and commitment to fellowship, not the greed of self-interest.

BOYS STATE

A revelation on the power of politics and young minds

An absolute revelation, a blockbuster of a documentary, a rollercoaster ride of endless shocks and surprises, and easily one of the best films of the year.

SHIRLEY

A hypnotic dreamscape of one of the greatest writers of all time

It is pure Shirley Jackson and yet entirely a work of its own, and one of the best films of the year so far - one that you'll feel watching you just beyond your periphery long after it is over.

SHIVA BABY

A comedy of discomfort

While it may play out like a psychological thriller at times, it's a witty and fun film that may lack originality, but has plenty of energy and memorable moments that make for a confident debut.

KUESSIPAN

Coming of age story in an Innu community

There is no "right" path for these girls to take, but the confidence with which director Myriam Verreault approaches the issues makes for a captivating and tender film. It will linger on your mind.

SERVANTS

An austere glimpse behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia

While it's certainly impressive, filled with striking cinematography and flashes where we glimpse the strange, surreal world behind the Iron Curtain, it feels like an unfinished film.