Chris Cullari and Jennifer Raite show a strong understanding of the persuasive methods cults utilize and empathy for those trapped within them.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 23, 2022

I think that both Cullari and Raite do a great job of utilizing certain restrictions to their advantage to create a cinematic experience that effectively reflects the isolation that these women are feeling outside the confines of the cult.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jun 13, 2022

Suffering from a shaky script.

Full Review | Original Score: C+ | Jun 2, 2022

The Aviary is generic cult shocker elevated by strong lead performances

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | May 16, 2022

A character-driven story about the lingering hold being part of a cult has on its victims, and how tough it is to break free.

Full Review | May 9, 2022

This compact, eerie little thriller makes excellent use of its wide-open spaces, flipping them to feel creepy and menacing and establishing an ever-shifting emotional flow that grips and disquiets.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | May 7, 2022

Not much is new in The Aviary, and sometimes it’s more preposterous than scary, but it has a good cast and offers enough of interest to make it worth a look.

Full Review | May 6, 2022

Cullari and Raite have crafted a compelling and thrilling character study that highlights how dangerous cults are, even when one leaves them behind.

Full Review | Original Score: 9/10 | May 5, 2022

There’s many aspects of the film to enjoy. As a psychological thriller and character study, the film delivers on its promise. The strength of the picture lies in the hands of the two leading actresses, Akerman and Izzo.

Full Review | May 3, 2022

Co-WritersDirectors Chris Cullari and Jennifer Raite put together an effective thriller, and both Malin and Lorenza are fantastic. I really enjoyed that the two women take up the majority of the screen time, and their back-and-forth chemistry is great.

Full Review | Apr 30, 2022

An excellent cast and some skillful direction goes a long way toward making “The Aviary” feel genuinely revealing.

Full Review | Apr 29, 2022

Despite some convincing performances, this psychological thriller about two cult escapees squanders an intriguing concept while struggling to sustain tension.

Full Review | Apr 29, 2022

Layered with thought-provoking questions about the nature of self, coping during extreme crisis and healing from trauma, the cage crafted is claustrophobic and expansive all at the same time.

Full Review | Apr 29, 2022

The Aviary tries to wring suspense and mystery out of a flimsy plot.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4 | Apr 29, 2022

A nice lesson in showing how with a good idea and solid talent you can do a lot with a little, The Aviary is a satisfying watch that packs a nice solid punch.

Full Review | Apr 29, 2022

While co-writersco-directors Chris Cullari and Jennifer Raite play it with restraint ... the game ultimately reaches something of a dead end.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Apr 29, 2022

Shot on a shoestring budget, this psychological thriller is chilling and effective in its depiction of the fallout of being in the stranglehold of a cult.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Apr 28, 2022

A beguiling metaphor, but by the end, you’re left with a self-cannibalized movie.

Full Review | Apr 28, 2022

The Aviary is a lean and twisted thriller about the iron grip of mind control. The protagonists could be ripped from recent disturbing headlines. Why would intelligent women allow themselves to be seduced by a cult? The Aviary will keep you guessing.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 28, 2022

THE AVIARY is a competently done film. Its not reinventing the wheel, but the execution of ideas is done decently enough to keep viewers guessing.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 27, 2022