Barbara Forever Review: Far Beyond a Tribute to an Exceptional Artist

      Note: This review was first published as part of our 2026 Sundance coverage. The film is set to be released on September 4.

      The standout feature of Brydie O’Connor’s documentary Barbara Forever is its ability to be an engaging and compelling movie on its own. It explores the life of filmmaker Barbara Hammer, a trailblazer in queer cinema and a significant figure in the broader cultural landscape of queer identity. Although there is an abundance of films, archival photos, and videos that recount Hammer’s story, O’Connor wisely ensures that the film never feels like a chore. Ultimately, it transcends a mere tribute to a remarkable artist (Hammer passed away in 2019). Unfortunately, many artist profiles tend to play it safer than the subjects themselves would have. Barbara Forever avoids this pitfall, often resembling a Barbara Hammer film while transforming into a sharp, witty montage that moves briskly and remains entertaining throughout. It is humorous, endearing, and ultimately quite uplifting.

      “Isn’t it curious how women use a mirror?” This question is posed in voiceover, accompanied by a series of striking visuals. Similar to Hammer’s own works, Barbara Forever demonstrates a profound curiosity about both subtle, personal habits and broader questions of legacy. This includes not only Hammer’s own legacy but also the stories of the individuals she advocated for in her work. Her seminal 1992 feature Nitrate Kisses receives the recognition it deserves here, and Hammer’s voice largely narrates the film. She delves into her personal history, the inspirations behind her art, and her persistent desire for greater recognition. In her memoir Hammer!, she expressed, “I want to be famous. I want to walk into a room and be introduced as Barbara Hammer, the woman artist who has given us so much of herself.” Yet, her ambition and ego never overshadow her activism and innovative aesthetics.

      There is a profound love and curiosity present in Hammer’s imagery—capturing the human body and queer intimacy. The documentary opens and concludes with Hammer’s own beautiful, unclothed form. It’s intriguing to consider that many of the images featured in this film now seem almost nostalgic, reflecting Hammer’s achievement in bringing an entire segment of marginalized individuals into the spotlight. A particularly striking segment features Hammer revealing her ovarian cancer diagnosis, followed by a minutes-long surreal montage of X-ray images and internal footage that blends into fragmented celluloid, enhanced beautifully by Taul Katz’s score. It stands out as one of the most impactful experimental sequences this critic has experienced in a while.

      Additionally, Hammer’s appearance is striking—her remarkable eyeglasses and short, gray hair are memorable. Early in the film, she recalls filming through bifocal lenses to obscure the frame and discover something new. Later, she feels the urge to film the light coming through her saline bag during chemotherapy. She feels compelled to record this moment. Barbara Forever encourages viewers to watch or revisit Hammer’s extensive and intriguing filmography while also standing out as an entertaining work of art in its own right.

      Barbara Forever premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.