Donkerster ★★★★ 1/2 – (Short) Small Gauge Trauma – Fantasia International Film Festival
I Call Upon Thee – (Short Film) Small Gauge Trauma – Fantasia International Film Festival
Lucienne in a World Without Solitude – (Short) Small Gauge Trauma – Fantasia International FIlm Festival
The Last Son – ★★★
Prey – ★★★★
Hysteric – (Short) Small Gauge Trauma – Fantasia International FIlm Festival
The Last Son available on digital August 8th.
The Breach ★★★ 1/2 Fantasia International Film Festival
Cult Hero ★★★ Fantasia International Film Festival
Horror fans can enjoy multiple fright nights watching 67 films at the 18th Annual HollyShorts Oscar-Qualifying® Film Festival Screening from August 11-20th, 2022
After delaying and delaying, I finally decided to pull the trigger and post up Upcoming On Screen’s first podcast, this went through multiple weeks of trying to decide what to talk about, (the first incarnation had Oscar night predictions) It was decided just to keep it simple and talk about
Donkerster is a film that brings two things to the table: an astounding atmosphere and one terrific performance from young actress Adriana Bakker. A faultless short film.
Michael Kratochvil successfully unsettles his audience once his film I Call Upon Thee gets going. With strong performances from the young actresses, this is a short you won’t soon forget. “It’s not, dad. It’s worse.” Two young sisters in an unhappy home perform an incantation to summon… something… anything in
An unsettling slice of dystopian perfection, Geordy Couturiau has created a unique film. Stéphane Caillard is breathtaking in her double role. An absolute essential watch.
A great premise with impactful moments The Last Son has all the makings to be a great Western. Sadly it stumbles in the middle act, but importantly never falls. There is a lot to like about the film including Worthington and Colson. It’s the bleakest of winters, and LeMay (Sam
For a prequel in a long running franchise, Prey has no right to be as good as it is. Yet, Dan Trachtenberg has helmed a fantastic genre film with Amber Midthunder emerging as an absolute star. A fantastic must watch film. Naru (Amber Midthunder), wants to emerge as the latest
Hysteric is as bold and emotionally brutal a 9-minute film as you will see this year, hell maybe ever. Rod Blackhurst has gone out and done his best to traumatise you in the simplest of ways. At a remote house in Astoria, Oregon, two sisters are suddenly under attack by
Sam Worthington, Machine Gun Kelly and Heather Graham star in this darkly brutal tale of vehement violence and family ties. Sam Worthington (Avatar, Clash of the Titans), Colson Baker aka Machine Gun Kelly, Heather Graham (Boogie Nights, Twin Peaks) Thomas Jane (The Thin Red Line, Deep Blue Sea), Emily Marie
The Breach may tread down familiar paths but does so with great confidence. The focus on the story is what shines through here. Though it doesn’t hurt that when the film wants to get gruesome, it does so with glee.
Dale Domazar (Ry Barrett) is a washed-up private investigator and “cult-buster” whose last cult bust resulted in a mass suicide. Kallie Jones (Liv Collins) is a realtor who needs to control everything. With her husband Brad (Justin Bott) sleepwalking through life, Kallie is certain a stay at Master Jagori’s (Tony
Horror fans can enjoy multiple fright nights watching 67 films at the 18th Annual HollyShorts Oscar-Qualifying® Film Festival Screening from August 11-20th, 2022
With a tremendous opening act Richard Bates, Jr’s King Knight should be a home run of a comedy. Its farcical premise falls away in the middle, yet the warmness of the characters & story keep you watching and laughing along.
The Fight Machine is a film that connects throughout; combining two stories is a bold choice from Andrew Thomas Hunt, but it works marvellously here. Fantastically cast from top to bottom, this is a fight drama you do not want to miss. Paul (Greg Hovanessian) and Rob (Dempsey Bryk) come from
Joe Badon has chucked in a hell of a lot into such a short timeframe in his short film The Blood of the Dinosaurs that you are almost purposely overwhelmed from what you see. A wonderfully creative and disturbing short, you simply can’t stop watching. ‘The Blood of the Dinosaurs’
Filmmakers Maggie Levin, Johannes Roberts, Flying Lotus, Tyler MacIntyre and Vanessa & Joseph Winter to Direct the Production from Studio71 V/H/S/99 Streams Thursday, October 20 only on Shudder NEW YORK – July 28, 2022 – Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, announced today the return of Studio71’s hit
TORONTO — Today, TIFF is delighted to announce the selections in the Gala and Special Presentationsprogrammes for the 47th Toronto International Film Festival, taking place September 8–18. This list of films from the 2022 Official Selection features 18 Galas and 45 Special Presentations. “We’re excited to welcome some of the
Filmmakers and stars include fan favourites Sir Steve McQueen, Gemma Arterton and Double Academy Award Winner ® Paul J. Franklin Screening from August 11-20th, 2022 The annual Academy Awards® Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival will celebrate its 18th year in August 2022. HollyShorts (HSFF) brings together top creators, industry leaders, and
A horror for millennials, Sissy takes the idea of social ostracism and childhood trauma and runs with it. Resulting in a compelling and unexpected bloodbath of a film, thoroughly tremendous. Writer-directors Hannah Barlow and Kane Senes along with lead Aisha Dee have knocked it out of the park. Cecelia (Aisha
Typical absurdist film from Quentin Dupieux in his tenth feature, Incredible But True. A thoroughly funny tale of a midlife crisis, we have a ridiculously entertaining and charming film that also compels and actually has a lot of heart. Alain (Alain Chabat) and Marie (Léa Drucker) have been together for a
Getting a fantastic 2k restoration from Arrow Films, Mercenaries from Hong Kong is an entertaining slice of action from the early 80s. This relentless film throws everything it can at the screen, and you will love it for it. A notorious assassin (Philip Ko) must be eliminated at all costs. A mysterious
Utterly captivating, Orchestrator of Storms takes you on an honest but loving journey through the life and career of “fantastique” filmmaker Jean Rollins. A wonderful watch.
Rogue Rubin’s Lion Spy takes you through a wide range of emotions in its 76 minutes, from anger all the way to being inspired. A fantastic and urgent documentary that pushes you into action.
For 40 minutes, Summer Ghost is magnificent, a look through adolescent eyes concerning death. Stunningly beautiful and emotionally haunting, an essential viewing. A trio of teenagers who’ve connected online through a shared curiosity about the paranormal meet up in person and visit a disused airstrip. They hope to spot the
Shinichiro Watanabe provides a melancholic outlook on the apocalypse with his latest short A Girl Meets a Boy and a Robot. As gorgeous to watch as it is emotionally painful, this is a beautiful short. A girl without memory wanders the ruined wastes of the world that once was, where
Deiji Meets Girl is a wonderful little love letter to its setting, Okinawa. A short full of promise and intrigue bites off a bit more than it can chew but remains a piece that satisfies.
Exploitative Cat III classic Dr Lamb leaves little to the imagination once our killer reveals all. A wild ride of a film that refuses to relent in its perversity and is one that you are not likely to forget anytime soon.
Employee of the month has a lot to saw for a black horror comedy with writer-director Véronique Jadin nailing her message. A film that has you cheering for the under appreciated.
Guest charge led by Dario Argento, Neil Marshall, Brea Grant, Brigitte Lahaie and Mark Kermode. Neil Marshall’s THE LAIR is monstrous opener Passes on sale from Sat 16th July, noon, Single tickets on sale from Sat 23 July, noon Arrow Video FrightFest, the UK’s most popular horror and fantasy film festival,
Fantasia International Film Festival kicks off tonight and here are 17 films that you you must watch.
The Fire Within is an absolute triumph that engrosses you in the wonders of our planet, much as the Kraffts would have wanted us to be from their work; the perfect eulogy.
We know that we must reduce the drilling and use of oil, yet here in The Oil Machine, we are presented with a difficult watch of seeing just how deeply rooted our society is in fossil fuels. Emma Davie’s documentary takes us on an urgent journey that only speeds up
British Boys Director Marcus Curvelo, Country: Brazil, 15 Mins Two men in Bahia, Brazil, try to prove their UK ancestry to qualify for a small plot of land in the city’s finest location: the British Cemetery. As entertaining as it is, British Boys shows how, even two hundred years later,
Trauma has taken hold of our two subjects in Peter Day’s Off The Rails. As they battle through their pain, we become all the more concerned for them —an empathetic and engaging piece that is well worth your time. Rikke Brewer and Aiden Knox struggle with the death of their best friend
Director Myro Klocho, Country: Ukraine, 12 Mins Two weeks after Russia invaded his country, acclaimed playwright Andrii Bondarenko focused on the life he had lived. A peaceful childhood had followed bloodshed. And now, in adulthood, he faced the threat that previous generations of his family had witnessed. These thoughts took
With Amiel Courtin-Wilson’s excellent documentary Man on Earth, we get an eye-opening glance at assisted suicide with his delicate portrait of the fearless Bob Rosenzweig.
Hair Tie, Egg, Homework Books 头绳，鸡蛋，作业本 Director Runxiao Luo – 15 minutes As a model student in her elementary school, 11-year-old Yuqi is assigned to give a speech about her family at the Parent’s Meeting. But after Yuqi finds out that she shares the same secret with a mischievous classmate,
Dan Wei’s The Ark is an extraordinary glance at the struggles of a family doing all they can for an ailing loved one. Raw and powerful this is an unmissable documentary.
We continue on with the short films from the Odyssey Chinese Film Festival running from now until June 10th via https://www.odysseychinesecinema.uk/. Here are three of the An Exploration strand, expect many more from this strand over the coming days as we have been treated by the festival with some tremendous
Sarira 舍利 Director: Mingyang Li – 28 minutes When an excavator attempts to destroy a temple, a monk’s ancient faith is finally confronted by modern society: it is from then that he must begin his interrogation of the world. Sarira is the type of drama that takes you by surprise
‘Odyssey: a Chinese cinema season’ is launching in the UK this May. Collaborating with Picturehouse Cinemas , The Prince Charles Cinemas (in – person) and Shift 72 (online), the festival will create a hybrid experience to reach as many attendees as possible across the UK and worldwide. Named after one
You will be hard-pressed to find a film that portrays isolation effectively and unsettlingly as We’re All Going To The World’s Fair does. Jane Schoenbrun’s psychological horror hits harder than you ever expect it to, thanks to a terrific turn from Anna Cobb. A fantastic debut feature. Alone in her
Key highlights this MAY on the essential, alternative streaming service ARROW include more Puppet Master films than you could shake a stick at, a bonanza of blood, gore, sex and non-stop action from exploitation legends Enzo G. Castellari, Norman J Warren and José Larraz, another volume of utterly deranged cinematic excess from Vinegar Syndrome, and much much more… In May, the
Journeys across Afro-Futurism at Barbican Cinema throughout June, looks at the origins of Afro-Futurism, and explores how the traditions of the aesthetic – imagining a future cinema abundant with arts, science and technology, as seen through a Black lens – impact cinema today. Matthew Barrington, Cinema Curator, says: “Afro Futurism
Starting in May, Horror Channel journeys into the history of genre cinema with THE VINTAGE VAULT, which will present double-bills of classic sci-fi and horror films every Sunday night. The season premieres on Sunday May 1st with THE INVISIBLE MAN, in which Claude Rains delivers a remarkable performance in his screen debut. This is
Matt Reeves ticks all the right boxes with this latest iteration of the caped crusader in The Batman. For fans of Frank Millers work, this is the Batman they have been clambering for. Shrugging off a tired third act, Reeves ends up giving us an excellent film. With all new
Following Impressive Global Festival Run The Shudder Original Film Premieres Exclusively on Thursday, May 12 NEW YORK – April 13, 2022 — Shudder, AMC Network’s premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, has acquired rights to Canadian director Rob Jabbaz’s feature debut The Sadness following its impressive festival run that began at the
Adam Kalderon subverts expectations with his film The Swimmer. Full of subtlety and care an outstanding performance from Omer Perelman Striks, you are left with a tension inducing drama that compels.
Streamline has all of the ingredients of being a compelling drama, with Levi Miller excelling as the conflicted protagonist. However, it becomes a film that needed more runtime to allow a packed narrative moments to breathe and find itself. Regardless though, this is a solid debut for writer-director Tyson Wade
A delicate and emotional look at grief, Jimmy In Saigon is a film full of love that shines a light on the scars of death and keeping your sexuality secret. Peter McDowell has made a wonderfully touching piece.
An extraordinary debut feature from writer-editor-director Lauren Hadaway, The Novice is as compelling and physically tense inducing film as you will see this year – a stunning film. Alex (Isabelle Fuhrman), a college freshman, joins her university’s rowing team and undertakes an obsessive physical and psychological journey to make it
There are so many twists and turns in Jeffrey Schwarz’s documentary Boulevard! A Hollywood Story that you would easily be forgiven for thinking simply could not have happened. A must-watch for anyone who is a fan of old Hollywood. When Gloria Swanson, the iconic star of Sunset Boulevard, saw an
Aly Muritiba’s character drama Private Desert challenges masculine expectations in the most delicate of ways. We have a film that takes its time but rewards us with how moving it ends up being. 40-year-old Daniel (Antonio Saboia) has been suspended from active police work and is under internal investigation for
ARROW Offers Classic and Cutting Edge Cult Cinema April 2022 Lineup Includes Otherworldly The Sacred Spirit, Gallons of Grindhouse Gore, Italian Cop Action, and Offerings from AGFA and Vinegar Syndrome April 2022 Seasons: Poliziotteschi, 110% Adrenaline: The Di Leo Collection, Vinegar Syndrome Collection Vol. III, Third Window Films Collection, Trust No
There is a brutal, beautiful honesty to Just In Case that takes your breath away. Approaching mental health in a far more authentic way in 14 minutes that many features ever could. An important and unmissable film.
A sharp and refreshing film, Treacle shows us how misunderstood bisexuals can be, to even those who are closest to them. Rosie Westhoff’s short gives us plenty to ponder in this layered film.
I usually like going into great detail about who I think will win at the Academy Awards, but I feel burned out and frankly frustrated with how The Academy have treated so many of their awards that I simply care a little less this time out. So here is a
If you love a mystery thriller, then Broadcast Signal Intrusion is the film for you, but beware, dear viewer, much like our protagonist, you could be left burrowing down that rabbit hole too. A great homage to the noir thriller. In the late 90s, grieving video archivist James (Harry Shum
For 23 minutes, Miriam Fussenegger & Isabella Jeschke’s performances leave you in a tough moral dilemma in His Eyes (Blaue Augen). Director Alexander Weber has delivered an absorbing, impactful must watch film. Cleo’s (Miriam Fussenegger) quest for perfection threatens to derail plans to start a family with her girlfriend Anna
When Isabel del Rosal’s feature debut Walk With Me works, it really works. Sadly though, when the film needs to be more direct, it, like its protagonist, hesitates. Nevertheless, there is a solid to great film here, if only it had been bolder. As she braves life after divorce, young
There is a seamlessness to Do This For Me that betrays you. You fall for these characters, slot in comfortably beside them, laugh with them, that when the screw and pain begin to turn, it devastates you.
Every once in a while, a film will come along and just leave you speechless; Ultraviolette and the Blood-Spitters Gang is that film. Showcasing both the beauty and pain of your first love, this is a remarkable piece of cinema. After the death of his grandmother Emma, Robin Hunzinger and
A film of two halves, Tacheles – The Heart of the Matter takes a little while to get going, but when it does, it becomes a strong documentary that asks how the Holocaust affects young people today and how should they let it affect them. Yaar is a young Jewish
Elizabeth D. Costa’s Bangla Surf Girls shows us the struggle with being pressured into conforming to tradition despite your aspirations and the resilience in young women to push against the social tide. At times brutal with its honesty, this beautifully compelling documentary is fantastic. Shobe, Aisha and Suma break away
A film that keeps itself laser focused in showing us the state of despair & pain that the Burmese people have been put through. Full of anger and resilience, the young filmmakers have made a heartbreakingly powerful film.
An impactful and intimate journey in discovering one’s identity. Brooke Swaney’s Daughter of a Lost Bird is an emotional documentary that captivates you throughout. An important viewing. DAUGHTER OF A LOST BIRD follows Kendra, an adult Native adoptee, as she reconnects with her birth family, discovers her Lummi heritage, and
An absolute triumph from beginning to end, David A. Weiner continues his love letters to 80s cinema with In Search of Tomorrow. A tremendous glance back to a genre and a decade that we will never forget. Just a fantastic documentary.
Julia Bacha’s impressive documentary Boycott takes you down a rabbit hole that is truly disconcerting as it reveals how those in the US have unknowingly lost some of their civil liberties. A consuming and essential watch. Within the United States, thirty-three states have introduced anti-boycott laws, which require individuals and
With engaging subjects, Kacper Lisowski can focus his rightfully angry documentary Judges Under Pressure on the fight for Poland’s independent judicial system. A vital documentary. Democracy in Poland is hanging by a fragile thread. Facing arrest and fines if they issue rulings that are not to the government’s liking, judges
Raw and continually on edge, Alina Grigore’s Blue Moon is a chaotic family portrait that purposely overwhelms poor Irina and its audience. Throwing everything at our senses, her restless camera never gives you a moment to breathe—a strong debut. 22-year-old Irina (Iona Chitu) lives in the mountains, where her family
Erin Vassilopoulos’ film Superior has everything you would want, filmed in 16mm, filled with quirky moments and wonderfully styled. Yet, something is missing in the story that leaves you wanting something more from it. On the run from an abusive relationship, musician Marian (Alessandra Mesa) drops in unannounced on her
Aga Woszczyńska brings us a fantastic tale in Silent Land through themes of guilt and denial. This is a confident and compelling debut, filled with perfect stillness and two knockout performances from Agnieszka Żulewska and Dobromir Dymecki. The cracks of a ‘perfect’ couple begin to show as their holiday in
Abel Ferrara does as Abel Ferrara does in Zeros and Ones. A film that actively tries to confuse and isolate you from what is happening on the screen. However, somehow something is mystifying that keeps you watching. Called to Rome to stop an imminent terrorist bombing, soldier J.J. (Hawke) desperately
While The Vault is an enjoyable enough heist film, it never quite steps itself out from being a paint by numbers endeavour. Its predictability hurts it, but there is still plenty here to have fun with. When an engineer (Freddie Highmore) learns of a mysterious, impenetrable fortress hidden under The
Adan Bonet opens the eyes of the viewer to the gruelling endeavours of being a mother and an Olympic calibre athlete in Ona Carbonell: Starting Over. A wonderful look at what willpower is in humans. This intimate new documentary follows the Spanish synchronised swimming Olympic medallist, from the birth of
Filled with melancholy and beauty, Moon Manor truly surprises. This wonderful yet heartbreaking film celebrates life; this is a brilliant little gem of a film. On his last day alive, Jimmy (James Carrozo) will show his estranged brother, salt-of-the-earth caretaker, sharp-witted death doula, a novice obituary writer, a cosmic being,
Contemplative throughout, Mehdi Hoseinvand Aalipours’s film Asteroid is a warm-hearted look at the efforts a young boy will make to endeavour his family to live the life they deserve. Make no mistake; this is a wonderful gem of a film.
Colm Bairéad’s utterly fantastic The Quiet Girl is a beautiful piece of cinema that, before you know it, has grabbed your heart and run off with it. An exceptional film tinged with sadness while keeping hope and love alive.
Filled with charm, Adventures of Success at times works wonderfully, but even with fleshed out and interesting characters, led by Lexie Mountain, there are some issues as the film stutters in the middle. Regardless there is a lot to enjoy with Jay Buim’s movie. Led by a mystical female founder
A powerhouse performance from Yllka Gashi in Blerta Basholli’s enthralling film Hive, giving us an insight into how grieving women dealt with a patriarchal society that limits them at every turn – a marvellous drama In March 1999, the Kosovan village of Krusha e Madhe was the site of a
Maria Demeshina Peek’s documentary, Sextortion: The Hidden Pandemic offers a disturbing glance at what goes on online when parents cannot see. A difficult, yet important watch for everyone. “Sextortion: The Hidden Pandemic” tackles extremely disturbing yet timely subject matter and is an investigation into the world of online grooming and
Ashgrove is a film that reels you in effortlessly and by the end has you entirely emotionally invested in Amanda Brugel and Jonas Chernick’s troubled couple. Jeremy Lalonde has delivered a subtle yet powerful move – a marvellous film. A pandemic has affected the world’s water supply; Jennifer (Amanda Brugel)
Olmo Omerzu latest film Bird Atlas, is filled with bitter sweetness that showcases that greed and self-reliance are not the be-all and end-all of life. With a cast on top form, Bird Atlas Hits all the right notes. Ivo Rona (Donutil) may have serious health issues, but he believes that
Atmospheric sci-fi, The Long Walk, takes its time with the audience as it languidly broaches upon grief and memory while asking an insurmountable amount of questions. Mattie Do’s film works on you in ways that you truly do not expect. A man (Yannawoutthi Chanthalungsy) is rumoured to be able to
In True Things, we see a semblance of someone we have known once in our lives. Someone swept away in a romance they should be more careful about. With Harry Wootlif’s intoxicating film, we feel and understand without having to delve too deeply into her characters. A wonderfully nuanced film. Kate
Flitting between 3D animation and present-day footage, Jason Loftus takes us on a harrowing journey in his excellent documentary Eternal Spring. The emotional retracing of Daxiong and his fellow Falun Gong members fighting against their government is an essential and integral watch. An unmissable documentary. In March 2002, a state
Wonderfully directed, Khadar Ayderus Ahmed’s The Gravedigger’s Wife tackles societal issues in Djibouti City, giving a voice to those who need it. A touching and thoughtful film that fills you with hope despite the hardship around those involved. Guled (Omar Abdi) works hard to support his wife and son. The
Ruth Paxton’s A Banquet takes us down a tragic voyage through the repercussions of loss with a family firmly teetering on edge. However, with that said, there are times it feels as if this psychological horror has taken on a touch more than it can handle, with you either leaving
An utterly devastating look at how trauma in young people can lead the disenchanted down a path they can never return from. Dina Amer’s You Resemble Me challenges its audience not to take everything at face value. A gut-punch of a film.
Slapstick aplenty is served to us by Yernar Nurgaliyev’s horror-comedy, Sweetie, You Won’t Believe It. With an added generous helping of gore to keep us going, we are left with a film that struggles to break the one-dimensional stereotypes. After accidentally witnessing a murder by a group of thugs, the
Netflix’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre keeps with the brutality of the first film, but is weighed down by its story, lack of tension and repetitive nature to fully enjoy it. Come for the kills only. Such a shame.
Anna Konik’s tremendous doc Silence Heard Loud forces us into the mindset of seven refugee’s as they recount their tragic pasts. Riveting throughout this is as humanising a film as you will come across this year.
Max von Sydow and Astrid Roos do what they can with Echoes of the Past, a film that should have kept its story as simple as possible, but due to some misguidedness, veers off, leaving us with a difficult film to grapple with. When the Greek government launches a multi-billion
London – 15th February 2022: The 36th edition of BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival unveiled its full programme this evening with a launch event at BFI Southbank as well as on BFI Flare Facebook and BFI YouTube. One of the world’s most significant and long-standing queer film events, this year’s BFI Flare will take place in person,
Blake Ridder’s feature debut Help, tackles some uncomfortable issues and, for the most part, is a solid psychological thriller that hits the right notes. However, with some glaring issues, it does struggle in the final act but remains a solid film. A painful break-up prompts Grace (Emily Redpath) to visit
Now in its eighth year, the Nitehawk Shorts Festival has become a bonafide home for the independent short film community. This year’s installment, taking place from March 2-6, will feature over 60 short films, with filmmakers in attendance for Q&As, including many based in New York City. Continuing its mission to represent diverse
(London, 10 February 2022) – Human Rights Watch proudly presents the 26th edition of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival from 17-25 March, in partnership with Barbican Cinema, and generously supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. Ten compelling new films from around the world are presented at this
American Night falls foul of trying to be far too ambitious. Structuring the story in a non-linear manner isn’t hampers all momentum, and despite all the style and stellar cast, nothing can save it from the writing. Instead, American Night is about Michael Rubino (Emile Hirsch), the new head of
Well the Academy Award Nominations have been and gone, did you try and predict any? How did you do? We are going to have a breakdown of what has been nominated with the added bonus of seeing how well I did in having a guess! My Best Picture Predictions Belfast, Don’t
Better late than never right? Before the nominations are revealed for the 2022 Academy Awards, have a little gander at my predictions, but also what I would have chosen in those categories that I thought would have had a good chance of getting a nomination (no wild fantasy booking on
Anthology series Soulmates does well when it throws it’s questions at the audience, with the main strength of the show is the level of acting. Yet with patchy writing, not all episodes strike the balance needed.
Radu Jude has made a messy, at times incomprehensible film in Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn, yet it is also a film that you cannot stop watching as it is endlessly entertaining and does, in fact, leave you thinking.
At times, Nicholas Ashe Bateman’s debut #TheWantingMare feels like someone recalling a dream, present, without ever being fully fleshed out. Yet he has done some phenomenal world-building here and seriously impresses.
Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival 2022 back in cinemas with an exciting programme of the best in world and Irish cinema to entertain, challenge and celebrate the magic of the big screen experience.
Barbora Chalupová and Vít Klusák’s documentary Caught in the Net is the stuff of literal nightmares about grooming on the internet. This is a thoroughly depressing yet vital film that is compelling as it is difficult to watch.
Writer-Director Jeremiah Kipp uses horror to accentuate the emotionally devastating life of a young teen in film Slapface. The constant stream of torment that engulfs the excellent August Maturo breaks you a unexpectedly powerful film.
For the most part, Belle ticks all the right boxes and boxes that you would expect from a filmmaker like Mamoru Hosoda. With gorgeous animation and emotional story this marks Belle as a quality film.
With striking visuals and a lead performance from the always reliable Scout Taylor-Compton, Rich Ragsdale’s The Long Night surprises with just how effective it is. While it does occasionally stumble, it remains an enjoyable folk horror
Julia Sergina’s always engaging debut feature documentary looks at Russian taxi driver turned political vlogger Viktor Toroptsev as he struggles with his fight against a state resolute in silencing him. Far Eastern Golgotha is a compelling look at activism.
A biting look at how capitalism takes advantage of any tragedy and how sometimes there are shattering consequences to such vulture attitudes. Emmanuel Tenenbaums Free Fall goes as you would expect, but the emotional punch still works.
Nafisa (Mihad Murtada) is a teenage girl in a Sudanese village who, despite her crush on someone else – is facing an arranged marriage thanks to her parents to Nadir (Mohammed Magdi Hassan). Her grandmother, the powerful matriarch Al-Sit (Rabeha Mohammed Mahmoud), has her own plans for Nafisa’s future. Writer-Director
From 2 March to 13 March, Glasgow Film Festival will host 10 World premieres, 4 European premieres, 65 UK premieres, and 13 Scottish premieres. The 18th edition of the annual festival will open with the UK premiere of The Outfit, a gripping and masterful thriller starring Academy Award winner Mark
Filmmaker Colin Hickey is two for two with his sophomore effort Where the Merrows Roam, a dialogue-free film that leaves you full of contemplation about your own childhood and where you are now as an adult. Captivating throughout, this is a film that you take from it what you bring
If ever there was a wake-up call of a film, it is in Aneil Karia’s The Long Goodbye, a stark, visceral and harrowing short film that leaves you in shock. Watch it immediately.
Sarah Adina Smith’s debut feature excels with the casting of it’s three leads and the uneasy atmosphere throughout. By staying true to its ambiguous nature it could frustrate, but there is more than enough to the story to enjoy.
A technical marvel this is an example of what can be done with lo fi filmmaking. The skills of everyone involved in making this film work needs to be applauded; best of all, it is a brilliantly entertaining film.
Sean Durkin’s intricate family drama The Nest brings two powerhouse performances from his two leads. In addition, it showcases the pitfalls of yearning for power and money when you already have a perfect life.
Leylak is a devastatingly delicate short film rife with raw emotion and astounding performances from Nadir Saribacak and Isabella Haddock. You are left to remember that it is okay to feel the pain you feel this period and that perhaps you do not need to go through it alone. In
Ben Tricklebank’s short film, Champ firmly catches you off guard with how nuanced it is regarding the strained relationship between a father and his aspirational son. A magnificent short that requires your attention and leaves you with a lot to digest. It’s hard to be a boy when your dad
Uzo Oleh’s stylish short film Edicius is a gorgeous look at the trappings of money over all else. Aided by the marvellous Michael Socha, Oleh gives us a visual treat. Jason (Michael Socha), an ambitious lawyer in his 30s, should be on top of the world, but his love for
With The Hidden Gems Collection, even the busiest film & culture fans can get their fix; reclaim your lunch break with five films that can be enjoyed back-to-back in under an hour or a nine-minute movie to optimise your coffee break. StagePlayer+ and a number of award-winning independent film producers
Wednesdays are usually pretty quite on the film front, but luckily Will Jewell’s ensemble thriller Concrete Plans is finally getting its UK TV premiere on Film4 tonight at 9pm, so that Wednesday night has just been filled up. You. Are Welcome. Concrete Plans has taken over five years to get
Mark Rosenblatt’s short Ganef takes on difficulties of inherited trauma in a thought-provoking and very effective way. It is a careful piece that packs a lot more than you would expect in its brief runtime.
Philip Barantini’s one take film Boiling Point is as tension-filled a drama as you will find, with unbelievable performances from Stephen Graham and Vinette Robinson.
A wonderful fairytale, moving, hopeful, touching and even heartbreaking, you could ramble on and on about just how fantastic Céline Sciamma’s Petite Maman is. As simple and honest 72 minutes you will never regret experiencing
Fran Kranz has made an uneasy yet riveting debut feature in Mass. All four actors blow you away with how raw their interactions are; aided by a superb script, this raw, devastating, and in truth, vital piece drains you emotionally. Two pairs of parents meet up in a church hall
Another fantastic year for horror, whether it be mammoth documentaries covering a decade, thoughtful character pieces or practical effects laden absurdities, 2021 had it all, here are some of what we thought were the best.
No top 10 lists here, just a gathering of films that I think are top of the pile that I have seen, either at festivals, streaming, or if lucky in an actual cinema.
Ryûsuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car is an emotionally aching film that utilises its extended runtime to perfection. A shattering piece of poetic cinema that, if it isn’t on your much watch list, should be, without a shadow of a doubt, the best film of 2021. Theatre practitioner Yûsuke Kafuku (Hidetoshi
Tracey Deer’s semi-autobiographical piece Beans is an emotional message regarding the racial violence that indigenous communities have gone through. There is a lot to enjoy and appreciate within her first feature, but we are left with a film that has just too much going on. Twelve-year-old Beans or Tekehentahkwa (Kiawentiio)
Youth v Gov is a rallying cry to the younger generation and all generations to stand up and fight as we battle the climate crisis. Cristi Cooper shows us that if these teenagers can do it, why can’t you? An invigorating & engaging doc
Luàna Bajrami’s terrific debut feature at the age of just 20 is a tremendous look at young women trapped in their small Kosovo town. With naturalistic performances and observational direction, we have an empowering film in The Hill Where Lionesses Roar. In a small remote village in Kosovo, three young
