Director Makbul Mubarak challenges how far loyalty will go in his debut film, Autobiography. A confident film that never loses its way, strengthened by two strong performances from its leads. A young man working as a housekeeper in an empty mansion. When its owner returns to start his mayoral election
Tag: film blog
Canary (Short Film) ★★★★ TIFF 2022
A lovely story about escaping one’s situation for something brighter, Canary switches up its light-hearted tone for something all the more serious and never misses a step in doing so. A gorgeous and affecting short film. In 1922, a young boy named Sonny worked in an underground coal mine with
Victim ★★★ 3/4 TIFF 2022
Vita Smachelyuk blows you away in Michal Blaško’s increasingly stressful Victim. Full of socio-political narratives, his film drives through the point that even the most well-intentioned of people can be forced into horrible positions—a great feature debut film. Irina lives with her son Igor in a small Czech border town.
Riceboy Sleeps ★★★★★ TIFF 2022
A strong drama that strikes a number of emotional chords, Riceboy Sleeps is a delicately handled personal film from director Anthony Shim; finding the right tone throughout, this intimate film will break your heart. So-young is a Korean single mother raising her adolescent son Dong-hyun in the suburbs of Canada
Ever Deadly ★★★★ TIFF 2022
An immersive experience that is much more than a biographical music documentary Ever Deadly is as much an education as it is a look into Tanya Tagaq’s life. You will undoubtedly come away with something meaningful here. Tanya Tagaq is an avant-garde Inuit throat singer who continually explores sound transformation
Skin Deep ★★★★ Venice Film Festival
A compelling, intimate gender identity drama, Alex Schaad’s feature directorial debut Skin Deep offers a fascinating look at relationships. With complex pitch-perfect performances, Skin Deep is a profound viewing. At first glance, Leyla (Mala Emde) and Tristan (Jonas Dassler) seem like a happy young couple. But when they travel to
The Flying Sailor (Short) TIFF 2022
Like our titular character, Wendy Tilby and Amanda Forbis have thrown a mixture of animation stylings up into the air and meshed them together in their excellent meditative short The Flying Sailor. Two ships collide in a harbour, an explosion shatters a city, and a sailor is blasted skyward. Then,
Dogborn ★★★★ 1/2 Venice Film Festival
Dogborn shows us that no matter how low a position you feel you are in life, there is always another level, and even just to escape your own situation, there is usually the cruellest of prices. The question is whether your humanity is worth risking to get there. Isabella Carbonell
Dear Mama … ★★★★ HollyShorts Film Festival
Winter Dunn gets everything perfectly right in her latest short, Dear Mama … Grief comes in all forms, and Dunn capably shows us just how complex that feeling is. An emotional and powerful film that is tremendously led by its two talented leads.
Bite ★★★ FrightFest 2022
An ambitious film that does stretch itself a tad too thin at times, Bite is still a great watch that warmly embraces its horror to provide quite a few inducing moments. James Owen’s debut feature is one that satisfies. Nina (Shian Denovan) is desperate to put her life back on
The Eyes Below ★★★★ 1/2 FrightFest 2022
Just when you thought that silly childhood fear of something alone in your bedroom had left, Alexis Bruchon comes along with his film The Eyes Below to shatter it all. A simple concept is carried out so effectively that you are left as astonished as you are spooked—a truly sensational
Burial ★★★ FrightFest 2022
Burial is a period thriller that hits enough of the right notes to leave you satisfied while never striking just the right chord. It remains a compelling film with great performances from Charlotte Vega and Tom Felton. London, 1991. The home of an old woman (Harriet Walter), who watches the
End Zone 2 – FrightFest 2022
The remaining two acts of End Zone 2 are presented to audiences after the terrific The Once and Future Smash, a brutally authentic 70s trash horror that will leave you wondering just how good that missing 3rd act really was. Fifteen years after the events of End Zone, Smash-Mouth is
The Once and Future Smash ★★★★ FrightFest 2022
The Once and Future Smash is an absolute treat for genre fans. With so many wonderful moments carefully laden within the spoof film that you could easily find yourself clapping away at it. Just a joy of a film. The End Zone 2 was a football-themed slasher from 1970 that
Horror films to watch starting with O
Opera (1987) Dario Argento comes back again to the list with this vicious film. What strikes you most about Opera is just how visually stunning it is, and considering how overlooked this is amongst Argento’s work, that becomes a surprise. Of course, Argento’s weaknesses come to the fore here, but
Her Way ★★★ 1/2
Laure Calamy owns every second of Her Way, pulling herself every which way emotionally as the exhausted single-parent sex worker. Cécile Ducrocq’s debut is a strong and memorable one full of humanity. Marie (Laure Calamy) is a confident, optimistic sex worker in Strasbourg who is determined to provide a better
The Moviegoer (Short Film)
The Moviegoer is Ross Munro’s short film love letter to cinema. Fun and heart-warming, his film allows you to reminisce fondly and brings so much charm that you can’t help but like it.
Dog Soldiers – Standard and Limited Edition 4K UHD/Blu-ray (Second Sight Films)
Neil Marshalls Dog Soldiers has gotten a glorious special release from Second Sight Films. The top-notch werewolf horror still packs a punch with how effective it is and has barely aged a day. During a routine training mission in the Scottish Highlands, a small squad of happy-go-lucky British soldiers, including
Moshari ★★★★ 1/2 HollyShorts Film Festival
A never ending sense of dread envelopes Moshari, & never lets go. Wonderful filmmaking from Nuhash Humayun that has you immediately standing up & taking notice. A must watch from a filmmaker on a fast ascent. Director: Nuhash Humayun Cast: Sunerah Binte Kamal, Nairah Onora Saif IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17499740 It’s the end of
Deathstalker and Deathstalker II Blu-Ray
Roger Corman never passed on an opportunity to jump on a trend and make a few dollars on it, so he jumped into the sword fantasy trend to co-produce the Deathstalker franchise (amongst others). 101 Films have lovingly given us a set with the first two from the Deathstalker films
Skin & Bone ★★★★ HollyShorts Film Festival
Weird and wonderful, Eli Powers atmospheric Skin & Bone is an unsettling short that isn’t afraid to hold its card close to its chest. Amanda Seyfried & Thomas Sadoski excel in a film that commands your attention. Director: Eli Powers Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Thomas Sadoski, Nick Verdi, McCaleb Burnett IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20783516 After taking
Return to Sender ★★★ HollyShorts Film Festival
Return to Sender is a strong thriller that grabs onto our fears of being watched. With the increasing dependency on the digital world, Russell Goldman shows how we are losing the control we crave for our own lives. Director: Russell Goldman Cast: Allison Tolman, Emma Pasarow, IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15225028 When recovering alcoholic Julia
Kickstart My Heart ★★★★ HollyShorts Film Festival
A film that isn’t afraid to kick some ass, Kickstart My Heart is everything you want it to be. Kelsey Bollig has made a film you never want to end – a fantastic short from a highly promising filmmaker.
Paper Thin ★★★★★ HollyShorts Film Festival
An excellent short film, Paper Thin, focuses on the feelings that run through you when you are losing a loved one. Running at a mere six minutes, Neil Dua and Thomas Archer have made a pitch-perfect and faultless film. Director: Neil Dua Cast: Thomas Archer, Jimi Hernandez IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21415680/ An intimate exchange between two unlikely strangers
When I Consume You ★★★
When Perry Blackshear focuses his latest film on the trauma and bleakness of his character’s situation, When I Consume You excels as a psychological thriller. The sense of dread is rife throughout the film, it loses itself when it tries to do too much. Nevertheless, this film affects you with
Love, Dad ★★★★ HollyShorts Film Festival
For 13 minutes, you are heart-wrenchingly moved in Diana Cam Van Nguyen’s Love, Dad. Told through voiceover and paper animation, we are struck by how affecting her film is, as if we are seeing a form of therapy bared before us on screen. Director: Diana Cam Van Nguyen IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14972316/
Bainne ★★★★★ HollyShorts Film Festival
Stunning, that is really all you can say about Jack Reynor’s director debut Bainne. A near-wordless stunning piece of cinema. Atmospheric in its desolation of the time period, what a beautifully haunting film.
Work ★★★★ HollyShorts Film Festival
Breakups can be messy endeavours, and for Marisela Zumbado’s Gabi, she needs to shake things up in April Maxey’s relatable film Work. This melancholy piece explores that longing for a connection with another person. Director: April Maxey Cast: Marisela Zumbado, Darlisa Ali, Star Amerasu, Elaine Whae, Jay Dathorne, Sarah Gordon
Elsa ★★★★ 1/2 HollyShorts Film Festival
Cameron S. Mitchell’s documentary Elsa perfectly captures a woman who will not be defined and forces you to take her seriously. Elsa engrosses and becomes a shot in the arm to make representation in the world fairer. Director: Cameron S. Mitchell Elsa Sjunneson is a DeafBlind professor, media critic, skilled
Anaïs in Love ★★★ 1/2
Entertaining throughout, Anaïs Demoustier charms the life out of you in Anaïs in Love – a directorial debut from Charline Bourgeous-Tacquet, this is a wonderful portrait of a woman at the crossroads in her life. Anaïs (Anaïs Demoustier) careers from one lover to the next while trying to find some
How Do You Measure a Year ★★★★ 1/2 HollyShorts Film Festival
How do you measure a year? is fabulous, a brilliant love letter to the relationship between a father and daughter—a beautiful look at the experience of growing up. Director: Jay Rosenblatt Cast: Ella Rosenblatt IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15026956 From the time she was two years old, and until she turned 18, they had
Triggered ★★★★ 1/2 HollyShorts Film Festival
A powerful and tough watch, Tara Westwood’s Triggered is a shattering look at loss and its painful consequences. A film that lingers with you long after the credits have rolled. Director: Tara Westwood Cast: Isiah Whitlock Jr., Caitlin Mehner, Robert John Burke, Tara Westwood IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15301336 A US Senator faces
Sandstorm (Mulaqat) ★★★★ HollyShorts Film Festival
Seemab Gul looks at how social indoctrination still impacts Pakistani teens in her latest film, Sandstorm (Mulaqat). Gul ensures that our young protagonist is not someone who will play the role of the victim for long. A poignant and contemplative film. Director: Seemab Gul Cast: Ayesha Shoaib Ahmed, Qasim Ali,
Elevate ★★★ 1/2 HollyShorts Film Festival
A sombre and considerate piece that showcases the importance of compassion and the human touch, Elevate is a striking short that works on you emotionally, accumulating in a powerful ending. Director: Dylan Boom Cast: Tracie Thoms, Jason Butler Harner, Rickey Eugene Brown, Gwyn LaRee IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15699084 Tiffany (Tracie Thoms) works the
Act of God ★★★★ HollyShorts Film Festival
Act of God ‘s authentic charm is what drives this excellent observational short. Unexpectedly funny and poignant, Park Smith and Spencer Cook have made a refreshing and welcome film that shows disability in all of its complex forms. A disabled man’s commute is interrupted by a $100 bill lying on
North Star – ★★★★★ – HollyShorts Film Festival
Devastating, just totally and utterly devastating, that is perhaps the only way to describe P.J. Palmer’s North Star. Colman Domingo astounds in one of this year’s best short films.
Donkerster ★★★★ 1/2 – (Short) Small Gauge Trauma – Fantasia International Film Festival
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.
I Call Upon Thee – (Short Film) Small Gauge Trauma – Fantasia International Film Festival
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
Hysteric – (Short) Small Gauge Trauma – Fantasia International FIlm Festival
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
The Fight Machine ★★★★ Fantasia International Film Festival
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
The Blood of the Dinosaurs (short) ★★★ 1/2 – Fantasia International Film Festival
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’
Sissy – ★★★★ – Fantasia International Film Festival
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
Incredible But True – ★★★★ – Fantasia International Film Festival
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
Lion Spy – ★★★★
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.
Deiji Meets Girl – ★★★ 1/2 (Short) Fantasia International Film Festival
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.
Dr Lamb ★★★ 1/2 – Fantasia International Film Festival 2022
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 ★★★ 1/2 – Fantasia International Film Festival 2022
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.
The Fire Within: Requiem for Katia and Maurice Krafft ★★★★★ Sheff Doc Fest 2022
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.
The Oil Machine – ★★★ 1/2 Sheff Doc Fest 2022
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
Peace and Tranquillity – ★★★★ (Short) Sheff Doc Fest 2022
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
Man On Earth – ★★★★ 1/2 Sheff Doc Fest 2022
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.
An Exploration Short Film Strand – Part Two
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,
Neo Horizon Strand: Odyssey Chinese Cinema Film Festival
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
The Batman – ★★★★
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
The Swimmer – ★★★★ (BFI Flare)
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 – ★★★
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
Boulevard! A Hollywood Story – ★★★ 1/2 (BFI Flare 2022)
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
Private Desert – ★★★ 1/2 (BFI Flare)
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
Just In Case – ★★★★★ (Short Film)
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.
Treacle ★★★★ (Short 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.
Broadcast Signal Intrusion – ★★★
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
His Eyes (Blaue Augen) (Short Film BFI Flare)
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
Do This For Me (Short BFI Flare 2022)
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.
Ultraviolette and the Blood-Spitters Gang – ★★★★ 1/2 (BFI Flare 2022)
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
Bangla Surf Girls – ★★★★ 1/2 (Human Rights Watch Film Festival)
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
Myanmar Diaries – ★★★★ (Human Rights Watch Film Festival)
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.
In Search of Tomorrow – ★★★★★
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.
Boycott – ★★★★ (Human Rights Watch Film Festival)
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
Judges Under Pressure – ★★★★ (Human Rights Watch Film Festival)
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
Superior – ★★★ 1/2 (Glasgow Film Festival)
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
Silent Land – ★★★★ (Glasgow Film Festival)
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
Zeros and Ones – ★★ 1/2
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
Ona Carbonell: Starting Over – ★★★ 1/2
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
Asteroid – ★★★★ (Glasgow Film Festival)
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.
The Quiet Girl – ★★★★★ (Glasgow Film Festival)
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.
Hive – ★★★★ Glasgow Film Festival
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
Sextortion: The Hidden Pandemic – ★★★ 1/2
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
Bird Atlas ★★★ 1/2 – Glasgow Film Festival
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
The Long Walk – ★★★★
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
True Things – ★★★★ (Glasgow Film Festival)
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
Eternal Spring – ★★★★★ (Human Rights Watch Film Festival)
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
The Gravedigger’s Wife – ★★★★ Glasgow Film Festival
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
A Banquet – ★★★ 1/2 Glasgow Film Festival
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
Sweetie, You Won’t Believe It – ★★★
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
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022) ★★ 1/2
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.
Echoes of the Past – ★★★
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
Help – ★★★
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
American Night – ★★ 1/2
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
Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn – ★★★
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.
The Wanting Mare – ★★★ 1/2
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.
Caught in the Net – ★★★★ 1/2
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.
Slapface – ★★★ 1/2
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.
Belle – ★★★ 1/2
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.
The Long Night – ★★★
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
Far Eastern Golgotha – ★★★ 1/2
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.
Free Fall (Short Film) – ★★★ 1/2
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.
Al-Sit (Short Film) – ★★★★
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
Where the Merrows Roam – ★★★★★
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
The Long Goodbye (Short Film) – ★★★★★
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.
Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes – ★★★★★
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.
The Nest – ★★★ 1/2
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.
Edicius (Short Film) – ★★★1/2
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
Ganef (Short Film) – ★★★★
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.
Boiling Point – ★★★★
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.
Petite Maman – ★★★★★
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
Mass
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
Top Horror Films of 2021
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.
Best films of 2021
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.
Drive My Car – ★★★★★
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
Beans – ★★★
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 – ★★★ 1/2
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
The Hill Where Lionesses Roar – Raindance 2021
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
The Power of the Dog – London Film Festival
Apart from Benedict Cumberbatch’s performance, The Power of the Dog never rises above serviceable. Unable to delve deeper into its own story and rather unforgivably keeping its audience at arm’s length throughout.
The French Dispatch
An ambitious film that struggles under its own weight. The French Dispatch becomes unwieldy and, as such, loses the energy that it had opened with. Yet it remains a wonderful love letter t o print journalism.
Titane – London Film Festival
Titane is bold and visceral, but actually works best when it focuses itself on the main themes of the story. Instead Ducournau’s film gets too wrapped up in the lure of shocking it’s audience that it leaves behind the story.
Flee – London Film Festival 2021
An intimate and enthralling documentary that makes excellent use of some gorgeous animation to tell this deeply personal story. While centered on Amin’s fight to get to a safe country, it quickly becomes a film about far more than that. Flee is an incredibly moving film.
Language Lessons – London Film Festival 2021
Natalie Morales’ Language Lessons is an assured film that is unafraid to play with your heart. Aided by the fantastic Mark Duplass we are left with a relatable and emotional film that is simply faultless.
The Wolf Suit – London Film Festival 2021
The Wolf Suit is a cathartic film by Sam Firth. Not only is it that for her, but also audiences who have experienced something similar. A deeply personal and utterly fascinating documentary.
Bantú Mama – London Film Festival 2021
Uneasy yet endlessly hopeful, Bantu Mama refreshingly tells us a story through Afro-European and Afro-Caribbean eyes. From start to finish, we have an excellent film that pulls you in and astounds you.
Sediments – London Film Festival
Adrián Silvestre’s Sediment is an empathetic and, at times, a joyful film that allows a group of six transexual women to be themselves in a most welcoming environment. An important film that should have as wide an audience as possible.
Clara Sola – London Film Festival
A staggering piece of cinema that on all fronts takes your breath away. Wendy Chincilla Araya steals the show in Nathalie Álvarez Mesén sensational feature debut Clara Sola
Cannon Arm and the Arcade Quest – London Film Festival 2021
Cannon Arm and the Arcade Quest is a documentary that showcases the importance of finding kindred spirits. While it takes detours along the way, it is still a wonderfully heartwarming film.
Mothers of the Revolution – London Film Festival 2021
Mothers of the Revolution is a moving and riveting documentary that showcases the power of dedication and how no matter the cause, it is worth fighting for. Briar March’s film is an important documentary to watch.
Money Has Four Legs ★★★- London Film Festival 2021
A pointed satire that does the small things very well, yet when it reaches beyond itself it begins to plod. However, there is still an awful lot to enjoy here in Money Has Four Legs. Due to money-stricken producers, strict censorship, and an unreliable crew, Wai Bhone’s first feature is
The Taking – London Film Festival 2021
A video essay style documentary that looks at the importance of the stunning Monument Valley on not only cinema and beyond. An interesting documentary that allows the visuals to do the talking.
Brother’s Keeper ★★★★- London Film Festival 2021
Brother’s Keeper has you in a state of ever-increasing frustration as you watch the obstacles young Yusef goes through as he tries to help his friend. A film that does its best to crush your spirit. Make no mistake; this is an assured and effective film from Ferit Karahan. In
Memory Box – London Film Festival 2021
Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige’s Memory Box is far more complex and layered than you would expect and hits all the right emotional notes as it asks its audience how they view their own memories and past. A wonderfully satisfying film.
Like A Dirty French Novel – ★★ 1/2
A disjointed film that is perhaps overly ambitious with its intent. Like A Dirty French Novel takes a unique and at times welcome approach of being set during the pandemic, but not at all about it. Sadly it throws away what works with some unfathomable narrative choices and a continual
The Retaliators ★★★ – Arrow Video Frightfest 2021
What should be a standard revenge thriller takes a hard turn into the schlock, and it is all the better for it. While not perfect, The Retaliators blunt approach, coupled with Michael Lombardi’s performance, makes it an entertaining horror An upstanding pastor John Bishop (Michael Lombardi), uncovers a dark and
The Last Thing Mary Saw – ★★★ 1/2
A bleak tale of a family keeping too close to Christian doctrine. While The Last Thing Mary Saw doesn’t bring any new ideas to the table, it has an effective atmosphere that grows darker by the minute.
Gaia – ★★★ 1/2
A slow burn narrative allows for eco-horror Gaia to come into its own by taking advantage of stunning visual storytelling. Jaco Bouwer’s film entrances you and does so much right and makes you pay attention to it.
Behemoth – ★★ 1/2
Somewhere deep within Behemoth, there lives a great thriller. It is just a shame it never realises it and tries to become something it shouldn’t. As a result, this film made for literal pennies overstretches itself. A true shame.
International Science-Fiction Short Film Showcase – Fantasia Fest 2021
Shorts that world build to perfection, these nine films from six countries actively have you wanting more. A fantastic look at the possibilities of science fiction.
Small Gauge Trauma Shorts – Fantasia Fest 2021
Ten fantastic films from seven countries, we are spoilt for choice in a collection that allows each film to bring something different to the audience. All of these filmmakers have a very bright future.
Yakuza Princess ★★★ 1/2 Fantasia Fest 2021
An exciting action thriller that ticks all the right boxes by bringing in heavy intrigue and mystery, Yakuza Princess eases us into this world before going gung-ho into the action. Quite the entertaining movie.
The 12 Day Tale of the Monster That Died in 8 ★★★ 1/2 Fantasia Fest 2021
A film that may seem slow & repetitive, but that is exactly the point; this is a film about the frustrations of staying at home during the pandemic & finding connections any way possible
Don’t Sell Me A Dog – ★★★ 1/2
A film that subverts your expectations. While a little rough around the edges at times, Pauric Brennan’s Don’t Sell Me A Dog has plenty going for it to keep you invested in the story. A solid film that surprises thanks to some great direction, a strong script and solid performances.
Scare Me – ★★★
An entertaining film that feels like a love letter to all the writers out there, struggling or best selling. Scare Me takes some bold decisions with its confined setting; taking advantage of a smart script & two great performances.
Mad God ★★★★ 1/2 – Edinburgh Film Fest 2021
Phil Tippett has created a nightmare, a wonderful, gloriously gruesome and relentlessly horrifying nightmare that leaves you with your jaw firmly on the ground. Simply put, you will have never seen anything like Mad God.
The Gig is Up ★★★★ – Edinburgh International Film Festival
Shannon Walsh takes a straight aim at the businesses benefiting from using lowly paid gig workers. The Gig is Up holds no punches as it paints a rather bleak picture of exploitation that many will have not realised existed.
Martyrs Lane ★★★★ 1/2- Fantasia Fest 2021
Racked in pent up grief, “Martyrs Lane” is a beautiful yet heartbreaking ghost story that at times takes your breath away, paced to perfection. Told through the eyes of the brilliant Kiera Thompson, this is a film that you cannot miss out on.
Haute tension sur les internets – Les Fantastiques week-ends du cinéma Québécois – Short films, Fantasia Fest 2021
A wonderful showcasing of some talented Quebecois filmmakers, ranging from horror to thrillers and animation. However you can, find these short films.
Born of Woman Shorts Fantasia Fest 2021
Eight shorts from eight excellent female filmmakers, there is something here for every genre fan and in the mix I am certain one that you will strongly connect with.
Pig ★★★★ – Edinburgh International Film Festival
A genuine surprise of a picture, Michael Sarnoski’s feature debut “Pig” is a slow but careful gaze at the devastation of loss. Nicolas Cage’s restrained performance startles with its effectiveness, as he portrays a deeply broken man just trying to get by.
Hellbender ★★★ 3/4 Fantasia Fest 2021
A confident coming of age horror that focuses more on the ever-changing dynamic between parent and child. The Adams family has made a very surprisingly effective film in Hellbender. One that does so much right and very little wrong – a fantastically refreshing film. Teenager Izzy (Zelda Adams) lives a
Glasshouse ★★★★ 1/2 – Fantasia Fest 2021
With Glasshouse, Kelsey Egan has conjured a beautifully haunting film. This dystopian fairytale weaves quite a tragic tale highlighted by the excellent performances and strong use of storytelling. Egan marks herself out as a filmmaker to watch out for. A dementia induced toxin known as the Shred has enveloped the