A decent feature documentary that would be better suited to being a series, Maya and the Wave connects well but feels rushed. Maya Gabeira is a force; a longer format is needed to showcase that. Maya Gabeira grew up in Brazil with a dream to surf competitively. Like any surfer,
Category: Uncategorized
Autobiography ★★★ 1/2 TIFF 2022
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
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.
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
Crimes of the Future – ★★★★
David Cronenberg focuses on the grim possibilities that humanity may have in its future in his hypnotic Crimes of the Future. A nightmare in that you could see his grim, emotionless world be a reality. As the human species adapts to a synthetic environment, the body undergoes new transformations and
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
Festival Street 2022 to ignite Toronto with free screenings, interactive activations, and musical performances; TIFF 2022 Cinematheque Programme announced
TORONTO — Back for its seventh year, the excitement and fun of the Toronto International Film Festival pours out from the theatres onto Festival Street and over to David Pecaut Square. King Street West between Peter Street and University Avenue will transform into the TIFF street party. Festival Street celebrations
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
Aurinko in Adagio ★★★★★ HollyShorts Film Festival
A rather beautiful look at honing a craft and being lifted by the support of your family, Aurinko in Adagio is a joy. Elisee Junior St Preux has a wonderful touch as a filmmaker, with his film hitting you close to the heart with its effectiveness. Director: Elisee Junior St
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
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
Shudder Announces 61 day Halloween celebration starting September 1st
SHUDDER, THE HOME FOR HALLOWEEN, ANNOUNCES ITS BIGGEST SLATE OF MUST-SEE ORIGINAL SERIES AND NEW MOVIES SHUDDER’S 61-DAY HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION FROM 1ST SEPTEMBER TO 31ST OCTOBER New Film Premieres: V/H/S/99 • Dario Argento’s Dark Glasses Deadstream • Speak No Evil • Saloum • Raven’s Hollow • Sissy Who Invited Them New Series
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
Troy ★★★ 1/2 – HollyShorts Film Festival
Troy is a film that you cannot help but love, a wonderful breath of comedic fresh air for one reason: we would most likely (almost definitely) be like Thea and Charlie. Mike Donahue’s film knocks it out of the park.
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,
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
Shark ★★★ 3/4 HollyShort Film Festival
Shark is a dark comedy that knows when to pull the rug on our fun having newlyweds. Nash Edgerton’s latest short is a deliciously dark delight.
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.
Lucienne in a World Without Solitude – (Short) Small Gauge Trauma – Fantasia International FIlm Festival
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.
The Last Son – ★★★
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
The Last Son available on digital August 8th.
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
Cult Hero ★★★ Fantasia International Film Festival
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
King Knight – ★★★ Digital Release
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.
TIFF announces films in the Gala and Special Presentations programmes
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
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
Mercenaries from Hong Kong – ★★★ – Fantasia International Film Festival
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
Orchestrator of Storms: The Fantastique World of Jean Rollin – ★★★★ Fantasia International Film Festival
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.
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.
Summer Ghost – ★★★★ 1/2 (Short) Fantasia International Film Festival
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
A Girl Meets a Boy and a Robot – ★★★★
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
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.
Arrow Video FrightFest 2022 announces line-up
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,
British Boys and Happiness is £4 Million – Shorts Sheff Doc Fest 2022
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,
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
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,
The Ark – ★★★★★ Odyssey Chinese Film Festival
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’re All Going To The World’s Fair – ★★★★
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
In May, ARROW Unleashes Puppet Masters, Bronx Warriors, Britsploitation, And All Manner Of B-Movie Mayhem!
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
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
Jimmy In Saigon – ★★★ 3/4 (BFI Flare)
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.
The Novice – ★★★★★ (BFI Flare)
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
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.
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
Tacheles – The Heart of the Matter – ★★★ (Human Rights Watch Film Festival)
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
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
Daughter of a Lost Bird – ★★★★ (Human Rights Watch Film Festival)
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
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
Blue Moon – ★★★ 1/2 (Glasgow Film Festival)
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
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
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.
Adventures of Success – ★★★
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
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
Ashgrove – ★★★★★ Glasgow Film Festival
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)
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
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
You Resemble Me – ★★★★ (Human Rights Watch Film Festival)
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.
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
BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival unveiled its full programme
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,
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
NITEHAWK SHORTS FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES PROGRAMME, MAR 2 – 6
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
26th Human Rights Watch Film Festival, UK Presented in Partnership with Barbican Cinema Programme Release
(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 – ★★ 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
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.
20th Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival 2022 programme revealed
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.
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.
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.
Glasgow Film Festival Announces 2022 Programme
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
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.
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
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
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)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Bosco ★★★★ – Edinburgh International Film Festival
A documentary about connection to the past and the sad truth of what it means to lose your community. “Bosco” is a special documentary that reminds us all of the importance of not only where we came from, but also our families heritage, who knows what communities, stories and history
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
Mosquito State – ★★ 3/4 Shudder
Despite having interesting ideas, Mosquito State is never able to grab its audience’s attention fully. Its unsubtle story hinders this flawed body horror from being something as memorable as it really should be.
Jakob’s Wife – ★★★ Shudder
A horror that very much keeps with an entertaining 80s vibe #JakobsWife has its bloody cake and eats it. Successfully toeing the line of keeping true to its core story while having a blast. As entertaining as you can imagine.
Strawberry Mansion ★★★3/4 – Fantasia Fest 2021
Wearing its influences on its sleeves, Kentucker Audley and Albert Birney’s lo-fi fantasy film Strawberry Mansion is a gloriously offbeat but sweet film that unexpectedly touches you, full of whimsy originality.
King Knight ★★★ 1/2 – Fantasia Fest 2021
Richard Bates Jr’s film King Knight is full of ridiculousness, from the characters to the situations, yet it never forgets the message of finding acceptance in ones past – a comedy that hits all of the right notes.
Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror ★★★★ – Fantasia Fest 2021
A wondrous deep dive into all things folk horror, Kier-La Janisse’s film takes us on a marathon three hour plus journey, yet you are never bored in this absolute much watch.
April Story ★★★★ – Fantasia Fest 2021
A joyous & dreamy look at a young person taking that big step into independence & finding oneself, April Story is as relatable now as it was in 1998. Engaging as it is poignant, its simple story gracefully guides you along.
Wonderful Paradise ★★★ 1/2 – Fantasia Fest 2021
An absurdist comedy for the ages, Masashi Yamamoto’s Wonderful Paradise escalates almost to the point of being overstuffed. Yet it is wildly entertaining as it has a blast, and why not, we need films like this.
Agnes ★★★★ – Fantasia Fest 2021
Carrying on from the excellent Climate of the Hunter, filmmaker Mickey Reece brings us a film full of mood and isolation. Reece is ambitious here with Agnes, and he manages to pull it off with a great film that is a must-watch.
Antebellum – ★★ 3/4
A flawed film with a twist that you will either love or hate. Monáe is the obvious standout in Antebellum that swings big, but ends up stumping itself.
On the Trail of UFOs: Dark Sky – ★★ 1/2
On the Trail of UFOs: Dark Sky is fine as a documentary that looks into the UFO phenomenon occurring in West Virginia, with personable subjects it should be a home run. Yet, towards the back end of the piece, it sadly loses itself.
The B-Movie VHS Vault – Die Sister Die (1978)
Some films never make it to DVD, Blu-Ray or digital or if they did, their prints are long gone. This series wants to look back at those films, that almost slipped through our B-Movie grubby little fingers.
The Babadook – Second Sight LE Blu Ray ★★★★
Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook is a masterful horror film, that takes advantage of its human story to scare the life out of you. An unmissable film in an unmissable package and out from Monday 26th
Kandisha – ★★★ 1/2
An impressive horror from Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury utilises many well-used horror tropes and can bring something fresh to the table. Rife with tension and some gruesome scares, Kandisha demands your time.
25th Edition of Fantasia 2021 to close with Takashi Miike’s The Great Yokai War – Guardians
25th Edition of Fantasia 2021 to close with Takashi Miike’s The Great Yokai War – Guardians
The Boy Behind The Door – ★★★★
Rife with nail-biting tension, Lonnie Chavis & Ezra Dewey are phenomenal in The Boy Behind The Door. With a simple story done exceptionally well, directors David Charbonier and Justin Powell have created a wonderful thriller.
Piccolo Corpo ★★★★ 1/2
Laura Samani’s hauntingly beautiful Piccolo Corpo is a triumph. This is a voyage of uncompromising love and sacrifice, utterly unmissable with enduring and memorable performances from Celeste Cescutti and Ondina Quadri.
The Stylist Short Cuts
Jill Gebargizian’s The Stylist began as a short film and last month to honour that, the good folks at Arrow decided to run a contest of for female filmmakers working on both sides of the camera to make and send their films in.
Top films of 2021 so far
A little list of films that I feel are the best of 2021 thus far. Admittedly some are festival watches, but there are still some crackers in there.
Shadows of the Valley ★★★ Queen’s World Film Festival
presents its audience with as bleak a picture as you can imagine for the children & families of Juárez. Yet hope and determined optimism shine in this thought provoking and emotional documentary
Lust Life Love ★★★★ Queen’s World Film Festival
Lust Life Love is an open & honest look at the sex-positive community. An immersive & intimate film that takes us on a journey less travelled, and thank goodness it does. Not a film to be missed.
Carver ★★★ – Queen’s World Film Festival
An engaging debut from Evgeny Yablokov, has a vigilante get too caught up in his nightly excursions and struggle to keep it all together. A film that satisfies and stays true to itself.
Dr Bird’s Advice For Sad Poets – ★★★ 1/2
Yaniv Raz’s adaption of Dr Bird’s Advice for Sad Poets shows how it was a book made for the big screen. This offbeat look at mental health in teenagers occasionally stumbles but is able to stay on its feet to be an entertaining film. Enter the whimsical world of James
Senior Moment – ★★ 3/4
A film that knows exactly what it is and never tries to overstretch itself. Senior Moment is an easy watch with a splattering of laughs yet full of harmless charm.
Shudder to Produce Next Installment of V/H/S Horror Anthology, V/H/S/94
Jennifer Reeder and Ryan Prows Join Previously Announced Writer/Directors Simon Barrett, Timo Tjahjanto and Chloe Okuno for the Shudder original film. NEW YORK – June 16, 2021 – Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, has acquired worldwide rights to V/H/S/94, the fourth installment in the
Uncle Vanya – ★★★★★
The filmed performance of Ian Rickson’s production of Uncle Vanya astounds. A beautiful yet utterly heartbreaking piece with faultless performances. It will live long in the memory. An unmissable experience
Parallel ★★★1/2 + DVD Competition
Isaac Ezban’s Parallel has strong central themes that coupled with four strong performances makes Parallel an excellent high concept science fiction film.
Factory to the Workers ★★★ 1/2 – Sheff Doc Fest
A fascinating documentary of determination, Srđan Kovačević keeps a neutral gaze on his subjects as they battle through thick and thin to make an impossible task succeed. In Croatia in 2005, a machine tools factory was occupied by its workers. Since then, they have operated collectively, becoming the only successful
From the Wild Sea ★★★★- Sheff Doc Fest
Robin Petré’s From the Wild Sea is a glorious showcase of cinematic imagery and impeccable sound design. A documentary that presents the ever-increasing devastation that humans and climate change have on marine life.
Sheff Doc Fest: Delphine’s Prayers – ★★★★ 1/4
Rosine Mbakam’s intimate yet challenging Delphine’s Prayers is the most intense therapy session you can imagine. An emotional whirlwind of a documentary that has you riveted with its subject’s life.