Saltburn

 

The film has divided audiences, one side disgusted, the other mesmerised but also, quite disgusted. Inspired by and somewhat a homage to Brideshead Revisited, The Talented Mr Ripley and with a smattering of Kind Hearts and Coronets, Emerald Fennell’s second feature goes further than you’d think and finally twists the knife in your side, but you can’t help but be entertained.

 

With explicit visceral sex scenes and gag inducing moments involving bathtub water and rain drenched grave, the characters that accompany these memorable parts are just as fascinating. Following Oliver, as he attends Oxford, a lonely outsider, who strikes up an unlikely friendship with the popular wealthy upper-class Felix. After becoming such good friends, and feeling sorry for him, Felix invites Oliver to stay with him and his family over the summer at his manor house, Saltburn. Oliver, desperate to stay close to Felix and be part of this life, manipulate his way through each family member until his own secrets are revealed and he makes some drastic choices.

 

If Promising Young Woman was retribution, Saltburn is obsession and entitlement. The Catton family are in privileged positions and on several occasions express the fact they feel entitled to have things their way. They want for nothing, except maybe cousin Farleigh, who is in a precarious situation. Oliver feels entitled to the same lifestyle he has partaken in through his friendship with Felix. After having a taste of this privileged existence, he believes he is entitled to take it from those around him. The argument that the film tried to make us sympathise with the upper-class characters as they come across as kind, welcoming and overall, the ‘nicer’ people is just a thin veil of what lurks beneath. Each member of the family has an underlining mean streak that appears at some point. As much of their dialogue, particularly Elspeth, comes across as absurd and comical. Making this film about class and class alone rather ruins the overarching point of the story. This isn’t about the Catton family; this is Oliver’s story and how he decides what he will become.

 

Oliver is indeed the interloper and rarely seems like a genuinely good person. From the start he pretends to be from a poor background with a difficult home life and upbringing but when it is revealed that he is from a relatively average middle class home, it reveals that Oliver is far more twisted. His lies know no end. The film begins with him insisting he wasn’t in love Felix and as the film goes on, we start to question is Oliver has told a single truth throughout and whether his opening statement was also a lie. In some ways, Oliver is an unreliable narrator who doesn’t narrate. It is his story but we don’t know how he really feels or thinks, just that he craves Felix, his family, Saltburn, his obsession grows as he starts understand himself what he really wants.

 

The Boy and the Heron

 The cries of 'hes done it again, another masterpiece' would and have followed Hayao Miyazaki's latest, The Boy and The Heron. But the illusion that every film now made by animation studio is worthy of this title is starting to fade. The resounding success of Studio Ghibli, in particular the films by Hayao Miyazaki, have made them popular around the globe. Every time Miyazaki announces his retirement the film world eagerly awaits his 'final film' and it's always praised without question. 

Yet, The Boy and the Heron doesn't feel like a last hurrah, or acclamation of a brilliant filmmaker showing us he still has stories to tell. The film lacks direction, consistency and a coherent story. There seem to be too many ideas crammed into one and this time, the as always, beautiful animation, doesn't make up for this. There is a sense of desperation to say everything all at once, this isn't just shown in the story but through characters, the man in the tower trying to balance everything out. It could be too much to view this as Miyazaki himself. Not willing to let go and feel as if he's running out of time. 

There are indeed some amazing images alongside the more visceral and quite grotesque. The tower itself is fantastic, but the various time travel parralell universes behind doors is too much. Making the story about a boy, who misses his mother but is trying to find his aunt who will be his new mother is also, slightly over complicated. Hardcore Miyazaki fans will get something out of the film and those who have enjoyed previous films may seen some value but, this isn't really for a younger audience and for those just starting to discover Ghibli. It's a shame as the first half if the film felt so promising.

Femme

 

Revenge stories always have an intriguing angle, whether we see it from the victim or the perpetrator or from somewhere in between. There is always a new angle to take and Femme delivers us something that we haven't seen in a while, an actual British thriller that has on the edge of our seats throughout. Based on the short film by writers and directors, Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, the feature film is tense emotional revenge story that feels relentless. So brilliantly executed, razor sharp characters and compelling performances from Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and George Mackay.

Full review over at Filmhounds. 

Mafia Mamma

 

When you think of crime family, we don’t automatically think comedy about a woman having a midlife crisis discovers she’s actually part of the mafia. Comedy and violence have gone hand in hand with plenty of other films, sometimes treading that fine line between funny and tasteless. It would be harsh to say that Mafia Mamma is both as there are comedic moments and a fair few eye rolling scenes too. Especially with every mention or reference to The Godfather. But instead of the mix of comedy and obvious violence, we also get the woman wants and has it all scenario, with a touch dull romance on the side. Just like the wine they make in the film, it does not go down well.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

Santa Claus: The Movie

 

Fresh from the 80s is the restoration we didn’t know we needed. That Christmas film we all used to watch over the festive period and wonder why years later. Santa Claus: The Movie has everything a typical Christmas film needs; a Santa Claus origin story, a heartless toy manufacturer villain, a comedy icon using far too many elf puns, orphans ready for an adventure and some of the best costumes to come out of the North Pole. 

When a woodcutter, Claus and his wife, Anya, get caught in a blizzard, they are saved by elves who take them to their magical home in the North Pole. They are told by the elves that their arrival was prophesied and that it was Claus’ destiny to deliver presents to children around the world every Christmas Eve. Throughout the centuries, they all live harmoniously, changing with the times. But when the over eager elf, Patch, believes he needs to prove himself to Santa Claus, he runs away to modern day New York. Soon the naïve Patch ends up in the clutches of a corrupt toy manufacturer who intends to take over Christmas. It’s up to Santa Claus, with the help of some new friends to save Patch and restore Christmas.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

How to Have Sex

 

There really hasn’t been any ‘teen’ movie to come out of British cinema, this rites-of-passage genre is usually saved for TV shows. We’ve seen plenty of ‘Brits’ on holiday across all stories, but sometimes its takes one focused character’s journey and the genuine emotions splayed across a big screen to really capture the essence of being a teenager, who is both strong and vulnerable. 

To celebrate finishing exams, three teenage best friends, travel to party destination, Malia for what is set to be the best summer holiday ever. 

Full review over at Filmhounds.

Bottoms

 

With very little fanfare, despite the buzz the film has created since its release in the US earlier this year, Bottoms, is finally in UK cinemas. Touted as a queer high school comedy about two loser who try and win over their crushes through a female only fight club is one that doesn’t really raise eyebrows. The premise is just like any other teen comedy, it’s ridiculous, funny and problematic but its very enjoyable. It’s been a while since a comedy such as this has appeared on the big screen (not streaming) in a while.

Our two so called losers, PJ, the ever-charismatic Rachel Sennott and Josie, everyone’s favourite from The Bear’s Ayo Edebiri, just want to get with hot cheerleaders. But of course, they try and do this is the most ridiculous way. The female fight club could have had its own story to be honest, but add in horny teens and the stakes get higher, ridiculously so. So rare is it to see horny teenage girls on screen, for when they do appear, there is a bit of shock. The fact that girls can be just as manipulative as boys is a lesson well learned. But girls learning how to fight for their own protection (ultimately) AND getting to defend the poor helpless boys is beyond satisfying. 

There is some genuinely moving and somewhat serious moments, that are immediately followed by amusing and crass dialogue. But, its in there, just enough to ground the characters and the journey they all go on. Bottoms is that film you’ve wanted to see but didn’t know you needed, we were all due this ridiculous teen comedy.

Poolman - BFI London Film Festival

 

A detective, stumbles onto a case that will change him, his friends, and the town he lives in. The story has been done to death, yet we keep watching them. The characters make the story and if the central lead is compelling, charming, or corrupt enough, we’ll keep on watching. We’ve grown to enjoy the same old same old and the predictability. Yet, Poolman, Chris Pine’s directorial debut, was met with far less favourable reactions, despite following this exact ‘winning’ formula. But there’s still some joy to be had from this everyman turning detective story. 

Darren, a pool cleaner with a strong sense of community, stumbles right into the middle of a considerably sized conspiracy involving LA’s water supply. Hot on the trail of who he believes is responsible, he finds himself being made the patsy for murder. With the help of his friends, therapist Dianne and out of work director Jack, they’re on the case to get to the bottom of what’s really going on. Even though no one asked them on the case in the first place!

Full review over at Filmhounds.

Cat Person

 

Dating can provide some of the most ridiculous, excruciating, and horrific stories. There are endless possibilities where dating stories can take you and Cat Person is both just one in a million and a story that really nails down the intricate thoughts and feelings one can feel in the moment. The flirtatious beginning to the absolute insane climatic end, Cat Person explores the paranoia that comes with dating and the gut instinct that something is just not quite right.

College student Margot meets Robert, an older guy, at the cinema where she works. They start texting, fun and flirty messages and she is soon attached, despite a few odd moments with him. Her best friend, and near recluse, Taylor, thinks there’s something not quite right with Robert. However, Margot still decides to continue the relationship. But soon things take a turn, causing Margot to sink into paranoia, believing she is isn’t safe.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

The Royal Hotel - BFI London Film Festival

 

When we see two women with backpacks in the middle of nowhere, the assumption is that we are about to watch a horror film. With one friend lusting for adventure and the other keen too but far more cautious about their surroundings. Director and co-writer Kitty Green sets us up to both show that horror doesn’t have to be displayed on screen and steers clear of a predictable narrative. The result is a highly tense thriller that has your mind racing throughout. 

Friends Liv and Hanna run out of money while travelling in Australia. To make some cash before resuming their grand adventure, they take jobs at a remotely located bar. Quickly assessing the situation, the more than rowdy regulars and the ‘culture’ of the town, Hanna wants to leave. The more open to anything Liv however wants to stay. After one too many uncomfortable incidents and altercations, the tension that Hanna feels surrounding them, comes to a climatic breaking point.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

The Retirement Plan

 

A crime thriller starring Nicolas Cage as a beach bum with a secret government past sounds enticing enough. There are most likely going to be entertaining fight scenes, amusing dialogue, and no doubt another iconic look created for Cage himself. Unfortunately, The Retirement Plan, slips into the worn-out predictable film category where there is very little to redeem itself. 

After getting caught up with dangerous criminals, Ashley and her daughter Sarah seek out help from her estranged father, Matt. But when crime boss Donnie and his henchman Bobo catch up with them, Ashley soon finds out that her father had a secret violent past she knew nothing about.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

A Haunting in Venice

 

Murder mysteries will never die. There will always be another gruesome death, a new case, a new set of suspects, and of course a detective to solve the crime. Although A Haunting in Venice is very, very loosely based on Agatha Christie’s Hallowe’en Party, basically only using some character names and the extremely bare bones of some of the plot, it makes for an exciting new prospect. With such a loose adaption, you have no idea what to expect, making this a fresh take on Christie’s classic. 

Its 1947 and Hercule Poirot has retired to Venice but his solitude is interrupted by the arrival of an old friend, crime writer Ariadne Oliver. She persuades him to join her at a séance to help her debunk the medium, Joyce Reynolds. But when it is revealed that someone in the house was previously murdered, followed by another supernaturally charged murder, Poirot is forced to take the case and find out if ghosts really do exist.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Daliland

 
When a film centres around a specific time for a prolific person in history, there is a danger that the film will feel restrictive and have precious few areas to explore. With little over 90 minutes, we are given a look into the last years of world-famous Spanish surrealist artist, Salvador Dali, but not focusing on his final works, ailing health, or a closer look at his relationships with his wife or band of followers. This is a biopic but through the eyes of someone who knew him for a short while. Those biopics that want to delve deep but never quite go as far as you would hope. However, there is a great performance from Sir Ben Kingsley to revel in.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Theater Camp

 

There are those who love theatre and all that it entails and there are those who literally live for, breathe for and eventually die for the theatre. The latter group would no doubt have gone to some kind theatre camp and honed their craft, found their passion, met their crowd, or had their hopes dashed. A mockumentary-esque film following the teachers and students as they get through 3 weeks of absolute organised chaos sounds like it could be uplifting and potentially hilarious. Filled to the brim with stereotypes and incredible talent, Theatre Camp is both exhausting and at times, heartwarming. 

When the beloved founder of AdirondACTS, a theatre camp in upstate New York, ends up in a coma, her clueless social media focused son Troy is sent in to keep the camp running. But with the camp in financial difficulty, Troy, along with the chaotic mix of eccentric and loyal teachers, they must find a way to keep the camp open and the debut of a brand-new musical have its night on stage.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Fool's Paradise

 

We’re no stranger to the darker vapid self-serving side of Hollywood being portrayed on screen so any new film that aims to have a fresh new take will pique interest. Charlie Day’s directorial debut wants to be said new fresh take, and although delightfully satirical, it doesn’t quite hit the heights you want it to. However, it is immensely entertaining, jarring, uncomfortable and feels all too near reality, plus the blend of darker jokes and basic slapstick actually works well. 

An adult John Doe, with the mental capacity of a 5-year-old is abandoned in downtown LA. He is spotted by a Hollywood producer as he happens to resemble a notoriously difficult method actor. From this moment, Latte Pronto, is born. Dragged through from one ordeal to the next, one minute the talk of the town the next a disgrace. And all the while accompanied by his struggling publicist, Lenny, who seems just as clueless as him.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

New Life - Fantasia Film Festival

 

With every story about a contagious disease, there’s a survivor and a pursuer. You can expect the story to one of two ways and neither has a pretty end. New Life literally breathes fresh air into this familiar set up. With a solid cast and decent central characters, there is something intriguing and terrifying to be absorbed by. Yet, the film can’t shake off its own confinements. With such a potentially big story, the film feels contained despite there being multiple locations with both main characters on the move. 

A young woman, Jessica, escapes a mysterious facility and goes on the run. Determined to get as far away as possible from those who held her captive, she meets kind strangers who help her along the way. Meanwhile, an agent, dealing with her own issues, is assigned to bring Jessica in at all costs. But as times ticks by, the stakes of the pursuit take several dark turns with devastating consequences.

Full review over at Filmhounds. 

Blackout - Fantasia Film Festival

 

We’re no strangers to the supernatural in film and we have all definitely been exposed to a typical creature feature. Trying to find a fresh new angle on a subject that has been made countless times before is a difficult task but writer, director and producer Larry Fessenden has possibly found a way to do so by way of a character study and dark self-discovery in Blackout.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE

The Beanie Bubble

 

This is the year of the ‘product’ film, with several films about the origins of a particular product being explored. The Beanie Bubble fits very nicely between Flamin’ Hot, BlackBerry and Air, moving from the 80s into the 90s and banking on nostalgia to make us want to find out exactly what happened to the Beanie Babies bubble. Back in the mid-90s, you were either a collector or you knew a collector, there was no escaping the beanies and that inviting TY logo. 

Behind every great man, there’s always at least three women that he’s standing in front of. There are always a trinity of women, each having propped the man up, in a relationship with him or created ideas that he had stolen, The Beanie Bubble tells the story of the three women in Ty Warner’s life and how they helped him become a billionaire.

The full review is over at Filmhounds HERE.

Thieves Like Us

 

Criminal lovers on the run, made popular by the ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ type stories seen in films and TV shows, the original though was a novel by Edward Anderson. His novel, Thieves Like Us, inspired the Nicholas Ray 1948 film, They Live By Night which explored this them. But director Robert Altman took a different approach with his 1974 adaptation. While there is a very sweet and tender romance at the heart of the film, there is no ‘Bonnie & Clyde’, there is just Bowie, the criminal and Keechie, the garageman’s daughter, but just like any story from this period, it’s no less tragic.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Talk to Me - Sundance London

 

There are simple rules you need to follow to ensnare an audience into your horror film. Start with a shock to entice them in, introduce an item that invites the horror in and give as little information about it as possible and finally, forget the jump scares, you will win your audience with prolonged terrifying moments instead. Directors Danny and Michael Philippou have followed these rules and have created something truly spine chilling with some images that stick in your mind long after the end credits roll.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Stars at Noon

 

Claire Denis returns from futuristic deep space (High Life, 2018) back to present day South America during the COVID-19 Global pandemic. With the political overtones and uncertainty that fills the air, this adaptation of Denis Johnson’s The Stars at Noon tries to position itself as a romantic thriller. The central characters being thrown together by circumstance and desperation, there is less romance to be found, making the overall story feel more like a tragedy waiting to happen. 

Trish, an American journalist, finds herself trapped in Nicaragua. Having written a politically fused article damning the government, her passport has been taken and she is left to fend for herself. Prostituting herself for money and the bare essentials, she meets Daniel, an English oil businessman who is not all he seems to be. Amidst an instant connection the two outsiders share, they are soon perused by the Costa Rican police and are forced to go on the run.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

The Hot Spot

 

Released on the cusp of the 90s boom of erotic thrillers, The Hot Spot, directed by Dennis Hopper, is drenched in sweat, blood and tears, it has everything you would want from a Neo Noir film. 

Drifter Harry Madox takes a somewhat dead-end job as a car salesman in a small town in Texas. He gets involved with two very different women, the naïve young accountant, Gloria, and the scheming flirtatious Dolly, who’s husband owns the car dealership. After Harry decides to rob the local bank, he becomes embroiled in a hot a mess of lust, blackmail and arson with murder looking like the only way out.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Are You There God? It's Me, Katie

Reading this iconic book by Judy Blume felt like a right of passage. My mum had bought it for my older sister originally and by the time I was 11 or 12, it was my turn to read it. At first it felt like a forbidden ‘grown up’ book but I soon realised it was for any pre-teen, or teenager to consume. Back in those days, I liked to read often and faster than I do now. True to my own personality, once I’d read one Judy Blume book, I had to read more. Books were also a lot cheaper in the late 90s/early 00s which meant I could pick up lots of books at a time. But unfortunately, I can’t remember much about any of the Judy Blume books I read, except for the seminal, Are You There God? It’s me Margaret. 

I thought it was odd that this book, which everyone seemed to know, whether they read it or not, had never been adapted into a film or TV series. But here we are 20 years after I read the book, a film has finally been made and its feels true to the book, as far as I can remember anyway. Originally the book met with controversy because the frank discussions about menstruation and the fact that Margaret is allowed to choose her own religion, because of course that’s controversial for the 70s. Only now are these kinds of discussions becoming more frequent and normalised. Though I never understood by Margaret and her friends desperately wanted their periods. The hell storm and pain that is causes many women; you would have thought you’d want that occurrence delayed as much as possible. 

Played by Abbey Ryder Fortson in the film, Margaret is as insecure and concerned about growing up as much as possible to fit in with her new friends. She has the contained, sometimes humorous conversations with God, wanting advice and wondering what religion she should choose. Her curious nature and her parents openness, allows her to explore the possibilities. I had forgotten how much religions plays a part in the story and how this choice Margaret feels she has to make weighs on her throughout the film (and book). The film differs from the book in concentrating on Margaret’s parents and her bellowed grandmother, which I was concerned would feel forced as these actors are the ‘famous’. But the scenes and storylines with the adult characters actually made the story more grounded and felt less like a pre-teen coming of age drama. The film felt more about family with Margaret at the centre. 

 

Judy Blume herself was one of the producers on the film, which probably meant, this was the right time to adapt this story. The author even said ‘the film is better than the book!’. For anyone who hasn’t read the book, its an enjoyable story with a talented new lead. For those who grew up with the book, it’ll take you back to when you first read it.

BFI Film on Film Festival

 

BFI is bringing real film back to the big screen this summer, this time in the form of a festival celebrating film solely on celluloid. Just like listening to music on vinyl, watching film projected offers an entirely different look, sound and emotional impact. The festival was designed to create a unique cinema experience enabling the audience to enjoy film in all its glory. 

Full post over at Filmhounds HERE.

BFI Film on Film Festival is at BFI Southbank from 8-11 June www.bfi.org.uk/film-on-film

Club Zero - Cannes Film Festival

 

At elite school, new teacher, Miss Novak, leads her class in an unconventional series of lessons and theory that we don’t need to eat. One by one, each of her students falls under her spell and beliefs. Even after there is resistance from the students’ parents, the bond created in the classroom is strong, resulting in an event no one would have predicted. 

Jessica Hausner has a knack for creating an uncomfortable and foreboding atmosphere. It has been present in her previous films, especially in her last film, Little Joe. From the very start of Club Zero, we are introduced to Miss Novak (played to unnerving perfection by Mia Wasikowska) who comes across as someone to be vary of. Her demeanour and very soon after, her open attitude to eating and consuming food gives the impression that we are to expect unconventional and somewhat persistent behaviour from her. The slow and sinister affect she has on her students does not come as a shock but more like an eventual horror. Hausner is able to convey this sinister feeling throughout without being too overt in her intentions. We know something will happen to these students; we just don’t know what. 

Hausner clearly has a distinct style of filmmaking and particular aesthetic that compliments her storytelling. There is no indication where the film is set, the clothes all feel like a mixture of genres and the art direction is carefully curated to make one feel that this is not a story from the world we know. Within the story itself there are science fiction elements that creep in ever so slightly and its mirrored in the styles of the film. But at the root of the story is more like a cult; an enigmatic mysterious character appears and convinces a group to follow them in their beliefs, cutting them off from family and friends and eventually to giving up everything for them. 

Although the style and sinister atmosphere is intriguing to start with, the film does descend into an incoherent and somewhat frustrating narrative. There is no clear end and there is no clear or satisfying direction. Though if you are a fan of Hausner’s work, this will be a fascinating film but for anyone not familiar with her previous films may find this, overall, a tedious watch.

A Gaza Weekend - LOCO (London Comedy Film Festival)

 
Any story involving or mentioning Israel, Palestine or Gaza would usually be approached carefully, sensitively and probably at arm’s length by certain filmmakers. But thankfully, director Basil Kahlil dives head first into the genuinely funny, frustrating, observant black comedy, A Gaza Weekend. Perfectly selected to open this year’s London Comedy Film Festival, the film is a fantastic example of how to broach serious subjects, with the darkest humour possible, plus a cast who deliver every single laugh. 

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

London Comedy Film Festival (LOCO)

 

The world’s largest festival of funny cinema is back! LOCO has been going strong for over a decade and with this year sees new Festival Director and Artistic Director, Anna Wetherell and Benedict Morrison taking up the reins, the festival promise to deliver something special. With new and classic comedies, features and shorts all to be screened in the heart of East London, Hackney Picturehouse.  

Full preview HERE.

London Comedy Film Festival 2023 (LOCO) will take place at Hackney Picturehouse from 11-14 May 2023

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

 

After receiving a letter from an old colleague who has moved into a hospice, Harold Fry, in his late 60s, spontaneously decides to walk from his home in South Devon to Berwick-upon-Tweed to visit his friend. This is the start of a both an eye-opening journey full of heart-warming moments and a reflective walk through Harold’s memories and personal losses. Either way you look at it, Harold Fry is a sentimental and somewhat uplifting tearjerker that feels oh so very British.

Full review can be read HERE on Filmhounds.

How to Blow Up a Pipeline

 

Best friends Xochitl and Theo, having grown up together next to an oil refinery, have each suffered pain and loss; Xochitl’s mum dying in a heatwave and Theo being diagnosed with leukaemia. Disillusioned with the lack of action taken towards oil companies, Xochitl proposes a more radical and disruptive move. Bringing together a group of strangers, all with their own reasons for taking part, the group plan to blow up an oil pipeline in West Texas. But it isn’t long before one the members in the group is compromised.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Simulant

 
In a world where androids (SIMS) and humans coexist, the former in more domestic and care giving roles. Having already pulled the plug on her husband after a tragic accident, artist Faye debates whether to do the same for his SIM counterpart. Instead, she sends him to live illegally on his own. There he meets the radical Casey, a programmer who believes that all SIMS should be free, helping them become more human by hacking their systems. And hunting both of them down is Artificial Intelligence Compliance Enforcement agent Kessler, who has suffered his own tragic loss at the hands of a SIM, is trying to stop a global event that will alter SIMS forever.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE

Interview with director Andrew Legge

 

Director and writer of a series of award-winning shorts, Andrew Legge makes his feature film debut with LOLA. He took the time to chat with Filmhounds about all the aesthetics of old machinery, twisting the concept of the mad scientist and the pros and cons of making a found footage film.

Full interview over at Filmhounds HERE. 

Jess Plus None - BFI Flare

 

When old and close friends are gathered together for an important occasion in an unusual location, chaos, intrigue and revelations are bound to be happen. Jess Plus None has exactly the right mix and perfectly uncomfortable setting; a wedding in the woods involving camping, to create a romantic comedy that follows the same genre beats but has an entertaining group of characters that gives the film a boost above ordinary.

Jess Plus None screened at BFI Flare 2023

Full review at Filmhounds HERE.

Infinity Pool

 
While on holiday in the fictional country Li Tolqa, struggling writer James and his wife Em befriend another couple, Gabi and Albin. On an excursion outside the strict designated tourist area, there is an accident involving a local. This sets off a series of questionable actions and events, with James left to cope with his what he has done and witnessed.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Egghead & Twinkie - BFI Flare

 
Egghead & Twinkie is nothing ground breaking, we’ve seen these characters many times before and seen this story play out with both tragic and happy endings. However, there is something very charming and blissfully idealistic about the two best friends’ journey. But this is primarily Twinkie’s story, despite the title suggesting otherwise. Wanting to meet the girl she’s been talking to online for months, Twinkie convinces her best friend Egghead, who may still harbour feelings for her, to come with her on a last-minute road trip. Along the way truths are shared, feelings are hurt and new friends found. A ‘classic’ road trip film for the Gen Z crowd.

Egghead & Twinkie will have it's International Premiere at BFI Flare 2023.  

Full review at Filmhounds HERE. 

God's Creatures

 

In a small fishing town, Aileen, spend her days at the canary and evenings at the local pub and in between with her family. Their world is shaken by the return of their wayward son Brian who left years before and has barely kept contact. After the initial joy at his return, Aileen soon finds herself lying for her son. This lie rips apart the family, their friends and even the community and she is left deciding whether she has done the right thing and living with the consequences.

Full review is in the latest issue of Film Stories HERE.

The Five Devils

 

Vicky has an extraordinary sense of smell. She has the ability to recreate the scents of others, sometimes with devastating consequences, particularly when her aunt Julia comes to visit having been gone for many years. The reappearance of Julia disrupts her family’s already fragile dynamic, stirring up past tragedies as well as happier times. Each time Vicky descends into the past lives of her parents and Julia, without realising the lifelong pain she causes, she has to decide whether she uses her powers for good or to get what she wants.

Full review in the latest issue of Film Stories HERE.

Watcher - Final Girls Berlin Film Festivals

 

American couple Julia and Francis move to Bucharest for Francis’ work. Their apartment has wide windows that face the opposite side to the same building where Julia notices there is always a man watching them. Setting off a chain of events where she believes she is being followed by this man, in the city there is a serial killer who decapitating women on the loose, could this be the same person? 

Despite being a simple story on the surface, the atmosphere is intense and mistrustful in Chloe Okuno directorial feature debut. Watcher is both a stalker horror and voyeuristic lowkey thriller that balances the paranoia Julia feels with the mundane but sweet moments she shares Francis.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

She Is Love

 

Just like his previous films, director Jamie Adams uses an improvisational style in his story about Patricia (Haley Bennett) who goes to stay in a hotel, unknowingly run by her ex-husband, Idris (Sam Riley) and his girlfriend Louise (Marisa Abela). Having not seen each other in 10 years, there is a lot to reminisce about as well as a reflection of what their lives are like now.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Beautiful Beings

 

Following up on his 2016 feature film debut, Heartstone, writer and director Guðmundur Arnar Guðmundsson returns with Beautiful Beings, a story about boyhood and friendship, tilting on the edge of destruction and ultimately a vicious act of revenge. 

After being hospitalised from bullies at school, lonely Balli is tentatively befriended by the understanding Addi, the sarcastic Siggi and the short-tempered Konni. Together they carve out an existence, trying to have fun and escaping their home lives. But after Konni’s temper gets the group into trouble with older and more violent people and with the return of Balli’s abusive stepfather, the boys have to decide if revenge and retaliation is really the way to live.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Holy Spider

 
Ali Abbasi’s Holy Spider caused a stir when it premiered at Cannes 2022, especially being nominated for the Palm d’Or and Zar Amir Ebrahimi winning Best Actress. But the story itself was the main reason the film caught the audiences’ attention. Based on real events surrounding the serial killer Saeed Hanaei who murdered 16 women from 2000 to 2001 in Mashhad, Iran.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Watch List 2022

 

Another year, another film watch list and unfortunately, some of the restrictions I faced last year only came back again. But due to the job I started at the end of last year, I was even more restricted and missed out on so many films and festivals and opportunities in general.

Reminding me loosely of Smokin' Aces, where all these assassins descend on a location, in this case, a bullet train where there is far more going on than what is assumed, leaving absolutely everyone with only a segment of the truth. It's bloody, highly amusing, great characters and it never stops. 

A murder mystery with dark comedic turns, what is not to like? Full review HERE.

Atmospheric and literally intoxicating, a Viking story, folktale with twists and turns. Full review HERE.

This could be a throwaway character study set to the background of college sports but there is something far more brilliantly observed here. Deserved far more attention than it got. Full review HERE.

I would say this was better than the first Benoit Blanc case. Review HERE.

Said to be the film to watch if you’re heading into your 30s or at the start and that was pretty much spot on. Don’t let the length of the film put you off. Even if the story isn’t exactly how you’re feeling, the essence of what is happening will definitely be something you can connect too.

There is far more to say about the film. Tax and donuts aside, this is an amazing science fiction romance, mother-daughter drama that is so hard to define, which is probably why its winning people over. It’s a beautifully heart-breaking, yet so simple at the centre.

Going back to the gritty roots of who Batman is or was. More like a crime story that is every bit the detective story. Full review HERE.

This film has some fanfare at the start but soon was forgotten from people’s radar which is a real shame. Wannabe porn star from Sweden tries to make it in the business, make or literally break. Fantastic central performance and showing all side of an industry surrounded by controversy.

Director Paul Verhoeven has done it again, taken a story and gently shoved it in our faces. Based on a real person, this very much feels like the beginning of that story. Full review HERE.