Presence

 

A family of four moves into a large suburban house which seems to be occupied by a ghost, a presence. This presence observes the family as they move in, their day to day and notes the cracks appearing within the family’s relationships. Rebecca, the mother, openly favours Tyler, the son, a swimming champion. She rarely has time or patience for Chloe, the daughter who is grieving the sudden death of her friend. Chris, the father tries to make up for this neglect, trying to help Chloe but he is also having issues with Rebecca, who has equally little patience for him.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

The Girl in the Pool

 

The title for this ‘mystery thriller’ really does say it all, for the story, for the execution of said story and sets up expectations accurately. Running at just under 90 minutes, you can feel the anxiety but the thrills are unfortunately non-existent.

Hours before a birthday party is to take place at his home, Thomas (Freddie Prinze Jr.) enjoys a supposed secret rendezvous with his mistress, Hannah. But leaving Hannah alone in his pool Thomas returns to find she her covered in blood and no longer breathing. Panicked, Thomas hides the body, cleans the scene and is forced to endure the party his wife Kristen has planned for him, all the while trying to figure out what happened and conceal the body that is now leaking blood from its’ hiding place.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

It’s Raining Men

Adultery can either be taken seriously, to the depths of a drama or erotic thriller or be taken with a pinch of salt. Rom-coms have used cheating on one’s partner for laughs, hijinks or an excuse for an elaborate set piece involving switching rooms hiding under beds, jumping out of windows etc. Writer and director Caroline Vignal seems to enjoy using this story element having included it in her previous film, My Donkey, My Lover and I. But It’s Raining Men leaves the countryside shenanigans behind and focuses more on the Iris’s journey through sexual satisfaction as well as trying to balance her family life. 

Nearing 50, parts of Iris’ life may be going well; her children, her successful business, but she has no sex life. Despite having a loving husband, though he seems to only be concerned with work these days, the two haven’t had sex in years. After a stranger suggests she take a lover, Iris’ world opens up. No sooner has she set herself up on an app aimed at married people, the matches come flooding in. But while she might be finally sexually satisfied, she starts to neglect the other important parts of her life.

Full review over at Filmhounds. 

The Damned

 

Eva, a young widow who has inherited a Winter fishing port in an Artic Bay, along with the fishermen struggle with a lean catch. One day as they are about to take out the boat, they all witness a shipwreck at the mouth of the bay. Unable to even feed themselves they decide not to offer aid. In the days that follow the crew end up with a larger than expected catch only for all the food to disappear the next day. Superstitions run high throughout the group as they start to believe they are being attacked by a draugr, a vengeful spirit. As well surviving the harsh Winter, the group try to stay vigilant of each other as well as whatever ghostly spirit haunts them.

Full review over at Filmhounds. 

Watch List 2024

 

Without any faff, jumping straight into the list:

1. 

This animated story about friendship, loneliness and letting go had a modest release in cinemas and hopefully will be remembered as one of the sweetest, saddest films. More about the film HERE. 

2. 

A romantic thriller with more than you ever bargained for. This film has stood out, even from last year when it was doing the festival circuit. More about this film HERE. 

3. 

A music biopic unlike anything that has come before. Celebrating the Irish language as well telling the story of how Kneecap (the group) came into being. This has been a big hit at cinemas and awards alike. 

4. 

This was a favourite of mine since LFF 2023, a new take on the found footage genre trope as well as a fresh take on possession and haunting, but at the same time the film has a nostalgic quality about it. Coming in at a tight 95 minutes the film never out stays its welcome and keeps you guessing what will happen in the end.

5. 

Dreamworks has definitely stepped up on their storytelling, with How to Train Your Dragon now in the live action business, the animation part of the studio has looked for new stories and The Wild Robot is not only entertaining and heart-warming with tears guaranteed but it feels familiar but told through new beloved characters. A beautifully animated story. 

6. 

The Palm d'Or winner was going make an impression and this unconventional comedy and tragedy will surprise even the most cynical critic. More about this film HERE.

7. 

A romantic comedy with under and overtones of horror and heavily featuring music/musical influences, its a joyful hybrid. More about this film HERE.

8. 

I wasn't convinced the first time I saw this body horror but after reconsidering what the film stands for and what I felt the film was really about, plus a rewatch, I appreciated this bizarre yet brilliant in doses film. More about this film HERE. 

9. 

A film with set in heart of one of the biggest religions yet the film isn't about religion, a murder mystery with no murder. This fascinating and strangely exhilarating film boasts a great cast and a truly brilliant conclusion. More about this film HERE.

10. 

With a soundtrack I can't get out of my head, this anti-romance horror-esque science fiction film, directed by Alice Lowe was highly anticipated and for me, didn't disappoint. More on this film HERE.