Pearl

 

Some may say that Pearl is the most beloved, if that word can even be used, film in Ti West’s trilogy. The villain from X has own story to tell and it is as dark as her soul. Thankfully we can now enjoy it in 4K. Second Sight’s releases of Pearl (and MaXXXine) are fantastic as always. Complete with extras on disc, art cards, booklet with various essays all presented in rigid case with brand new artwork and the film itself on 4K. Whether you’re a die-hard fan for the film or new to Pearl’s bloody beginnings, this is a release that worth having on your shelf.

Waiting for her husband to return from war, Pearl dreams of becoming a star, dancing on stage or in movies. But as her dreams are stifled by her overbearing mother, her sick father and her duties on the family farm, Pearl’s inner thoughts and desires start to break through with violent and bloody consequences.

Full review over at Filmhounds. 

The Legend of Ochi

 
Harking back to the adventure films of the 80s and 90s where things felt more innocence and slightly more exciting, writer-director Isaiah Saxon takes us into a new world, strange yet still familiar. The island where these characters live, described as a small island and yet there are mountains, rivers and a vast landscape that takes days to cross. Possibly compared to the rest of the world the island is small but here provides a magnificent backdrop to a story of courage, curiosity and connection. The Legend of Ochi is an adventure as well as a fantasy that could just about capture the imagination of any age.

Yuri, a young farm girl living on the remote island of Carpathia, has been brought up to never go out after dark and fear the mysterious reclusive creatures known as the Ochi. Her eccentric father is obsessed with killing the creatures and trains a group of young volunteers to protect the village. But when Yuri finds an injured baby Ochi, she decides to journey across the island to return it to its home.

Full review over at Filmhounds. 

Warfare

 

Pieced together from memories of the people that were there, Warfare is a slightly different ‘war’ film than we’ve seen recently, but only because the concept is far more intriguing than the finished result.

Warfare depicts a Navy SEAL platoon during an encounter in Ramadi, Iraq, set in real time. During the events, a solider is injured and the platoon request a medical evacuation, but this results in an IED exploding. The fall out of the explosion is as visceral and bloody as you can imagine, there is no holding back, we hear, see and feel every reaction from each member of the platoon. As the battle ramps up, the situation only becomes more dangerous, there is a slight shift as the rest of the platoon arrive as backup but the barrage of pain and noise never lets up.

It's interesting to that these people’s memories are what brought this film together. What each member of the team remembered and what they saw. Stripped away from this being based on real events, this is a simple concept and the cast really are to be admired, in particular Cosmo Jarvis, Will Poulter, D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (who plays co-director and co-writer Ray Mendoza) and though not long on screen, Charles Melton. The pacing and energy makes the film somewhat play out like a thriller in a warzone, and never lets up once the explosion happens.

However, there is the constant feeling that this is snapshot of a wider story, what fresh viewpoint is it bringing to the genre and overall subject. It’s hard to answer the question as well as who is this film for other than those who enjoy these stories and maybe those who were there when it happened (at least from the US side). As the credits roll, you’ll end up reflecting on who is the audience more so than the good performances and decent filmmaking.

Opus

 

Comparing worshipping or to a lesser extent, being a fan of someone to being in a cult is usually fun to explore. You can expect the same commentary and bizarre acts of service in the unnerving lead up to the climax of Opus, and overall, the film has a tone we’ve seen before. However, while the conclusion may feel expected, it’s the journey, the mystery, and the music that keep you entertained.

When legendary pop star, Moretti, resurfaces after having disappeared for 30 years, he not only drops a new album but invites a select few to listen to it first. Amongst those invited is budding young journalist Ariel. Once the group arrives at the Moretti compound, they are surrounded by his cult like followers and bizarre rituals and Ariel soon started to suspect there is far more to Moretti’s plan than anticipated.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

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.

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.

Bodies Bodies Bodies

 
There is something horrifically and fantastically over the top about Bodies Bodies Bodies that makes it so delightful to watch. Every modern cliché about class, mental health, toxic behaviour, male and female, sex, relationships, you name it, it comes up at least once but none of this deters from the murder mystery game. There are weapons, blood and drugs all smeared across the screen but nothing so potent at the secrets that spill out all over the place. It’s a beautiful mess and actually really funny.

Full review Filmhounds HERE.