100 Nights of Hero

 

Courtesy of Vue Lumiere

As the closing night of the BFI London Film Festival 2025, 100 Nights of Hero was always going to have a spotlight on it. But in truth this whimsical (on the surface) fantasy romance may be slightly too odd at first for an audience. At a glance it seems like another version of the famed Middle Eastern folktale, A Thousand And One Nights, from which it takes its inspiration, but digging deeper this is about the power a story can hold as well as a love story buried just below the surface. 

In a world not too similar to our own, a young woman, Cherry is left alone by her neglectful husband Jerome. He secretly makes a deal with a friend, Manfred, to test Cherry’s fidelity. If Manfred successfully seduces his wife, he gets the house and if he loses, Cherry will be executed, which seems win-win for Jerome. But Cherry’s fiercely loyal maid Hero has also been left to watch over Cherry. To distract Manfred from his plan, Hero tells a story each night, but how long can she keep him at bay?

Full review over at Filmhounds.

Crossing Delancey

 

Isabelle enjoys working in a New York City bookstore and the carefree lifestyle she maintains outside of work. But on her weekly visits to her beloved grandmother on the Lower East Side, she met with desperate pleas for her to settle down with a nice Jewish man. Despite Isabelle’s instance on wanting to be single, she is forced to meet with a marriage broker and even an awkward date with local pickle seller, Sam. While Isabelle believes she can do better than the well-meaning Sam, she starts to entertain a crush on celebrated Dutch-American author Anton who frequents her bookstore. Through mishaps and misunderstandings Isabelle finds herself in a romantic bind of what to do.

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. 

Your Monster

 

When soft spoken actress Laura (Melissa Barrera) goes back home to recover from surgery and a Cancer diagnosis and a devasting breakup, she discovers something quite terrifying and unexpected. An intimidating, yet strangely charming Monster (Tommy Dewey) has been living in her closet. At first there is resentment for having to share the space, but this unusual set up soon grows into something more. 

Barrera and Dewey as Laura and Monster have effortless and incredibly charming chemistry, its entertaining whether they’re smashing plates, reciting Shakespeare or inciting violent acts. Your Monster perfectly encapsulates how to weave together two opposing genres. Following the beats of a typical rom-com and weaving in horror elements to even compliment the story and the characters is sheer delight. Whether you want to accept the ‘true’ nature of Monster or want to be suspended in disbelief when it comes to the fantastically dramatic and beautifully sung finale. Your Monster is an oddball of a film, complete with familiar but unique characters, its something new and unexpected, plus you’ll think twice before looking under your bed.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

Turn Me On

 

The idea that supressing emotions would be the answer to all life’s problems and would solve conflicts, with people living harmoniously and being left, content, is plot device that seems to be cropping up more than expected. But thankfully each iteration focuses on certain aspects that at least has a familiar but different feel. Turn Me On offers something new, in losing your emotions, you also lose your memories when taking the magic pill, or in this case, vitamin. But there is more to this story that at first meets the eye. 

Living in a closed off community where residents take a daily vitamin which eradicates all emotions, Joy (Bel Powley) skips her daily dose. Going on an emotional journey of discovery, she convinces her partner William (Nick Robinson) to stop taking the vitamin. Together, their world opens up, but also exposes them to not only damage emotions can cause, but also leaves them in a precarious position within the community with strict rules.

Full review over at Filmhounds 

Anora - London Film Festival

 

After his previous critically acclaimed films, director Sean Baker has created a very different kind of story. Still exploring and highlighting the lives of sex workers, Baker chooses to go big, really big, this time round, not only in scope but with his characters. Ani, the eponymous Anora, is the definition of a larger-than-life personality. Her energy and enthusiasm is matched by Vanya and the two of them actually make an adorable, if naïve, couple for a short magical time. But faced with problems that seem out of their control, their lust for life turns bitter. The whirlwind romance, the comedic tone all but disappears swiftly becoming something darker, still sometimes amusing, but eventually a slap in the face. The condensed ‘happy’ period in both Ani and Vanya’s lives feels like a literal dream as reality sets in. Baker managed to cram several turning points (and genres) into the story that don’t feel overcrowded, but instead feel oddly realistic as the story flows easily and steadily towards a very depressing end. 

There are many things to take away from Anora, but the glaring obvious is the disparity of privilege. The disappointment hits differently for Ani and Vanya. The latter, a spoilt overgrown child who saw the whole experience as just that, with no remorse or care for anyone else who was involved. Vanya got what he wanted and though he tried desperately to hold on to his freedom, as he sees it, ultimately it breaks and gives up. Ani, however, a genuine person from start to finish, who seems to have very little, was given a new life, a love and all was taken away within minutes. Her world was turned upside down and dis-guarded as soon as she was no longer needed, or desired. 

Anora, as a film, is a force of nature. From dramedy to romance to dark comedy to harsh realism, the story takes you on journey and doesn’t miss an opportunity to gut you, whether you’re laughing and staring, with an empty feeling at the screen. Mikey Madison has been rightly praised for her performance as Ani, which really rides the wave of emotions. There will be surprises if Anora is picked up as a real contender during awards, this film has caught people’s attention and should hopefully hold the spotlight throughout the season.

Timestalker

 

Alice Lowe’s debut feature, Prevenge (2016), is a comedy slasher that is revered amongst horror (and comedy) fans. Having also co-wrote Sightseers (2012), the black comedy about two caravaners who go on a murder spree, there was some expectation about what to expect from Lowe next. A historical science fictional rom-com like Timestalker was definitely not on the bingo card. 

Throughout the centuries, Agnes falls in love with the same man, and each time ends up dying, only to be reincarnated to relive the same scenario. Trapped in what feels like a never-ending loop, she must come to terms with the truth staring in the face the whole time.

Full review over at Filmhounds.

If You Were The Last

 

When was the last time a science fiction romantic comedy was both whimsical, in a non-nauseating way and was actually heartfelt, as well as having genuine laughs? If You Were the Last should have been the breakout film of this year but instead was cruelly left to the streamers with very little flare. Unfortunately, there are genuinely great films that do the festival circuit and never get picked up by a big enough distributor who will back the film. But aside from how the film was released, this gem of a film really does lift the spirits and brings hope that there are stories out there, like this, even being made. 

Two astronauts, Adam and Jane, drift throughout space. After their multi year mission is derailed, mostly due to their deceased crewmate Benson, Adam and Jane, over time wonder if they will ever be rescued, discuss life, love and the pros and cons of them having sex with each other. All the while falling in love, but unsure if the other feels the same. 

Setting any sort of story in space comes with the expectation on how a sci-fi should look like, but what If You Were The Last offers is something a bit extra. All the tech on the ship, resembles something out of Wes Anderson’s or Michel Gondry’s workshops. The astronauts even have a cosy living room space on the ship, to make them feel at home, complete with watching films on cartridges. The sci-fi elements are left to the setting outside the ship and the communication set up to try and reach home for rescue. All other parts are complete rom-com beats and they are most welcome. The quirky tech and set design is not overbearing, balanced out by the two actors fantastic chemistry. Zoe Chao and Anthony Mackie are so in tune together, they do not miss a step with one another, romantically or comedically. Its almost a shame when they are eventually separated in the third act when (SPOILERS) the two make it back to Earth and their spouses. 

There is a more sombre element to the story, these lost astronauts have only each other (aside from the ill fated Benson) and have been this way for a few years. The strain on their mental health and on their respective marriages, takes a toll. The joke about them deciding if they should have sex with each other goes past the joke stage is the really about connection. If You Were The Last is essentially a sweet story set against an incredible background, two people against the universe, and at one point Benson.

Marmalade

 

On the surface, Marmalade could be just another love story, just another Bonnie & Clyde-esque scenario but something more complex lurks below the surface. 

Finding himself captured and thrown in prison, naïve Baron strikes up a tentative deal with his cell mate Otis who has bragged about being able to escape. As they formulate a plan, Baron recounts his life story and most importantly how he met the love of his life, the enigmatic Marmalade. He tells Otis of how they robbed a bank in order help his sick mother and have enough to start their new lives together. But all is not quite what it seems in the prison or in Baron’s story.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Interview with Screenwriters Pen Densham and John Watson

 

As the 90s is the current era we are all nostalgic for, it seems only right that we take a look back at the second highest grossing film of 1991, Kevin Costner starring Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Despite there being two other versions of the legendary noble who robbed from the rich to give to the poor, the 90s classic will be remembered and celebrated for far longer. But before there fights in the forest, Bryan Adams’ theme song and Alan Rickman delivering some of the best lines of his career as the Sheriff of Nottingham, there were Pen Densham and John Watson who write the now classic Robin Hood film. We talked with Densham and Watson about how the script came into being, the hero’s journey, balancing humour and drama and who came up with the famous spoon line.

Full interview over at Filmhounds HERE.

King Knight

 

Stories of redemption can cover any genre, some being those of the grittier and more violent nature. Usually associated with thrillers, westerns and crime, King knight takes a gentler approach that is surprisingly wholesome and slightly comedic. Bearing the tagline ‘not your basic witches’ sums up this story about a leader who hasn’t been completely honest with those he loves and those that follow him. Witches, spells and rituals all do appear in the story but its not really about being Wiccan, it’s about being honest and true to yourself, and seeking redemption along the way.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.

Into the Night

 

What does an insomniac, Iranian gangsters, an Elvis enthusiast and a thief have in common? The answer, aside from John Landis’ Into the Night, is emeralds. This very bizarre black comedy plays out more like a misguided thriller. Questioning where are the laughs only to be assaulted by something on screen to realise that was the joke. But despite the off kilter tone of the film, the story definitely keeps you on your toes and unlike Jeff Goldblum’s character, you won’t be needing sleep.

When insomniac Ed decides to go for a late-night drive to try and take his mind of his sorrowful situation, he ends up getting caught up with Diana and a group of Iranian gangsters. Having smuggled priceless emeralds into the country, Diana ends up being chased all over town, with Ed somewhat reluctantly in tow. Along their journey to find safety they meet a host of weird and unfriendly characters.

Getting its Blu-ray debut from 101 Films, Into the Night literally screeches in from the past. Not a well known or much talked about from 1985 and in all honesty, it's no surprise why. While there are merits to this story, the film really doesn’t know what direction or tone it wants to be. Ever shifting from gangster crime thriller to impossible romance with a twist. Taking place over two nights, a hell of a lot happens to our partners in literal crime Ed and Diana. They are naturally closer by the chaos and trauma but you wouldn’t believe it from Jeff Goldblum’s deadpan acting. He is a delight as always playing the character that drags us into the action while Michelle Pfeiffer’s Diana, named after Princess Diana she tells us, is the damsel in distress even though she is the one who put herself in that distress. Though the jokes are dark as the night Ed and Diana step into, there are some random unexplained moments such as Diana’s brother’s apartment which is covered floor to ceiling in Elvis memorabilia. Just the expression on Ed’s face is brilliant enough.

There are so many cameos in the film but the stand is the most bizarre, John Landis himself playing of the Iranian gangsters on the trail of the emeralds. Their role becomes more clearer towards the end when the plot ties together, yet still feel overly complicated. David Bowie, always a delight, plays a rather sadistic hitman for another interested party in the jewels and even had rather bloody fight scene. But as I mentioned, its always a delight to see Bowie on screen. 

A very odd and randomly structured story that covers the city of LA in two nights, someone how the film works but don’t go expecting cult status here.

Cop Secret - BFI Flare

We all know the genre action thriller featuring two cops or agents, working together to bring down the powerful violent criminal wreaking havoc through a city. We know it so well from years of Hollywood spinning out these stories time over time. Rarely do we get a taste from outside the studios and from around the globe. Iceland may seem like an unlikely location for such a film, usually exporting low key comedies and art house films. But Cop Secret, based on a fake trailer, directed by an ex-Footballer, is a hilarious brilliantly underplayed action-comedy romance.

Full review over at Filmhounds HERE.