Told in 12 chapters (with a prologue and an epilogue), Joachim Trier immerses us in a contemplative story of a woman who seems to be failing at being an adult.
Continue readingThe Worst Person in the World (Verdens Verste Menneske) (2021)
StandardParallel Mothers (Madres Paralelas) (2021)
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Pedro Almodóvar gives us two tenuously connected stories, worth watching for the powerful performances of Penélope Cruz and newcomer Milena Smit.
Continue readingPromising Young Woman (2020)
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I have been waiting for the release of this one for many months. The trailer is a cracker with a drunk Cassie (Carey Mulligan) being picked up a series of ‘nice guys’ who then sexually assault her in her comatose state.
Continue readingHappiest Season (2020)
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Christmas movies ideally should give us love and hope and not drown us in corn syrup. This queer Christmas rom-com has just enough tartness to balance the sugar.
Continue readingBabyteeth (2019)
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It’s refreshing to watch a ‘sick teen drama’ that avoids easy sentimentality and instead builds complex characters.
Continue readingThe Duke (2020)
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It seems churlish to criticise this sepia-toned homage to working class heroes as it’s clear from the outset that it’s not trying to rock any boats. And who doesn’t love Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren in a ‘based on a true story’ hagiography of the man who stole a painting from the London National Gallery in 1961?
Continue readingLicorice Pizza (2021)
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From it’s whimsical name to it’s awkwardly stylish mise en scène, Licorice Pizza should feel like a sweet and poignant dip into growing up in the 70s. Then why does it feel so creepy?
Continue readingKompromat (2022)
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Rules for escaping a totalitarian state: 1) Don’t use a mobile phone; 2) Don’t use a mobile phone to call the daughter-in-law of your pursuer; 3) Don’t use a torch when crossing a patrolled border at night. And a hot tip – Siberian aluminium foil is the bomb!
Continue readingThe Northman (2022)
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Robert Eggars (The Lighthouse (2019), The Witch (2015)) gives us toxic masculinity writ large without a shred of irony or insight.
Continue readingMothering Sunday (2021)
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“How lucky, to be comprehensively bereaved at birth. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
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