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 readingHappiest Season (2020)
StandardCategory Archives: Bechdel pass
Babyteeth (2019)
Standard
It’s refreshing to watch a ‘sick teen drama’ that avoids easy sentimentality and instead builds complex characters.
Continue readingThe Duke (2020)
Standard
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)
Standard
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 readingMothering Sunday (2021)
Standard
“How lucky, to be comprehensively bereaved at birth. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
Continue readingThe Kitchen Brigade (La Brigade) (2022)
Standard
If you’re feeling a bit down about your life, watch this film.
Continue readingDownton Abbey: A New Era (2022)
Standard
A panacea for Downton fans, Downton Abbey: A New Era is as insubstantial as a cucumber sandwich with the crusts cut off.
Continue readingHow to Please a Woman (2022)
Standard
A gentle and slightly awkward Australian comedy by Renée Webster that puts female pleasure in the centre of the story.
Continue readingA Resistance (항거:유관순 이야기) (2019)
Standard
Cho Min-ho gives us a measured exploration of the Korean independence protests of the 20s that thoroughly engages with its focus on one women and her plight.
Continue readingEl Planeta (2021)
Standard
This artful satire by writer/director/star Amalia Ulman almost works but I couldn’t help feeling I was missing the point.
Continue reading
fillums 