Although, in the telling, this pivotal 1988 movie about rural rape culture seems extreme, it unfortunately has not lost its resonance today. Continue reading
Shame (1988)
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Nocturama (2016)
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This French drama, touted as being one of the most divisive films of MIFF 2017, was absorbing but ultimately lacked the punch I expected. Continue reading
Insyriated (2017)
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Tense and harrowing, Insyriated immerses you in a Damascus apartment under siege from bombing, snipers and personal violence. Continue reading
The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)
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More akin to Dogtooth than The Lobster, The Killing of a Sacred Deer takes time to show its hand but when it does, it slowly and surely builds to a devastating conclusion. Continue reading
24 Frames (2017)
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A cinematic meditation and lyrical farewell from the Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami that calmed my mind, reduced my heart rate and brought me to tears. Continue reading
Spoor (Pokot) (2017)
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This oddball Polish genre non-conformist feature by Agnieszka Holland had lots to like about it but ultimately felt like less than the sum of its parts. Continue reading
The Party (2017)
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This clever and stylish black-and-white satire from Sally Potter plays out like a drawing-room comedy with on point performances from the cream of British actors. Continue reading
Only the Brave (1994)
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Alex (Elena Mandalis) is now one of my favourite characters ever. She’s the kind of tough girl I would have been scared of at school. Greek, working class and a misfit, her only choice is to push back. Continue reading
April’s Daughter (Las Hijas de Abril) (2017)
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This is masterful storytelling by Mexican writer-director Michel Franco, showing the insidious damage an oppressive relationship can create. Continue reading
The Teacher (2016)
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Beautifully crafted, with an authentic 80s Communist aesthetic, The Teacher is a lesson in the power of the collective. Continue reading
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