A chance encounter with the vampiric Master leads to browbeaten minister’s wife Anne discovering a new sense of power and an appetite to live bigger and bolder than before. “Are blonde ladies normally considered vampires?” asked my 9 year old, eyeing Barbara Crampton and then me after wandering in while I watched Jakob’s Wife. After… Jakob’s Wife Read More
Relic (London Film Festival) 4 stars
A daughter, mother and grandmother are haunted by a manifestation of dementia that consumes their family’s home. There are post-it notes stuck all around Edna’s elegant and airy house, little reminders of basic living: turn off taps says one. As they get more frightening, warnings in an increasingly spidery hand, there’s one that says Don’t… Relic (London Film Festival) Read More
3 Teaspoons Of Sugar (Short Film) Short Film 3.5 stars
In a household where mealtimes are for celebration, fellowship and good eating, three members of this tight-knit family are diagnosed with diabetes over the years. Animated short 3 Teaspoons Of Sugar is an informative health message warmly wrapped in a witty tale about South African family relationships. That setting isn’t just a way of delivering… 3 Teaspoons Of Sugar (Short Film) Read More
Crude Oil (short film) Short Film 4 stars
A young woman breaks free from an overbearing friendship after learning to recognise and assert her own talents and desires. Saying more in 15 minutes than many a big budget drama, this short, uplifting film about a long, constraining friendship is pithy, witty and warm. It’s also realistic; Jenny (Andreina Byrne) knows her friendship with… Crude Oil (short film) Read More
Booksmart 4 stars
Usually the kids in teen comedies leave me feeling incredibly old, but Booksmart‘s Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) seem even more middle-aged than me. They’re very clever, and very hard-working, and only have one day left at high school before graduation. That focus and drive means that even school Principal Brown (Jason Sudeikis)… Booksmart Read More
Late Night (Sundance London) 3 stars
When late night chat show host Katherine Newbury is told she’s being replaced, she finally has to face her writers’ room. Literally, as most of the men in there have never even seen her in the flesh before. Those men are all white, and privileged, though not as hirsute as I was expecting. They’re lazy,… Late Night (Sundance London) Read More
Valley Of The Dolls 2 stars
I knew the clothes would be terrific when I spotted Handbags by… in the opening credits. And it’s the outfits (along with the unintentionally fevered atmosphere) which stretches this film up to two stars. Small town girl turned New York secretary turned Hollywood model Anne Welles is elegant in a yellow maxi dress, a tight… Valley Of The Dolls Read More
Shake it til you make it with the new Poms trailer
“You’re one of us now! Except with higher boobies” says Sheryl to their young cheerleader choreographer. Martha (Diane Keaton), newly arrived at Sun Springs Retirement Community, and new BFF Sheryl (Jacki Weaver), decide to set up a cheerleading squad with some of the other residents – complete with hidden talents and not so hidden aches,… Shake it til you make it with the new Poms trailer Read More
Dumplin’ 3 stars
Willowdean Dickson is a plus-size teenager coming of age in a world of vibrant retro colors and quietly crushing slim privilege. With a band of friends — of varying looks, politics, and life goals — she embarks on a small-town, life-size protest that will likely resonate with anyone who has been too plain for the… Dumplin’ Read More
Colette (London Film Festival) 3.5 stars
I am the real Claudine, the young women of Paris all cry, as Colette’s series of novels about a young French woman hit a nerve. Born Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette (she shortens her name later as she starts to create a new identity for herself as the author of her books), she is a woman ahead of… Colette (London Film Festival) Read More
Assassination Nation (London Film Festival) 3.5 stars
Assassination Nation – a noisy, bloody allegory for modern society – may feel like being whacked over the head by a righteously raging My Little Pony, but it’s also hugely entertaining. One of the problems with fighting back against a resurgence like Trump’s is that eventually people just get bored. They know he’s awful already. You… Assassination Nation (London Film Festival) Read More
Director Marcelo Martinessi On Filmmaking In Conservative Paraguay, & The Women Who Inspired Him
Marcelo Martinessi is the writer-director of the award-winning The Heiresses, a story of relationship breakdown set in his native Paraguay – a country which after decades living under a dictatorship is only now starting to develop a film industry. The film won two Silver Bears at this year’s Berlin International Film Festival: Best Actress for Ana… Director Marcelo Martinessi On Filmmaking In Conservative Paraguay, & The Women Who Inspired Him Read More