Contributions from David Jenkins | Little White Lies

Contributor David Jenkins

Two elderly women walking along a gravel path through an autumnal woodland, carrying baskets.
Festivals

When Fall Is Coming – first-look review

by David Jenkins

This lightweight Chabrolian country drama from François Ozon sees an elderly retiree with a complex past trying to do right by her family.
Two people, a man and a woman, together in a lush, green forest.
Festivals

The Serpent’s Path – first-look review

by David Jenkins

Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s third film of 2024 is a French-language remake of his own 1998 feature about a grim, cyclical revenge mission.
Two adults, a man and a woman, sitting closely at a table in a dimly lit restaurant.
Festivals

I Am Nevenka – first-look review

by David Jenkins

Icíar Bollaín’s tabloidy but worthwhile #MeToo drama tells of a victim of sexual abuse within Spain’s local political scene.
Man in suit standing at podium in courtroom, surrounded by people.
Review

The Goldman Case review – a thumping courtroom drama

by David Jenkins

Cédric Kahn recreates the gripping 1976 trial of political activist Pierre Goldman in this immersive courtroom drama.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Two young women cuddling on a sofa, one woman resting her head on the other's shoulder. The women are wearing casual clothing in warm tones of grey and burgundy.
Review

His Three Daughters review – fires on all pistons

by David Jenkins

Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne and Elizabeth Olsen play estranged sisters reuniting to care for their ailing father in Azazel Jacobs’ affecting chamber drama.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
A smiling man with a beard wearing a red and black checked shirt, looking through a wooden doorway.
Review

Speak No Evil review – an effective game of cat and mouse

by David Jenkins

James McAvoy is a blast as the overly-friendly patriarch who invites unwitting tourists back to his west country stack for fun and games.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Close-up of a woman with dark hair covering her mouth with her hand, appearing distressed.
Review

Cadejo Blanco review – a stand-out performance from Karen Martínez

by David Jenkins

A young woman in Guatemala takes a deadly risk to find her missing sister in Justin Lerner’s tense thriller.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Large satellite dishes and several men in traditional Afghan clothing standing in a barren outdoor setting.
Review

Hollywoodgate review – a fascinating, chilling, if limited study

by David Jenkins

An abandoned CIA base in Kabul becomes a playground for the resurgent Taliban in Ibrahim Nash’at’s intriguing piece of documentary reportage.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
A dark, ominous creature looming over a person's terrified face in a dimly lit setting.
Review

Alien: Romulus review – does enough to get a passing mark

by David Jenkins

The Xenomorphs are allowed to run amok once more in this passable franchise offshoot.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Young Asian person with mouth wide open and eyes squinting, expressing exuberant laughter.
Review

Dìdi review – a neo-nostalgic period piece

by David Jenkins

Set in 2008, a 13-year-old boy undergoes the trials and tribulations of his final month of middle school in Sean Wang’s directorial debut.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect