Contributor Leila Latif

Men in hats and coats, some with glasses, in a crowd.
Review

The Alto Knights review – if it ain’t broke…

by Leila Latif

Robert De Niro does double duty as Frank Costello and Vito Genovese in Barry Levinson's surprisingly enjoyable gangster thriller.

2
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
A woman wearing a turban-style head covering, facing away from the camera with a serious expression.
Review

The Piano Lesson review – high-quality but low-impact work

by Leila Latif

Malcolm Washington makes his feature directorial debut with an ambitious adaptation of one of August Wilson’s most well-known plays.

3
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
A man in glasses and a collared shirt sits at a desk in a cluttered room, staring intently at an object in his hands.
Review

Heretic review – Hugh Grant is a horror natural

by Leila Latif

Two Mormon missionaries get more than they bargained for when they drop in on Hugh Grant in Scott Beck and Bryan Woods' effective psychological horror.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
A woman with short, dark hair smiling against a yellow background, wearing a red cardigan.
Interviews

Shuchi Talati: ‘I grew up in a context where there was so much shame around female sexuality’

by Leila Latif

The writer/director of lilting coming-of-age yarn, Girls Will be Girls, stresses the importance of capturing human intimacy with an air of authenticity.
Smiling woman with short dark hair, wearing a white top, set against a vibrant pink and yellow background.
Interviews

Naomi Ackie: ‘I know that feeling of wanting something that is just out of reach’

by Leila Latif

The star of Zoë Kravitz's vacation thriller Blink Twice talks through her connection to her character, a past life as a waitress and learning to slow down.
Portrait of a woman wearing a red cap with text and her face in shadow against a warm-toned background.
Interviews

Zoë Kravitz: ‘Directing is what I’ve always wanted to do’

by Leila Latif

The co-writer, producer and director of Blink Twice reflects on the long journey her first feature took from idea to actualisation.
Two women, one pregnant, sitting near a window and smiling.
Review

Babes review – a true bundle of joy

by Leila Latif

Two lifelong best friends find their relationship tested as one of them navigates single motherhood in Pamela Adlon's delightful directorial debut.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
A man leans over a woman as they lie on a bed, their bodies partially obscured by bedding.
Review

Foe review – bewitching and terrifyingly plausible

by Leila Latif

Saoirse Ronan, Paul Mescal and Aaron Pierre star in Garth Davies' unnerving sci-fi drama, based on Iain Reid's novel about a couple's disturbed existence in an America ravaged by climate change.

4
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Shadowy figure illuminated by orange and blue lights, creating a moody, dramatic atmosphere.
Review

The Creator review – welcome, benevolent A.I. overlords!

by Leila Latif

Gareth Edwards serves up a visually ambitious story of war between humans and A.I. beings in this heartfelt sci-fi spectacle.

2
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
Four individuals wearing robes and headpieces in a dimly lit room with a decorative curtain and framed artwork.
Review

Haunted Mansion review – feels more like a product than a story

by Leila Latif

Justin Simien attempts to breathe life into Disney's latest ride-based franchise starter, but despite a fine cast the results are a little scattered.

2
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
A man playing a violin, his eyes closed as he performs with intensity.
Review

Chevalier

by Leila Latif

Joseph Bologne receives a gorgeous biopic that also serves as a devastating reminder of a greatness nearly entirely expunged from history.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
A person wearing a red and black superhero costume flies through a colourful, abstract background with glowing shapes and energy trails.
Review

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse

by Leila Latif

Miles Morales returns as the web-slinging hero of Brooklyn in this smart sequel which defies expectations.

4
Anticipation
5
Enjoyment
5
In Retrospect

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