Reviews

Three young adults, two men and one woman, sitting on a wooden floor and conversing in a cosy indoor setting.
Review

Challengers review – everything is sex, except sex, which is power

by Hannah Strong

Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist play a trio of tennis players whose lives are inextricably connected in a complicated love triangle.

4
Anticipation
5
Enjoyment
5
In Retrospect
Two people lying together on a red surface against a dark background.
Review

Opponent – a searing, psychological immigrant drama

by David Jenkins

An Iranian immigrant in Sweden seeks solace in their national wrestling team in this riveting story of internal torture.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
4
In Retrospect
A woman holds a camera, focusing intently on the viewfinder whilst two figures stand in the background.
Review

Civil War review – sound without the fury

by Hannah Strong

Alex Garland's vision of a future America ravaged by conflict is impressively mounted but lacks political bite.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
A woman with dark hair and a flower in it, wearing a black top, performing on stage.
Review

Back to Black review – a pointlessly cruel hash of Amy’s life

by Rógan Graham

This miserable biopic claims to celebrate the life and music of Amy Winehouse, but instead serves as a ghoulish encapsulation of everything wrong with the music industry and fame machine.

1
Anticipation
1
Enjoyment
1
In Retrospect
An older man sitting at a desk, reading from papers by the light of a desk lamp in a dimly lit room.
Review

Close Your Eyes review – Erice only deals in masterworks

by David Jenkins

The legendary Spanish filmmaker returns with his first feature film in 32 years, which centres on the strange case of an actor who disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

5
Anticipation
5
Enjoyment
5
In Retrospect
Nude figure seated in wooden ring, arms outstretched, with ropes surrounding frame.
Review

Monkey Man review – a ferocious, rough-hewn directorial debut

by Kambole Campbell

Dev Patel emerges as a compelling action star in his directorial debut Monkey Man, a scrappy revenge tale set in a fictionalised Indian city where corruption is rife.

3
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Two individuals in a desert landscape, one wearing a green hooded garment reaching out to the other.
Review

Io Capitano review – disassociation turned surreal fantasy

by Katherine McLaughlin

Two Senegalese teenagers embark on a perilous journey to Europe in Matteo Garrone's affecting drama about the migrant crisis.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Massive, fur-covered creature with large, fierce expression in a misty, mountainous landscape.
Review

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire review – big, goofy fun

by David Jenkins

A surprisingly entertaining showdown sequel which opts for no funny stuff and doing the simple things well.

2
Anticipation
3
Enjoyment
3
In Retrospect
Young person wearing a blue and grey striped hat and a blue winter coat, looking thoughtful.
Review

Evil Does Not Exist review – beautifully precise

by Xuanlin Tham

Ryûsuke Hamaguchi's drama about a mountain village threatened by a new development is a haunting depiction of the gulf between capitalism and environmentalism.

4
Anticipation
4
Enjoyment
5
In Retrospect
Two people riding a bicycle on a rural road, with one person wearing a striped top.
Review

Drift review – attempts to shock without the aspect of surprise

by David Jenkins

A Liberian refugee attempts to rebuild her life with the assistance of a sunny American tour guide in Anthony Chen's scattered drama.

3
Anticipation
2
Enjoyment
2
In Retrospect

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