Movies reviews

  • Promising Young Woman

    Watched on

    9

    A young woman, traumatized by a tragic event in her past, seeks out vengeance against those who crossed her path.

    Promising Young Woman

    Review

    This is a pretty unique film and it has a very strong message that won’t vibe well with a lot of people.

    The first two predatory scenes work incredibly well and build on each other in stunning fashion. You’re hoping they don’t follow the obvious outcomes in both scenarios.

    Some of the photography is a little weird and unnerving, but I guess that’s the point. There is a lot of style and fun music choices. Carey Mulligan steals the show.

  • My Octopus Teacher

    Watched on

    9

    A filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world.

    My Octopus Teacher

    Review

    This is a beautiful and personal documentary. It is a simple, focused film but it holds your attention throughout. I was in awe of the photography and everything immerses you in this magical and otherworldly environment. There is some narrative but the film is mostly about humans connecting with nature; a love story between a man and an octopus. It’s heart-warming and quite literally breathtaking.

    What an absolute surprise. Watch this film.

  • The Dawn Wall

    Watched on

    8

    In an unbelievable story of perseverance, free climber Tommy Caldwell and climbing partner Kevin Jorgeson attempt to scale the impossible 3000ft Dawn Wall of El Capitan.

    The Dawn Wall

    Review

    After the sweat-inducing film Free Solo – which also features heavily on climbing the infamous El Capitan in Yosemite National Park – I wasn’t sure how this film could compete. Luckily this is quite special documentary on its own.

    The first events in Tommy Caldwell’s life are dramatic in their own way, but the incredible story really shines following his ascent with climbing partner Kevin Jorgeson of the dawn wall; an unscaled 3000ft granite face with no features for climbing. The climbing is shot showing both the sheer scale of the task ahead and the individual struggles they face traversing each pitch.

    It’s an intimate look at obession, of achieving the near impossible and it is all capture with both beauty and intensity.

  • Kodachrome

    Watched on

    9

    Set during the final days of the admired photo development system known as Kodachrome, a father and son hit the road in order to reach the Kansas photo lab before it closes its doors for good.

    Kodachrome

    Review

    A broken father-son relationship with bite. Ed Harris plays a blinder, antagonising anyone in his path, with some witty and cutting monologues. Even with redemption staring him in the face, he pushes it away. Elizabeth Olsen oozes warmth and Jason Sudeikis’ dysfunctional persona fits perfectly. There was a tangible connection between the three main characters.

    An absorbing and emotional film. Wow.

  • Arctic

    Watched on

    8

    A man stranded in the Arctic after a plane crash must decide whether to remain in the relative safety of his makeshift camp or to embark on a deadly trek through the unknown.

    Review

    Mads absolutely steals every scene in this bleak story of survival; of man verses nature. With little dialogue and mostly white wilderness, there is never a boring moment, the story keeps moving, punctuated by action and dread.

    It’s difficult to pull of a feature length film with only one (real) character, but Joe Penna manages it in his first attempt.