She Spoiled It

Review: System Crasher (Systemsprenger)

30/3/2020

In Nora Fingscheidt’s first scripted feature “System Crasher” (2019) we see innocence meet with blind violent rage in a story that is both infuriating and incredibly sad. This film was Germany's official submission to the International Feature Film category at the 2020 Oscars.

Review: Thanks For Sharing

29/3/2020

"Thanks For Sharing" (2012) follows three sex addicts at different stages of their recovery. It’s a drama with enough comedy to keep it palatable.

The representation of women is a mixed bag but it has a commendable approach to various addictions and is upheld by an excellent cast.

Director Interview: Katharine O'Brien for "Lost Transmissions"

28/3/2020

As part of the Glasgow Film Festival 2020 I had the opportunity to interview Katharine O'Brien about her debut feature "Lost Transmissions" on behalf of In Their Own League. I'm storing it here as a piece of my work but it was written for In Their Own League.

Review: First Cow

27/3/2020

Based on the novel “The Half Life” by Jonathan Raymond, this is a beautifully composed film about male friendship, masculinity, cooking and community.

Review: Yalda, la Nuit du Pardon (Yalda, a Night For Forgiveness)

26/3/2020

The shocking premise of this Sundance-winning film is compelling. Director Massoud Bakhshi's second feature "Yalda, la Nuit du Pardon" ("Yalda, a Night For Forgiveness") shows a woman who must beg for forgiveness on live television or face the death penalty for the accidental murder of her much older husband.

It has the hallmarks of a thrilling story, just rife for the big screen.

But unfortunately there was too much in here that was convoluted or contrived and the drama fizzled out as a result.

Review: Papicha

25/3/2020

In this debut feature by director Mounia Meddour, “Papicha” (2019) is about Algerian girls in the late 1990s trying to cling to freedom and self expression during a rise of an extremely conservative Islamic fundamentalism that literally threatens their lives.

Review: Minamata

24/3/2020

Some shocking visuals and a few knuckle-biting moments bring this true story of the Minamata poisoning exposé to life. But despite best efforts the white saviour positioning undermines the power of the film.

Review: Last Call

23/3/2020

The hook for "Last Call" (2019) might look like a gimmick; filmed in two simultaneous single takes and presented split screen throughout. But it a strong film with the substance to stand on its own two feet from the script and acting alone. Far more than just a gimmick, it is incredibly skilfully executed and builds on solid foundations to create something quite unforgettable.

Review: Les Traducteurs (The Translators)

22/3/2020

“The Translators” is a stylish thriller which lands somewhere been an Agatha Christie whodunit and a “Now You See Me” (2013) sleight of hand caper.

Review: Kød & Blod (Wildland)

20/3/2020

Directed by Jeanette Nordahl, “Kød & Blod” (“Wildland”) is a Danish film about a toxic family and the need to belong in a community. It’s a matriarchal mafia genre with the focus on violence within a family not outside. It’s a drama steeped in mistrust and danger.

<<Previous