‘Moonlight’ Review

[Sidenote: I saw this before the Oscars] Barry Jenkins’ critically acclaimed coming of age story should be celebrated not only for its cinematic achievement, but for its depiction of minorities not seen enough on film. Based loosely on the play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue, the film follows Chiron, a young black boy struggling…

‘Lion’ Review

The latest film based on a remarkable true story is a more recent affair with an inherently modern twist. It is at once a classic yet contemporary tale, extraordinary and emotional. The film follows the story of Saroo, a young Indian boy who becomes separated from his family. It depicts his struggles as he searches…

‘Hacksaw Ridge’ Review

Mel Gibson’s return to directing (and apparent return from Hollywood jail) is an unbelievable true story of faith, strength and morality in what would appear to be a landscape absent of these principles. The film centres around Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), a conscientious objector in WWII who enlists as a medic. During training, both his…

‘La La Land’ Review

It’s garnering unbelievable acclaim and being nominated for every award out there, and now it has finally arrived on our screens. Damien Chazelle’s follow up to the phenomenal Whiplash really is as good as everyone says it is, bringing something we haven’t seen for a long time on the cinema screen and injecting it with…

‘Manchester by the Sea’ Review

There’s a lot of awards buzz surrounding Kenneth Lonergan’s new drama, and it is all entirely deserved. This portrayal of grief and coping is a quiet powerhouse that will pull you in and take hold of your emotions, not letting up until its final frame. The film centres around Casey Affleck’s Lee Chandler, a handyman whose…

‘Arrival’ Review

Denis Villeneuve has become a filmmaker to rely on for a brilliant and impactful cinematic experience, yet he presents a very different one with each film. After the crime-led pictures of the past few years, here, he lends his hand to the sci-fi genre, to craft a story unlike anything you have seen or expect.…

‘Nocturnal Animals’ Review

Tom Ford’s second venture into filmmaking is a visually striking and emotionally gripping psychological thriller, proving the success of his first film was no fluke. It delivers on every level to create an intoxicating experience that showcases the talents of all involved. Based on Austin Wright’s novel Tony and Susan, Nocturnal Animals effectively tells three…

‘I, Daniel Blake’ Review

Ken Loach’s most recent Palme d’Or winner is an incredibly powerful depiction of the UK benefits system, presenting an understanding of its issues from a personal and emotional perspective. The film follows Daniel Blake (Dave Johns), a carpenter from Newcastle who has recently suffered a major heart attack, has been forbidden by doctors from going…