GLASS
WHY SHOULD YOU WATCH?
Glass is the final film in M. Night Shyamalan’s psychological horror Unbreakable trilogy, consisting of Unbreakable, Split and Glass. I am at a loss as to why James McAvoy did not receive at least an Oscar nomination for his multiple personality character in this film, even more so when the 2019 Best Actor went to Rami Malek for Bohemian Rhapsody. McAvoy is remarkable. In the third instalment, after pursuing Kevin Wendell Crumb and the multiple identities that reside within, David Dunn finds himself locked in a mental hospital alongside his archenemy, Elijah Price. The trio must now contend with a psychiatrist, who is out to prove they do not actually possess superhuman abilities.
DIRECTOR:
M. NIGHT SHYAMALAN
CAST
JAMES MCAVOY, BRUCE WILLIS, SAMUEL L. JACKSON, ANYA TAYLOR-JOY, SARAH PAULSON, LUKE KIRBY
STOLEN
WHY SHOULD YOU WATCH?
The discrimination against indigenous inhabitants in various countries has been depicted in many films over the years, and their struggle still goes on, and will continue to do so due to lack of empathy. I had very little knowledge of the Sweden’s Sami people, but there are now quite a few films and series exploring their culture. In this thriller, based on Ann-Helen Laestadius’ awarding winning novel, Elsa endeavours to defend her indigenous heritage in a world where xenophobia is on the rise, climate change is threatening reindeer herding, and young people choose suicide in the face of collective desperation. A confronting story filmed in the stunning Sápmi region of Northern Sweden.
DIRECTOR:
ELLE MARJA EIRA
CAST
ELIN OSKAL, MARTIN WALLSTROM, DAKOTA TRANCHER WILLIAMS, MAGNUS KUHMUNEN, JOHN ANDERBERG, PAVVA PITTJA
THE BEAUTIFUL GAME
WHY SHOULD YOU WATCH?
After the intensity of the previous film, let’s calm down. Written by Frank Cottrell Boyce, inspired by the true story of the Homeless World Cup, this is quite an emotional film. In an under-stated performance, the wonderful Bill Nighy is superb here as coach Mal, who leads this soccer team as they travel from London to Rome for the Homeless World Cup. At the last minute they decide to bring with them talented striker Vinny, but he must confront his own issues and once-promising past in order to help the team and move on with his own life. This is a touching story about overcoming adversity, with the assistance of football.
DIRECTOR:
THEA SHARROCK
CAST
BILL NIGHY, MICHAEL WARD, TOM VAUGHAN-LAWLOR, VALERIA GOLINO, SUSAN WOKOMA, KIT YOUNG
REST IN PEACE
WHY SHOULD YOU WATCH?
Perhaps many of us, at some stage of our life, feel like running away, but few would have the courage to do so. In this Argentinian thriller, a family man, cornered by debt, decides to take advantage of a coincidence and an unpredictable circumstance to disappear. After many years of living away from his country under a false identity, a chance discovery provides the irresistible temptation of wanting to know how the people of his town have moved on in his absence. There are many twists in this story that are not all together satisfactory, but it’s still an interesting tale
DIRECTOR:
SEBASTIAN BORENSZTEIN
CAST
JOAQUIN FURRIEL, GRISELDA SICILIANI, GABRIEL GOITY, LALI GONZALEZ, LUCIANO BORGES, ERNESTO ROWE
LOVE, DIVIDED
WHY SHOULD YOU WATCH?
This romantic comedy is a version of the French film Blind Date and is the acting debut of singer Aitana. Is the cross from singing to acting a success? That is for you to decide. Aitana stars as Valentina, a young pianist starting over. Her neighbour David is an inventor who hates noise. And a paper-thin wall is about to become their matchmaker. If you are seeking a bit of frivolity and light entertainment, this is it.
DIRECTOR:
PATRICIA FONT
CAST
AITANA, FERNANDO GUALLAR, MIGUEL ANGEL, NATALIA RODRIGUEZ, PACO TOUS, ADAM JEZIERSKI
WILL
WHY SHOULD YOU WATCH?
This war drama from Belgium, based on Jeroen Olyslaegers’ novel, will test your ability to endure as it is confronting, emotional and the scenes of violence are unsettling, to say the least. It’s 1942 and Will and Lode, two young policemen in the occupied city of Antwerp, are forced to take part in the manhunt for Jews. At the same time, they support the resistance. And in the midst of all the chaos and violence, love blossoms: Will falls head over heels for the charms of Lode’s sister Yvette. A contradictory cocktail of emotions brings him to the brink, as Will strives to simultaneously save himself, loved ones and the Jews from the clutches of the occupier.
DIRECTOR:
TOM MILEANTS
CAST
STEF AERTS, MATTEO SIMONI, ANNELORE CROLLET, JAN DECLEIR, DIMITRIJ SCHAAD, PIERRE BOKMA, KARINA SMULDERS
THE DOOMSDAY CULT OF ANTARES DE LA LUZ
WHY SHOULD YOU WATCH?
This documentary from Chile is disturbing and confronting. It is difficult to understand how anyone would allow themselves to be subjugated by an individual they had little knowledge of. In 2012, amidst the widespread speculation about an impending apocalypse, Antares de la Luz, the charismatic leader of a sect in Chile, manipulates his followers into unwavering obedience under the guise of salvation. Those who were once under his sway recount their experiences, shedding light on how he insidiously usurped their autonomy, subjugating their wills and lives to the extent of distorting their consciences and reason.
DIRECTOR:
SANTIAGO CORREA
JIMMY CARR: NATURAL BORN KILLER
WHY SHOULD YOU WATCH?
Stand-up is not usually on my watch list, but Jimmy Carr can be entertaining. He’s considered an iconic comedian, and here he tackles controversial issues such as gun control, religion, cancellation culture and consent through provocative humour. Yes, it was funny, hilarious in some cases, but fell a bit flat in others. Still, Jimmy will get you laughing.
DIRECTOR:
JIMMY CARR, BRIAN KLEIN
CAST
JIMMY CARR