The Last Duel (2021)
Directed by Ridley Scott this film inspired by historical events stars Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer and Ben Affleck. Two friends fall out and end up fighting a duel to the death.
I enjoyed Rashomon (1950) the first two times I saw it, I am not sure we really needed another version in medieval France. Fine for what it is but does not really add anything to the familiar set up. Decent performances from the cast.
3/5
Opus (2025)
Written & directed by Mark Anthony Green this film stars Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich. An eccentric pop superstar releases his first new album in 30 years and invites a select group to his compound to listen to it.
An unusual fusion of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Behind the Candelabra and Midsommar I am not sure this film ever becomes more than the sum of its parts. The highlight is Malkovich at his bonkers best and I doubt anyone else could have played the part. We do get to a thought provoking conclusion but it feels a lot like the horror twist is taking the easy way out.
3/5
Panorama of Ealing from a Moving Tram (1901)
Directed by William K. L. Dickson this is an early short film. We see part of London from the top of a tram.
A decent little city short. The image quality of the version I saw was not the best, not sure if this is the case for all surviving versions. Fine for what it is.
3/5
Love Machine (2024)
Directed by Jon Clark this film stars Clare Cooney and Bethany Gilmour. On a second date a woman finds out her date is not exactly who she thought she was.
Pretty simple concept, not sure it really goes anywhere. Hints at exploring our prejudices against AI but I am not sure it goes deep enough into the idea. Thought provoking at least.
3/5
Single Residence Occupancy (2024)
Directed by Omer Ben-Shachar this film stars Darren Shen-Kao, Madison Paige, Lauren Mei and Kathy Wu. A woman and her two children live in a single room while they wait for better housing.
A look at the shame of being unable to provide better for your children. Well done and not melodramatic. Very touching.
3/5
Panoramic View of Conway on the L. & N.W. Railway (1898)
Directed by William K. L. Dickson this is an early short film. We see a shot from a train in North Wales.
At times it looks almost like this is a model railway. The hand colouring adds a nice level of charm to this one as does the castle. A fun little short.
3/5
Winds of Silence (2025)
Directed by Radha Mehta this short film stars Deepti Gupta and Sohm Kapila. A woman must decide if she will help a family friend and her child escape an abusive marriage or not.
Given the run time this is obviously not going to be the deepest exploration of the subject matter. Does a decent job at hinting at some of the issues surrounding domestic violence. Okay for what it is.
3/5
