Film Reviews by ST

The pairing of novelist Richard Ford's story and Paul Dano's film inspired by it is a marriage made in heaven, unlike the down to earth one we witness unravelling here in 'Wildlife'. A joy to see such outstanding movie acting talents as Gyllenhaal, Mulligan and Camp so clearly at home working with fellow lead actor turned director who can extract the very best performances from them as an equal, so delivering a brilliant first feature. If, like this viewing household, you like world cinema dramas which have a child or adolescent centered narrative - films like Wajda, The Last Tree, Capernaum or Whale Rider - then you're in for a treat here as teenager Ed Oxenbould delivers a totally convincing central performance .

No thrills or spills in this independent film, and it's run length is just about right, saying all that needs to be said, mostly without words. As a perceptive study of human fraility and resilience in adversity it's a real gem. Subtle, moving and ultimately life affirming. Hopefully there will be more of Paul Dano's work as a director to look forward to.

One complaint regards Set Up. For some odd reason the distributors do not offer subtitles for the hard of hearing. As so many movies include key scenes with naturalistic but barely audible mumbled dialogue it can be frustrating to be locked out of the narrative without helpful captions.

This is a compelling and prescient drama with a lot to say. Brutal & tense, lyrical, passionate, witty and playful by turns, it hits home to head and heart. A four day road trip from Ohio to the Gulf which you know is not going to end well, this story is as compelling and complex as a Shakespearean tragedy and worth it for the necessary catharsis it generates. At long long last the mainstream is making way for BAME voices and the wealth of talent both in front and behind the camera is self evident in this ground breaking movie. If it had been released this year, in the wake of the George Floyd killing in Minnneapolis, 'Queen & Slim' would surely have been a serious contender for a handful of Oscars.

Moving and smartly realised tale, beautifully played out by the children & adults alike. A truly memorable, thought provoking drama, entertaining and engaging. Thoroughly deserving of its Oscar nomination.

A very different set of cinematic characters - Including the sheep who, I'm glad to note, also get their names on the final credits.

An original, memorable film exploring a family feud between two farming brothers; finely balanced tragi-comic tale, beautifully observed & brilliantly played out. A fine original soundtrack too while some of the best moments are purely visual. A real treat.