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Film Review: Happening – “Vartolomei conveys the devastation of a life coming apart with absolute precision”

An unflinching account of a young woman trying to secure an abortion in 1960’s France, Happening is based on the novel L’evenement by Annie Ernaux. The book retells her own experiences, when she found herself pregnant in a country where terminations were illegal. Reviewed by Helen Tope Director Audrey Diwan introduces us to 18-year-old student Anne (a phenomenal Anamaria Vartolomei). She is evidently top of her literature class, impressing her tutor with a summary explanation of anaphora. Anne is not only clever, but ambitious. On a visit home, Anne’s mum gives her some money, encouraging her to “buy a novel”. Set a little apart from her ... Continue Reading

Film Review: Downton Abbey: A New Era – “This is pure cinematic escapism”

Giving fans more of the same is often a sign that a film franchise has run out of ideas. However, when it comes to Downton Abbey, these rules do not apply. More of the same is exactly what’s required. The reassuring familiarity, the usual routines – Carson would most definitely approve. Reviewed by Helen Tope Following on from the 2019 film, where a Royal visit caused a stir above and below stairs, Downton Abbey: A New Era takes us into the 1930’s with news of an inheritance, and a proposition to keep Downton’s finances in the black. Director Simon Curtis wisely begins with stunning ... Continue Reading

Film Review: Playground – “even doing the right thing can be a wrong move”

A complex study of childhood loyalties, Playground looks at the uncomfortable truths behind what are supposed to be the best days of our lives. Reviewed by Helen Tope Director and screenwriter Laura Wandel focuses on two siblings, Nora and Abel. Nora (played by Maya Vanderbeque) is about to attend the same school as her older brother. Her first day is teary and anxious; her father (Karim Leklov) tries to reassure her that all will be well, she will make friends easily. Wandel’s cinematographer Frederic Noirhomme sets the camera at the children’s level throughout the film, immersing us in their ... Continue Reading

Film Review: The Real Charlie Chaplin – “a richly rewarding experience”

By Helen Tope Applying a freshly creative approach, documentary The Real Charlie Chaplin examines the life and career of film legend, Charlie Chaplin. A true icon of cinema, Chaplin’s image is indelible. The wide eyes, always seeming on the brink of tears; the twitches; the walk that can be imitated but never surpassed. These elements are so familiar we feel as if we know Chaplin, but it is this certainty that the documentary seeks to challenge. The Real Charlie Chaplin begins by debunking assumptions, most notably Chaplin’s development of the Tramp character. As you might expect, there is no one straight answer ... Continue Reading

Film Review: Ali & Ava – “Music is the heartbeat of the film”

A sweetly ambiguous love story, British film Ali & Ava is already making an impact. Nominated for two BAFTAs, Ali & Ava not only showcases home-grown talent, it gives a voice to a community not often heard. Reviewed by Helen Tope The film is set in contemporary Bradford and introduces us to the central characters as they go about their day. Ali (played by Adeel Akhtar) is a local landlord. Ebullient and well-liked, he helps his tenants out by taking their daughter to school. It is here he meets Ava, a classroom assistant (Claire Rushbrook). The two are firmly working ... Continue Reading

Film Review: The Tragedy of Macbeth – “the casting is superb”

By Helen Tope The story itself is familiar enough. A Scottish lord, Macbeth, yearns for power. On being told by three witches that he will soon be King, the lust for power converts to violent, bloody action. Eliminating rivals, real and imagined, Macbeth’s grip on the crown begins to slip. The reality of what he and his wife have done, takes hold. The Tragedy of Macbeth is Shakespeare’s play retold by director Joel Coen. Filmed entirely in black and white, Coen’s cinematic landscape is dour and austere. There are no lush Scottish hills, just peaty bogs, ... Continue Reading

Film Review: Boiling Point – “Carefully crafted, and building tension that sears to the touch”

Reviewed by Helen Tope Filmed in one continuous shot, Boiling Point captures the hectic buzz of restaurant life. We follow head chef Andy Jones, as he makes his way to work. He fields phone calls: deciphering his half of the conversation, he is newly separated, struggling with addiction and has only just found a place to live. His day doesn’t get any better: he arrives late for an appointment with the Health and Safety inspector. The restaurant is an establishment with a smart menu and glossy facade, but Jones has been lapsing in his ... Continue Reading

Film Review: The Lost Daughter – “a film not just about character, but atmosphere”

by Helen Tope A dark, unsettling film, The Lost Daughter looks at the complicated, ambiguous relationship between mothers and daughters. Centered on the female experience, actor Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Kindergarten Teacher, Secretary) is director and screen-writer, leading an impressive cast featuring Olivia Colman, Dakota Johnson and Jessie Buckley. The Lost Daughter introduces us to literature professor, Leda Caruso (played by Colman). She arrives at a gorgeous Greek coastal town for a holiday (you’ll be searching for Greek getaways before the credits roll). But as Leda settles on the beach, her peace is rudely interrupted when an American family arrives en masse. Loud, ... Continue Reading

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Award Winning Independent Cinema

What’s On: Thu 3rd September

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