In short, eighth grade is about the hellscape of being a 13-year-old.
Burnham’s writing and its delivery by Fisher are top-notch throughout. One particular scene towards the end of the film between a withdrawn Kayla and her dad is particularly heart-wrenching — but in the moving conversation that follows, as well as in the film’s final scenes, there’s a much-needed suggestion of hope. — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor
Moonlight is an Oscar-winning film about a queer black boy named Chiron. It focuses on expansion turning points, which take position for a few days in Chiron’s childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Each era introduces another actor as Chiron, and editing itself learns a little more about the social and non-public truths that say who he is and who he will be. The film is tragic, romantic and intimate, and focuses on the realities of Chiron’s fractured domestic environment and nascent sexuality, while silently emphasizing the humanity of the characters who have impacted their lives for better or worse.
There are many bright elements in Lady Bird: the sharp and funny story, the performances, Lady Bird’s conversion friendship with Julie (Beanie Feldstein), but the genuine jewel of the film is her description of Lady Bird’s interactions with her mother.
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Jesminder “Jess” Bhamra (Parminder Nagra) is the perfect daughter to her Punjabi parents in London — except for her undying love of football. Bend It Like Beckham finds Jess at a crossroads, fresh out of school and thinking about university while her family prepares for sister Pinky’s wedding (Archie Panjabi). In the midst of this madness, Jess starts playing for a local women’s football team, led by Jules (Keira Knightley) and coached by the handsome Joe (Jonathan Rhys-Meyers). With her own dreams and her parents’ expectations locking horns, Jess faces massive decisions about her future — and about who she wants in it.
Bend it Like Beckham is available to stream on Amazon Prime in the UK and rent or buy on Prime Video in the U.S.
There are many reasons! First of all, this film is directed through Luca Guadagnino, and each scene is deeply sensual and erotic while imbued with a lot of emotion. It’s hard to watch this film and not feel transported to adolescence, party favorites and short novels. The film superbly captures the intensity and intoxication of young love as he contrasts it with his ephemeral character. Elio and Oliver’s romance is joyful, emotional, but unfortunately it is also short-lived. The soundtrack through Sufjan Stevens brings strength to some scenes and can honestly serve as a hymn for a young love. Oh, and you’ll never be able to watch a movie the same way after you watch it. – Rachel Thompson, senior journalist of British culture
Writer/director Shane Meadows is not for everyone. That’s one thing you want to clarify. His films are impressively filmed and written, but they are also sinister. This Is England is no exception. Although the cinematography and soundtrack stand out good-looking elements in the film, it is the realism of the kitchen sink that accompanies you.
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I’m not going to spoil the ending, but I’ll say that the music – “Always With Me” through Youmi Kimura – satisfies me when I think about it. – S.H.
Why are you looking at him?
Why are you looking at him?
Spider-Verse is one of the most beautifully animated movies in existence. It embraces its comic roots in its art style, which is delightful, but it really shines when it leans into its interdimensional aspects with some truly mind-blowing sequences that take advantage of the animated medium.
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There are plenty of familiar teen movie elements here — teenagers trying to reinvent themselves; a hectic night out; two best friends learning more about each other through a shared journey — but there’s enough originality to make the movie feel fresh. The characters are relatable, quirky, and memorable, supported by a covetable soundtrack. And above all else? It’s hilarious. — S.H.
The presence of Luisa (Maribel Verde) adds a detail of mystery, and in the end emotion, to the film, drumming at home the concept that the trips we make when we are younger can never be re-embodied. – S.H.
Taika Waititi’s most recent new film set in New Zealand, released after What We Do In The Shadows before Thor: Ragnarok, is one of the most kiwi films ever made. It not only shows the lush and misty nature of the North Island, but also the cut tones that make the New Zealand accessory one of the naturally fun maxims in the world (and I don’t mean that in an unpleasant Australian way).
Nadine Franklin (Hailee Steinfeld) feels truly on edge in every way, still grieving her father’s death and unable to find comfort in her mother and brother. When said brother (Blake Jenner) starts dating her best friend (Haley Lu Richardson), Nadine feels more alone than ever and acts out at the cost of her personal relationships.
If you looked at Knives Out, you’ll know that writer/director Rian Johnson has a gift for rhythmic crime thrillers, and Brick (his 2005 debut) is just that: a neo-black mystery set in the fictional abdomen of a high. School.
These elements help anchor the film, creating a backdrop that) makes us more sympathetic to Donnie’s struggles, yb) makes the film’s supernatural elements, on the other hand, even stranger.
Am I a massive Jake Gyllenhaal fan, and therefore hopelessly biased in favour of any movie he appears in? Absolutely. But even when you put the Gyllen-ator to one side, Richard Kelly’s 2001 genre-blender is still a masterpiece. — S.H.
Donnie Darko is available to watch on Prime Video in the UK and IMDb TV in the U.S.
Why should you watch it?
Andrea. Arnold.
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Moonrise Kingdom is available to rent or buy on Prime Video in the UK and the U.S.