United Kingdom
Director Rebekah Fortune’s Just Charlie is an empathetic transgender coming out tale that slowly becomes a moving story of self-acceptance.
For a studio whose storytelling style and command of visuals is so wonderfully inventive, in Early Man they’ve opted for the laziest, most obvious narrative trajectory imaginable, without even a winning sense of humour to back that up.
Paddington 2 is the rare sequel that is better than the original, filled with a good natured warmth that will delight children and parents alike.
With impeccable direction, engaging dialogue, consummate costume and makeup, and one of the best performances ever to grace the silver screen by Oldman, Darkest Hour is an overwhelming achievement.
Crooked House was one of Agatha Christie’s best novels- so it’s a treat to finally see this subversive work translated to the big screen.
It may have been sat on the shelf for three years, but Angelica is worth the wait- a slow burning period piece that’s quietly powerful.
Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool is not a faultless affair, but the central love story and performances make up for its minor flaws.
At times mysterious and intoxicating, Holy Terrors is an above average supernatural horror anthology – but it most definitely has its flaws.
Unrest is a brave piece of documentary filmmaking that’s absorbing, sensitive and most importantly, has the power to save lives.
You Were Never Really Here is a rare film that is conclusive proof that a great director can elevate familiar source material.
The ensemble may be the only thing of interest in The Ritual, which is otherwise riddled with clichés and saddled with an uninspired story.
Loving Vincent is a stunning work of art, with every frame a Van Gogh-style painting, and it’s intriguing on a narrative level as well.
Expertly performed by the dynamic duo of Rooney Mara and Ben Mendelsohn, Una proves to be a searing – though discomfiting – watch.
The Snowman, though with talent behind its production, ended up being an unfortunately jumbled and incoherent mess of a film.
THE PARTY: This One’s Got My Vote
The Party is an example of well-structured storytelling that relies on clever narrative structures, witty dialogue and a sparkling cast.