By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
The arrival of Jack O’Connell (Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, Apollo Theatre) as a Jimmy Savile-inspired cult leader at the end of last year’s 28 Years Later and the departure of director Danny Boyle left us concerned about the content of this film.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK? *****
I was 14 when Victoria Wood: As Seen On TV 1st aired in 1985 and suddenly I had comedy sketches so funny I could delightedly recite with my friends at school.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
WHEN? Friday 9 January 2026 on its UK release date RUNTIME: 126 minutes
Jessie Buckley deserves all the Best Actress Oscar attention she is attracting for this showstopping role as Agnes Hathaway, a woman renowned as a ‘forest witch’ who marries budding author William Shakespeare.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: *****
WHEN? Tuesday 6 January, released in the UK Friday 23 January 2026 RUNTIME: 128 minutes
It’s the gift of Paul Mescal’s singer Lionel to ‘see’ sound that compels him to seek out Josh O’Connor’s musician David as the latter sits at a piano playing a rare folk song familiar to both men.
By Aline Mahrud
WORTH A LOOK? ****
The winner of this year’s British Independent Film Award for best film revels in being both an unflinching look at a BDSM relationship while colliding with a very embarrassed British sense of humour more likely found in fare like Four Weddings And A Funeral.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: *****
WHEN? 21 November 2025 on its day of release RUNTIME: 137 minutes
Wicked (Part 1) was a 5-star hit because it built on the beloved Act 1 of a classic musical giving it the visual flair and world-building that only cinema can with a superstar cast.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK? *****
WHERE? BFI Southbank, film released in the UK Friday 10 October 2025
‘Shame is such a wonderful thing to play as an actor,’ says Tovey as he reflects on how his part in Angels In America next door at the National Theatre saw him cast here.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ***
Dakota Johnson plays failed actress turned successful matchmaker Lucy who meets the perfect man, a financier played by Pedro Pascal, at the wedding of a client where her ex is working as a waiter.
WORTH A LOOK?: ****
Danny Boyle (T2 Trainspotting) returns to direct the 3rd film in this series which focuses on the Kes-like training of 12-year-old Spike to defend himself which is intended to kickstart 2 further movies.
By Neil Durham
WORTH A LOOK?: ***** RUNTIME: 100 minutes
Key and Basden wrote the screenplay for this charming film which is essentially an unlikely bromance meditating on loss, nostalgia, music, its ability to bring together and the relationship between fan and star.
