FILM REVIEWS AND NEWS

It seems fitting that Brick Lane, the iconic creative corner of the capital, has been chosen as the staging ground for the upcoming Spring Edition of the Day Job Film Festival. As someone who spends a significant portion of my life immersed in the world of independent cinema, I find myself increasingly drawn to events that eschew the velvet ropes of the West End in favour of something more tangible, more raw, and more human.

Looking ahead to the South by Southwest programme, there is a distinct sense of electricity surrounding the short film selection. By synthesising our own existing critiques with the growing speculative chatter from across the pond, I have compiled a list of the short films that should be at the very top of your "must-watch" list this year.

Vertigo Releasing has officially slated Normal for a theatrical release in the UK and Ireland. Directed by the ever-unpredictable Ben Wheatley and starring the incomparable Bob Odenkirk, this high-octane thriller is set to hit the big screen on Friday 15th May 2026. For those of us who prefer our action with a side of grit and a dash of dark wit, this date cannot come soon enough.

Yet, as the dust settles and we look toward the 2026 release of Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D), the logic begins to reveal itself. This isn't just a recording of a stage show; it’s a promise of a total sensory overhaul. Having followed the "Hit Me Hard and Soft" tour through the headlines and the social media snippets

On the 6th of February 2026, the tone of the streaming landscape shifts significantly with the release of Finding Harmony: A King's Vision. This #documentary explores His Majesty The King's lifelong dedication to environmentalism and the philosophy of Harmony.

Right now, I’m based between London and Europe, balancing post-production, development, and creative preparation. I’ve just come off the back of filming Kabul and Hafiach TV series in Wales, which was an intense and deeply meaningful experience, and I’m also focused on developing my original series Amour Noir, which I’m writing and will lead.

While the heavy hitters and the billion-dollar sequels are certainly present, there is a refreshing sense of creative risk-taking appearing across the Disney, 20th Century, and Searchlight banners. From high-concept survival thrillers to long-awaited returns to iconic worlds, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where the multiplex offers a genuine variety of spectacle and substance.

It is a period where the prestige of the awards season begins to collide with the bold, experimental, and sometimes wonderfully strange offerings of the new year. As we look toward the week commencing 26 January 2026, the schedule is looking remarkably robust, offering a slate that promises to challenge, entertain, and perhaps even provoke a few heated debates in the foyer.