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M; Beyond The Wasteland film review by UK film critic Lawrence Bennie. Starring Matej Sivakov, Sasko Kocev, Aleksander Nichovski directed by Vardan Tozija. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS M; Beyond The Wasteland Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Lawrence Bennie | Posted on: Nov 16, 2025 Directed by: Vardan Tozija Written by: Darijan Pejovski, Vardan Tozija Starring: Matej Sivakov, Sasko Kocev, Aleksander Nichovski Few genres are as exhausted or over-familiar as the ‘Zombie Apocalypse’ (the superhero genre is an obvious exception, but that goes without saying). From George A. Romero’s seminal 1968 Night of the Living Dead to the revival of the game-changing 28 Days Later franchise with 2025’s 28 Years Later , the zombie movie is as relentless as the raging monsters unleashed on audiences time and time again. Macedonian director Vardan Tozija's M: Beyond the Wasteland (or simply M) essentially blends together the tropes of the zombie film with elements from John Krasinski's A Quiet Place . Young Marko (Matej Sivakov) and surivalist father (Sasko Kocev) have been left seemingly alone in a world now ridden with deadly virus and mutant monsters. Of course, they’re not alone. Marko finds sanctuary with Miko (Aleksandar Nichovski) another youngster surviving in the wilderness. Similarly, Miko is accompanied by a single parent (his mother played by Kamka Tocinovski). Dissimiarly, Miko is not cut out for post-apocalyptic survival. He has Down's Syndrome and Marko soon becomes a surrogate parent figure for him as they traverse through a feral landscape in the search for safety. Special praise goes to Sivakov. Carrying an apocalyptic zombie-horror at a very young age is no mean feat. Nichovski's performance is equally accompolished. 28 Weeks Later of course featured dual child protagonists battling through a universe of the undead, so the concept itself is not new. The difference here is that Tozija chooses to tell his story more directly through the eyes of a child with Marko understanding the world around him as a storybook journey through darkness to hope at the other end. The clichés are inevitably there. The zombification of the parent. The caged zombie(s) kept in containment. The sinister resistance movement whose questionable actions and motives paint them as the ‘real’ monsters. However, Tozija and co-writer Darijan Pejovski bring some refreshing touches to an over-familar genre. Blood, gore and tiresome jump scares are ruled out. Instead, Tozija employs striking restraint to tell his story. Ineed, the film’s true moment of horror is not a gruesome scare and comes at a moment (and from a source) least expected. In fact, Tozija foregrounds hope over horror and the piece concludes on an unexpectedly uplifting note. It is this approach of telling an over-saturated story through a juvenille perspective with a more restrained hand and optimistic grasp that makes M a worthy addition to the genre and a notable notch in Tozija's body of work. M: Beyond the Wasteland is on digital 10 November 2025 from GrimmVision. About the Film Critic Lawrence Bennie Indie Feature Film, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Film reviews from some of the biggest movies in UK cinemas. We also review short films, indie films, and documentaries. Find a movie review now. Film Reviews Here at UK Film Review we like to tackle all kinds film reviews. Our writers come from all walks of life, and feel passionate about critiquing the movies they watch. From the latest Theatrical Releases to Short Films, Indie Films, Documentaries and even Animation, the contributors of UK Film Review are as eager to please as Dev Patel in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011). If you are a filmmaker, or are working in film PR and want to promote one of your clients, please get in touch using the Submit Your Film button under the drop-down menu for Home. Take a look at our list of film reviews below from some of the hottest releases in UK cinemas. Simply click the image of the review you would like, or the title of the movie. Or use the search button to find the movie you are looking for. We have given any feature length film a star rating (out of 5) in order to help viewers sort the Citizen Kanes from the Waterworlds, the Inceptions from the Transformers. Michael Bay will be given a fair film review from our writers, but that probably will not go in his favour. Speaking of Filmmakers, head over to our Filmmaker Features page for awesome articles about some of the best filmmaking geniuses who ever lived. Movie Trailers are also available, either underneath the film reviews, or on the Movie Trailers page. And lastly, if you like your film reviews verbalised. Simply because reading is boring and listening is marvellous, then make sure you Subscribe to the UK Film Review Podcast. Our critics offer up some banterous opinions on the best and worst movies across all genres. Head over to the Podcast page, or click this link to go straight to iTunes. If you would like to read or view any of the following, simply use the navigation. Alternatively, you can click on one of the images to read the film reviews here, or simply have a ganders at the lovely movie artwork on display. Remember to listen to film reviews on our regular film podcast. GET REVIEWED average rating is 2 out of 5 Baby Teeth Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Men Behind Closed Doors: Stories For Survival Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 A Fighting Legacy Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 L'Aube Dorée Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Predator: Badlands Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Odyssey Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Lost & Found in Cleveland Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Christy Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Guillotine Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Mr Burton Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Cake Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Snare Read Review Spoilers in our film reviews As with all digital forms of expression sometimes people may find something that upsets them online. Spoilers can often be one of these things! Whilst we do our best to ensure that major plot points, twists, character deaths and celebrity cameos are not found in our reviews, it can sometimes be difficult to judge what each and every film lover on the planet would to be a spoiler. If you feel that one of our film reviews contains one too many details then please do let us (politely) know using our social media platforms. We may then take serious action, such as expelling the critic responsible from this and every other movie publication past and present, declaring war against the studio for leading our writer into temptation, or we may do nothing at all. To be honest, it is most likely going to be the latter unless some serious rules have been broken. You may also see some movie trailers in our reviews that could also contain potential spoilers. In which case anyone who is hoping to avoid these should probably not click the play button on them. Or click the play button, turn the sound down on your device, then leave the room for a least 28 minutes whilst the trailer finishes and leaves your life naturally. You may be wondering what you could do with all 28 of those minutes! Why not read some more film reviews on another device? Or make a short film of your cat playing with a piece of string? Spend it wisely guys and gals.

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This will help you stay up-to-date with the latest releases, as well as the goings-on from our community of film lovers and critics. average rating is 3 out of 5 M; Beyond The Wasteland Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Baby Teeth Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Men Behind Closed Doors: Stories For Survival Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Where There Is Love, There Is No Darkness Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Last Dance Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Confessions in Static Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Last Joke Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Death of the Centurion Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Pause Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Bury Your Gays Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Sahurda Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 One Day This Kid Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 A Fighting Legacy Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 L'Aube Dorée Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Grima Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Predator: Badlands Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Odyssey Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Lost & Found in Cleveland Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Major Tom Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Take Off Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 TERRA Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Good Friday Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Christy Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Guillotine Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Mother Bhumi Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Mr Burton Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Cake Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 La Mort Pourpre Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Intruder Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Stan Ritchie Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 In Waves and War Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Lost in Time Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Snare Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Stitch Head Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Anniversary Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 I Really Love My Husband Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Arena Wars Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Kontinental '25 Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 The Secret Assistants Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 There's Something I Have to Tell You Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 TV Man (Te(L)o Comando) Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Valley of Hearts Delight Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Hand That Rocks the Cradle Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Sign Your Name Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 B.O.O.B.S: The Mockumentary Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 In Absence Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 I Slay On Christmas Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Love + War Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 As A Joke Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Antithesis Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Agent Jayne: A Woman With A Mission Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Whip Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 A Wanderer's World Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Clocking the T Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Witchez are Bitchez Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 The Dog Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Man on the Hill Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Helloween Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 A Tooth Fairy Tale Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Lost And California Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Reveal Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Shazmine: The Life of a Popstar Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Sweater Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Ellipsis in Writing Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Is This The Bed We Lie In? 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Film Feature by Chris Olson The end of 2025 is approaching, and the UK film landscape once again shifts its focus to the horizon. And what a spectacular horizon 2026 promises to be. After a 2025 that felt like a bridge between the old and new eras of filmmaking, 2026 arrives not with a whisper, but with a colossal bang. From franchise heavyweights and much-anticipated literary adaptations to high-concept sci-fi thrillers, the next twelve months look set to remind us exactly why the big screen experience remains utterly unbeatable. Get your calendars ready, because 2026 is going to be a year for the ages. Release dates correct as of publishing. The new year kicks off with a chilling dose of high-stakes horror and disaster. While the first week often remains quiet, January 9th sees two major releases vying for our attention. One is SOULM8TE , the latest from the James Wan stable, which promises a terrifying update to the 'evil doll' trope, swapping a child’s toy for a sentient partner-bot that goes rather horribly wrong. Alongside this, we have the Gerard Butler-led sequel, Greenland 2: Migration , which delivers more comet-dodging family drama. Butler excels in this kind of earnest, gritty survival action, and the promise of a global trek for safety is sure to draw a sizable crowd. The horror continues a week later on January 16th with the eagerly awaited continuation of the post-apocalyptic saga, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple . Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s return to the franchise has generated immense buzz, and this second part in the new trilogy is expected to deepen the mythology of the Rage Virus, all while delivering the raw, kinetic terror we’ve come to expect. It’s arguably the most significant horror event of the early year. February, usually the quiet month for big-hitters, provides a fascinating split. For genre fans, February 27th sees the release of Scream 7 , which aims to further cement the franchise’s legacy in a post-modern age. However, February 13th brings a starkly different, but equally compelling, offering: a new cinematic adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic novel, Wuthering Heights . Starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, this retelling promises to inject gothic romance with a modern-day star power. It’s the perfect counter-programming for Valentine's Day, swapping jump scares for tempestuous Yorkshire moors drama. This is one for those of us who appreciate the enduring power of a beautifully shot, emotionally brutal drama on a grand scale. March and April offer a dazzling mix of auteur-driven science fiction and beloved animated fare. March 20th brings the Ryan Gosling vehicle Project Hail Mary , adapted from Andy Weir's smash-hit novel. This is big-ticket sci-fi, with Gosling as an astronaut who wakes up with amnesia and is tasked with saving humanity. Given the success of Weir's The Martian , expectations are stratospheric. It’s exactly the kind of smart, high-stakes original concept we need in the multiplexes, promising both intellectual puzzles and spectacle. Before that, March 6th introduces a fresh take on classic horror with The Bride! , Maggie Gyllenhaal’s reimagining of the Frankenstein mythos. April 3rd delivers a family-friendly juggernaut with The Super Mario Galaxy Movie . Following the phenomenal success of the last outing, this sequel will take Mario and Luigi’s adventures into outer space. It's guaranteed to be a colourful, exuberant experience that'll dominate the Easter holiday period. Later that month, April 24th sees the long-anticipated arrival of Michael , the Michael Jackson biopic. This has all the hallmarks of a prestige picture, chronicling the life of one of music's biggest and most complex figures. It will be fascinating to see how the film handles the King of Pop's legendary career and controversial life, and it’s a definite contender for awards buzz come the end of the year. The summer months of May, June, and July are traditionally reserved for the biggest tentpole releases, and 2026 is no exception. May 22nd belongs entirely to a galaxy far, far away with The Mandalorian & Grogu . The Disney+ sensation jumps to the cinema screen, and this promises to be the kind of sweeping, epic Star Wars  adventure that’s best experienced with a packed, cheering crowd. Toy Story 5 Photo by Courtesy of Disney - © Disney June 19th brings Pixar back into the fold with Toy Story 5 . While the narrative well might seem dry to some, Pixar has an uncanny ability to craft emotionally resonant stories, and the return of Woody and Buzz will be a generational event. It’s a guaranteed box office smash and a must-see for audiences of all ages. The real summer cinematic event, however, arrives on July 17th. The Odyssey , the latest project from the inimitable Christopher Nolan, hits cinemas. An adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic, the film stars Matt Damon as Odysseus and features an astonishing ensemble cast. Nolan tackling a mythic action epic on this scale, with his characteristic non-linear structure and IMAX obsession, is arguably the most exciting proposition of the entire year. Expect philosophical depth, stunning visuals, and a runtime that demands an early dinner reservation. Just a fortnight later, on July 31st, Sony unleashes its webslinger once more with Spider-Man: Brand New Day , which will inevitably swing in to dominate the remainder of the summer holidays. As the year winds down, the sheer scale of the final quarter releases is breathtaking. The horror genre gets another look-in with the September 18th release of a new Resident Evil  instalment, a series that always performs well with UK audiences eager for a dose of video game-inspired mayhem. However, the final, undeniable, earth-shattering cinematic event of 2026 is set for December 18th: Avengers: Doomsday . Marvel’s penultimate film in the current saga promises to be the culmination of years of storytelling, a true global cinematic moment that will dominate headlines and box office charts in the lead-up to Christmas. For those of us who prefer their entertainment less overtly heroic, there’s also the promise of a sequel to the Dune  trilogy's conclusion, with the third film in the saga tentatively scheduled for the same month. From the intimacy of a British-produced thriller like Crime 101  starring Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo to the sheer maximalist spectacle of the superhero blockbusters, 2026 is a year where there truly is something for everyone. This line-up demonstrates a confidence in the cinematic experience that is infectious. Grab your popcorn, settle into your seats, and prepare for twelve months of unforgettable film. The best seats in the house await.

Star Rating: 4/5 Writer: TharunDirector: Tharun Starring: Chaitanya Nair and Abhinandan Sethi Desmond & Molly is a lovely exploration of communication between human beings- of the process and effort of putting the intangible, unexplainable ('different', she says) into words. The dialogue here is simple, to the point and wonderfully rhythmical. The closeness of the characters is plain to see, while we sense and feel honesty shaping up between them. The dialogue is also intelligent, offering a really open exploration of the line in human experience and behaviour between genuinely not having clarity, and deliberately lying, as well as situations where assumptions take place by the other person. 'You are telling me how I feel' is a phrase that stands out within the script. The performances here are brilliant so I'd really highlight the talent of the actors, whose grounded performance of a simple script is much easier said than done. It is a wonderful creative choice to set a deeply candid conversation in a public space. Desmond & Molly is a brilliant reflection of real life, where we are all surrounded by each other's situations and stories playing out in the open, all while the world turns. Exactly, we could say, like a film- like this film.

Film Feature By Chris Olson The short film format is the crucible of cinematic genius. It demands not only a singular vision but a ruthless efficiency of storytelling. For a film to earn a five-star rating from UK Film Review is to declare it a masterpiece—a work of art that is as flawless as it is unforgettable. This year, the quality of submissions has been staggering, yielding a definitive list of 20 short films  that represent the absolute pinnacle of global and independent filmmaking. Still from short film Wish You Were Here These films are not mere stepping stones; they are complete, powerful statements that traverse every genre, from brutal social commentary to haunting folk horror. If you want to know where the most exciting talent is operating right now, this list is your guide. Emotional Depth & Character Studies These films find universal truth in the most intimate human experiences, using brevity to amplify emotional resonance. 29 de Febrero : Chris Buick  called this poignant Spanish short a "rare blend of emotion and drama" that is a "sobering depiction of the harshness of growing well past your best years," balanced by a sense of hope. Falling Rocks : Chris Buick  also championed this authentic drama, praising its focus on strained friendships in rural Northern England and its ability to capture "that palpably growing distance" between old friends. Hidden Wounds : Jason Knight  highlighted this powerful drama about a war veteran who, though home, is mentally "still in the battlefield," acknowledging the film’s powerful commentary on post-war trauma. Make Believe : Jason Knight  celebrated this drama about a young mother and daughter struggling in England, noting how the film captures the difficulty of their lives and the depth of their bond. Safe : Jason Knight  praised this "powerful short drama" for exploring complex social issues through the eyes of a helpline counsellor, emphasizing the vital work and important subject matter addressed. Social Commentary & Cutting Satire The short film is an ideal vehicle for cultural critique, delivering powerful messages with wit and uncompromising focus. Bury Your Gays : Holly Baker  deemed this a "terrific satire" that cleverly dismantles a damaging queer trope, using irony and comedy to highlight cinematic injustice. Wish You Were Here : Chris Buick  celebrated this for delivering a "delightfully dark and humorous twist on our perceptions of modern-day internet culture," starring an adorable pensioner whose online actions make the viewer feel "oddly complicit." Is This The Bed We Lie In? : Holly Baker  reviewed this as a controversial but tender exploration that "questions marital values," using "delicate performance styles" to explore the complexities of love and personal freedom. Good Luck Fuck Face : Chris Olson  highlighted this film as a hilarious "tale of relationship revenge" where two friends plot the downfall of a cheating husband, finding humour in modern relationship breakdowns. The Secret Assistants : William Curzon  hailed this short as a "scathing indictment of the film industry and how it continuously exploits underprivileged artists," showcasing a fierce power play in a job interview setting. Genre & Horror Excellence From psychological dread to folk terror, these films proved that high-concept genre stories can be masterfully executed in a short runtime. The Dog : Matt Trapp  praised this "complex character study" of a vet struggling with her emotional burden, noting the "dark, brooding atmosphere" and horror elements used to build a "crushing" institutional environment. Grima : Jason Knight  hailed this as a "very well-made short with plenty of scares," driven by a terrifying teacher and the primal dread of the sound of nails on a chalkboard. Honey : Jason Knight  noted this short psychological horror thriller, set in 1978 Wales, succeeds in creating atmosphere and suspense through its isolated location and eerie premise. The Lantern Man : Patrick Foley  reviewed this as a "short horror based on English folklore" where the protagonist is haunted by visions, leaving the viewer to ponder whether the true terror is real or in the mind. The Axe Forgets : Patrick Foley  highlighted this short for its profound depth, noting that it takes inspiration from an ancient African proverb to examine those who cause destruction but move on without consequence. Technical & Visual Masterpieces These films earned their five stars through spectacular technical execution, innovative form, or flawless conciseness. A Wanderer's World : Jason Knight  celebrated this documentary for its visual triumph, calling it a "mesmerising and thoughtful journey" that captures the vast, "wonderful" beauty of the British countryside. The Craftsman : Jason Knight  lauded this as a "beautiful short animated film" that tells an inspiring, true account of a great-grandfather's creative achievements with remarkable artistry and voice-over. Wavelength : James Learoyd  found this to be one of the "more beautiful animated short films this critic has ever seen," calling it a "transcendent fusion of poetry and design" that is highly evocative. In Absence : James Learoyd  stated that it would be "difficult to fault Paul Nevison’s In Absence  for really any aspect relating to the technical department," calling the 24-minute drama on memory and loss "perfect" from an audio-visual standpoint. Flying : Jason Knight  noted this as a triumph of conciseness, a three-minute short that "tenderly explores the relationship between a woman and her son" using a simple conversation about superpowers to great emotional effect. These 20 five-star short films  from 2025 are a powerful indicator of the talent emerging in independent cinema. They are films that deserve to be seen, studied, and celebrated. We urge all discerning viewers to dive into our archives at UK Film Review and experience the full force of these unmissable works. (Films Included In This List Were Selected from January 2025 up to November 13th).