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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 Romancing Sydney Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Cursed Memory Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 An Ríomh Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Influencers Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Silent Night, Deadly Night Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Caretaker Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Lunavom Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Eraserheads: Combo on the Run Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Merrily We Roll Along Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Hamnet Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 The Big Pelvis Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Hot Box 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.

Short film reviews from some of the best movies in the UK. Read reviews from some of the best short film critics. Short Film Reviews Welcome to the UK Film Review page for short film reviews . Here you will find some of the best and brightest sparks in a sea of cinema. Filmmakers from across the globe submit their short films to us to be reviewed, and our Contributors lovingly dissect them. If you would like one of our team to write a film review of your short film, please use the form on our Submit Your Film page Our short film reviews are written by passionate film critics across the UK and aim to highlight and promote terrific filmmaking when we find it. We are always honest with our reviews, so if you are looking to submit your short film for review, please do so knowing that we will not alter what we have said because you don't like it. There is a wealth of amazing talent in the short film industry, and we hope by writing film reviews about this underexposed creativity we can get your movies to a new audience...but we need your help. Please join in the chatter on our social media channels so that we can grow our community and share the joy. Use the buttons in the footer to Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and Subscribe to us on YouTube #supportindiefilm. The selection of short film reviews you see below are mostly for films submitted to us. In this instance, the filmmaker has requested us to watch and provide a short film review. Alternatively, visit our Latest Short Film Reviews page . Get Your Short Film Reviewed More Film Reviews The Abyss Below Jason Knight Africa is Home William Curzon STUDS Matt Trapp Fervor Lawrence Bennie Cursed Memory William Hemingway Behind the Pose William Curzon Raindog Matt Trapp Starboy Jason Knight A Week William Curzon For You, The Disappeared Jason Knight An Ríomh Patrick Foley Trust Me Jason Knight Essentially Amy Lawrence Bennie Lampros Holly Baker Lunavom Patrick Foley Jake & Pete’s Christmas Special William Curzon Far From Water Jason Knight Just the Usual James Learoyd The Big Pelvis William Hemingway Candy Heart Heist Jason Knight If I Could Get You To Stay William Curzon In Need Of Seawater William Hemingway Marion’s Lilies Patrick Foley Blowing Up Jason Knight CATACLYSM William Curzon Load More Reviews What is a short film review? A short film review is often written by a movie critic and it's their opinion on a film that is less than sixty minutes long. Short film reviews still explore every aspect of a movie. How do I write a short film review? Writing a short film review needs to cover multiple aspects of the movie. Including the script, the characters, performances, cinematography, score & sound design, editing and so on. Sometimes we consider the piece only as a short film; whether it works in that format, other times we may think of it as a "proof of concept" for something longer, or perhaps a piece of a web series/TV show. These can be important to consider when writing a short film review. How long should a film review be? A film review should be as long as the house style. Some publications provide lengthier reviews than others. A general minimum word count would be 500. This may be also for SEO reasons, as short film reviews that are longer may be more likely to rank higher on Google. The important thing to remember is that the review should be well-structured, not full of bloated points to fill up the word count. How much money do film critics make? Film critic salaries depend massively on their publication. Many film critics are freelancers, meaning they get paid per review and sometimes this is based on word count. Making money through film reviews can be challenging. Video Short Film Reviews Below you will find a selection of short film reviews in video form! This is where one of the UK Film Review Critics records their review and we upload it to our YouTube channel (as well as TikTok and Meta Reels in some cases). A Place to Fall Down Short Film Review by Chris Olson A short film about coping with loss and grief, film critic Chris Olson gave A Place to Fall Down 4 stars. Watch his video short film review here to here from the man himself about his thoughts and feelings. OK/NOTOK Short Film Review by Patrick Foley In this short film review from Patrick Foley, he gives us his opinion of the brilliant movie OK/NOTOK. Set in a futuristic world where AI robots are available as companions (as long as you can afford the subscription), it's a riveting piece. Betrayed Short Film Review by Chris Buick Film critic Chris Buick offers up a fantastic video short film review for Betrayed. A movie about a girl with special powers who, with the help of her protective father, must elude those who would use her for nefarious means.

Film reviews and movie trailers for new movies, indie cinema and short films.Read a film review or watch a trailer on our website. FILM REVIEWS UK UK Film Review is a film reviews website based in London, UK. We promote films and movie trailers from around the world and support indie films that would usually find it hard to find the spotlight against the bigger films of cinema. From the latest blockbusters, to small indie cinema, we tackle as many films as we can. Reviewing them from all aspects, not just how many digital landscapes they blow up using CGI. We also review short films in the UK and internationally, helping filmmakers to promote their movies and raise their profile. If you would like to have a short or indie film reviewed by us, please submit all info using the button below. Take a look around, enjoy the spoils of filmmaking, film festivals and artistic expression. Our merry band of film critics are constantly hard at work, writing film reviews, or watching movie trailers for some of the most exciting movies coming out in UK cinemas. So to keep their morale up, please be nice...or at least funny if you choose to troll. Because, in the immortal words of Rick Moranis in the movie Spaceballs, "Keep firing A**holes!". By the way, on this film reviews website, you may see several references to Spaceballs. If you have not seen that classic Mel Brooks film, you MUST seek it out and tell us what you think. SUBMIT YOUR FILM Are You a Film Podcast Fan? Film critics Chris Olson and Brian Penn host a monthly podcast for all types of film fans! Whether you like the latest blockbuster releases, or streaming is your thing - we have you covered. We even review short and independent films on the podcast. Our final review is usually for a "Nostalgia" pick - something from the past worth revisiting. Previous picks for this have included Jaws, The Fly, and Good Will Hunting. Search UK Film Review Podcast wherever you like to listen and join our global community of film lovers. Get Reviewed On Our Podcast Film Reviews from UK film critics LATEST REVIEWS The Abyss Below average rating is 4 out of 5 Honeyjoon average rating is 4 out of 5 Romancing Sydney average rating is 2 out of 5 After the Devil is Dead average rating is 4 out of 5 Africa is Home average rating is 3 out of 5 STUDS average rating is 4 out of 5 Fervor average rating is 3 out of 5 Cursed Memory average rating is 4 out of 5 Behind the Pose average rating is 5 out of 5 Raindog average rating is 5 out of 5 Rotten Society average rating is 3 out of 5 Starboy average rating is 4 out of 5 Featured Film News FILM NEWS The Latest Film Trailers MOVIE TRAILERS Greenland 2: Migration Looney Tunes: The Day the Earth Blew Up Mother Mary Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come Shelter People We Meet On Vacation Filmmaker Interviews INTERVIEWS

Christmas Film Reviews by Chris Olson There is something inherently British about the way we embrace Love, Actually . It has become as much a part of our festive tradition as a slightly burnt turkey or an argument over a board game. Directed by Richard Curtis and released in 2003, this sprawling ensemble piece has managed to survive two decades of critical scrutiny to remain a cornerstone of the holiday season. It is a film that wears its heart on its sleeve, offering a sugary, often chaotic, but ultimately hopeful look at the various ways we connect with one another. Whether you find it charming or cringeworthy, there is no denying its cultural footprint. Bill Nighy in Love, Actually What happens in Love, Actually? The film is a tapestry of ten separate but interlinked stories, all set in London during the five-week lead-up to Christmas. We follow a diverse group of individuals as they navigate the complexities of romance, friendship, and family. There is the newly elected Prime Minister who falls for a junior staff member at Downing Street; a writer who escapes to France after a heartbreak and finds an unexpected connection with his Portuguese housekeeper; and a young boy who, with the help of his stepfather, attempts to win over his school crush by learning the drums. The narrative also explores the darker sides of love. We witness the quiet devastation of a wife who discovers her husband’s infidelity through a misplaced Christmas gift, and the bittersweet resignation of a man harbouring a secret love for his best friend’s new wife. The film culminates in a frantic Christmas Eve where these stories collide—often at Heathrow Airport—reminding us that love is not always a neat, Hollywood ending, but a messy, ongoing process. Which famous actors are in Love, Actually? One of the primary reasons the film remains so watchable is its staggering cast. It serves as a "who's who" of British acting royalty from the early 2000s. Hugh Grant plays the dancing Prime Minister, while Emma Thompson and the late Alan Rickman deliver the film’s most emotionally grounded performances as Karen and Harry. Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, and Bill Nighy—who provides the film’s comedic backbone as ageing rock star Billy Mack—all bring their considerable charisma to the screen. The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring early appearances from Chiwetel Ejiofor, Andrew Lincoln, and Martin Freeman. We also see international stars like Laura Linney and Billy Bob Thornton, and even a cameo from Rowan Atkinson as a pedantic department store salesman. It is a rare feat to gather such a density of talent in a single production, and their collective performances elevate the script's more sentimental moments into something genuinely memorable. What is the inappropriate scene in Love, Actually? While the film is often viewed as a wholesome family favourite, it contains one specific storyline that often raises eyebrows: the "porn stand-in" arc. Martin Freeman and Joanna Page play John and Judy, two professional body doubles who meet while simulating sexual positions for a film. The irony, and the source of the film’s "naughty" reputation, is that while they are completely nude and engaging in clinical, highly suggestive physical contact for work, they are incredibly polite and shy with one another. They discuss traffic and the weather while John is quite literally cupping Judy’s breasts. It is a surreal and arguably inappropriate subplot for a "family" film, resulting in an "15" rating in the UK (though it has since been adjusted on some platforms). What is the famous line from Love, Actually? The film is practically a quote machine, but two lines stand above the rest. The first comes from Hugh Grant’s opening narration: "If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love, actually, is all around." This sentiment sets the tone for the entire movie. The second is the iconic declaration of unrequited love delivered via cue cards by Andrew Lincoln’s character, Mark: "To me, you are perfect." Even those who find the scene problematic acknowledge it as one of the most recognizable moments in modern cinema history. How old was Keira Knightley in Love, Actually? A frequently cited piece of trivia that continues to baffle audiences is the age of Keira Knightley during production. Playing the newly-wed Juliet, Knightley was only 17 years old during filming. What makes this particularly striking is that she was only five years older than Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who played the primary-school-aged Sam. Through the magic of costume and makeup, the film successfully convinced audiences that she was a mature woman entering a new chapter of her life, despite being a teenager in reality. Is Love, Actually on Netflix? For those looking to catch a re-watch this season, the news is positive for UK viewers. As of December 2025, Love, Actually  has returned to Netflix UK. It remains one of the most-streamed titles during the month of December, often fighting for the top spot alongside other festive giants like The Holiday . Is Love, Actually a Christmas film? The debate over what constitutes a "Christmas film" usually revolves around Die Hard , but for Love, Actually , the answer is a resounding yes. The holiday isn't just a backdrop; it is the catalyst for every major plot point. The "at Christmas you tell the truth" mantra drives the characters to take risks they otherwise wouldn't. It is a film about the deadline that Christmas imposes on our emotions, making it the definitive festive rom-com. Read my Love, Actually film review .

Film Feature by Chris Olson James Cameron has never been a filmmaker to do things by halves. When he invited us back to Pandora in 2022 after a thirteen-year absence, he didn’t just offer a sequel; he offered a total immersion into an aquatic frontier. This weekend, the visionary director returns to the world of the Na'vi with Avatar: Fire and Ash , the third instalment in a saga that continues to push the boundaries of what is technically possible in a darkened room. While the previous chapter took us into the depths of the Metkayina reefs, this new journey promises a shift in temperature, introducing us to a darker, more volatile side of Pandora. The narrative picks up shortly after the events of The Way of Water , with Jake Sully and Neytiri still grappling with the profound grief of losing their eldest son. However, the external threats to their family have only intensified. The "Sky People" remain a persistent colonial force, but the true intrigue of this chapter lies in the introduction of the Mangkwan clan, also known as the "Ash People." Led by the formidable and "witchy" Varang, played by Oona Chaplin, this tribe represents a departure from the noble Na'vi we have come to know. They are a group shaped by fire and nihilism, offering a stark thematic contrast to the spiritual harmony of the forest and sea tribes. Avatar: Fire and Ash Film Reviews The critical reception following the initial screenings has been as varied and dramatic as the landscapes of Pandora itself. At the time of writing, we at UK Film Review is yet to declare its official verdict (our invite must have been lost in the Christmas post), as we take the necessary time to sit with a film of this staggering three-hour-and-fifteen-minute scale. However, the broader critical landscape in the UK and abroad has already begun to fracture into opposing camps. Empire Magazine has led the charge for the enthusiasts, awarding the film a robust 4 stars. Their review praises Cameron’s unwavering commitment to spectacle, describing the film as "technical masterful" and an "utterly transportive" experience that justifies its massive runtime through sheer visual wonder. For those who go to the cinema to be overwhelmed by "old-school religious epics" translated through cutting-edge CGI, the 4-star consensus suggests that Cameron has once again delivered. On the other end of the spectrum, the BBC has offered a scathing 1-star review, dismissing the film as a repetitive exercise in "screensaver graphics" and "hippy-dippy new-age spirituality." This critique suggests that the narrative foundations are beginning to crumble under the weight of the visual effects, with the reviewer finding the dialogue clunky and the plotting "baggy." Somewhere in the middle ground sits The Guardian, which provided a 2-star review. Their assessment acknowledges the undeniable "miraculous allure" of the VFX but argues that the franchise is suffering from diminishing returns. For their critic, the "daytime-soap-level convolutions" of the plot prevent the film from becoming the indelible onscreen event it strives to be, ultimately labelling it a "gigantically dull hunk of nonsense" that fails to push the story forward in a meaningful way. Despite the divisive nature of the reviews, there appears to be one point of near-universal agreement: Oona Chaplin’s performance as Varang. As the leader of the Ash People, Chaplin brings a terrifying, feral energy to the screen that provides a much-needed jolt to the established dynamics. Her alliance with Stephen Lang’s Colonel Miles Quaritch—who continues his relentless, vengeful hunt for Jake Sully—creates a villainous duo that many critics have highlighted as a high point of the film. Avatar: Fire and Ash  arrives in UK cinemas, including IMAX and 3D formats, this Friday, 19th December 2025. It is a film designed for the largest screen possible, and regardless of whether you find the story compelling or the runtime exhausting, there is no denying that James Cameron remains the only director capable of commanding this level of global attention. Whether it is a masterpiece or a retread is a debate that will likely rage long after the final embers of the Ash People have faded from the screen.

Film Feature by Chris Olson In the landscape of contemporary short-form cinema, few films have carried as much weight or resonated as deeply as Rock, Paper, Scissors . Following its triumphant BAFTA victory, the announcement that Franz Böhm’s powerful drama has been shortlisted for Best Live Action Short Film at the 2026 Academy Awards feels less like a surprise and more like a necessary recognition of a vital piece of art. At UK Film Review , we have long championed stories that transcend the screen to become part of a larger cultural conversation, and this film is a definitive example of cinema as an act of profound resistance. Read my Rock, Paper Scissors film review . Written and directed by Franz Böhm, the film is based on a harrowing true story that grounds the abstract horrors of conflict in a deeply personal struggle. The narrative follows a seventeen-year-old boy trapped with his father in a frontline hospital. When soldiers arrive, they are thrust into a claustrophobic moral vacuum, forced to make an impossible choice that defines the thin line between survival and sacrifice. It is a lean, devastating piece of storytelling that demands attention. However, the power of the film is inseparable from the extraordinary circumstances of its production. The lead performance by Oleksandr Rudynskyi is nothing short of remarkable, though the story behind it is tinged with tragedy. Rudynskyi was granted rare and specific permission to leave Ukraine during martial law to participate in the project—a testament to the perceived importance of this narrative. Cruelly, on the very day he arrived in the United Kingdom to begin work, he received news that his best friend had been killed in the ongoing war. This immense personal loss did not just shadow the production; it profoundly shaped and sharpened his performance, lending the film an authenticity that is as rare as it is painful to witness. The film's journey to the Oscars has been paved with an almost unprecedented level of official support. Backed by the Office of the President of Ukraine, the production received a wartime commendation that places the work within Ukraine’s national cultural memory. This is not merely a film about a war; it is a document of a people’s resilience. To secure this high-level support and ensure the story was told with absolute urgency, the film's producer twice entered active warzones. This level of commitment from a production team is almost unheard of in the short film world, highlighting a collective belief that some stories simply cannot wait for peace to be told. As we look toward the 2026 Academy Awards, Rock, Paper, Scissors stands as a frontrunner not just for its technical brilliance or its BAFTA pedigree, but for its soul. It is a film that reminds us that art is often the most effective weapon against silence. For the Academy to shortlist this work is a nod to the bravery of its creators and the undeniable power of Ukrainian storytelling on the world stage. It is a triumph for Franz Böhm and his team, and a haunting reminder of the human cost that remains at the heart of the headlines.