Film news - Monster Hunter in UK Cinemas June 18th. Find out more at UK Film Review. Monster Hunter in UK Cinemas June 18th Chris Olson Friday, June 11, 2021 at 2:27:55 PM GMT+1 Monster Hunter Only at Cinemas, June 18 Behind our world, there is another: a world of dangerous and powerful monsters that rule their domain with deadly ferocity. When an unexpected sandstorm transports Captain Artemis (Milla Jovovich) and her unit (TI Harris, Meagan Good, Diego Boneta) to a new world, the soldiers are shocked to discover that this hostile and unknown environment is home to enormous and terrifying monsters immune to their firepower. In their desperate battle for survival, the unit encounters the mysterious Hunter (Tony Jaa), whose unique skills allow him to stay one step ahead of the powerful creatures. As Artemis and Hunter slowly build trust, she discovers that he is part of a team led by the Admiral (Ron Perlman). Facing a danger so great it could threaten to destroy their world, the brave warriors combine their unique abilities to band together for the ultimate showdown. MONSTER HUNTER is at UK cinemas Friday June 18 The King's Man UK Home Release Date Announced The Latest King’s Man Film Will be Available on Digital February 9 and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on February 21. Read Now BFI Future Film Festival announces 2022 Awards Jury and full programme Find out who the jury is for the 2022 BFI Future Film Festival. Read Now The Wonderful: Stories From The Space Station UK Release Date The Wonderful: Stories from the Space Station is a Dog Star Films production in association with Fisheye Films. Directed by Clare Lewins (I Am Ali, Kareem: Minority of One, The Lost Tapes of Memphis.). Read Now Redemption of a Rogue UK Cinema Release Date Read Now Cryptozoo Coming to Mubi This October Having made a splash at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, filmmaker Dash Shaw's upcoming fantasy animation Cryptozoo is a highly anticipated film coming to Mubi later this year. Read Now Another Round UK DVD And Blu-Ray Release Date Announced Following its acclaimed cinema release, STUDIOCANAL are excited to announce the release of Thomas Vinterberg’s intoxicating Oscar winner, ANOTHER ROUND, starring Mads Mikkelsen, on early EST 24th September 2021 and DVD, Blu-ray and Digital on 27th September 2021. Read Now Marvel Studios Announces Black Widow DVD and Blu-Ray UK Release Date Marvel Studios Announces Black Widow To Land Early On Digital (August 10th) and 4K, Blu-Ray and DVD September 13th. Read Now My Little Sister Gets October UK Release Date My Little Sister is due for a cinema release in the UK, on Friday 8th October 2021. Read Now Grimmfest Reveals Line-Up for 2021 Film Festival After a year of “home invasions” in the form of virtual screenings and online events, this October sees Grimmfest returning to the cinema at last. Read Now Helen Mirren Narrates Powerful Documentary Escape From Extinction Kaleidoscope Entertainment presents Escape From Extinction, a powerful feature documentary narrated by Academy Award winner Dame Helen Mirren, coming to selected cinemas from 17th September celebrating ‘Great Big Green Week’ (18-26 September). Read Now Supernova UK DVD and Blu-Ray Release Date Following critical acclaim and standout performances, STUDIOCANAL are excited to announce the release of the heartbreaking British love story SUPERNOVA, arriving on EST 24th September 2021 and DVD and Blu-ray on 27th September 2021. Read Now The Djinn UK Release Date The story follows a mute twelve-year-old, Dylan Jacobs, as he discovers a mysterious book of spells inside his new apartment. Read Now Come Play UK Digital Release Date Jacob Chase’s directorial debut feature COME PLAY tells the story of Oliver, a solitary autistic boy who comes across a creepy children’s story on his new tablet. Read Now 15m Giant Starfish in Leicester Square Ahead of UK Release of The Suicide Squad British actor Peter Capaldi (BBC’s Doctor Who, World War Z) ‒ who stars in THE SUICIDE SQUAD alongside Margot Robbie, Idris Elba and John Cena as genius scientist ‘Thinker’, was bravely photographed with the imposing creature Starro in London’s Leicester Square earlier today in celebration of the film’s UK release this coming Friday. Read Now West Side Story In Cinemas December 2021 From acclaimed director Steven Spielberg, the 2021 remake of West Side Story will be coming to cinemas in December 2021. Read Now The Last Job UK Digital and DVD Release Date Screen icon Richard Dreyfuss takes on The Last Job in a brand new, all-action thriller, that stars Modern Family’s Mira Sorvino as his daughter. This rip-roaring gangster movie hits the UK on DVD and digital this August from 101 Films. Read Now Rise of the Footsoldier Origins UK Cinema Release The eagerly-awaited RISE OF THE FOOTSOLDIER: ORIGINS, starring legendary leading man Vinnie Jones, is showing exclusively in cinemas from September 3, courtesy of Signature Entertainment. Read Now Random Acts of Violence UK DVD and Blu-ray Release Date Jay Baruchel writes, directs and stars in his horror debut Random Acts of Violence, which makes its UK Blu-ray debut from Acorn Media International in conjunction with Shudder, following its success on the streaming service. Read Now Spirited Away 20th Anniversary Special Edition SPIRITED AWAY COLLECTOR’S BOXSET WITH DVD & BLU-RAY DOUBLEPLAY AVAILABLE 27 SEPTEMBER 2021 Read Now A New World Order Premieres in UK 23 August Black Mirror meets A Quiet Place in gripping sci-fi thriller A New World Order from director Daniel Raboldt in his feature debut, which gets its UK premiere on DVD and digital 23 August 2021 from Reel 2 Reel Films. Read Now

The Full Moon Fathers film review by UK film critic Patrick Foley. Starring Michael F. Hayes, Paul Sacchetti, Stephen Croce directed by Sean Cranston. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Full Moon Fathers Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Apr 20, 2023 Directed by: Sean Cranston Written by: Sean Cranston Starring: Michael F. Hayes, Paul Sacchetti, Stephen Croce The Full Moon Fathers combines a grizzly biker setting and supernatural brutality, with a chunk of lingering familial trauma to create a survival horror thriller that never quite finds its midnight hour. In 1979, a biker gang are hiding out in the woods whilst on the run from the cops. After setting a devastating trap which ends the pursuit of the law, the gang leave to celebrate. But when one of their members Chip (Tim Roberts) ends up grievously injured in unknown circumstances, members of the group start to wonder whether the threat comes from one of their own. Little do they know that a much darker external presence hunts them – one with a link to a member’s dark past… Riding the dissipating wave of Sons of Anarchy’s biker boom, The Full Moon Fathers is an extravagant and enjoyably ruthless horror, but one that gets muddled by far too many characters and a diluted focus on some initially intriguing plotlines. The film raises a number of different premises – a dark force from the past re-emerging, a rift in the gang between rival factions, a police force hunting the group to bring them to justice – but none of these ever really take the mantle of the primary story. The supernatural danger gets most screentime – and given this allows director Sean Cranston to have fun finding increasingly imaginative ways of blowing his cast into tiny pieces, this is at least an entertaining direction. But the various other strands both take away from this storyline but fail to really land their own memorable mark. There is the element of an anthology as different gang members get a focus. Paul Sacchetti’s Floyd gets a chance to shine as cracks and suspicions start developing in the group. Stephen Croce’s Reggie meanwhile acts as comic relief as a hard-partying delinquent who predictably ends up running into trouble. But whilst the cast give fine, if hammy performances, their limited screentime due to the group’s sheer size mean audiences will only be able to invest in a few of the members before the storylines pile up. There are some genuinely thrilling moments – particularly the film’s opening as the police seemingly close in on the group. A voiceover from the chief as his officers hunt through a foreboding forest is an impressively constructed sequence that will have viewers on the edge of their seat, and acts as an impressive switcheroo as to who the film’s protagonists are whilst establishing the gang’s nature. Cinematography throughout is strong and convincingly transports the film’s tone from that of a 70s biker movie to paranormal horror whilst still matching the story developments tonally, such as darkening the lighting and crawling the camera close to the characters to create a sense of claustrophobia at moments of high tension. The film never takes itself too seriously, and the often corny-looking visual effects therefore don’t seriously detract from the action. Ultimately for its flaws, The Full Moon Fathers is a fun and over-the-top grindhouse-style thriller that lives and dies on its impressively realised aesthetic and graphic violence rather than deep plot or thematic development. On these matters, it lands well. Though a more refined focus on one of its many plot strands may have served the overall film better. Watch the official trailer for The Full Moon Fathers here . Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Theatrical Release, Digital / DVD Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Wyrmwood: Apocalypse film review by UK film critic Hope Madden. Starring Shantae Barnes-Cowan, Luke McKenzie, Bianca Bradey directed by Kiah Roache-Turner. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Wyrmwood: Apocalypse Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Hope Madden | Posted on: Apr 12, 2022 Directed by: Kiah Roache-Turner Written by: Kiah Roache-Turner Starring: Shantae Barnes-Cowan, Luke McKenzie, Bianca Bradey Back in 2014, co-writer/director/Aussie Kiah Roache-Turner brought new life to tired ideas. Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead took an old-school Australian road movie and littered it with some undead. The two went well together. The result was a novel, often funny, action-packed splatter fest. The original braided ideas from Romero and others, but somehow the amalgamation felt fresh. Zombie movies are rarely fresh. Same can be said for sequels. Zombie sequels — very hard to say something new. For his sequel, Wyrmwood: Apocalypse , Roach-Turner writes again with brother Tristan. They return to the post-apocalyptic Outback to catch up with zombie/human hybrid Brooke (Bianca Bradey), her scruffy brother Barry (Jay Gallagher), and whatever’s going on at those military outposts. As this is a zombie movie, assume the worst about those outposts. Roache-Turner leans a little more heavily on dark humor for this one. The previous installment was brighter with its laughs, while this go-round finds comedy mainly inside the viscous filth of the laboratories. Nicholas Boshier, returning as The Surgeon, gets to even wink and nod toward the Evil Dead franchise. Meanwhile, outside the barracks, brothers and sisters are duking it out with everyone and everything to save or avenge one another. Bradey and Gallagher take a backseat this time to Rhys (Luke McKenzie), a skeptical soldier whose twin was slain in the last film. He teams up, somewhat reluctantly, with Maxi (Shantae Barnes-Cowan), whose sister is inside one of those nasty labs. A couple of intriguing kills (or near-kills), a little loose-end tying, and a few laughs keep this one from disappearing completely from memory. The inspired lunacy of Roache-Turner’s original is gone, replaced with entertaining if forgettable fun. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Hope Madden Digital / DVD Release < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Changing Tune film review by UK film critic William Hemingway. Starring Olivia Dowd, Freddy Goymer, Maya Pillay, Barry Smith directed by Nick Fuller. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Changing Tune Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: William Hemingway | Posted on: Mar 4, 2025 Directed by: Nick Fuller Written by: Nick Fuller Starring: Olivia Dowd, Freddy Goymer, Maya Pillay, Barry Smith A couple facing difficulties in their relationship hash it out at the kitchen table in order to reset the boundaries and lay bare the unfairly weighted imbalance within. Phil (Goymer) is a musician. At least that’s what he calls himself, even if he doesn’t have a recording contract or seemingly play his songs live. When we meet Phil, he has just crashed his car, shown to us by some pretty basic shaky-cam footage to suggest the impact. We later find out that the only thing Phil was interested in after the crash was his external hard drive which he had kept beside him on the front seat. This was because his hard drive had everything on it relating to his music, including videos and other media he had paid for, because he was trying to get his music out there by himself. A flashback scene then gives us the lowdown on why Phil finds himself in the situation he’s in, as we watch a cringe inducing interview that he has with a testy record company exec. This bruising interview was never going to get anywhere as the exec (Smith) has no time for Phil or his music, and in his best Alan Sugar manner, the exec says pretty much everything derogatory that he could say apart from the immortal words, ‘You’re Fired.’ To top it all off, Phil’s partner Becky (Dowd) has just been informed by the bank that he’s spent all of their money, well actually, all of her money, and she wants to know just what the hell has been going on. So, for the large part of writer/director Nick Fuller’s, Changing Tune we sit down with Phil and Becky and get into the nuts and bolts of their relationship. Then, half way through the focus shifts, and we get another point of view as Becky shares some wine with her best friend, Melanie (Pillay) and the two of them talk it out together, still at the kitchen table. This two-handed narrative gives us important information from both Phil and Becky’s perspectives and helps us dig down into the feelings that underpinned their relationship in the first place. Unfortunately though, this is as far as we go, and none of the story ever moves very far away from that kitchen table. The location is set, the lighting is placed, the camera moves to its designated positions, and the dialogue is spoken, just with a change of character half way through. The dialogue, also, just like the eerily spotless kitchen, comes across as very clinical at times, even as the characters express what are supposed to be deep seated emotions. They say the words, but there’s very little feeling behind them, as though they’re trotting out standard lines which we would expect any troubled partners to say to each other, before moving on to the next part of their conversation. This is not to say that the performances are not good, because they are, and both Freddy Goymer and Olivia Dowd do their characters justice in their presentation of the narrative. It’s just that’s there’s not a lot of depth behind the words they are saying and the surface level conversation is as far as things go. This also gets evidenced in the denouement of the story, where an ending is offered that seems to buck the trend of the direction of travel, and most of what was discussed is seemingly thrown in the bin. While Changing Tune has its moments and is a well put together short film, it never really takes off in terms of its narrative and the inner turmoil of the characters is never really explored. Writer/director, Nick Fuller has obviously also intended the piece to be a showcase for his own musical talents, as he wrote or co-wrote almost all of the songs which appear in the film. However, the music doesn’t play as big a role in the film as you might expect, and judging by what’s on offer, it’s no real surprise that Phil wasn’t getting any traction with what he was producing. For its thirteen-minute runtime, Changing Tune offers a brief insight into a broken relationship, and by swapping out Phil’s passion for music for something else, many people will be able to relate to the scenario displayed on screen. Sadly, there’s not much else going on beneath the surface and the characters and scenario could have benefitted from a more orchestral background rather than the one-man band that we get. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic William Hemingway Digital / DVD Release, Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Boomslang 3: Your Future film review by UK film critic Patrick Foley. Starring Ryan Vincent, Trisha Rae Stahl, John Waters directed by Justin Schwan. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Boomslang 3: Your Future Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Oct 17, 2022 Directed by: Justin Schwan Written by: Allen Osborne Starring: Ryan Vincent, Trisha Rae Stahl, John Waters In the latest entry in the ‘Boomslang’ series, director Justin Schwan and writer Allen Osborne’s titular serial killer returns in Boomslang 3: Your Future, a fine addition that matches the quirky, surrealist dark comedy which its predecessors successfully established. Fresh from his latest murder, Erik Boomslang (Ryan Vincent) takes refuge in the abode of fortune teller June (Trisha Rae Stahl). Sceptical of her methods, Boomslang humours June – who, with help from her assistant Ali (Irving Green), does her best to conjure up supernatural projections and predictions. Boomslang is not impressed, until a chance phone call leaves him feeling like he has seen a ghost… The Boomslang series’ penchant for quick wit and bold, memorable characters has led to considerable acclaim, and the third entry Your Future is more of the successful same. The short film is colourful, full of life and features genuine laughs making it a joyous watch – even with comically dark overtones. By continuing to place the protagonist in increasingly absurd situations, Schwan and Osborne have established a winning formula for inventive comedy. Ryan Vincent excels again as the suave serial killing titular character, clearly enjoying his repeated opportunities to don Boomslang’s stylish, yet blood-covered white suits. Despite his extravagance, he practically plays the straight man to an even more absurd duo in June and Ali, who deliver some hilarious one-liners and physical comedy courtesy of Trisha Rae Stahl and Irving Green. Their chemistry in particular shines as the pair try to continue their ruse in the face of a disbeliever. Black comedy can often be difficult to execute (pun intended), but by jam-packing the rest of the cast with character and outrageousness, Boomslang’s disturbing pastime can be the subject of comedy rather than being off-putting to the viewer. Not every gag lands, particularly in the opening segment with Stahl and Mari Muscio’s Ms. Bailey which feels like only an average effort at establishing June’s deceptive nature. The film’s tension arrives when Boomslang does – as does the best of its humour. His combative and snarky approach to fortune telling results in some fine back and forth, impressive seeing as how such critiques of the practice are well-covered territory. Schwan’s direction shines in these moments – with cuts back and forth between two delusional characters trying to out-deceive one another making for an amusing dynamic between two larger-than-life characters. Boomslang 3: Your Future impressively shows that there is no sign of decline in the series despite its status as the third entry. Audiences will sense the passion that is poured into the short by its cast and creators, which will hook them along for an unusual and original ride. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Short Film, Web Series < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Satellites film review by UK film critic Amber Jackson. Starring Tamzin Murray directed by Spencer Anderson. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Satellites Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Amber Jackson | Posted on: Jun 25, 2022 Directed by: Spencer Anderson Written by: Spencer Anderson Starring: Tamzin Murray Written and directed by Spencer Anderson, Satellites is a spectacularly immersive short film that questions reality whilst offers an opportunity to become more centred. This six-minute piece follows a woman in a spacesuit as she wanders a quiet and desolate planet and contemplates her existence. We do not know the specifics of her journey, but for a brief moment in time we find ourselves captivated and eager to understand more about her life and the lessons on humanity that she has learnt along the way. Astounding cinematography is the crowning glory of Satellites, with the breath-taking landscape of Cwmystwyth in Wales creating a rocky illusion of space. The jumbled rocks and disorientation that the camera creates for the viewer is very clever and the film feels entirely vibrant. The decision to use the beautiful Welsh landscape creates a vibrant and intriguing film, as we are visually stunned. Alongside this, the all-consuming visual effects and camera angles distort reality and allow us to believe that this astronaut really could be anywhere in the universe. The writing of this short film is beautifully crafted, with a focus on the struggle and often inability for a person to feel grounded. Anderson’s script talks about ‘feeling lost in orbit like satellites,’ as thematically, space is used to explore the realities of a person encountering feelings of emptiness. Tamzin Murray’s narration muses over how people can be unsure where to turn when experiencing personal pain, which in turn causes an overwhelming loss of faith. Yet despite Anderson’s musings on these negative emotions, Satellites is ultimately a peaceful watch. There is a surprising feeling of contentment as a lonely astronaut wanders in the beautiful backdrop of an unfamiliar planet and offers some hope for the future. Whilst aesthetically the film is a spectacle, and the jargon on space is well-written, there is minimal plot direction. However, it leaves plenty of room for intrigue which is the marker of an effective short film. This is an engaging and slightly mysterious film with excellent potential. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Amber Jackson Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Bad Senator film review by UK film critic Patrick Foley. Starring Bob Gallagher, Rob Moore, Vanessa Neff directed by Chad W. Richardson. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Bad Senator Film Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: May 14, 2025 Directed by: Chad W. Richardson Written by: Chad W. Richardson Starring: Bob Gallagher, Rob Moore, Vanessa Neff It seems harsh that Richard Van Sutton, the (fictional) star of Bad Senator would be deemed as such when his fellow senate members are taking bribes or supporting insurrections. His worst sin is seemingly being a bad dad, politics don’t really come into this heartfelt but overlong feature. Van Sutton (Bob Gallagher) is the aforementioned senator – retired and spending his days on the golf course with friend/rival/Jurgen Klopp-lookalike Jocko Stone (Rob Moore). Estranged from his daughter Eliana (Kaylee Amante), his carefree but careless life is turned upside down by the arrival of Iris (Vanessa Neff), a yogi youtuber whose presence sits at odds with his conservative tendencies. A shared love of music might be a way to a family reunion, but Van Sutton needs to learn to put aside his ego first. Don’t go into Bad Senator expecting politics. A strange thing to say given its title, but this film is decidedly un-political. ‘Bad Dad’ would have been more appropriate, as the heart of the film is protagonist Richard Van Sutton’s journey to put selfishness aside and learn how to be there for his loved ones. It’s a curious choice to frame the film’s name around his rather important job when it really doesn’t play much of a role in the driving of the plot – and feels like a bit of a disconnect from the story of that director Chad W Richardson really wants to tell. The film is packed with heart and sweetness, and Richardson knows how to embody his characters with emotion and depth. Van Sutton’s aloofness comes through loud and clear thanks to Bob Gallagher’s humorous but weighted performance, and the collapse of his family dynamic is understandable – though the extent of his failures probably would’ve benefitted from an expansion on his neglect. A pivotal scene involves daughter Eliana casting him out of a performance of hers due to him arrogantly taking over the stage. Yet it is previously established that it is his negligence, not his scene-stealing, that is the real issue in their relationship. The same scene involves her partner Billy (Hunter Johl) saving the day and winning her back by playing guitar – which seems like a pittance gesture seeing as how he nearly got their son run over by a train just a few scenes earlier (yes, really). At over 2 hours, there is also simply not enough sustenance from the plot to justify the running time. Kaylee Amante can certainly sing, but the film really doesn’t require multiple musical performances. Rob Moore’s Jocko Stone is a great comedic presence and an effective foil to Van Sutton, but his scenes are largely comedic filler – Richardson at times seemingly torn between who his protagonist is. A much trimmer and focused film would’ve formed a much stronger emotional bond, whereas the number of distractions mean the grasp of Van Sutton’s development is lost on the audience. Bad Senator has a strong, simple core idea of a broken family on the path to redemption, and Chad Richardson’s film punctuate this with some solid humour and moments of emotional melodrama. But fundamentally it is way too long, with too many distractions and the desperate need of an edit. Whilst the world seems overly and permanently political at the moment, it is also a strange title for a film in which one of America’s most important jobs barely features in the narrative. If this film were a senator, it wouldn’t be a bad one. But it would certainly have filibustered once or twice. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Trailers for movies coming out in March 2020. Watch these awesome film trailers and find out what to watch in cinemas in March this year. March Movie Trailers It's post-award season, and March is the movie calendar's equivalent of The Godfather III. With that being said, we hope we have scavenged some decent enough movie trailers of films coming out in March 2020 that you can at least have something to watch through all the tears streaming down your faces (was that a Coldplay lyric?). All of these trailers are on YouTube, either via the official distributor's channel or the EXTRA SPECIAL UK FILM REVIEW YOUTUBE CHANNEL. Use the YouTube link in the footer of our website to SUBSCRIBE. That way you get to be part of our super duper trailers community. It's pretty much like any other YouTube channel except our's is messier...Don't tell the Editor we said that. You can also find our march movie trailers on our Facebook page, where we post them regularly. Or you can use the "Videos" tab to search for an older film trailer and binge until your heart's content. Although, why we are on the subject, why does Facebook call them videos? Nothing is on videotape anymore. Sure it should be called something else by now. Anyway, this is all by the by. Take a look at the trailers below and enjoy March in all its movie sadness. Onward Movie Trailer Trolls World Tour Movie Trailer Mulan Movie Trailer Misbehaviour Movie Trailer Back to MOVIE TRAILERS

An Ríomh film review by UK film critic Patrick Foley. Starring Eleanor Shannon, Jack Watson directed by Eleanor Shannon. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS An Ríomh Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Dec 11, 2025 Directed by: Eleanor Shannon Written by: Eleanor Shannon Starring: Eleanor Shannon, Jack Watson Eleanor Shannon’s debut feature An Ríomh is an inventive and atmospheric reimagining of Irish folklore and its treatment of women, set in the modern age and framed around contemporary dilemmas and dangers. The film follows Aine (Shannon), a young woman excited by her upcoming meeting with Ciaron (Jack Watson). Matched up by a dating app, Aine quickly relaxes in Ciaron’s presence and nerves are overtaken by excitement. When Ciaron reveals that he is not all he seems, a hidden supernatural presence reveals itself as well. And in a flash, the hunter becomes the hunted… An Ríomh brilliantly uses the misrepresentation of women in historic Celtic mythology to engage with modern blights of violence towards women, abuse and sexual slavery. Women in many of these tales have been distorted, originating as righteous justice-seekers before being morphed over time into cackling, vengeful and malevolent spirits. Shannon seeks to reclaim elements of these stories from sexist reimagining, showing clearly in this short that Ciaron’s horrifying intentions are what brings about the wrath of the spirit that comes to inhabit Aine. The non-linear structure helps hammer home this point further. Ciaron’s predicament is a mystery to the audience at first, and his panic alone is enough to have some sympathy for him. But as Aine’s story is told, it becomes clear the truth we are initially presented with is not what it seems. It is a clever way to demonstrate how stories become distorted and muddied – one of the film’s key themes – in a way that can be as true in 2025 as at any point in history. Those who get their story out first are usually the ones who are believed, and in cases of violence or hierarchical gender-based abuse, it is often men who benefit from this. As the star as well as writer and director, Eleanor Shannon demonstrates a whole range of talents – easily immersing into the role of Aine. Her initial romantic swooning over Ciaron’s flirtatious texts is sickly-sweet and charming, but she just as easily convinces as the embodied vessel of vengeance that becomes of Aine – carrying a powerful degree of menace. Jack Watson similarly excels as Ciaron, an affable charmer with a dark side. His personality switch is jarring in just the right way, and when he becomes prey for the darker side of Aine and the film accelerates into full-blown folk horror mode, he makes for a brilliant target. An Ríomh ’s originality and boldness are its biggest strengths. It is not afraid to ask questions of its audience or flip their expectations, and uses historical precedents that surround the myths that inspire it to great effect. It is remarkable that this is a debut feature, and Eleanor Shannon is certainly someone to watch – not only as a performer but even more so as a writer and director with great depth of understanding around layering her stories with true substance. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Short Film, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

The Choice film review by UK film critic George Wolf. Starring Elijah Khodyrev, Vladislav Demchenko directed by Igor Federov . HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS The Choice Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: George Wolf | Posted on: Oct 25, 2023 Directed by: Igor Federov Written by: Igor Federov Starring: Elijah Khodyrev, Vladislav Demchenko Writer/director Igor Federov crafts a terrific debut with The Choice , a tense, taut and well executed mystery thriller. Taking inspiration from both the societal impact and creative restrictions of the pandemic, Federov is able to mine impressive payoffs from an almost one-man show in a nearly one-room setting. The one man is Matvey (Elijah Khodyrev), and the room is where he is set up as a nighttime call center operator for Russia’s Frount Bank. It is the near future, when massive unemployment and numerous bank failures have spawned a new government via coup, but little relief for the struggling. Matvey is accustomed to angry and irate callers, but Daniel (Vladislav Demchenko) is a different animal. His voice is calm but menacing. Daniel is watching Matvey at work, he’s watching Matvey’s family at home, and he has a laser target pointed squarely at Matvey’s head. The demand? Right old wrongs by transferring money from the account of a V.I.P client. The setup doesn’t exactly blaze new trails, but the ways Federov consistently rises to its inherent challenges make the film an engaging and satisfying ride. The action here is all tech and talk, but through creative shot selection, crisp editing and precise sound design, Federov builds palpable tension around headsets, computer screens, digital switchboards, and voices on the line. And, as Matvey tries to buy time and seek help, Federov’s script reveals secrets that slyly shift the balance of power while deepening our investment in predator as well as prey. At just 77 minutes, The Choice might seem a bit brisk, but the story never feels slight. Federov resists the urge for padding he doesn’t need, cementing a debut feature that reaps plenty of benefits from the instincts of a smart new talent. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic George Wolf Indie Feature Film, Film Festival < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Unintentional film review by UK film critic Swati Verma. Starring Rhythm Rajyaguru, Anil Modi, Dhuruvin Kumar directed by Sandeep Sharma. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Unintentional Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Swati Verma | Posted on: Apr 18, 2023 Directed by: Sandeep Sharma Written by: Sandeep Sharma, Mughdha Shah Starring: Rhythm Rajyaguru, Anil Modi, Dhuruvin Kumar The name of the short film-Unintentional given by the writer-director Sandeep Sharma to elevate the elements of drama, thrill, mystery, and suspense to increase the degree of audience engagement with the content through Nisha (Rhythm Rajyaguru). The plot of Unintentional revolves around a young and successful restaurant owner who was tasting her success, little did she know her nasty past contained some horrible consequences which could take away her everything. The white font of Unintentional has the connotation of purity, simplicity, and innocence that are in danger of being destroyed due to the subject matter of the film. The dramatic piece opens with the voiceover sounding like a police investigation along with an upbeat yet eerie sound effect utilised to make the audience pay tension to even the minute details showcased. The narrative continuously moves back and forth between the present as well as the past time lines during the questioning allowing the viewers to be interested and involved with the movie as the storyline picks up pace. The combination of white, black yellow colours to set the tone, set design, dim lighting, dialogues, costume, hair, makeup, and props complement the mood as well as the genre of Unintentional. The director has smartly incorporated sub-plots in the movie in an attempt to add a surprise element for the audience as they reach the climax of the crime drama. In terms of performance, Rhythm Rajyaguru plays the female protagonist Nisha Mehta who believes in giving her 100 percent when it comes to both professional and personal spaces. Rajyaguru depicts the changes in Nisha’s behaviour as per the script utilising body language, voice modulation, facial expressions, and eyes. The actress portrays the stress and emotional trauma the character goes through and appeals for an instant connection and the viewers too want to be at her side praying hard to come out of the abusive relationship she is bearing with. Anil Modi plays the role of Shrey(Nisha’s husband) who comes across as an ideal boyfriend/husband material initially but later we are introduced to multiple shades of Shrey. Modi finds a balance between the two versions of the character arc and executes the transition effectively and efficientl Dhurvin Kumar as the police inspector illustrates the combination of empathy as well alertness the two major qualities required daily especially when on duty mode. Kumar understands the nuances and delivers them as per the demand of the screenplay. Unintentional talks about the importance of keeping the career and personal equations separate or else one has to face dire consequences that would become irreparable as time passes. The short film reiterates the fact that violence as well as aggression will always pull someone toward their downfall only. The thriller movie highlights the power of law and so advises the audience to not commit anything wrong because the police can get the culprit to confess. The cinematic piece also discusses the significance of marriage in Indian culture but one shouldn’t be forced to stay in the relationship especially when it comes at the cost of mental stress or a threat to life. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Swati Verma Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Pieces of Us film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Sinead Ferguson, Tim Seyfert, Lisa Leilani, Rory Wilton directed by Ben Fullman. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Pieces of Us Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Aug 1, 2025 Directed by: Ben Fullman Written by: Tim Seyfert Starring: Sinead Ferguson, Tim Seyfert, Lisa Leilani, Rory Wilton A feature-length drama directed by Ben Fullman, written by Tim Seyfert and starring himself and Sinead Ferguson, Lisa Leilani and Rory Wilton. This sentimental film focuses on the lives of a young artist named Delilah (Ferguson) and Jack (Seyfert), a middle-aged famous author. The story takes place in Cornwall, where Delilah lives and Jack is passing through as he is doing a tour to promote his latest book. Delilah approaches him and states that Evelyn (Leilani), a former partner of Jack, was her mother. As the two of them proceed to build a rapport between them, they also reminisce about the past and consider their lives. This feature would not have the deep emotional impact that it has, had it not been for the wonderful music by James Coulthard. Beautiful piano and violin melodies create an atmosphere that feels melancholic and also tender and magical. Accompanied by the great score, the screenplay concentrates on the situation that arises between Delilah and Jack, with flashbacks revealing their past. Revelations and inner struggles are the main elements that make drama in this story, a story that basically consists of the consequences of adultery. Seyfert's script effectively explores the characters and their emotions and personal issues and he also delivers a great performance as a recognised writer who finds himself forced to deal with his past actions while being hassled by his obnoxious assistant. Ferguson's role is that of a youngster, a talented painter who lives with a workaholic partner (Tommy Lumley) and seems to believe that she needs Jack in order to understand certain things regarding her life and family. Leilani plays Delilah's mother, a university lecturer who deeply cares for her daughter and her husband (Wilton) and is torn apart by her careless action that ends up putting her family through very harsh times. Wilton is quite likeable as a supportive husband and father. The strong acting from all the main cast adds a lot of value. Looking into the themes in this story, there are numerous and they are heavy. The plot dwells into painful subjects including loss, infidelity and regrets, creating a great deal of drama. On the other hand, it also explores the significance of support, forgiveness, self-reflection and family. Pieces of us is Fullman's debut as a director of a feature film. Filming was executed entirely in Cornwall and Fullman's methodical directing perfectly captures the beauty of the area, with wonderful shots that reveal the nature, including great beaches and all of this is significantly supported by Andy Qualtrough's superb cinematography. A heart-warming film that revolves around an eventful encounter that changes two lives and it also works as a family drama. This is an emotional viewing about coming to terms with the past and acknowledging how much people need each other. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Jason Knight Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >