Citroen film review by UK film critic Finn O'Toole. Starring Rick Vosse, Tom Hofman & Esmee de Groot directed by Bastiaan Rook. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Citroen Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Finn O'Toole | Posted on: Nov 7, 2026 Directed by: Bastiaan Rook Written by: Rick Vosse Starring: Rick Vosse, Tom Hofman & Esmee de Groot Citroen , written by Rick Vosse and directed by Bastiaan Rook, is a humorous mockumentary short-film following a charismatic cult leader. The twist? He doesn’t want to be a cult leader. But, with his disciples dead set on following him no matter what, he finds himself in a desperate position. Rook and Vosse employ a documentary style to great effect, utilising quick zoom ins/ outs and dirtying the frame with bushes and other obstacles to give the impression that there is a camera operator improvising every movement behind the scenes. Which, of course, there is. But the ability to make something meticulously planned feel improvised is a feat that director of photography Stijn Jonkhart rises to with (what looks like) ease. Jonkhart also utilises natural light in exterior scenes to great effect, elevating this piece beyond the visuals you would expect from a “documentary”. The interior scenes are also lit beautifully by Kenny Nagelkerke to emulate natural light to the point where one cannot be sure how much is real and how much is artificial. Spectacular work from the cinematography and lighting team! The first character the audience is introduced to is Danny, who produces a bottle of poisonous fluid from his bag. Immediately viewers will clock on to this as an example of "Chekhov's gun” (Anton Chekhov’s principle that “one must never place a loaded rifle on the stage if it isn't going to go off” .) This creates a humorous tension, giving the story a ticking clock feeling – a bomb under the table that could go off at any moment. The central concept of the piece is a brilliant idea, depicting something as absurd as a cult and flipping it on its head. We follow Jonah who, to little success, continually attempts to convince his followers to abandon him in increasingly obvious and comical ways. The story drags in the middle somewhat as the structure becomes glaringly obvious: Jonah tries something in an attempt to scare the cultists off, it doesn’t work, then he heads back to the drawing board. However, the conclusion of all this hooks the viewer right back in as the aforementioned Chekhov's bottle comes back into play, in an ironic twist of fate that is equally funny as it is deeply tragic. Overall Citroen is an amusing short that, while predictable, is sure to entertain its audience and anyone else who comes across it. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Finn O'Toole Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Read music video reviews by film critics at UK Film Review. Submit your music video for review by clicking Get Reviewed at the top of the website. Music Video Reviews One of the most exciting sub-genres our critics review is music videos. They are often incredible pieces of storytelling, either in their own right or aligned with the song playing over them. On this page you will find a great selection of music video reviews from the team of critics at UK Film Review. If you are a filmmaker or artist who would like us to review your music video, submit your film here . When it comes to reviewing a music video, the process differs slightly from perhaps a narrative short film or documentary. The music has to be explored far more intimately than if it were a soundtrack because that's where the story originates from rather than being added further down the line. Music videos do conform to genres but these are often musical genres rather than film categories, for example pop, folk, rock, rap etc. So this will also influence the music video review our critics write because the target audience is going to be considered. Music videos may take a variety of forms or even combine different aspects to create a different effect on the viewer. For example, it is common for a music video to contain a small narrative, as well as live performance footage. Top filmmakers making music videos will be able to immerse you into the song and story without leaving you feeling like you have just watched a promo piece. Choreography is also a common trait in music videos, with dance sequences and flash mobs recurring - often in pop music videos. Editors of music videos will have their work cut out to ensure the choreography looks tight and engaging without it feeling staged or lifeless. Hopefully the array of music video reviews you see below will include some gems for you to peruse. Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the article, as we often include the actual music video so you can watch it for yourself. Addicted To It Lee Sinden All Over Again William Hemingway Pearls - Rosscoe Frantz Finn O'Toole Ahead (Music Video) James Learoyd Postcards Nina Rawlingson Super Duper Lee Sinden Peekaboo James Learoyd Ghosts Madeleine Lavers It's Not Goodbye - December Fades Official Music Video Chris Buick Bitter Cherry – Hunger Short Film Review alexjames96 Jun 3, 2025 2 min read Ain’t my Vibe Short Music Video Review alexjames96 Jun 6, 2024 2 min read Cinerama (Music Video) Short Film Review alexjames96 Mar 17, 2024 2 min read Homecoming (Music Video) Short Film Review alexjames96 Dec 19, 2023 2 min read Sheep F-cked In the Head Short Film Review alexjames96 Nov 16, 2023 2 min read Service for The King short film review Theo Aug 1, 2022 2 min read More Film Reviews

Reviews from the latest movies, short films, indie features and more. Check out the UK Film Review Reviews section. Latest Film Reviews The latest movie reviews from UK film critics, this is the page to find the newest reviews from our team. The UK Film Review critics are assembled from around the globe, covering all types of movies. Whether these are movie reviews for films currently in UK cinemas (or even globally) or for films on streaming sites such as Netflix, Prime Video or Disney Plus, we cover them all. On this page you will also find the latest film reviews for indie and short films from the UK and around the world. Every month, UK Film Review receives a large selection of submissions from filmmakers requesting us to watch their independently made film and review it. We treat all movies the same and our reviews are never (ever) paid for! We do receive payment from PR companies and other filmmakers for services such as promoting their film, or skipping to queue, but this has nothing to do with the movie review itself. Whilst you will see our latest movie reviews here you should also follow UK Film Review on our social media profiles, as well as subscribe to our popular film podcast. 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 4 out of 5 Citroen Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Sheep Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Let it Flow Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Alchemy of the Word Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Quinn Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Postcards Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Monster Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Dead On The Vine Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Magan's Fare Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Infection Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Pleased to Kill You Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 New Group Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Zaire Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Last Temptation of Becky Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Silver Screamers Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Line of Control Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Last Screenplay Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Hook Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Drama Queen Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 ¡Que Suene La Banda! Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Last Room in Hanoi Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Jazz Infernal Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Addicted To It Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Pigeonholes Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Echoes Of Dread Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Crab Cake Kid Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Only Living Pickpocket in New York Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The History of the Islamic Golden Age Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Mr A: Genesis Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Cages in Search of Birds Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Manipulation Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Canadian, Sniper Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Breeder Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Blood & Lust Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Weird Kidz Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Key of Bones: Curse of the Ghost Pirate Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 FREUD Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Idea Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Clayface Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Bigfoot, I Love You Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Dating Audrey Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Night Games (Nattlekar) Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Transaction Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Such A Pretty Girl Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 3 Dream Problem Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 I Had A Fall Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 DEMONS VS GHOSTS Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Kamerad 2026 Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Easy Way Out Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Black Cab Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Sloppy Sunday Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Terrestrial Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Aditya Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Vincent Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Behemoth! Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Prima Facie Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Smile, Smile, Smile! Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 It’s Not What It Looks Like Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Calamity Wayne Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Top Shagger Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 A Personal Errand Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 To Catch A Siren Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Spooky Encounters of the Sad Kind Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 All of a Sudden Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Bad Day at the Office Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 All Over Again Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Backstage Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Kaishaku Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Plucked Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Being Heumann Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Artificial Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Sweater (2024) Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Ink Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Plan Bea Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 A Murder In Oakland Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Doing Life Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Human Equation Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 The Devils Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 City of Masks Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Paper Tiger Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 The Hidden Side of the Moon Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Vital Read Review average rating is 1 out of 5 Echoes (2025) Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Once Upon a Time in the Apocalypse Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Mon Taxi Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Demon Dancer Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Godzilla Minus Zero Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Social Reckoning Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Other Mommy Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Kate Hugo: Murder After Mayhem Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Smoking Kills Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Congo Boy Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 The Worm Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The History of Concrete Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Getar Hero Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Masc Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Last Minute Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Laundreams Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Drive Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Joy of Falling Read Review

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 Citroen Finn O'Toole Sheep Joyce Cowan Let it Flow Nina Rawlingson Alchemy of the Word Lee Sinden Postcards Jason Knight Monster Chris Buick Magan's Fare Madeleine Lavers Infection Chris Olson Pleased to Kill You Charlie Robinson Drama Queen My Nguyen ¡Que Suene La Banda! Charlie Robinson Jazz Infernal Finn O'Toole Addicted To It Lee Sinden Pigeonholes Jason Knight Crab Cake Kid Thomas Manning Mr A: Genesis William Curzon Blood & Lust Joe Thomas-Fox FREUD Madeleine Lavers The Idea Chris Olson Dating Audrey Nina Rawlingson The Transaction Lewis McLeod Such A Pretty Girl Finn O'Toole I Had A Fall William Hemingway Kamerad 2026 Jason Knight The Easy Way Out 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 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 3 out of 5 Dead On The Vine Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Pleased to Kill You Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 New Group Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Last Temptation of Becky Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Silver Screamers Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Echoes Of Dread Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Only Living Pickpocket in New York Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Manipulation Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Breeder Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Weird Kidz Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Clayface Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Bigfoot, I Love You 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.

Film reviews and movie trailers for new movies, indie cinema and short films.Read a film review or watch a trailer on our website. LATEST MOVIE REVIEWS 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 Citroen average rating is 4 out of 5 Sheep average rating is 3 out of 5 Let it Flow average rating is 3 out of 5 Alchemy of the Word average rating is 4 out of 5 Quinn average rating is 4 out of 5 Postcards average rating is 5 out of 5 Monster average rating is 4 out of 5 Dead On The Vine average rating is 3 out of 5 Magan's Fare average rating is 3 out of 5 Infection average rating is 4 out of 5 Pleased to Kill You average rating is 3 out of 5 New Group average rating is 3 out of 5 Featured Film News FILM NEWS The Latest Film Trailers MOVIE TRAILERS The Beekeeper 2 Werwulf Jumanji: Open World Paper Tiger Ink The Social Reckoning Filmmaker Interviews INTERVIEWS

Read the latest short film reviews at UK Film Review. Our house critics give reviews to short films from across the world submitted by independent filmmakers. Latest Short Film Reviews On this page you will find the most recent short film reviews written by the UK Film Review critic. If you are looking for a particular short film review, you can use the search function at the top of the website. The vast majority of short film reviews we write are for films that have been submitted to us by independent filmmakers themselves. So if you have a short film you would like UK Film Review to review, visit the Submit Your Film page. Citroen Citroen , written by Rick Vosse and directed by Bastiaan Rook, is a humorous mockumentary short-film following a charismatic cult leader. The twist? He doesn’t want to be a cult leader. But, with his disciples dead set on following him no matter what, he finds himself in a desperate position. Rook and Vosse employ a documentary style to great effect, utilising quick zoom ins/ outs and dirtying the frame with bushes and other obstacles to give the impression that there is a camera operator improvising every movement behind the scenes. Which, of course, there is. But the ability to make something meticulously planned feel improvised is a feat that director of photography Stijn Jonkhart rises to with (what looks like) ease. Jonkhart also utilises natural light in exterior scenes to great effect, elevating this piece beyond the visuals you would expect from a “documentary”. The interior scenes are also lit beautifully by Kenny Nagelkerke to emulate natural light to the point where one cannot be sure how much is real and how much is artificial. Spectacular work from the cinematography and lighting team! The first character the audience is introduced to is Danny, who produces a bottle of poisonous fluid from his bag. Immediately viewers will clock on to this as an example of "Chekhov's gun” (Anton Chekhov’s principle that “one must never place a loaded rifle on the stage if it isn't going to go off” .) This creates a humorous tension, giving the story a ticking clock feeling – a bomb under the table that could go off at any moment. The central concept of the piece is a brilliant idea, depicting something as absurd as a cult and flipping it on its head. We follow Jonah who, to little success, continually attempts to convince his followers to abandon him in increasingly obvious and comical ways. The story drags in the middle somewhat as the structure becomes glaringly obvious: Jonah tries something in an attempt to scare the cultists off, it doesn’t work, then he heads back to the drawing board. However, the conclusion of all this hooks the viewer right back in as the aforementioned Chekhov's bottle comes back into play, in an ironic twist of fate that is equally funny as it is deeply tragic. Overall Citroen is an amusing short that, while predictable, is sure to entertain its audience and anyone else who comes across it. VIEW REVIEW Sheep Sheep is a compelling short film illustrative of uncertainty and chaos. The key to this piece is mystery- we never get to see what the threat is. Without dialogue and with visually compelling composition and cinematography, it portrays a complete state of emergency, and the chaotic nature of being human. This is reflected in the extreme close-up framing and moving shots which are adeptly showcased. The woodland setting and the fact the story unfolds at night-time heightens the sense of quite extreme vulnerability- and the characters don't seem fully conscious of the situation until an urgent escape is the only option. We only hear their heavy breathing and witness their expressions, but turns of panic, effort and sheer shock. In particular, it poses the question faced by all humans in a crisis or conflict- whether to make our own way or come together to survive. Is there any trust left? The choice of name here is also interesting. A sheep evokes helplessness and need for guidance, but also groupthink and crowd behaviour- a brilliantly nuanced proposition of a title. The graphics used for the title are in the curvy and colour saturated style of the 1980s- the decade from which stem many of the films where humanity is portrayed facing or about to face chaos and breakdown, so they are a well- thought-out creative choice. Is there any trust left? Who is leading and who is threatening? Powerful question posed in a 3-minute piece which is skilful story-telling. VIEW REVIEW Let it Flow During Kat’s and Anwar's romantic getaway, Kat anticipates her nightmarish period. What is supposed to be an intimate holiday turns into a spiral of discomfort, dread, and ultimately tests their bond. We follow a young couple looking to take a breather in the countryside. Kat (Holly Freeman) wakes up in a groggy state after experiencing a vivid nightmare only to realise her period has abruptly ruined her time for relaxing. Feeling ashamed, Kat tries to conceal this fact at first and suffers through the pain. Anwar (Antonio Aakeel) comes across as an unhelpful boyfriend who isn’t having his needs met, which puts Kat under pressure in mind and body. The constant use of symbolism is interesting in this short, especially as Kat’s perspective evolves. We go from terrifying imagery, borderline folklore, as she experiences excruciating pain and humiliation. To eventually acceptance with the use of Mother Nature being at the forefront. It plays on her self-esteem and overall, it’s great to help inform young girls that this is part of life and it’s not something that is disgraceful. The same can be said towards a male audience, getting to grips with what women have to suffer with every month. The cinematography and editing capture Kat’s point of view well. Different points in her cycle are referenced through her thoughts and feelings as she tries a variety of methods to help ease the process. A process which is all too relatable for a female audience, the horror of leaking, the unbearable cramps, the mood swings, and fluctuating hormones. All while trying to remain composed and happy to all those around. Even her experience with Anwar, the oblivious bystander who will never truly understand, makes unnecessary remarks. ‘Let it Flow’ is the perfect title for use in a physical but also metaphorical sense. It’s a natural state, just like Mother Nature and her roots. Kat begins to accept and nurture her body, letting her embarrassment dissipate and the stigma behind it. This helps her relationships bloom as she accepts support and reassurance. Freeman is convincing in her role and speaks for all women during this distressing time of the month. Both actors help to portray the ups and downs of a relationship; it’s harder to gel with Aakeel as Anwar, but that seems purposeful given the focal point is Kat. Overall, this film could have been longer and potentially darker; however, it establishes and executes the topic effectively. It hits home the fragility of a woman’s body while trying to remain a strong foundation in society as a proactive human being. Among many other nominations and wins, as of 2026 it has been shortlisted for Best Supporting Actor and longlisted for Best English Short, Best Sound Design at The British Short Film Awards. VIEW REVIEW Alchemy of the Word This short film offers a snapshot of the lives of two French poets living in very poor conditions in London. The two poets are Arthur Rimbaud (James Craven) and Paul Verlaine (Jordan Luke Gage), two well-known French poets. They are lovers in a volatile relationship, often under the influence of alcohol and hashish. The year is 1793, a very important year, as Arthur Rimbaud created A Season in Hell, for which he is best known. It's a collection of prose poems, including Alchemy of the Word. I wasn't aware of these poets before watching this film. Although audiences will enjoy this without knowing the poets involved, I still recommend reading up on their lives and watching again to make the most of it. They both lived extraordinary lives and achieved a great deal at such a young age. The setting is well chosen and really represents the squalor in which the two men live. This is a small space, although they do have the luxury of a bath. The lack of space makes everything feel claustrophobic, which brings the volatility and sexual tension right up close and personal. The director has described the film as a “lockdown film”. This is a very good description, and the audience will appreciate the struggle of being trapped at home. If you add alcohol and drugs into the mix, you have what is clearly a very difficult situation. The two men are also trying to be creative, and it is clear that one is struggling more than the other. A lot is packed into the 14 minutes, and the director successfully conveys both men's personalities and a relationship full of excess. The best scenes are those where you see the poet’s descent into madness. The scenes are very trippy, and the use of colour is very effective. The camera work creates a strong visual effect and feels disorienting at times, which helps to convey the mental state of both men. This is powerful cinema, thanks to the direction and the lead actors' performances. Historians may argue that the set and costumes aren’t historically accurate for the period, and the director addresses this by explaining that she believes these are the kind of men who would dress dandy, even indoors. The costumes certainly reflect their creativity and their larger-than-life characters. It is staggering to see a young man who is only 19 achieving and experiencing more than most would at that age, particularly by modern standards. The musical score is chaotic, mixing slow drum beats with orchestral strings. The music builds tension, especially when the characters show aggression. The score effectively represents the poet’s mental confusion. The audience cannot relax as the sounds build throughout the scenes. The musical score is crucial for conveying emotion, and in this case, the choice of music is perfect. The actors skillfully move between scenes, which can change from pure sexual pleasure to physical aggression and then move into peace and tranquillity. The chemistry between the two leads is clear, and they bring realism to what appears to be an intense relationship. At times, it feels like the two poets are engaging in a dance as they move around the room. I thought this was very effective direction and added a great deal to the trippy scenes. The script was well written and delivered perfectly. I could certainly see this film developed into a successful stage play. This is a very enjoyable film and educates the audience about two poets they may not have known before. The director clearly has a passion for the works of Arthur Rimbaud and successfully brings the poet to life. The leads achieve high standards and really bring the audience up close and personal. The audience will be fully immersed and will want to learn more about the men being portrayed. This is an intense love story which takes place in what appears to be a prison created by themselves. VIEW REVIEW Postcards A short Icelandic documentary directed by Freyja Kristinsdottir. This twenty-minute-long film won the Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Short Film at the Edmonton International Film Festival. The subject is Kristinn, an ageing Icelander who decided to travel solo and on foot through the Santiago de Compostela in March 2016 and, while doing so, to write a postcard to his wife, Stella everyday, for each year that they shared together, totalling forty-six postcards. Via family footage, photographs, animation, gentle music and Kristinn's voice-over, this documentary covers his loving relationship with his partner, beginning with how they first met in the early nineteen-seventies, married, travelled and raised a family, Stella's time living in a care home with Alzheimer's and Kristinn meeting someone special. The main focus is the life that Kristinn and Stella created together, all the wonderful memories that they developed and it is quite heart-warming. The creativity is high standards, with particular attention towards the editing and the constant appearance of years in numbers made out of postcards. Kristinn himself comes across as a likeable person and his words make it very clear how much he cherishes his happy experiences with his loved ones and the content also presents Stella as a wonderful person. During its short duration, this documentary manages to cover very deep subjects. To a degree, it explores some of the hardships of life, including grief and Alzheimer's, however, it mainly concentraters on good things, such as being in love, having children, cherishing loved ones and meeting someone special late in life. And it places a great deal of significance on reminiscing the past and making good memories. A moving story about a man's wonderful relationship with his wife. A beautiful viewing that encourages people to appreciate life and those around them. VIEW REVIEW Monster “The enemy of art is the absence of limitations.” (Orson Welles) Any creative endeavour, whether art, music, writing or dance, is no mean feat. Filmmaking is especially demanding, a medium that throws up obstacles without needing an invitation. Yet as Welles understood, art sometimes needs boundaries. Limitations can be exactly what makes something unique, and what allows it to thrive. Writer/director Finn O’Toole and his team have embraced that idea with their short film Monster . Conceived as “an exercise in creative restraint”, Monster shows that even when you box yourself in, getting the fundamentals right will often produce the most effective results. In the film itself, our unnamed protagonist arrives home clearly perturbed, with something evidently not as it should be. As they try to sleep and escape their worries, a haunting figure looms nearby. But what appears to be yet another ghost story soon reveals itself as a poignant study of mental health struggles and self-acceptance. O’Toole and his team set themselves a challenge: five minutes, a three-page script, one actor, one location and absolutely no dialogue whatsoever. No problem. There are a few elements worth shouting out. Firstly, three pages isn’t a lot to work with, but O’Toole achieves exactly what he sets out to do on every one. If there’s one criticism, it’s that those self-imposed limits inevitably leave you wondering what more could have been done. But as already mentioned, that isn’t the exercise here, and it’s powerful while it lasts. At no point are you left alone to figure out what’s happening or what the film is trying to say, which is damned impressive without the running time or set-up other films get the luxury of. The film initially plays out as a tense horror, and the way it builds that tension, and honestly a bit of fear, is so, so clever. The effects team deserve some of the biggest kudos here, backed by some masterful cinematography. Even more impressive is how effortlessly it then switches tone, never jarringly, turning into something else entirely but no less effective, and landing a hefty emotional punch at the end. Final plaudits go to Christina’s solid solo performance. She captures the essence of every moment, making sure that, in the absence of dialogue, everything is said through her actions. It’s show, don’t tell at its finest. Self-restrained it may have been, but Monster is a noteworthy example of how getting the basics right can take you a long way. VIEW REVIEW Magan's Fare Magan’s Fare (2025) is a drama short film with the majority of it being set in the protagonist Magan’s car. The narrative, as you may expect, follows taxi driver Magan (played by Barkhad Adbi) and a journey he has with a lonely elderly woman named Jorani (played by Alexis Rhee). Jorani has lost her place at her nursing home; she mourns the house she nurtured and the people she used to live there with who have passed. After refusing to leave Magan’s car, he takes her under his wing and together they continue his day of work and learn more about each other. She supports him when he has a health issue and he gives an open ear to her trauma. Towards the end, after suggesting a hospital visit, Magan takes her to his home, the ultimate heartwarming and satisfying ending. This film was a beautiful embodiment of human connection and the gratitude we should all feel for our loved ones. The popular cast helped to bring the characters to life and their interactions throughout were exceptionally delightful to watch. I originally thought the constant phone calls protagonist Magan received from his Mum and wife were unnecessary and I failed to see their significance. This was until it dawned on me that here is someone frustrated by their nagging family, versus a woman who has no one to annoy them because she has no one at all. I hope audiences can have the same revelation and ponder what they may take for granted in their own lives. Despite this film being of a high production value, following a well-rounded story with strong performances, some more character background would have heightened the emotional elements. We do not truly see the pain of Jorani, nor do we see her family through photographs or memories. When she enters her old home and discusses the garden she grew, we do not see this garden. I think some flashbacks or even sound effects may help viewers reminisce about the character’s past alongside her. Then we will empathise more after we understand what she is missing. Magan’s character contains small details that do not come to fruition. He mentions studying for an exam and we also learn he is diabetic, but these traits do not seem to have any relevance. When his blood sugar is low, Jorani helps him and this illustrates their increased connection. This could have been represented in other ways, however. As a protagonist, Magan is a kind character who can hopefully inspire audiences to be as giving. He is constantly pondering how far he should go to help someone before deciding that Jorani deserves a warm place to sleep tonight. He also represents a valuable lesson that he (and hopefully the audience) learns: the treatment of older people is sometimes flawed and needs to be reviewed. VIEW REVIEW Infection Kafkaesque and wholly unnerving, short film Infection channels the soulless corporate experience of workers through a prism of horror filmmaking. Directed by James Kicklighter, the movie stars Isabel Adele Brown as Jane - a promising worker whose reputation for exceeding expectations could see her land a promotion if she can impress the new owners with a kickass presentation. However, she is torn between career advancement and being around her boss (Daniel Williams Lopez), whose sickness threatens to infect her too. The mise-en-scene of Infection is terrifically nightmarish; it has a corporate America feel with hellish undertones, creating the perfect setting for this story to play out in. Couple this with a macabre sound design, and the atmosphere created for the audience is simply spine-chilling. There are some excellent examples of body horror going on during the 9-minute-long movie, including a particularly harrowing scene where Jane’s mother, who is laid up in hospital, experiences a grisly infection herself. Isabel Adele Brown puts in a formidable performance in the leading role, excelling when it comes to showcasing her character’s distressed state (such as rebuking a doctor when offered financial aid for her mother, or determinedly coping with the elongated presentation she has to prepare that, to us as the viewer, looks like a bunch of hieroglyphics). Daniel Williams Lopez is also striking as the walking corpse of a boss, whose sacrifices to the ideals of our society have rendered his character ravaged. Movies that point the finger at Western corporate values are often compelling to a Western audience. With Infection , we are presented with a similarly bleak and riveting tone to movies like Fight Club , The Matrix, or Parasite , and fans of those films will feel in great company here. Jane’s almost surreal experience in her office job will feel relevant to a lot of people watching, and the horror-genre tropes at play create a masterful connection between your 9-5 and slowly becoming a corporate zombie. Having seen short films from James Kicklighter before (such as the wonderful Angel of Anywhere ), it came as no surprise that the quality on show here was of a superior standard. The piece would act as an impressive proof of concept for a feature version, but also as a powerful short film exploring compelling themes in a very cinematic way. Aside from perhaps shortchanging the viewer in the running time and the edit, this is a must-see short film for 2026. VIEW REVIEW Pleased to Kill You Door-to-door knockers can be annoying at the best of times. Nobody likes their peace to be unsolicitedly interrupted. But I suppose they (usually) aren’t serial killers, unlike the unwelcome visitor at the centre of Adolfo Vico’s exciting yet frustrating short film Pleased to Kill You. Described as a psychological horror film, Pleased to Kill You is perhaps better defined as a compact chamber thriller. When we are introduced to Dominic Quinn's character, he is fluidly maneuvering through an array of aliases — answering to Darren, Robert, Charlie, etc. — swapping out work uniforms to smoothly gain entry into unsuspecting residential homes. What happens once inside is left largely to the imagination, although we later learn that he ominously 'likes to take his time '. He is on top of the world, seemingly getting away with his murder spree, and nobody can stand in his way. Except, perhaps, Bill (Tino Orsini). We quickly learn that Bill is not like the rest of those gullible homeowners because Bill has a moniker: ‘The Skinner’, an infamous serial killer who hasn’t been seen in years. When the two men collide, a tense exchange begins, of which only one can make it out alive. The film has little meat on its bones, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The psychology of serial killers, both real and fictional, has been analysed to death. So it shows admirable restraint that such analysis is not on screenwriters Vico and Shaun Grimsley’s minds; they are more interested in artful conversation. The problem is that the central dialogue is not quite deft enough to justify this stripped-back approach. Without meaningful psychological exploration, the script has little to sustain the tension, and it fails to replace it with an equally compelling alternative. This isn’t to suggest such a conversation can’t be compelling on its own terms. To make an unfair comparison, the horror of “Silence of the Lambs” is built largely around dialogue; the description of acts done plays in your head in grizzlier detail than the camera could ever convey. Here, however, the exchange remains frustratingly superficial, amounting to little more than two men sharing a cup of tea and discussing their mutual adoration for murder. At least the tone is light, with humour as much a part of the movie’s DNA as its suspense. The film never takes itself too seriously, and its audience would be wise to do the same. The performances help in delivering this tonal tightrope. Quinn is ceaselessly charismatic as a slimy but charming killer, delivering every line with a twinkle in his eye. Orsini is more grounded, adding gravitas and calculated menace to Bill that lends the danger both men face the necessary credibility. Where Quinn is an excitable puppy, Orsini is the weathered wolf, patiently waiting for prey to mistakenly fall into his open jaws. Both performances are excellent, and much of the film's success is owed to them. But Pleased to Kill You is not without its stylistic charms. Vico demonstrates a confident command of visual composition, using static blocking and atmospheric lighting effectively, such as when Bill answers the door and a shard of light splits his face, revealing a keen eye before his true identity is revealed. It is unfortunate, then, that the script can not live up to such on- and off-screen talent. So while Pleased to Kill You will surely entertain, it never quite delivers the savage blow it so clearly intends. VIEW REVIEW Drama Queen Drama Queen , starring Catarina Carvalho and David E. Texieria, is a dark dive into a love that goes awry right from the start. Told like a fairy tale, we are introduced to a young woman who straight away falls in love with a man. However, her feelings for this man isn’t reciprocated. So she bakes him a pie, in which she adds a love potion. But the love potion doesn’t work. Sadly, it turns out this man is gay. For the rest of this film, the woman is seen getting ready and talking to her cat. She is relating her tale to her kitten. Then, to the audience’s shock, we see her love interest, and blood is pouring from his wound. It looks like this woman had used a hammer to hurt him. When he tries to escape, she strikes him repeatedly with the hammer, determined to finish the job. She sits his corpse down at the dinner table for some “revenge pie,” and the film ends there. The shots in this short were very vivid and clear. The cinematographer obviously is very talented. Close-up shots of the actors’ faces as well as the objects around the house give this film an intimate and personal feel, while shots of the bloody hammer and the blood pouring from Texieria’s character’s wounds give the scene an especially violent and gory vibe. However, there was a shot where it looked like there was some overexposure to sunlight, and it was slightly darker when Carvalho’s character catches Texieria’s character trying to escape. Editing this out might make this pivotal scene flow better. Perfect for the spooky season, this tale of love and revenge only begins to touch the surface of what could be a more involved horror-related drama. For instance, for the majority of Act III: Once Upon a Dream, Carvalho’s character is seen laughing manically and dancing around the apartment to eerily show how crazy she is. That’s basically all she does. A lot more could be explored here, like maybe a flashback to how the protagonist and her love interest meet. A deeper dive into the past could tie into the present and make the film feel overall more dynamic. However, the film ends shortly after that. Which was a bit of a letdown. I felt the ending could be fleshed out more to make the Oscar Wilde quote in the beginning (“I hate people who are serious about meals. It is so shallow of them”) come full circle. Yet there are so many loose ends. And since this is a fairy tale, where’s the happy ending? Even a dark happy ending would look good here. Carvalho does a good job of portraying an unhinged character. Her memorably performance adds a touch of comedic flair and charm to a character, who doesn’t have a lot going for her. But Carvalho’s depiction feels spot-on. However, Texieria’s character functions more like a corpse, until he tries to get away. There’s not much to say about his performance, although by the end of the film, we’re led to believe Carvalho’s character, “the Drama Queen” wasn’t the hero of the story. Toward the credits, the real tell is when Director David E. Texieria is cited as “the Real Queen.” It explains a lot and seems to be a fun add-on. Despite its failings, Drama Queen definitely packs in the drama. From beginning to end, the histrionics are on high. If that’s something you can’t live without, then Drama Queen is for you. VIEW REVIEW

Sheep film review by UK film critic Joyce Cowan. Starring Sam Towle as 'The Man' Sophie Nold as 'Victim 1' Preston James as 'Victim 2' Jordan Taylor as 'Ring Reader' Martha Rolfe as 'The Latest Sheep' Jessica Carter as 'Unaware Sheep' directed by Sam Towle. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Sheep Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Joyce Cowan | Posted on: Nov 7, 2026 Directed by: Sam Towle Written by: Sam Towle Starring: Sam Towle as 'The Man' Sophie Nold as 'Victim 1' Preston James as 'Victim 2' Jordan Taylor as 'Ring Reader' Martha Rolfe as 'The Latest Sheep' Jessica Carter as 'Unaware Sheep' Sheep is a compelling short film illustrative of uncertainty and chaos. The key to this piece is mystery- we never get to see what the threat is. Without dialogue and with visually compelling composition and cinematography, it portrays a complete state of emergency, and the chaotic nature of being human. This is reflected in the extreme close-up framing and moving shots which are adeptly showcased. The woodland setting and the fact the story unfolds at night-time heightens the sense of quite extreme vulnerability- and the characters don't seem fully conscious of the situation until an urgent escape is the only option. We only hear their heavy breathing and witness their expressions, but turns of panic, effort and sheer shock. In particular, it poses the question faced by all humans in a crisis or conflict- whether to make our own way or come together to survive. Is there any trust left? The choice of name here is also interesting. A sheep evokes helplessness and need for guidance, but also groupthink and crowd behaviour- a brilliantly nuanced proposition of a title. The graphics used for the title are in the curvy and colour saturated style of the 1980s- the decade from which stem many of the films where humanity is portrayed facing or about to face chaos and breakdown, so they are a well- thought-out creative choice. Is there any trust left? Who is leading and who is threatening? Powerful question posed in a 3-minute piece which is skilful story-telling. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Joyce Cowan Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Let it Flow film review by UK film critic Nina Rawlingson. Starring Holly Freeman, Antonio Aakeel directed by Galina Chakarova. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Let it Flow Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Nina Rawlingson | Posted on: Nov 7, 2026 Directed by: Galina Chakarova Written by: Galina Chakarova Starring: Holly Freeman, Antonio Aakeel During Kat’s and Anwar's romantic getaway, Kat anticipates her nightmarish period. What is supposed to be an intimate holiday turns into a spiral of discomfort, dread, and ultimately tests their bond. We follow a young couple looking to take a breather in the countryside. Kat (Holly Freeman) wakes up in a groggy state after experiencing a vivid nightmare only to realise her period has abruptly ruined her time for relaxing. Feeling ashamed, Kat tries to conceal this fact at first and suffers through the pain. Anwar (Antonio Aakeel) comes across as an unhelpful boyfriend who isn’t having his needs met, which puts Kat under pressure in mind and body. The constant use of symbolism is interesting in this short, especially as Kat’s perspective evolves. We go from terrifying imagery, borderline folklore, as she experiences excruciating pain and humiliation. To eventually acceptance with the use of Mother Nature being at the forefront. It plays on her self-esteem and overall, it’s great to help inform young girls that this is part of life and it’s not something that is disgraceful. The same can be said towards a male audience, getting to grips with what women have to suffer with every month. The cinematography and editing capture Kat’s point of view well. Different points in her cycle are referenced through her thoughts and feelings as she tries a variety of methods to help ease the process. A process which is all too relatable for a female audience, the horror of leaking, the unbearable cramps, the mood swings, and fluctuating hormones. All while trying to remain composed and happy to all those around. Even her experience with Anwar, the oblivious bystander who will never truly understand, makes unnecessary remarks. ‘Let it Flow’ is the perfect title for use in a physical but also metaphorical sense. It’s a natural state, just like Mother Nature and her roots. Kat begins to accept and nurture her body, letting her embarrassment dissipate and the stigma behind it. This helps her relationships bloom as she accepts support and reassurance. Freeman is convincing in her role and speaks for all women during this distressing time of the month. Both actors help to portray the ups and downs of a relationship; it’s harder to gel with Aakeel as Anwar, but that seems purposeful given the focal point is Kat. Overall, this film could have been longer and potentially darker; however, it establishes and executes the topic effectively. It hits home the fragility of a woman’s body while trying to remain a strong foundation in society as a proactive human being. Among many other nominations and wins, as of 2026 it has been shortlisted for Best Supporting Actor and longlisted for Best English Short, Best Sound Design at The British Short Film Awards. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Nina Rawlingson Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Alchemy of the Word film review by UK film critic Lee Sinden. Starring James Craven and Jordan Luke Gage directed by Jessica Benhamou. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Alchemy of the Word Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Lee Sinden | Posted on: Nov 7, 2026 Directed by: Jessica Benhamou Written by: Jessica Benhamou Starring: James Craven and Jordan Luke Gage This short film offers a snapshot of the lives of two French poets living in very poor conditions in London. The two poets are Arthur Rimbaud (James Craven) and Paul Verlaine (Jordan Luke Gage), two well-known French poets. They are lovers in a volatile relationship, often under the influence of alcohol and hashish. The year is 1793, a very important year, as Arthur Rimbaud created A Season in Hell, for which he is best known. It's a collection of prose poems, including Alchemy of the Word. I wasn't aware of these poets before watching this film. Although audiences will enjoy this without knowing the poets involved, I still recommend reading up on their lives and watching again to make the most of it. They both lived extraordinary lives and achieved a great deal at such a young age. The setting is well chosen and really represents the squalor in which the two men live. This is a small space, although they do have the luxury of a bath. The lack of space makes everything feel claustrophobic, which brings the volatility and sexual tension right up close and personal. The director has described the film as a “lockdown film”. This is a very good description, and the audience will appreciate the struggle of being trapped at home. If you add alcohol and drugs into the mix, you have what is clearly a very difficult situation. The two men are also trying to be creative, and it is clear that one is struggling more than the other. A lot is packed into the 14 minutes, and the director successfully conveys both men's personalities and a relationship full of excess. The best scenes are those where you see the poet’s descent into madness. The scenes are very trippy, and the use of colour is very effective. The camera work creates a strong visual effect and feels disorienting at times, which helps to convey the mental state of both men. This is powerful cinema, thanks to the direction and the lead actors' performances. Historians may argue that the set and costumes aren’t historically accurate for the period, and the director addresses this by explaining that she believes these are the kind of men who would dress dandy, even indoors. The costumes certainly reflect their creativity and their larger-than-life characters. It is staggering to see a young man who is only 19 achieving and experiencing more than most would at that age, particularly by modern standards. The musical score is chaotic, mixing slow drum beats with orchestral strings. The music builds tension, especially when the characters show aggression. The score effectively represents the poet’s mental confusion. The audience cannot relax as the sounds build throughout the scenes. The musical score is crucial for conveying emotion, and in this case, the choice of music is perfect. The actors skillfully move between scenes, which can change from pure sexual pleasure to physical aggression and then move into peace and tranquillity. The chemistry between the two leads is clear, and they bring realism to what appears to be an intense relationship. At times, it feels like the two poets are engaging in a dance as they move around the room. I thought this was very effective direction and added a great deal to the trippy scenes. The script was well written and delivered perfectly. I could certainly see this film developed into a successful stage play. This is a very enjoyable film and educates the audience about two poets they may not have known before. The director clearly has a passion for the works of Arthur Rimbaud and successfully brings the poet to life. The leads achieve high standards and really bring the audience up close and personal. The audience will be fully immersed and will want to learn more about the men being portrayed. This is an intense love story which takes place in what appears to be a prison created by themselves. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Lee Sinden Short Film, LGBTQ+, World Cinema < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Quinn film review by UK film critic Holly Baker. Starring Claudia Gregory, Toby Haycock, Tim Arnold directed by Morgan O’Callaghan. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Quinn Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Holly Baker | Posted on: Nov 6, 2026 Directed by: Morgan O’Callaghan Written by: Jonny Brookes, Morgan O’Callaghan Starring: Claudia Gregory, Toby Haycock, Tim Arnold Quinn (2026) is a 50-minute British detective thriller, made on a zero budget and written and directed by up-and-coming filmmaker Morgan O’Callaghan. The crime story is set in Kent and London and centres on first-time detective Harry Quinn, who is assigned a difficult case early in his career. The film is shot in typical British detective genre style; viewers will appreciate the film’s incorporation of atypical camera angles, as well as a satisfying use of handheld filming to enhance the gritty worldbuilding of the crime-ridden setting. Fans of TV series such as Will Smith’s Slow Horses and Chris Chibnall’s Broadchurch will appreciate the fast pace of Quinn, as whilst watching, it almost feels like you are struggling to catch your breath with how quickly the plot moves. Characters move hurriedly through the different settings and, in classic Sherlock Holmes style, discover increasingly intriguing clues which thicken the case. Also in true Holmes fashion, the case includes several twists and turns which add to the thrill when watching. The film has a great sound design with strong music choices to accompany well-written dialogue; however, it unfortunately suffers from poor mixing, as the volume varies jarringly throughout some scenes, which can take away from the viewing experience slightly. Albeit, this downfall is gracefully made up for through the film's dazzling cinematography. There are several scenes which take place in a nightclub, and these are incredibly decorated with neon colour palettes and an excellent use of shadow. These moody scenes sharply contrast the eerie grey atmosphere of the daytime sequences of the film, allowing for a varied, textured viewing experience. Through relying on mostly location shooting, Quinn brilliantly brings forth a relatable British feel, particularly for Londoners. Commuters will recognise the staple train stations that appear in the film, as well as the Thameslink trains which the characters travel in throughout their solving of the case. Details like this brilliantly use realism to bring the story to life, giving familiarised viewers a tasteful visual map of the setting. As the story progresses between several plot points and revelations, we witness the growth of Quinn’s character in a touching way. The film uses a non-professional crew of all British actors, unfortunately lacking diversity, although it is buzzing with impressive talent. Every performance is notable, but Toby Haycock is particularly glorious as Harry Quinn, the subtly played, quiet-minded detective. There is great nuance to his character, letting viewers into his reserved, intelligent persona, yet keeping us eager for more. By setting up the alluring protagonist of Quinn, the film invites incredible potential for follow-up films to this one, possibly the beginnings of a detective franchise or limited series. Overall, Quinn is an excellently entertaining short film. The story is well written by Jonny Brookes Morgan O’Callaghan, and incorporates a strong, gripping plot, as well as subtle humour found in aspects such as the costuming. With stylised camera angles, lighting, and editing, Quinn is an exciting viewing experience and demonstrates brilliant potential for the filmmakers involved. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Holly Baker Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Infection film review by UK film critic Chris Olson. Starring Isabel Adele Brown, Daniel Williams Lopez directed by James Kicklighter. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Infection Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: Chris Olson | Posted on: Nov 5, 2026 Directed by: James Kicklighter Written by: Chelsea Franklin, Fanny Gallegos, Faleb Lindo Starring: Isabel Adele Brown, Daniel Williams Lopez Kafkaesque and wholly unnerving, short film Infection channels the soulless corporate experience of workers through a prism of horror filmmaking. Directed by James Kicklighter, the movie stars Isabel Adele Brown as Jane - a promising worker whose reputation for exceeding expectations could see her land a promotion if she can impress the new owners with a kickass presentation. However, she is torn between career advancement and being around her boss (Daniel Williams Lopez), whose sickness threatens to infect her too. The mise-en-scene of Infection is terrifically nightmarish; it has a corporate America feel with hellish undertones, creating the perfect setting for this story to play out in. Couple this with a macabre sound design, and the atmosphere created for the audience is simply spine-chilling. There are some excellent examples of body horror going on during the 9-minute-long movie, including a particularly harrowing scene where Jane’s mother, who is laid up in hospital, experiences a grisly infection herself. Isabel Adele Brown puts in a formidable performance in the leading role, excelling when it comes to showcasing her character’s distressed state (such as rebuking a doctor when offered financial aid for her mother, or determinedly coping with the elongated presentation she has to prepare that, to us as the viewer, looks like a bunch of hieroglyphics). Daniel Williams Lopez is also striking as the walking corpse of a boss, whose sacrifices to the ideals of our society have rendered his character ravaged. Movies that point the finger at Western corporate values are often compelling to a Western audience. With Infection , we are presented with a similarly bleak and riveting tone to movies like Fight Club , The Matrix, or Parasite , and fans of those films will feel in great company here. Jane’s almost surreal experience in her office job will feel relevant to a lot of people watching, and the horror-genre tropes at play create a masterful connection between your 9-5 and slowly becoming a corporate zombie. Having seen short films from James Kicklighter before (such as the wonderful Angel of Anywhere ), it came as no surprise that the quality on show here was of a superior standard. The piece would act as an impressive proof of concept for a feature version, but also as a powerful short film exploring compelling themes in a very cinematic way. Aside from perhaps shortchanging the viewer in the running time and the edit, this is a must-see short film for 2026. Buy UKFR Banner Space About the Film Critic Chris Olson Short Film, Horror < All Reviews Next Film Review >