Hereditary

As a fan of horror films, you have to sit through an awful amount of disappointment before you find something special. Thankfully this is very much the case for Ari Aster’s feature film debut, Hereditary. This is a film that possesses the ability to give you goosebumps, make your blood run cold and genuinely provide a completely unnerving, unforgettable experience.

Ramsgate International Film & TV Festival 2018

Building upon last years success, the Ramsgate International Film & TV Festival returns for 2018. Featuring over 50 films showcasing some of the best indie cinema from all continents and special screenings of local films, this years festival is not to be missed.

The Shape of Water

Guillermo del Toro’s latest film, The Shape of Water, brings to the screen his own mesmerizing take on the creature feature with his usual captivating visuals and elegant story telling. This is a beautiful yet dark love story about broken people living in a hostile world, about tolerance and finding a connection.

Anti Valentines Day Films

Its that time of year again, Valentines Day. Whether you are in a happy relationship or not this time of year always feels like romance is being forced down our throats and frankly it makes some of us feel sick. So for this year, if you have had a gut full of romantic comedies or if Mr Grey isn’t your ideal shade, then why not sit back and enjoy watching some of these alternative anti-Valentines Days films.

Inherent Vice

Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film Inherent Vice is an adaptation from Thomas Pynchon’s 2009 novel by the same name. It’s offers a psychedelic take on the classic detective tale that adds a variety of American subcultures and drugs to the mix. The result is a multi-layered, colorful, hilarious and slightly confusing Californian surf noir that is drenched in an almost hallucinogenic haze of smoke, hustlers and hippies.

The Best Films of 2017

It is that time of year again where I like to look back over the year in film and highlight the very best. We have been treated to yet another year of films that have managed to raise our pulses, make our hearts beat, cheeks ache from laughing and left us furious with rage.

Whether it has been masterful storytelling or breathtaking performances, this year we have been moved to tears, shaken with fear, transported to dystopian futures and inspired by acts of historic heroism. Let’s face it; it’s why we love going to the cinema in the first place.

After 152 new releases in the UK this year which includes a number of UK film festivals including Sundance London and the London Film Festival, its been incredibly difficult and I have had to leave out some absolutely fantastic films all worthy of acclaim, but here are my top ten films of the year.

The Florida Project

Off the back of his sensational 2015 debut Tangerine, Sean Baker returns with a joyous and touching childhood adventure, The Florida Project. Set amidst a backdrop of the harsh realities of surviving Motel life, this is a film that is raw, heartfelt, and bursting full of life.

The Thing

The Thing, Directed by the horror master John Carpenter, uses incredibly stunning visuals to build this chilling version of the 1951 classic The Thing from another World. With mind blowing special effects for its time, this is a horrific horror film. It’s one of the goriest and most powerful films made and despite the large amounts of blood, guts and violence, it’s not the gore in this film that causes the sense of dread, it’s the isolation, distrust and fear of the unknown that will keep you biting your nails. There could not be a more remote setting that Antarctica which only adds the fear of being alone and on your own.

Blade Runner 2049

“I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe…” Blade Runner 2049 is the cinematic marvel that we never knew we needed. Not only is it a great science fiction film but it also manages to earn its right to sit alongside the original iconic classic by delivering a cinematic triumph with its visuals, sounds and story.

Evil Dead

Evil Dead takes us back to the most iconic cabin in the woods for a contemporay remake of Sam Raimi’s 1981 original classic The Evil Dead. Five friends, Mia, David, Olivia, Eric and Natalie, head to a remote cabin in the woods. In the basement they find a mysterious  book. Upon reading it, they unwittingly summon up demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival.