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3/5
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Carlos
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Music aficionados will doubtlessly appreciate accompanying Carlos Santana as he recounts his life to camera. ★★★
Posted Sep 26, 2023
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3/5
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Flora and Son
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Hewson is the heart and soul of Flora And Son. However, Carney’s latest venture doesn’t shine as brightly as his previous outings.
Posted Sep 22, 2023
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3/5
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Cassandro
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Though this isn’t the first time Armerndáriz’s story has been told on the big screen...Williams’ telling of his story is imbued with a fiery spirit that’s as intoxicating as Cassandro’s stage presence.
Posted Sep 13, 2023
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3/5
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Explanation for Everything
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
While it may take its time getting there, Explanation for Everything serves as an in-depth and honest look at how modern politics can so easily tear society apart with hatred.
Posted Sep 04, 2023
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4/5
|
Once Upon a Time in Uganda
(2021)
|
Andrew Murray
|
At its core, Once Upon a Time in Uganda is a triumphant celebration of a shared love of cinema.
Posted Sep 04, 2023
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4/5
|
Anchorage
(2021)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Shortcomings aside, Anchorage is a lo-fi, drug-infused road trip through the heart of a decaying America, which shines a spotlight on the love and violence between two brothers.
Posted Aug 28, 2023
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2/5
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The Dive
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
The Dive begins with a solid premise, but its lacklustre characters and dwindling tension are what ultimately sink this aquatic thriller.
Posted Aug 25, 2023
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4/5
|
Bobi Wine: The People's President
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Moses Bwayo and Christopher Sharp’s documentary renders both the unshakable human spirit and the terrors of oppression in stark focus.
Posted Aug 25, 2023
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2/5
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T.I.M.
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
While Brown’s feature debut taps into very real fears about advancing technology, the film struggles to spark a sense of tension throughout its predictable plot.
Posted Aug 20, 2023
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3/5
|
Love in Taipei
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Although Love in Taipei’s script is as threadbare as its male leads, there’s nevertheless plenty of fun to be had as Ever’s story reaches its all too predictable resolution.
Posted Aug 20, 2023
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3/5
|
L'immensità
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Carried by exquisite performances from both Giuliani and Cruz, Crialese’s film is a beautifully tender but flawed exploration of two generations of the same family searching for happiness.
Posted Aug 08, 2023
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2/5
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The Effects of Lying
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Although committed turns from Bhatti and Patel lend some heart to the family drama...a combination of overcooked melodrama and undercooked performances sees Sahota’s project fall flat.
Posted Jul 17, 2023
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3/5
|
Bird Box Barcelona
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
While Barcelona aims to expand upon the world of Bird Box by bringing some new elements to the table, the flat execution consequently results in this spin-off feeling unsatisfyingly shallow.
Posted Jul 14, 2023
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4/5
|
You Hurt My Feelings
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Despite beginning on the wrong foot, You Hurt My Feelings nevertheless blossoms into a smart and insightful comedy about telling the truth in relationships.
Posted Jul 05, 2023
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4/5
|
Mother and Son
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
It’s a deeply intimate exploration of belonging and brotherhood which is made all the better thanks to the phenomenal performances from the entire cast, each of whom feels completely natural in their respective role.
Posted Jul 03, 2023
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3/5
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The Sitting Duck
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
As it stands, though, it’s an underwhelming dramatisation of an otherwise fascinating subject.
Posted Jun 28, 2023
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3/5
|
Sunlight
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Sunlight is...a heartfelt tale of life, love and friendship.
Posted Jun 22, 2023
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4/5
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Extraction 2
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
From a violent prison break to a shootout on a moving train and nail-biting fight on a skyscraper’s glass ceiling, there’s no shortage of blockbuster spectacle to be found here
Posted Jun 20, 2023
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3/5
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Inland
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Mark Rylance’s shining stint in a supporting role gives the script a sense of much-needed humanity, however, this indie outing never manages to connect its collection of ideas to deliver on its ambition.
Posted Jun 16, 2023
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4/5
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Pretty Red Dress
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Dionne Edwards puts this family under the microscope to explore themes of identity in this slow-burn drama brimming with humanity, love, and Motown.
Posted Jun 15, 2023
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3/5
|
Carmen
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
While Carmen contains another endearing turn from Mescal, alongside a tremendous score from Britell, it’s disappointing that Millepied was unable to sustain the momentum of his feature debut to the end
Posted Jun 13, 2023
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3/5
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Medellin
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Medellín is an enjoyable romp, which trips up in its final act due to a series of missteps. Although this isn’t a film that’s supposed to be taken seriously, the bodged ending sours the otherwise carefree viewing.
Posted Jun 05, 2023
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4/5
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Amanda
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Cavalli’s striking debut is a commentary on youth, wealth and loneliness. Amanda’s world is one that’s shaped by isolation and eccentricity, which is explored with humour and style in this curious comedy.
Posted May 31, 2023
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2/5
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To Catch a Killer
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
The opening of Damián Szifron’s To Catch a Killer sets viewers up for what looks to be a taut cat-and-mouse chase... However, that isn’t what the bulk of this thriller entails.
Posted May 31, 2023
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3/5
|
Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
[T]ruly fascinating stuff,
Posted May 18, 2023
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|
2/5
|
Dead Shot
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
The 1970s London setting is well-realised...Unfortunately, however, much of the suspense falls flat due to underdeveloped characters and a plot which seems to make itself up as it goes along.
Posted May 12, 2023
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3/5
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The Dam
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
The Dam is an enigmatic and often eerie mood piece which incorporates elements of the supernatural as it weaves a poignant political allegory of revolution.
Posted May 11, 2023
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4/5
|
Falcon Lake
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
In short, Falcon Lake is a coming-of-age story that’s unlike anything that’s been done before.
Posted May 05, 2023
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2/5
|
God's Petting You
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
[R]arely amusing but always bizarre.
Posted Apr 24, 2023
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|
3/5
|
Free Money
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Humanity is at the core of this documentary, which ensures that Free Money remains an eye-opening introduction to the benefits and shortcomings of a system that has the potential to change lives forever.
Posted Apr 19, 2023
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3/5
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Pacifiction
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
[A]n atmospheric fever dream that takes aim at colonialism and politics as it weaves a thoughtful character study. Unfortunately, its excessive length erases a great deal of the bizarre tone, to the detriment of the film.
Posted Apr 18, 2023
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4/5
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Leonor Will Never Die
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
[A] joyous concussion of madcap cinema.
Posted Apr 05, 2023
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3/5
|
Julia Scotti: Funny That Way
(2020)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Funny, honest and thoroughly endearing, Funny That Way is a deeply personal and reflective story of a fascinating individual’s trans experience.
Posted Apr 04, 2023
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3/5
|
Lewis Capaldi: How I'm Feeling Now
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Despite falling into tired documentary tropes, How I’m Feeling Now manages to tell a reflective tale of living with fame and anxiety that isn’t just made for Capaldi’s most dedicated fans.
Posted Apr 03, 2023
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3/5
|
Country Gold
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
There simply aren’t many films like Country Gold being made today, and while the tone may not work for some viewers, Reece has nevertheless created a madcap slice of independent cinema.
Posted Mar 13, 2023
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4/5
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My Sailor, My Love
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
It’s a quiet yet profoundly powerful feature, aching in emotional sophistication and depth.
Posted Mar 13, 2023
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2/5
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Cidade Rabat
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Helena’s defensive walls prove to be so impenetrable that audiences are prohibited from gaining an understanding of the character on an intimate level. The result is a well-made but tiresome affair that creates a disconnect with viewers.
Posted Mar 09, 2023
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4/5
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The Civil Dead
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Told with an endearing charm and lovable awkwardness, The Civil Dead is an oddball buddy comedy that ponders what it means to be alone as the protagonists wander the streets of Los Angeles together.
Posted Mar 09, 2023
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3/5
|
The Artifice Girl
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Exploring the murky and morally grey areas surrounding artificial intelligence with philosophical depth and keen observation, Ritch’s sharply written handling of the topics raised is a timely meditation on our possible future with technology.
Posted Mar 08, 2023
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4/5
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Our Father, The Devil
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Foumbi...creates a savagely intimate tale of revenge and forgiveness set against the backdrop of a picturesque village.
Posted Mar 08, 2023
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3/5
|
I Like Movies
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
There are points in this film that feel like a by-the-numbers indie flick that trundles along doing its own thing. The simple and meaningful message I Like Movies ends on, though, makes the more movie-ish moments worth enduring.
Posted Mar 07, 2023
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4/5
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Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom
(2019)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Though the premise is a familiar one, there’s plenty of charm woven throughout writer-director Pawo Choyning Dorji’s feature debut.
Posted Mar 06, 2023
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3/5
|
The Astronaut
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Although Jim’s head is fixated on the stars, Giraud maintains that his film keeps its feet firmly planted on the ground. At its core, The Astronaut is a very human story about chasing one’s ambitions.
Posted Mar 06, 2023
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4/5
|
Lakelands
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Lakelands quietly explores aspects of masculinity with thoughtfulness and care.
Posted Mar 06, 2023
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4/5
|
Mister Organ
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Although [Farrier's] latest film doesn’t have the same degree of shocking twists and turns as [Tickled], viewers will nevertheless find a fiendish stranger-than-fiction story about a central figure who’s more urban legend than man.
Posted Mar 06, 2023
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4/5
|
Girl
(2023)
|
Andrew Murray
|
The beauty in Girl comes through how understated it is. Onashile allows the performances from her leads to do much of the heavy-lifting when it comes to conveying complex and nuanced emotions in a way that words alone cannot achieve.
Posted Mar 03, 2023
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3/5
|
Adopting Audrey
(2021)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Malone gives one of the best performances of her career to date in Adopting Audrey, with Hunger-Bühler shining alongside her. Unfortunately, the script isn’t up to the same high standard of excellence.
Posted Mar 03, 2023
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2/5
|
Driving Mum
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
There are times in this film when watching it is as fun as a road trip with a corpse would imaginably be.
Posted Mar 03, 2023
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5/5
|
Riceboy Sleeps
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Writer-director Anthony Shim’s Riceboy Sleeps, his second feature film, is a wondrously heart-warming and emotionally charged coming-of-age story.
Posted Mar 02, 2023
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3/5
|
Nightsiren
(2022)
|
Andrew Murray
|
Nvotová and co-writer Barbora Namerova smartly deploy the witchy elements in this slow-burn chiller to explore themes of violence and misogyny.
Posted Mar 01, 2023
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