Dune Part Two (2024)

Dir: Denis Villeneuve

I watched this back-to-back with Dune in one epic session, and the sequel suffered slightly in comparison. Still epic, still beautiful (in 70mm which added a lovely grain to the desert), but less focussed than the still-astonishing first chapter. The story wanders a little, gets a bit lost now-and-then, and makes some strange character choices: Duncan becomes too central as a one-note warmonger, but the change of Stilgar from a wonderful complex desert-leader to a semi-comical Paul-believer was a real disappointment. Still, the ascension of Maud'dib and climactic scenes more than make up for the wayward middle.

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Dir: Luca Guadagnino

Mesmerising and gorgeous, both the film and Timothée Chalamet. He is quite amazing, carrying the film entirely with a complexity of emotion and range that is stunning (Armie Hammer being almost a cardboard cut-out in comparison). The final scene is a tour-de-force of acting prowess, and the entire film is near perfectly constructed.

The Lying Life of Adults (2023)

Dir: Edoardo De Angelis

Another Italian coming of age gem, set in a Naples that feels very real—half grime, half glamour. As with Call Me By Your Name, carried by the lead in Pina Turco who whirls her way through the streets and loves and friends and family.

The Shape of Water (2017)

Dir: Guillermo del Toro

Amazing to think a film about a bipedal water-creature finding love can sweep the Oscars, but then del Toro does have a magic touch. And this film is mostly magic, loneliness finding happiness in another just as isolated. The 1960s sheen and every-shade-of-green palette are perfect, as is Sally Hawkins who wholly convinces in her love for the swamp creature.

The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021)

Dir: Joel Cohen

An entirely theatrical take on Macbeth, each scene a set and the lighting straight from the stage. It's good but not great, never quite settling into the magic Shakespeare can evoke.

Severance (S1)(2022)

Startling and unlikely: an utterly compelling and utterly unpredictable drama about working in an office. Not like other TV.

Fargo (1996)

Dir: Joel Coen / Ethan Coen

I remember Fargo having a huge impact when I saw it on release, particulary Frances McDormand, but time has dulled it somewhat. I was surprised how William H. Macy seems to have more screen time than McDormand, and the accents and mannerisms don't have the same impact they once did. Still entertaining, just no longer stunning.