GENRE: Drama DIRECTOR: Chloé Zhao WRITER: Chloé Zhao & Maggie O'Farrell STARRING: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Jacobi Jupe, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn and Noah Jupe Thanks to an excellent source material, a sensitive direction and a commited ensemble cast, Hamnet is one of those rare literary adaptations done right for which the final result reaches the caliber of the novel. It's not a perfect film, but it's a film that embraces those imperfections and highlights what it has best: a pulsating heart! Might well be the most romantic and subtle movie of the year with the most visceral impact as it explores very powerful feelings with a rare audience-engaging effect. Hamnet starts with the promise of a romantic drama but as soon as the narrative starts developing you understand it goes well beyond a love story. Agnes and Will relationship is fueled by love, but it's imperfect and thorny at times - still, love speaks louder and the fact they know they are very different ...
SORRY, BABY An auspicious directorial debut by Eva Victor who goes triple duty here (director, writer and actress) and the result is a film that understands itself, with a core, a soul and a heart. There are two secret ingredients here: a sharp and sensitive script that builds a narrative based on an event without overexploring it; and a pitch perfect comedic tone in a vibrant blend of being dramatic with the right amount of being light and funny. Victor is perfect in the leading role and Naomi Ackie makes for a great scene partner - both have great chemistry and they do sell a true and honest friendship on-screen. A simple execution, yet an extremely effective (and affecting) one. A pleasant surprise! RATING: 8/10 SENTIMENTAL VALUE A film about old wounds that still need stitches, Joachim Trier's film is handled in such an introspective way that you can't help but notice you thinking about this movie at some random part of your day. It's a movie about feeling miscast in li...