It ends up packaging human existence as a photo album of tenuous associations and treacly banalities.

~ Anton Bitel -

It ends up packaging human existence as a photo album of tenuous associations and treacly banalities.

~ Anton Bitel -

Folman's use of animation permits an audience to engage with the events, such as they are recalled, in a way that the simple testimony of those involved could not achieve.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Folman's use of animation permits an audience to engage with the events, such as they are recalled, in a way that the simple testimony of those involved could not achieve.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

An assured debut feature.

~ Richard Mellor -

An assured debut feature.

~ Richard Mellor -

This quiet, unfussy film feels more important than a whole host of glossy blockbusters.

~ Anton Bitel -

This quiet, unfussy film feels more important than a whole host of glossy blockbusters.

~ Anton Bitel -

The script by Ferguson and Luke Clancy moves with a spring in its step.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

The script by Ferguson and Luke Clancy moves with a spring in its step.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Although far too narratively dense to become the international crossover hit this is nevertheless a fairly engaging, visually sumptuous film.

~ James Benefield -

Although far too narratively dense to become the international crossover hit this is nevertheless a fairly engaging, visually sumptuous film.

~ James Benefield -

The best movie this wonderful writer/director has made in a long time; funny, sharp, perfectly paced and rather gorgeously shot, with a quartet of cracking parts for excellent actors placed firmly at its centre.

~ Jeff Robson -

The best movie this wonderful writer/director has made in a long time; funny, sharp, perfectly paced and rather gorgeously shot, with a quartet of cracking parts for excellent actors placed firmly at its centre.

~ Jeff Robson -

Fragmentary, allusive in style, and slipping fluidly from impressionistic flashbacks to scrambled dreams, Uprise is not so much a narrative as a series of suggestions for a number of possible narratives.

~ Anton Bitel -

Fragmentary, allusive in style, and slipping fluidly from impressionistic flashbacks to scrambled dreams, Uprise is not so much a narrative as a series of suggestions for a number of possible narratives.

~ Anton Bitel -

Like the heavyweight prize-fighter in his prime, this is documentary stripped back to its leanest form.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Like the heavyweight prize-fighter in his prime, this is documentary stripped back to its leanest form.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Joaquin Phoenix is utterly convincing in this role, conveying the longing and confusion with glimpses of the happier guy he could be.

~ Val Kermode -

Joaquin Phoenix is utterly convincing in this role, conveying the longing and confusion with glimpses of the happier guy he could be.

~ Val Kermode -

Dvortsevoy shows us the fragility of life, through the birth and death of lambs, while also touching on the innate stoicism of families who live in this toughest of environments.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Dvortsevoy shows us the fragility of life, through the birth and death of lambs, while also touching on the innate stoicism of families who live in this toughest of environments.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

There's much that’s enjoyable and enchanting.

~ Emma Slawinski -

There's much that’s enjoyable and enchanting.

~ Emma Slawinski -

An excellent combination of charming pop-culture parodies and subtle mockery of the stiff upper lip of the central characters.

~ Adam Micklethwaite -

An excellent combination of charming pop-culture parodies and subtle mockery of the stiff upper lip of the central characters.

~ Adam Micklethwaite -

Tricks is a film that will draw you in and gradually ensnare you with its magic.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Tricks is a film that will draw you in and gradually ensnare you with its magic.

~ Jennie Kermode -

The nature of delusion and fixation has been explored many times in cinema, but rarely with such grim and gripping intensity.

~ Jeff Robson -

The nature of delusion and fixation has been explored many times in cinema, but rarely with such grim and gripping intensity.

~ Jeff Robson -

This is not, like so many films with Iraq as plot element, about the military’s inhumanity to others, but its careless disregard for the wellbeing of its own.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

This is not, like so many films with Iraq as plot element, about the military’s inhumanity to others, but its careless disregard for the wellbeing of its own.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Mainstream audiences may hate and critics may debate, but Synecdoche is a work of unmitigated, undisciplined genius.

~ The Exile -

Mainstream audiences may hate and critics may debate, but Synecdoche is a work of unmitigated, undisciplined genius.

~ The Exile -

An unabashed crowdpleaser.

~ Anton Bitel -

An unabashed crowdpleaser.

~ Anton Bitel -

Races furiously along, capturing perfectly the sense of a life fast spinning out of control.

~ Anton Bitel -

Races furiously along, capturing perfectly the sense of a life fast spinning out of control.

~ Anton Bitel -

This is brilliant work.

~ Andrew Robertson -

This is brilliant work.

~ Andrew Robertson -

It’s all very Oprah chick flick, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a real soul.

~ Mike Davies -

It’s all very Oprah chick flick, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a real soul.

~ Mike Davies -

This is not at first glance a very engaging film, but it has a lot more going on beneath the surface.

~ Jennie Kermode -

This is not at first glance a very engaging film, but it has a lot more going on beneath the surface.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Director Joko Anwar’s sophomore effort is a masterful noir thriller which showcases his versatility.

~ Adam Micklethwaite -

Director Joko Anwar’s sophomore effort is a masterful noir thriller which showcases his versatility.

~ Adam Micklethwaite -

Here justice moves slowly, and in mysterious ways.

~ Anton Bitel -

Here justice moves slowly, and in mysterious ways.

~ Anton Bitel -

A scabrous, at times shocking assault on the more idiotic aspects of religion, and the dangers that they pose in a society capable for the first time of bringing about its own destructive Apocalypse.

~ Anton Bitel -

A scabrous, at times shocking assault on the more idiotic aspects of religion, and the dangers that they pose in a society capable for the first time of bringing about its own destructive Apocalypse.

~ Anton Bitel -

Rachel Getting Married wants to boldly explore unknown territory and should be praised for it.

~ Chris -

Rachel Getting Married wants to boldly explore unknown territory and should be praised for it.

~ Chris -

With its simple plot and gentle pacing, Quiet Chaos relies on character and performance to keep viewers interested, and for the most part it pulls it off well.

~ Jennie Kermode -

With its simple plot and gentle pacing, Quiet Chaos relies on character and performance to keep viewers interested, and for the most part it pulls it off well.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Quantum of Solace is lacking the unique 007 vibe.

~ Robyn Jankel -

Quantum of Solace is lacking the unique 007 vibe.

~ Robyn Jankel -

The intensity of director Brady Corbet's debut feature The Childhood Of A Leader is present in this short film

~ Amber Wilkinson -

The intensity of director Brady Corbet's debut feature The Childhood Of A Leader is present in this short film

~ Amber Wilkinson -

When Davies says “The world was young and oh, how we laughed,” he sounds like Death waiting to take it all away.

~ Val Kermode -

When Davies says “The world was young and oh, how we laughed,” he sounds like Death waiting to take it all away.

~ Val Kermode -

Brims with charming performances and nuanced observations, but these alone are not enough to prevent it from seeming to last an epoch.

~ Anton Bitel -

Brims with charming performances and nuanced observations, but these alone are not enough to prevent it from seeming to last an epoch.

~ Anton Bitel -

If you're a fan of B-movies - of nudity, gore, monsters, car chases, kung fu action and ultra-low-budget fun - then Not Quite Hollywood is a treat you can't afford to miss.

~ Jennie Kermode -

If you're a fan of B-movies - of nudity, gore, monsters, car chases, kung fu action and ultra-low-budget fun - then Not Quite Hollywood is a treat you can't afford to miss.

~ Jennie Kermode -

A good story that is well-scripted and solidly told and acted.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

A good story that is well-scripted and solidly told and acted.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

This film really touches you, in a way that isn't anywhere near as mawkish as that may sound.

~ Paul Griffiths -

This film really touches you, in a way that isn't anywhere near as mawkish as that may sound.

~ Paul Griffiths -

Lorene Scafaria's script sparkles with breezy wit.

~ Anton Bitel -

Lorene Scafaria's script sparkles with breezy wit.

~ Anton Bitel -

Jobson uses the inherent thrill of the hunt to pursue his concerns about the vast gulf between the haves and the have-nots, and the arrogant disconnect of those who view life as mere data on a screen.

~ Anton Bitel -

Jobson uses the inherent thrill of the hunt to pursue his concerns about the vast gulf between the haves and the have-nots, and the arrogant disconnect of those who view life as mere data on a screen.

~ Anton Bitel -

Daniel Robin demonstrates how bare images can conceal all manner of secrets about the past and lessons for the future.

~ Anton Bitel -

Daniel Robin demonstrates how bare images can conceal all manner of secrets about the past and lessons for the future.

~ Anton Bitel -

If you are sick to the teeth of cutesy little ‘horror’ films, pine in your deserted dumptruck of a rat-infested geek-room no longer.

~ Chris -

If you are sick to the teeth of cutesy little ‘horror’ films, pine in your deserted dumptruck of a rat-infested geek-room no longer.

~ Chris -

My patience with the central character expired long before the film eventually dragged itself towards the end of its running time.

~ Adam Micklethwaite -

My patience with the central character expired long before the film eventually dragged itself towards the end of its running time.

~ Adam Micklethwaite -

Does an impressive job of understanding and illustrating the stresses and strains of being a full time carer.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Does an impressive job of understanding and illustrating the stresses and strains of being a full time carer.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Like any bazaar, The Market has something for everybody.

~ Anton Bitel -

Like any bazaar, The Market has something for everybody.

~ Anton Bitel -

A moment perfectly captured.

~ Jennie Kermode -

A moment perfectly captured.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Figgis plays with colour, angles, split screens, and frames his film as artfully as possible.

~ Darren Amner -

Figgis plays with colour, angles, split screens, and frames his film as artfully as possible.

~ Darren Amner -

The strength of Pablo Trapero's sumptuous film, Argentina's Palme D'Or nominee, is the depth and breadth of its considerations.

~ Jennie Kermode -

The strength of Pablo Trapero's sumptuous film, Argentina's Palme D'Or nominee, is the depth and breadth of its considerations.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Brimming with charm.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Brimming with charm.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Penfold and Hearn keep their camera close, hugging tight to the emotional depth provided by Harris and Wareing.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Penfold and Hearn keep their camera close, hugging tight to the emotional depth provided by Harris and Wareing.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

The humour, while liberally spread, is always tempered with more sombre notes.

~ Anton Bitel -

The humour, while liberally spread, is always tempered with more sombre notes.

~ Anton Bitel -

Utterly bonkers but brimming with ingenuity.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Utterly bonkers but brimming with ingenuity.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Opening as it does the day after a rigged election, this film couldn't be more timely.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Opening as it does the day after a rigged election, this film couldn't be more timely.

~ Jennie Kermode -

The film is a heartfelt cry for someone to stop these children being exploited so cruelly, but offers no easy answers.

~ Jeff Robson -

The film is a heartfelt cry for someone to stop these children being exploited so cruelly, but offers no easy answers.

~ Jeff Robson -

Sometimes funny, sometimes very tense, and ultimately poignant too.

~ Anton Bitel -

Sometimes funny, sometimes very tense, and ultimately poignant too.

~ Anton Bitel -

The film is, if nothing else, an intriguing snapshot of modern industrial Italy, a world away from the travel guide clichés of Rome or Tuscany.

~ Jeff Robson -

The film is, if nothing else, an intriguing snapshot of modern industrial Italy, a world away from the travel guide clichés of Rome or Tuscany.

~ Jeff Robson -

If a member of cast could save a film, Michelle Williams would be the person to hire, since her central performance in this muddle of a movie is the only thing that stops it being unwatchable.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

If a member of cast could save a film, Michelle Williams would be the person to hire, since her central performance in this muddle of a movie is the only thing that stops it being unwatchable.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Though the film is slow in places and Andreotti's ambiguity can sometimes leave the viewer feeling too disconnected, there are moments of real brilliance.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Though the film is slow in places and Andreotti's ambiguity can sometimes leave the viewer feeling too disconnected, there are moments of real brilliance.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Breathing life and spirit into the undead.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Breathing life and spirit into the undead.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

With wit dry as bone and satire that cuts down to it Östlund builds a picture of morality in shades of grey.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

With wit dry as bone and satire that cuts down to it Östlund builds a picture of morality in shades of grey.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

This enticing tale of spiralling humour and darkness is an accomplished debut.

~ Paul Griffiths -

This enticing tale of spiralling humour and darkness is an accomplished debut.

~ Paul Griffiths -

Despite the filth, the violence and the desolation, McQueen’s portrait is a thing of brutal beauty in terms of its composition.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Despite the filth, the violence and the desolation, McQueen’s portrait is a thing of brutal beauty in terms of its composition.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

The film resembles a portrait in stillness, as the fate of the alleged victim is replaced in the mind of the audience by the reality of this other girl’s life.

~ Angus Wolfe Murray -

The film resembles a portrait in stillness, as the fate of the alleged victim is replaced in the mind of the audience by the reality of this other girl’s life.

~ Angus Wolfe Murray -

Despite its lengthy duration, this film gallops along.

~ Anton Bitel -

Despite its lengthy duration, this film gallops along.

~ Anton Bitel -

A deeply affecting portrait of the way that we are all changed in small but significant ways by our encounters with others.

~ Anton Bitel -

A deeply affecting portrait of the way that we are all changed in small but significant ways by our encounters with others.

~ Anton Bitel -

Gibney portrays the man’s excesses in a way that is not excessive and wisely lets the writing speak for itself.

~ Daniel Hooper -

Gibney portrays the man’s excesses in a way that is not excessive and wisely lets the writing speak for itself.

~ Daniel Hooper -

Colin Firth gives possibly his best performance yet.

~ Val Kermode -

Colin Firth gives possibly his best performance yet.

~ Val Kermode -

Although it is an actual river which divides the two countries, Hunt aims to explore societal divisions that run much deeper than that.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Although it is an actual river which divides the two countries, Hunt aims to explore societal divisions that run much deeper than that.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Gerald McMorrow has conjured up a film that spans many genres, coupling inventive storytelling with a strong visual aesthetic.

~ Darren Amner -

Gerald McMorrow has conjured up a film that spans many genres, coupling inventive storytelling with a strong visual aesthetic.

~ Darren Amner -

Both the style and the quality of the acting are somewhat uneven, giving the impression that more time and care was taken with some story strands than others.

~ Val Kermode -

Both the style and the quality of the acting are somewhat uneven, giving the impression that more time and care was taken with some story strands than others.

~ Val Kermode -

It’s Frank Langella’s towering interpretation of Nixon that eventually makes every other character real.

~ Chris -

It’s Frank Langella’s towering interpretation of Nixon that eventually makes every other character real.

~ Chris -

Lanners' script is witty and moves at a steady pace.

~ Darren Amner -

Lanners' script is witty and moves at a steady pace.

~ Darren Amner -

This 1920s play by Noel Coward still dances along like a sprightly flapper, defying the passage of the years, thanks to Stephen Elliott’s energetic direction.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

This 1920s play by Noel Coward still dances along like a sprightly flapper, defying the passage of the years, thanks to Stephen Elliott’s energetic direction.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

The film is rich with the distinct mood of each setting and the intense emotional currents generated by each character.

~ Emma Slawinski -

The film is rich with the distinct mood of each setting and the intense emotional currents generated by each character.

~ Emma Slawinski -

This is a U-rated family film with more tasty stuffing in it than most of the dressed Christmas turkeys that get released at this time of year.

~ Paul Griffiths -

This is a U-rated family film with more tasty stuffing in it than most of the dressed Christmas turkeys that get released at this time of year.

~ Paul Griffiths -

A truly innovative piece of filmmaking which mixes cinema-verité style documentary with a knowing postmodern self-consciousness.

~ Adam Micklethwaite -

A truly innovative piece of filmmaking which mixes cinema-verité style documentary with a knowing postmodern self-consciousness.

~ Adam Micklethwaite -

Teachers everywhere will give a smile of recognition as an experienced teacher takes a new colleague through his class list – “nice, nice, not nice, not nice at all…”

~ Val Kermode -

Teachers everywhere will give a smile of recognition as an experienced teacher takes a new colleague through his class list – “nice, nice, not nice, not nice at all…”

~ Val Kermode -

All the excitement of a wet weekend in Bognor.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

All the excitement of a wet weekend in Bognor.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Certainly Soderbergh gives you a sense of the boredom of war - as the days tick by on the screen, you feel your own will to live begin to falter.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Certainly Soderbergh gives you a sense of the boredom of war - as the days tick by on the screen, you feel your own will to live begin to falter.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Uchitel shows enough directorial flourishes to make me think he could certainly handle a broader cinematic canvas.

~ Jeff Robson -

Uchitel shows enough directorial flourishes to make me think he could certainly handle a broader cinematic canvas.

~ Jeff Robson -

What would have made an entertaining, if experimental, 20-minute short film has here been extended beyond sanity.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

What would have made an entertaining, if experimental, 20-minute short film has here been extended beyond sanity.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

For some viewers the build up of devious plot twists may be a little overwrought but it is nevertheless an effective way of skewering the cynical viewer.

~ Adam Micklethwaite -

For some viewers the build up of devious plot twists may be a little overwrought but it is nevertheless an effective way of skewering the cynical viewer.

~ Adam Micklethwaite -

Juraj Lehotský's Blind Loves not only succeeds in describing the world as blind people really experience it but, in so doing, presents the sighted viewer with a fascinating insight into a different way of living.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Juraj Lehotský's Blind Loves not only succeeds in describing the world as blind people really experience it but, in so doing, presents the sighted viewer with a fascinating insight into a different way of living.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Hopkins marks himself out as a man of unique vision who isn't afraid to try something different to encourage an audience to think.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Hopkins marks himself out as a man of unique vision who isn't afraid to try something different to encourage an audience to think.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

This is a very moving story, and I wish I could give the film more praise.

~ Val Kermode -

This is a very moving story, and I wish I could give the film more praise.

~ Val Kermode -

Habchi orchestrates the seemingly disparate plot strands with considerable skill, building a sense of disorientation and withheld information that reinforces his main themes.

~ Jeff Robson -

Habchi orchestrates the seemingly disparate plot strands with considerable skill, building a sense of disorientation and withheld information that reinforces his main themes.

~ Jeff Robson -

Tom Hardy makes other movie hardmen look like they belong on the Muppet Show.

~ Tony Sullivan -

Tom Hardy makes other movie hardmen look like they belong on the Muppet Show.

~ Tony Sullivan -

Ballast is absorbing because it bravely avoids dramatic cliches to deliver a more positive experience than might be expected.

~ David Graham -

Ballast is absorbing because it bravely avoids dramatic cliches to deliver a more positive experience than might be expected.

~ David Graham -

Further evidence of German filmmakers’ willingness to confront the darker episodes of their recent past – and spark a controversy in the process.

~ Jeff Robson -

Further evidence of German filmmakers’ willingness to confront the darker episodes of their recent past – and spark a controversy in the process.

~ Jeff Robson -

Like a succubus, Burstein simply attaches herself to the teens’ volatile emotions; it never seems to occur to her to pull back and examine a larger, more nuanced canvas.

~ The Exile -

Like a succubus, Burstein simply attaches herself to the teens’ volatile emotions; it never seems to occur to her to pull back and examine a larger, more nuanced canvas.

~ The Exile -

While the pace may seem slow at times, the deliberate and considered consumption of all the little details that make up the couple’s life results in a more than satisfying pay-off towards the end.

~ Robert Munro -

While the pace may seem slow at times, the deliberate and considered consumption of all the little details that make up the couple’s life results in a more than satisfying pay-off towards the end.

~ Robert Munro -

'An effective and realistic examination of a world where intelligent and privileged characters have reached near-adulthood without having any real understanding of basic morality.'

~ Jeff Robson -

'An effective and realistic examination of a world where intelligent and privileged characters have reached near-adulthood without having any real understanding of basic morality.'

~ Jeff Robson -

While it's enjoyable, even affecting in places, it's heavy handed and clumsy in others.

~ Andrew Robertson -

While it's enjoyable, even affecting in places, it's heavy handed and clumsy in others.

~ Andrew Robertson -

It is impossible not to be charmed.

~ Anton Bitel -

It is impossible not to be charmed.

~ Anton Bitel -

Like vintage Egoyan, and the better for it.

~ Anton Bitel -

Like vintage Egoyan, and the better for it.

~ Anton Bitel -

The voyeuristic experience of watching their unpleasant exhibitionism becomes a very alienating experience and as a result it is increasingly difficult to engage with, or indeed care about, any of the characters.

~ Adam Micklethwaite -

The voyeuristic experience of watching their unpleasant exhibitionism becomes a very alienating experience and as a result it is increasingly difficult to engage with, or indeed care about, any of the characters.

~ Adam Micklethwaite -

This blending of the truth and invention is a key plank of Chinese director Jia Zhang-Ke's work, which skates so close to documentary it is hard to spot the join.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

This blending of the truth and invention is a key plank of Chinese director Jia Zhang-Ke's work, which skates so close to documentary it is hard to spot the join.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

The young cast has a natural air that complements the unforced scripting, which brims with an enviable amount of casual humour.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

The young cast has a natural air that complements the unforced scripting, which brims with an enviable amount of casual humour.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Along with Vladimir Gojun’s progressively rhythmic editing and Julij Zornik’s subjective sound design, the filmmaker takes us right into the protagonist’s, and therefore any and every teenager’s head.

~ Marko Stojiljkovic -

We Believe You works to perfection thanks to the dedication and stellar directing, acting and technical work.

~ Marko Stojiljkovic -

When you get old, hope you find someone who looks at you the way Mascaro looks at Tereza and Roberta.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

There’s an anarchic silliness about it which suits the science fiction setting, an openness to having fun and delivering a story unselfconsciously, on its own terms.

~ Jennie Kermode -

As Blue Moon progresses it becomes clear that the one thing Hart really wants is to be wanted.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Ridley may not be in the top league of current action stars but she can handle herself, and she is at any rate more convincing as a former soldier than she is as a member of the working class.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Sandbag Dam is powered by stellar, deeply lived-in performances by the young and budding actors.

~ Marko Stojiljkovic -

The viewer has to be keyed into Akerman's cinematic language, how she portrays boredom, claustrophobia, isolation.

~ Donald Munro -

Fund encourages us to tune in to the energies of the trio, the subtle shifts of mood, shared moments of understanding or joy.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Without Blanche Gardin, who carries the whole film, The Incredible Snow Woman would be a mix of generic dramedy and equally generic comedy that simply tries too hard to send quirky and “subversive” vibes.

~ Marko Stojiljkovic -

An atmospheric, beguiling piece of work.

~ Jennie Kermode -

A pretty empty and tiresome experience.

~ Marko Stojiljkovic -

A collection of early films by Chantal Akerman.

~ Donald Munro -

Øverbye makes a compelling lead, taking on the chunks of voiceover without any problem but also excelling in terms of conveying her character’s moods via body languag

~ Amber Wilkinson -

A moody, unsettling piece.

~ Jennie Kermode -

A sometimes compelling, often baffling work that doesn’t really solve the inherent problem of its subject matter, but swings for the fences trying.

~ Jeremy Mathews -

With a lesser canine star, the film would not have worked, but Nala is sensational.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Easily delivering on the big emotional beats, The Six Triple Eight is a natural crowd pleaser.

~ Jennie Kermode -

[Hart] doesn’t turn up the volume, but uses tone and repetition so effectively that the film becomes a microcosm of the real experience.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Marie-Claire Marcotte’s feature début demonstrates an astute awareness of what it’s like to be eight.

~ Jennie Kermode -

With a lesser canine star, the film would not have worked, but Nala is sensational.

~ Jennie Kermode -

This is a film that seems somehow subtly different every time you watch it, full of tantalising possibilities.

~ Jennie Kermode -

It’s an anarchic mess – the sort of film the Joker himself might have made, and that’s part of its triumph.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Coppola has style, but sometimes employs too much of it.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

This is a tactile retelling, inviting us to imagine the sticky feel of Coca-Cola on hot skin in the sun or the heat of a sheepskin coat and the love that goes with it being passed from mum to daughter ahead of a trip abroad.

~ Amber Wilkinson -

Cat’s viewpoint predominates, and Zilbalodis has an acute understanding of how the world looks from its point of view, of what catches its attention and how its body follows instinctively.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Hodierne handles the blend of styles within the film with a laid back confidence that makes it easy to lower one’s guard at the wrong moments.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Ridley may not be in the top league of current action stars but she can handle herself, and she is at any rate more convincing as a former soldier than she is as a member of the working class.

~ Jennie Kermode -

Nobody plays lazy like Jeff Bridges. You could say he was born to it. Or rather, he's such a good actor he makes it look as natural as an unmade bed.

~ Angus Wolfe Murray -