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Reviews
Euphoria (2019)
Mesmerising.
This is mesmerising. The visuals are gorgeous and cinematic, having the perfect symbiosis with the soundtrack. The acting was raw and authentic portraying the feeling of vulnerability so well. Euphoria is a beautiful exploration of the characters and the world they live in. I found it hauntingly magnificent.
I Am Greta (2020)
An uphill battle, and a planet going downhill.
Greta wants us to be better humans. To treat the planet with respect, so we can leave it to our ancestors.
Greta is someone who exemplifies authenticity, practicing what she preaches each step of the way. Whilst doing that, she highlights the token lip service and hypocrisy of our world leaders.
It's your duty to watch I Am Greta to become, if only slightly, a better human.
Dirty John (2018)
Average.
Betty's husband definitely manipulated the situation and played hardball in a smart, cold and calculated way BUT Betty didn't help herself. She didn't have to lash out and damage property/trespass, obsessively ring his house, shoot anyone. I sympathise with her situation but there's only an explanation for her behaviour, not an excuse. I don't like how this series attempts to give a single sided perspective, it's reductive and fails to show a critical balance of each view point.
Active Measures (2018)
Very thorough. Very frightening.
There is no stone left unturned. This goes into depth in a rather engaging way about corruption in Russian politics, business and...the Trump campaign. It's a frightening investigation into the embedded corruption in global politics and consolidation of power through lies and bullying tactics. I fear for our future.
The Intern (2015)
Will warm your heart and bring a tear to your eye.
Yes, yes, yes, it's not a groundbreaking plot but that doesn't matter - it's wonderfully heartwarming!!
This film reminds you of your grandparents, it reminds you older and younger generations can learn from each other. It reminds you, that we all need someone to catch us when we fall, and it does that while warming your heart then bringing a tear to your eye.
Sex Education (2019)
Funny and profound
The writers have their fingers on the pulse of young people today; their variety of character, sexual preference and relationships. There is the perfect measure of pace without losing the opportunity for deeper character development. And, there is a good mix of illuminating LGBT and highlighting the struggles of heteronormative relationships. It's a unifying look at, not just sex, the contemporary world we live in. Simply brilliant on all accounts!
Eighth Grade (2018)
Honest and searingly uncomfortable
This film is honest and uncannily familiar. At times there are searingly uncomfortable scenes and that's because they will remind you of specific moments from your life as a teenager finding your way in the world and trying to manage the daily nervousness born from insecurity. It's a hugely accurate account of the an awkward teenager and their daily trials and tribulations. It feels very intimate and this leaves you with a great sense of empathy for her character. Simply fantastic!
Behind the Headlines (2019)
Important but boring
I really wanted this to be engaging but sadly it wasn't. The topics covered are incredibly important for the general public to know because they highlight how media has been willingly manipulated to lift up political figures. However, the documentary is presented in a dry and dreary way. The editing makes it looks like someone has produced the whole thing in their bedroom and the narrator needs to improve their intonation to engage the listener. It gets 6 because the content is worthwhile knowing.
Diagnosis (2019)
Horribly Irresponsible
This series is horribly irresponsible; the majority of the program highlights laypeople sharing their ideas with no medical knowledge or qualifications. Complex cases can only be diagnosed safely by medical professionals, not, by googling your symptoms or asking or random people what they think it is!
Diagnosis rings alarm bells about the medical system in the USA and whether it's fit for purpose. It's clear most of the private healthcare system wants to settle your bill first and foremost rather than provide quality medicine.
Chernobyl (2019)
The best mini-series in a decade
This poignant series is disturbing to watch but you won't be able to take your eyes off the screen! You're immediately pulled in and it doesn't let go till it's finished. It's respectful to the truth and lead by incredible direction and performances! This will be the best thing you watch this year.
The Boys (2019)
Hilarious and profound in equal measure
The Boys has a searingly profound take on how our culture would treat 'Sups' in a modern era. It's hilariously funny in a dark and clever way but it's also, unexpectedly, believable. This is the most enjoyable series I've watched this year!
Boy Erased (2018)
A profound message
Boy Erased highlights an important message. It's a fantastic polemic for the absurd conversion therapy that still goes on today. Although... the film felt disjointed at times, leaving a feeling it didn't hit the right emotional note to motivate more people to change their way for the better.