Here we take a look back at some of our favourite films that have been released over the last 12 months…
The Idea of You: a great romantic comedy can be difficult to find these days, but I really enjoyed the premise of this one immensely. Based on the book by Robinne Lee, The Idea of You follows the highs and lows of entering a high profile relationship and feels very grown up and mature that some romantic comedies lack. Just as importantly – the chemistry between Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine is electric.
My Week With Maisy: short films have really come into their own this year and I have been lucky to see some wonderful ones. But this one directed by Mika Simmons knows how to pack an emotional punch just when you least expect it in a beautiful way. Following the story of two unlikely friends undergoing cancer treatment it is a really grounded and tender piece of work.
Mean Girls: so this big screen adaptation, based on the musical, based on the original film is perhaps lacking a little bit of bite – but yet the quality of the performances can’t be denied. It has the right amount of nostalgia for those of us who remember the original film coming out but adds a new dynamic to make it appealing to new audiences.
Firebrand: by turns chilling and compelling (even if it does deviate away from historical accuracy, Karim Aïnouz’s English-language feature based on Elizabeth Fremantle’s 2013 novel Queen’s Gambit offers vivid insight into the dangerous nature of Henry VIII and his increasingly suspicious attitude towards Katherine Parr.
Wonka: while technically released at the end of 2023, I didn’t get a chance to catch this magic filled film until the beginning of this year and what a treat it was! It is difficult not to sit back and enjoy Timothée Chalamet’s playful and quirky performance as the title charactere, matched perfectly with the delightful dryness of High Grant as Lofty. Paul King really relishes in bringing Roald Dahl’s characters to life in a new way – a treat from start to finish.
Wicked: if there was one film that I was concerned about this year it was this one – could the hype really be justified? The answer is a resounding yes! Perhaps there are questions that could be asked as to whether the Broadway musical needed to be adapted into two films, but this first part really magically draws the audience into the world of Oz, the music and orchestrations sound fantastic and the casting is absolutely perfect. From start to finish it is bright, light and is a sheer joy to watch.
Sugar Island: if you get the opportunity to, then do sit down and watch this powerful debut feature film from Johanné Gómez Terrero. It captures the past, present and future of those living in the Dominican Republic in a gritty and realistic way through the eyes of teenager Makenya who discovers she is pregnant and forces her to grow up and forge a different life for herself.
Rhoda: another strong short film that I watched this year really captures the idea of confronting loneliness and finding the courage to come out of your comfort shell. Featuring Juliet Stevenson, the story follows that of Rhoda who takes on a lodger who threatens to upheave her life. It is a relatable and genuine film that keeps the viewer enthralled.
Inside Out 2: if I thought that that the original Inside Out packed a punch, that is nothing compared with this one. It might be about Riley dealing with the complex emotions of becoming a teenager, but even as an adult there is much to unpack here that we can relate to. Yes it is more grown up in tone and themes (trying to match where the original audience will now be in their lives) but the sincerity and laughs still ring true!
By Emma Clarendon