Nell Barlow is the long-suffering gay teenager who falls for a lifeguard on holiday in Marley Morrison’s likably wistful debut The holiday romance coming-of-ager is the genre that’s given writer-director Marley Morrison her likable feature debut. And i…
The Ballad of Billy McCrae review – erotic noir is on rocky ground
This Wales-set tale of sex and intrigue among quarry workers is strangely murky, although the scenery looks lovelyThis Wales-set thriller is called The Ballad of Billy McCrae for unaccountable reasons – it’s quite obvious throughout that the story isn’…
True Calling review – a government minister goes awol on long night of the soul
A politician’s long night of the soul becomes a confusing debate on the climate crisis in Erik Knudsen’s tiny-budget dramaThis tiny-budget British drama, written and directed by Erik Knudsen, begins intriguingly as the government’s energy minister goes…
The Tape review – Cornish-set folk musical bobs along like a floating flip-flop
A disillusioned musician stumbles upon inspiration in a charming film debut from folk singer Martha TilstonEnglish folk singer Martha Tilston pulls off an impressive hat-trick of debuts as writer, director and star of this sweet-natured and gently char…
Sexting, lies and unveiled selfies: the Egyptian film exploring the hidden lives of teenage girls
Ayten Amin’s Souad is a razor-sharp portrayal of sisterhood and sexual awakening that is rarely represented on screenWhen the Egyptian director Ayten Amin was 10 years old, a classmate’s sister killed herself. The news gripped the school. But, in a soc…
All Hands on Deck review – fresh and funny French holiday romance
A romantic surprise has unexpected consequences in a gentle comedy channelling Éric Rohmer crossed with Carry on CampingHere is a terrifically fresh, funny and gentle film from director and co-writer Guillaume Brac, which takes quite seriously somethin…