Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice (Everyman Cinema)
As a seminal film of my youth, I wasn’t entirely sure about sullying it with a sequel that wasn’t up to muster. With my favourite season edging towards us, and two kids enticed by the macabre, I couldn’t resist an Autumnal afternoon at my local Everyman. The cast remains undeniably brilliant, and Jenna Ortega was made for Tim Burton films. A couple of glasses of Pinot noir, and I was fully immersed.
All of us strangers (Prime or Sky)
The impossibly beautiful Andrew Scott effortlessly leads this somewhat dark, somewhat sad, but extremely touching film. The theme, as I interpreted it, is loneliness, love, and our desire for connection. Captured through a sensitive and empathic lens it somehow leaves you feeling “held”. Kudos to director Andrew Haigh
Anatomy of a Fall (Amazon Prime or Sky)
Wow! This is one of the best films I’ve ever seen, based on the sublime quality of acting. Another amazing leading lady, Sandra Hüller, is stunning in the role of a writer, wife and mother, who becomes a suspect in her husband’s sudden death. Essentially a court room drama, the characters are so well cast and believable that I may as well have been in the court room. A fidget-free two and a half hours for me. Unheard of.
Michael J Fox, “Still” (Netflix)
Being a young teen in the Back to the Future era, I always loved M.J. Fox This raw documentary charts his gruelling journey to stardom and challenging times as his 62-year-old self, with full blown Parkinson’s. He continues to beam the same charisma and sunshine, remaining his resilient and thoroughly charming self, still with a sparkle in those beautiful eyes. Life affirming.
Rain Dogs (BBC iplayer)
A kind of Withnail and I meets Succession-on-a- council-estate type situation. Hard to describe, but utterly original, deliciously dark and dysfunctional and extremely well written. A modern classic for one liners too. Not for the light-hearted comedy lovers.
Colin From Accounts (BBC iplayer)
This quirky chunk of Aussie comedy had me giggling my way through several spring evenings as I binged the lot. Light bodied, and again, original! I can’t wait for the second series. (Point of interest – the protagonists are married in real life.) Very watchable esp. if in need a perk up.
True Detective, Night Country (Sky Atlantic)
The standalone series that followed the incredible opener (with afore mentioned McConaughey and Woody Harrelson) never quite hit the spot. They didn’t have Jodie Foster in them though. The woman is amazing and an example of somebody who has maintained her youthful essence through the sheer energy she taps. A strong female cast lead the way in this dark and intriguing tale.
Drops of God (Apple TV series)
Set between France and Tokyo this is a beautiful production. The story is unique, the characters endearing, and the settings and scenarios call to your senses. I binged it as far as I could – i.e. every time I got the chance to sit down with a glass of wine and fully immerse myself for an hour.
One Life (Prime film purchase)
This one really got me, and I was so grateful for the reminder of how beautiful humankind can be. Sometimes cynicism starts creeping in with all of the BS going on. This film moved me in a beautiful way. Sir Anthony Hopkins plays (Sir) Nicholas Winton, a truly amazing man, raised by an amazing mother (Helena Bonham Carter in the film). Rescuing child refugees from Nazi occupied Czechoslovakia it illustrates the power of empathy and the hard work and dedication required to ensure change happens.