Palatkik

Memoria [2021] A woman from Scotland, while traveling in Colombia, begins to notice strange sounds. Soon she begins to think about their appearance. This has established Thai director Apichatpong Weerasethakul delving into English language film with an intriguing sonic soundscape that at first mesmerizes then leaves you wondering what you've just watched.

The Bay [2019 TV series] A fictional police drama series now completed series 3 in 2022 with a change of characters, centered around a family liaison officer. Solid easy to follow crime fiction with good character development and unexpected surprises. Set in the picturesque Morecambe bay area. Peaked with season 2, downhill since.

Munich The Edge Of War [2021] A British diplomat travels to Munich in the run-up to World War II, where a former classmate of his from Oxford is also en route, but is working for the German government. A solid entertaining historical drama about the Chamberlain-Hitler agreement in 1938. Worth seeing.

After Life [2019 TV series] This is comedic story telling as good as it gets on TV, three series now of the dark comedy about bereavement hits a whole range of emotions but with more than enough hilarious moments in six succinct episodes per series. Some of Gervais' best work, with no more shows planned this will remain a classic for years to come.

King Richard [2021] A look at how the Williams sisters tennis players became who they are after the coaching from their domineering father Richard Williams. Entertaining albeit overly formulaic sports biopic, full of American racial cliches, saved by an interesting nuanced lead.

The Tragedy Of Macbeth [2021] A Scottish lord becomes convinced by a trio of witches that he will become the next King of Scotland, and his ambitious wife supports him in his plans of seizing power. Top notch acting in a wonderfully gothic style black and white 4:3 landscape, this concise movie even makes Shakespeare bearable for those averse to the genre.

Four Lives [2022 TV Limited Series] A true story three part drama takes a look at the aftermath of four murders carried out by Stephen Port between 2014 and 2015 in Barking, UK. Only recently released after the court cases concluded. A reasonable crime drama, highlights poor police work and the disturbing character of a serial killer played interestingly by a lead more familiar with comedic roles.

Boiling Point [2021] Follows the relentless pressure of a restaurant kitchen as a head chef wrangles his team on the busiest day of the year. Entertaining and tense drama shot in a single take from one camera following various customers and staff around the establishment.

The Lost Daughter [2021] A woman's beach vacation takes a dark turn when she becomes obsessed with a young mother causing her to confront the troubles of her past. An absorbingly well-acted psychodrama on bad parenting.

A Very British Scandal [2021 TV Limited Series] Based on the true story of events of the notorious divorce of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll during the 1960s played to perfection by two actors at the top of their game in a deliciously dark period drama.

Belfast [2021] A young boy and his working-class Belfast family experience the tumultuous late 1960s. A mostly feel good indulgent homage to the directors own life growing up in the troubles as seen by a young kid, that makes for an entertaining drama with the entire musical score done by Van Morrison.

C'mon C'mon [2021] When his sister asks him to look after her young son, a radio journalist embarks on a cross-country trip with his energetic nephew to show him life away from Los Angeles. A remarkably likeable drama with plenty of talking and listening going on, shot in black and white with extraordinary performances. Well worth seeing when the mood suits.

Landscapers [2021 TV Limited Series] A devoted and mild-mannered British couple become the focus of an extraordinary investigation when two dead bodies are discovered in the back garden of a house in England. Based on a true and bizarre event, the story is directed skillfully in an original black and theatrical comedic style using two top actors making for an intriguing series.

The French Dispatch [2021] An ode to journalists set in an outpost of an American newspaper in a fictional twentieth century French city that brings to life a collection of three stories published in "The French Dispatch Magazine". A trademark Wes Anderson film, quirky, original, a visual feast worth seeing.

Encounter [2021] Two brothers embark on a journey with their father, who is trying to protect them from an alien threat. A showcase for a good lead performance, but the story of science fiction meets PTSD fact runs out of steam quickly.

Titane [2021] Following a series of unexplained crimes, a father is reunited with the 'son' who has been missing for 10 years. Award winning French horror fantasy film from the same director as Raw, highly original, visually extreme and gut wrenchingly graphic at times. Memorable, something you cannot unsee, but worth seeing.

Petite Maman [2021] French movie of a young girl who has just lost her grandmother and is helping her parents clean out her mother's childhood home. One day she meets a girl her same age building a tree-house. A subtle, original and joyful film dabbles in time travel and apparitions, all told in a succinctly edited movie.

The Power Of The Dog [2021] A charismatic rancher inspires fear and awe in those around him. When his brother brings home a new wife and her son, he torments them until he finds himself exposed. A slow burning masterpiece of a movie, brilliant passive aggressive lead and wonderfully immersive sound scape. Worth seeing.

Spencer [2021] During her Christmas holidays with the royal family at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, Diana Spencer, struggling with mental health problems, decides to end her decade-long marriage to Prince Charles. Not everyone will go for the genre, but this is an unusually unique abstract viewpoint of one weekend, told with some poetic license and a good lead performance.

Halston [2021 Limited TV series] The true story of the man who leverages his single, invented name into a worldwide fashion empire that's synonymous with luxury, sex, status and fame, literally defining the era. Outstanding lead performance in this series. Though the script comes across as more style than substance, perhaps that's intentional for a fashion designer saga.

Naked [1993] An unemployed Mancunian vents his rage on unsuspecting strangers as he embarks on a nocturnal London odyssey. Recently re-released after 30 years celebrating the works of Mike Leigh, it could have been made yesterday as it is a timeless masterpiece. Full of brutal and withering wit, brilliantly played, written and directed.