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Film reviews and movie trailers for new movies, indie cinema and short films.Read a film review or watch a trailer on our website. FILM REVIEWS UK UK Film Review is a film reviews website based in London, UK. We promote films and movie trailers from around the world and support indie films that would usually find it hard to find the spotlight against the bigger films of cinema. From the latest blockbusters, to small indie cinema, we tackle as many films as we can. Reviewing them from all aspects, not just how many digital landscapes they blow up using CGI. We also review short films in the UK and internationally, helping filmmakers to promote their movies and raise their profile. If you would like to have a short or indie film reviewed by us, please submit all info using the button below. Take a look around, enjoy the spoils of filmmaking, film festivals and artistic expression. Our merry band of film critics are constantly hard at work, writing film reviews, or watching movie trailers for some of the most exciting movies coming out in UK cinemas. So to keep their morale up, please be nice...or at least funny if you choose to troll. Because, in the immortal words of Rick Moranis in the movie Spaceballs, "Keep firing A**holes!". By the way, on this film reviews website, you may see several references to Spaceballs. If you have not seen that classic Mel Brooks film, you MUST seek it out and tell us what you think. SUBMIT YOUR FILM Are You a Film Podcast Fan? Film critics Chris Olson and Brian Penn host a monthly podcast for all types of film fans! Whether you like the latest blockbuster releases, or streaming is your thing - we have you covered. We even review short and independent films on the podcast. Our final review is usually for a "Nostalgia" pick - something from the past worth revisiting. Previous picks for this have included Jaws, The Fly, and Good Will Hunting. Search UK Film Review Podcast wherever you like to listen and join our global community of film lovers. Film Reviews from UK film critics LATEST REVIEWS Holier Than Thou One Night Stand Fyre Rises Post Homeless N.I.L.ionaires The Ugly Stepsister Sinners In A House, At Night Dead Mail Left One Alive The Wedding Banquet Load More

Read music video reviews by film critics at UK Film Review. Submit your music video for review by clicking Get Reviewed at the top of the website. Music Video Reviews One of the most exciting sub-genres our critics review is music videos. They are often incredible pieces of storytelling, either in their own right or aligned with the song playing over them. On this page you will find a great selection of music video reviews from the team of critics at UK Film Review. If you are a filmmaker or artist who would like us to review your music video, submit your film here . When it comes to reviewing a music video, the process differs slightly from perhaps a narrative short film or documentary. The music has to be explored far more intimately than if it were a soundtrack because that's where the story originates from rather than being added further down the line. Music videos do conform to genres but these are often musical genres rather than film categories, for example pop, folk, rock, rap etc. So this will also influence the music video review our critics write because the target audience is going to be considered. Music videos may take a variety of forms or even combine different aspects to create a different effect on the viewer. For example, it is common for a music video to contain a small narrative, as well as live performance footage. Top filmmakers making music videos will be able to immerse you into the song and story without leaving you feeling like you have just watched a promo piece. Choreography is also a common trait in music videos, with dance sequences and flash mobs recurring - often in pop music videos. Editors of music videos will have their work cut out to ensure the choreography looks tight and engaging without it feeling staged or lifeless. Hopefully the array of music video reviews you see below will include some gems for you to peruse. Don't forget to scroll to the bottom of the article, as we often include the actual music video so you can watch it for yourself. The Road Back Patrick Foley It Feels Good Jason Knight All My Life Jason Knight Unspoken by LT Jason Knight A-Train: New Beginnings Jason Knight The Dragonborn Comes-Main Theme Jason Knight The Panharmonion Chronicles: Times of London Patrick Foley Lost All Care Joe Beck Everything Will Dissolve in the Void James Learoyd Ain’t my Vibe Short Music Video Review alexjames96 Jun 6, 2024 2 min read Cinerama (Music Video) Short Film Review alexjames96 Mar 17, 2024 2 min read Homecoming (Music Video) Short Film Review alexjames96 Dec 19, 2023 2 min read Sheep F-cked In the Head Short Film Review alexjames96 Nov 16, 2023 2 min read Service for The King short film review Theo Aug 1, 2022 2 min read Stroke Code Music Video Review Chris Olson Sep 28, 2021 2 min read More Film Reviews

Short film reviews from some of the best movies in the UK. Read reviews from some of the best short film critics. Short Film Reviews Welcome to the UK Film Review page for short film reviews . Here you will find some of the best and brightest sparks in a sea of cinema. Filmmakers from across the globe submit their short films to us to be reviewed, and our Contributors lovingly dissect them. If you would like one of our team to write a film review of your short film, please use the form on our Submit Your Film page Our short film reviews are written by passionate film critics across the UK and aim to highlight and promote terrific filmmaking when we find it. We are always honest with our reviews, so if you are looking to submit your short film for review, please do so knowing that we will not alter what we have said because you don't like it. There is a wealth of amazing talent in the short film industry, and we hope by writing film reviews about this underexposed creativity we can get your movies to a new audience...but we need your help. Please join in the chatter on our social media channels so that we can grow our community and share the joy. Use the buttons in the footer to Like us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, and Subscribe to us on YouTube #supportindiefilm. The selection of short film reviews you see below are mostly for films submitted to us. In this instance, the filmmaker has requested us to watch and provide a short film review. Alternatively, visit our Latest Short Film Reviews page . Get Your Short Film Reviewed Demzzz type beat Short Film Review Chocolate Chip Short Film Review A Plus Short Film Review Filmmaker Interview with Will Hawkes The Curious Clever and Collectively Convoluted Case of Detective Ebeneezer Maisonette   Short Film Review Hardwicke Circus: The Prison Gig Short Film Review Through the Stew Short Film Review Filmmaker Interview with Zehua Yang Isabella Short Film Review Finger Food Short Film Review Warrior: Predator Short Film Review A Hell of a Trip to Delicias Short Film Review No Tell! Short Film Review Last Rendezvous Short Film Review In The Moonlight Short Film Review Bridge Short Film Review Bird Drone Short Film Review Ain’t my Vibe Short Music Video Review Surprise Short Film Review A Happy Ending Short Film Review More Film Reviews Holier Than Thou Jason Knight One Night Stand Patrick Foley Post William Hemingway Homeless James Learoyd N.I.L.ionaires Jason Knight In A House, At Night Patrick Foley Bardo Jason Knight Embrace Joe Beck Angeline William Hemingway Printer Head Swati Verma Bitter Taste Jason Knight Only A Call Away Patrick Foley Decoy Jason Knight The Whisper James Learoyd Peekaboo William Hemingway Go Fund Me Patrick Foley Inappropriate James Learoyd Close of Play Jason Knight The Stork Patrick Foley The Tuvalet Bash William Hemingway Gnome Heist Chris Buick Parasocial James Learoyd Higher Knowledge Patrick Foley Hidden Wounds Jason Knight The Road Back Patrick Foley Load More Reviews What is a short film review? A short film review is often written by a movie critic and it's their opinion on a film that is less than sixty minutes long. Short film reviews still explore every aspect of a movie. How do I write a short film review? Writing a short film review needs to cover multiple aspects of the movie. Including the script, the characters, performances, cinematography, score & sound design, editing and so on. Sometimes we consider the piece only as a short film; whether it works in that format, other times we may think of it as a "proof of concept" for something longer, or perhaps a piece of a web series/TV show. These can be important to consider when writing a short film review. How long should a film review be? A film review should be as long as the house style. Some publications provide lengthier reviews than others. A general minimum word count would be 500. This may be also for SEO reasons, as short film reviews that are longer may be more likely to rank higher on Google. The important thing to remember is that the review should be well-structured, not full of bloated points to fill up the word count. How much money do film critics make? Film critic salaries depend massively on their publication. Many film critics are freelancers, meaning they get paid per review and sometimes this is based on word count. Making money through film reviews can be challenging. Video Short Film Reviews Below you will find a selection of short film reviews in video form! This is where one of the UK Film Review Critics records their review and we upload it to our YouTube channel (as well as TikTok and Meta Reels in some cases). A Place to Fall Down Short Film Review by Chris Olson A short film about coping with loss and grief, film critic Chris Olson gave A Place to Fall Down 4 stars. Watch his video short film review here to here from the man himself about his thoughts and feelings. OK/NOTOK Short Film Review by Patrick Foley In this short film review from Patrick Foley, he gives us his opinion of the brilliant movie OK/NOTOK. Set in a futuristic world where AI robots are available as companions (as long as you can afford the subscription), it's a riveting piece. Betrayed Short Film Review by Chris Buick Film critic Chris Buick offers up a fantastic video short film review for Betrayed. A movie about a girl with special powers who, with the help of her protective father, must elude those who would use her for nefarious means.

Read the latest short film reviews at UK Film Review. Our house critics give reviews to short films from across the world submitted by independent filmmakers. Latest Short Film Reviews On this page you will find the most recent short film reviews written by the UK Film Review critic. If you are looking for a particular short film review, you can use the search function at the top of the website. The vast majority of short film reviews we write are for films that have been submitted to us by independent filmmakers themselves. So if you have a short film you would like UK Film Review to review, visit the Submit Your Film page. Holier Than Thou A short comedy drama film directed by Rhys Ashcroft and Dan Le Friec, written by Dan Le Friec and starring themselves and Ian Taylor, Jacob Morgan and Doug Craig. A young priest named Keith (Friec) decides to address God and tell Him about the complications of his life. Based on a live comedy show that played in London, the story begins after Keith has done something outrageous and goes to his church and proceeds to speak to the supreme being, ostensibly to make amends for his actions. From there, he goes on a series of long monologues that take place in a variety of locations, including the church, Keith's living room, his bathroom or his kitchen, where he communicates his emotions and describes his romantic experiences to God. A priest talks about their intimate experiences. The fact that it is a priest who is talking about such things is probably what makes this short stand out and the result is funny and shocking as people who work in religion are not expected to speak of such things, especially on church premises. If Keith's character was a simple person, one whose occupation does not involve religion, then the events and emotions that come to light in the story would not have the same impact, be it comedic or shocking. Basically, the screenplay is about Keith trying to come to terms with his life by speaking to God, revealing his thoughts, how he feels about this and that and hoping to find answers and it works well at being an interesting and amusing experience thanks to Friec's performance, cheeky and adult humour and a soundtrack that is comprised of songs by various artists including Elliot Albert Orchard, John Runefelt, Sleepaway Camp, Indigo Days and Anna Landstrom. Some viewers might perceive Keith as an anti-hero as they might be offended by the fact that this film is about a priest who uses profanity (especially inside a church), drinks heavily, takes drugs and engages in a series of activities that include masturbating in a cemetery and having intercourse inside a church. On top of this, they are also likely to disapprove of the content of some of the pictures in Keith's home. Friec does a great job as a young priest who is trying to understand his life and his experiences, delivering a performance that is comical throughout. This protagonist comes across as a well-meaning but naive guy, who fancies older women and enjoys alcohol. The script includes numerous flashbacks about Keith's experiences with other, including during his childhood and the actors that appear in this scenes play their part well, specifically Ashcroft, who is quite entertaining in his brief role. Self-reflection and self-expression are two main themes in this story that also delves into religion, specifically the idea of turning to God for advice. Reminiscing the past is another subject, along with romance, loss and having regrets. Friec's performance and the humorous screenplay make this short an amusing and intriguing viewing. Some people are likely to dislike the idea of a priest being involved in sexual matters, however, a priest having sexual thoughts and engaging in sexual activities is probably the primary thing that makes this film entertaining, because it is an unusual and outrageous (from a fun perspective) idea. VIEW REVIEW One Night Stand It’s hardly an original observation that intimidation, bullying and desperation are rife in the acting profession – and these experiences are usually twice as bad for new recruits. One Night Stand tells the story of a despotic school ran by a depraved, jealous teacher – a snapshot of the disturbing manner in which lines can be blurred before they are crossed. Thomas (Tom Sidney) is warned by his teacher Geoff (AJ Jones) that he has to improve in acting class or his place is under threat. Taking an unusual interest in his relationship with fellow student Jess (Lauren Darbyshire), Geoff gives Tom the chance to impress in class by acting out a scene in which the two have had a one-night stand. But the scene takes an unpleasant direction as Geoff insists on an ever-more sinister escalation. One Night Stand is an uncomfortable look at power dynamics in the acting world. Viewers are shown how the jealous, sexual whims of a teacher are played out in his treatment of two students, under the pretence of helping them achieve something great. Thomas is isolated and threatened with expulsion from the class unless he improves – with a clear edict to follow his teacher’s commands. Geoff’s interest in Jess results in her being placed in a vulnerable position – being forced to strip in front of the class and put up with second-hand intimidation from her scene partner. Yet neither feel in a position to push back against their teacher – nor do other students in the class feel a need to step in until things have gone too far. The plot does a solid job of demonstrating how manipulators can gradually escalate abuse in front of others, especially in environments that they can control. However, it may have benefitted from additional context that is missing from the story. Viewers are intentionally left in the dark about the actual nature of the relationship (or lack thereof) between Tom and Jess. It is an interesting omission from director/writer Michael Long which makes Geoff’s obsession with the pair more elusive. Some extra background to the pair themselves would however have been welcome, and without this one is left wondering why neither feel able to stand up to their tormenter sooner or empathise with Tom quite as easily. For a film that gets into some really dark territory, it also feels like a larger point is needed to be underlined than the film commits to. The continuation of Geoff’s dominance of his students and ability to maintain his reign of terror over his class can be taken as a commentary on the resilient nature of abusers in the acting space – a notable unfortunate truth that is well documented. But the film feels like more of a snapshot than a story, and seems to suggest that this dynamic is a wheel that will keep on turning. If this is the film’s point, there have been better and more insightful examples of how such individuals and actions are excused than One Night Stand ever really gets into. And with characters that are quite one-note and contextless, the film is unlikely also to leave much of a lasting impression. VIEW REVIEW Post A grieving father faces the loss of his family whilst taking shelter from a nuclear war which has broken out across the world. Paul (Ebert) has managed to get himself to safety after the first nuclear bombs have dropped on the UK. Somewhere, up on a hillside, on the outskirts of town, Paul has taken himself to an old ‘post’ – a ROC (Royal Observer Corps) shelter which had been built during the Cold War to monitor radiation levels in the event of a nuclear fallout. As a bit of a ‘prepper’, Paul has bought and taken ownership of the shelter and has kitted it out with all the mod-cons of post-apocalyptic living. With plenty of canned goods, dried food, potable water, and electric dynamos hooked up to an exercise bike, Paul is in the best place to keep an eye on the world and the radiation levels, as he sits out the time waiting for the day that he will be able to resurface. Alongside Paul on this extended retreat is his family – wife, Suzy (Bound) and daughter, Maria (Winnan) – and even if they aren’t technically there, or alive, they still take up a lot of space inside that small underground bunker, as well as inside Paul’s mind. On the CB is John, another survivor who is hiding out in his own home with his own wife and children, and over the course of the film the two men build a tentative friendship based on a mutual understanding of needing to protect those they love. Inside the shelter, Paul’s new life is fairly well catered for, with him managing to eat, sleep, wash, and exercise all within the confined space of about fourteen feet by six feet. In contrast, John is finding it difficult to keep life going in the outside world, with resources scarce, radiation everywhere, and trouble brewing on the streets. There are outlaw gangs roaming around, looking for whatever they can get their hands on, and now the battle for survival is really hotting-up, as John must keep them away from his home and his family. Sadly, this means that most of the conflict and action in Post is actually happening elsewhere. While we hear about John’s difficulties and real crises over the citizens band radio, we sit with Paul in the bunker, in relative ease and safety, as he deals with the loss of his family over a year earlier. Of course, this inner conflict is integral to Paul’s story, and the idea of him using this time to finally come to terms with his loss and say ‘goodbye’ to his wife and daughter, is really what Post is about, however, it does mean that we as the viewer are limited to watching dull, slightly repetitive actions, in an enclosed space, while we hear about all the actual conflict happening out in the real world. Interestingly, writer/director, Terry Winnan also released another short film last year, named Prepared , which actually focused on the exact situations that we only hear about in Post . In the same scenario of a nuclear war, a man tries to keep his family safe while society crumbles around him, and without having seen this film, it seems as though this has a better focus for a post-apocalyptic thriller, staying where the action and the conflict actually takes place. However, for Post we stay inside the bunker and deal with the theme of loss from a more personal perspective, giving a more simplified and isolated point of view than we might otherwise have got elsewhere. The scenario of a nuclear war is obviously one which interests Winnan, having now made two movies on the subject, and his production company RVA Synergies Productions might just shed some light on why this is the case. Before creating his production house, Winnan ran the engineering arm of RVA Synergies, which developed and manufactured a special air filter product for use in safe rooms and emergency shelters. One of these air filters makes an appearance in Post , and while it may be far enough away from actual product placement, it’s easy to see where Winnan gets his ideas and his motivations from. The film itself is fairly well made, with decent lighting, photography, acting, and special effects where needed. The sound design is particularly good, with the CB conversations and radio messages sounding like they are actually in the room, and a nice little indie song thrown in for good measure. There’s some decent attempt at backstory, as we flashback to how Paul’s family died, and everything is edited well into the sequence of the twenty-two-minute runtime. Unfortunately for Post , all the action takes place elsewhere, and the revelation that Paul’s family are dead, just not by the nuclear holocaust, is one that doesn’t really resonate. Still, if you fancy a bit of a chamber piece with a good dollop of claustrophobia and inner turmoil mixed in, but just not for too long a time, Post will see you through until you’re able to resurface into the real world at the end of it. VIEW REVIEW Homeless Centered around an adorable bulldog’s turbulent fate, Homeless is a tonally pleasant, smoothly directed feel-good film with an encouraging sentiment. We follow our pup-protagonist as he goes from one living situation to another – in this way, it’s a comparative piece of sorts. The first half sees him under the ownership of a couple who seemingly find the puppy too much to handle; the second sees him being cared for more thoughtfully by a homeless man who takes on the responsibility in a way the previous owners were not able to do. Allow us to first discuss the impeccable talent on display in the technical department... On a level of sound, cinematography and design, this movie feels as if it was constructed by a group of seasoned professionals – with each one of these elements complementing the other appropriately. Firstly, the photography is soft and lovely. It’s not doing anything bold or particularly unusual, because it doesn’t have to. Shot on anamorphic with a slick visual sensibility consisting of dolly usage, pleasantly balanced lighting, and a warm, vibrant grade – this is a decidedly handsome looking production. It’s wonderful to witness the artistry and see real attention being paid to each composition; but perhaps even more striking to one familiar with low-budget independent filmmaking is the terrific sound design elevating these images. A quaint, comforting sense can be found in the audio; a superb mix on perfectly captured on-location recording with cinematic folly and layering. You couldn't ask for too much more with regards to the formal quality. As a filmmaker myself who has worked on projects about dogs, I can tell you that a significant part of said project’s success is dependent on the camera operator’s willingness to veer into a kind of documentary style while maintaining the fictional world’s stylistic flourishes. Homeless manages this wonderfully. The camera is to shift and flow in time with the unpredictable movements of the animal; the first AC (the focus puller) also has their work cut out for them. Working in tandem with this, the director and editor must craft a story through attaining a range of facial expressions and then crafting them around other reaction shots. It’s a big achievement all round. Another big method of conveying story in the terms of the film’s challenging, enigmatic subject, is through music. This picture has an incredibly high-end Hollywood sounding score, arranged with outstanding musical ability – whether it was recorded in-house or otherwise. Combined with the pleasing home-design and warm subject-matter, it reminds one of Nancy Meyers’ best work (Meyers being a truly masterful director, just so there’s no ambiguity on the matter). The only problem comes when the film leans on the score a little too heavily, with whole sequences playing out over the loudly emotional sounds which make their intentions explicit when it comes to audience engagement. As nice as it is, maybe a little more restraint wouldn’t have gone amiss. But my main structural complaint with the film is that the dog – at least for the first five minutes – does not give the audience much reason to suggest it’s misbehaving at all, just doing regular dog things which his first owners respond to as outrageous. When we then get to the scene in which he rips the house apart, there’s some more validity to the story’s trajectory; however, the couple at the beginning could have benefited from some more grounded characterisation. Despite this shortcoming, audiences will be pleased by the piece and its genial feel. It’s quite the lovely film and a most easy watch for this critic. VIEW REVIEW N.I.L.ionaires A short drama written by Phillip Buchanon, directed by Clark Birchmeier and starring Afolabi Oyeneyin, Emily Goodwin, Clinton Portis and Imani Vaughn-Jones. In the United States, a new programme enables university athletes to get payed handsomely. That programme is the NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) and quarterback sensation Ace (Oyeneyin) is being offered the opportunity to join. Meanwhile, Taylor (Goodwin), another sports star, gets involved in the programme and transfers from a university in Louisiana to Hollywood University in Florida, where Ace is. As the two of them cross paths, Ace must consider his future. The impressive production value of this short is to be acknowledged. Viewing this short gives the impression that a great deal of creativity was put into it, along with significant efforts to make it a project of high standards. Firstly, the cinematography by Paul Krumper looks terrific and there are some outstanding aerial shots. Also, the addition of news reports and interesting music add extra value. The story is decent enough and Oyeneyin makes a likeable protagonist. As good as the above aspects are, the ending does not match them. The film's end feels anticlimactic and abrupt and generally incomplete. A more conclusive final would probably had benefited this short. Played convincingly by Oyeneyin, Ace is a professional athlete who finds himself in a situation where he is unsure what the next step is, what would be the best choice and he is worried. His confident associate, CP (Portis), tries to convince him that all will be well and so does Melissa (Vaughn-Jones), who works for NIL. Unlike Ace, Taylor is cheerful and confident about the programme's prospects. The plot focuses on being in a life-changing phase, coming across new opportunities and facing difficult decisions. It explores the world of professional athletes, future prospects, self-esteem and choosing wisely. A well-made short with a story about sports and decision-making. The ending may not be very rewarding, nevertheless, this is an intriguing and thoughtful viewing. VIEW REVIEW In A House, At Night In A House, At Night is a bold and imaginative horror with monsters that are upsettingly real. Tomas Ferreira’s short is difficult and heartbreaking, but brought to life impressively if confusingly at times. The film follows 7-year-old Lynn (Honor Davis-Pye) and her mother Alice (Moa Myerson), who are taking refuge at a women’s shelter on a Halloween night. Lynn misses her old home, and daringly sneaks away to find it despite her mother’s warnings. Alice is left devastated by her abandonment, whilst Lynn is haunted by the torment of other women at the shelter as she finds herself alone. Both contemplate steps that come with great risk, as they ponder whether they can withstand the isolation. In A House, At Night is unique. Certainly not a conventional horror, but not really a drama either. Tomas Ferreira’s short stands out as a devastating reflection on the aftermath of domestic violence, and how the real horror survivors experience does not stop when the abuse does. Alice’s trauma and torment follow the mother-daughter pair throughout the shelter, as uncertainty and fear emerge in both of their psyche’s – a result of an unseen monster’s actions. The film confronts the viewer with harsh truths in a thoughtful and psychological manner. Traditional methods like jump scares do not leap at the viewer – but one is forced to confront an atmosphere of fear. Honor Davis-Pye is exceptional as Lynn – a confused 7-year-old child unable to comprehend how her and her mother’s lives have been turned upside down. Her portrayal of trauma belies that of an actor far beyond her years, with an innocence at the heart of the performance that understands something bad has happened, yet yearns for the life she has only ever known. Sneaking away from her mother is not an act of spite despite the hurt it causes, and the growth she experiences from her defiance is evident by the film’s end. Davis-Pye’s mannerisms and enigmatic flourishes make Lynn steal the show. The film is visually gripping and equal parts artistic and mysterious. There are moments where the lingering shots of gloves or static TV screens feel a little too much like an art exhibition. But sequences of Lynn’s exploration or Alice’s tormented isolation are brilliantly executed. Ferreira uses sensual blue and purple lightings for the safety of the parental relationship, before imbuing sickly yellows when Lynn finds herself alone. These scenes are where the ‘horror’ elements come to the fore – with more familiar angles also becoming prominent. Some of it is simple fare, but it is very effective. In A House, At Night is not designed to be easily legible, even though it wears its themes on its chest. Tomas Ferreira’s film forces the viewer to ask themselves questions about it, and search inward for deeper meaning. For those looking for meaningful and thoughtful filmmaking that defies tradition or categorisation, this short is well worth a watch. VIEW REVIEW Bardo A short dark comedy fantasy film written and directed by Joshua Moulinie and starring Jackson Wright and Tash Morley. The writer of this review would like to explain that (in Tibetan Buddhism) ''bardo'' is a state of existence between death and rebirth. This explanation is done with the intention of helping the reader understand the film's context. The story takes place in England and something extraordinary is taking place. A man named Frank (Wright) discovers that somehow some spiritual part of him has taken over the body of an unnamed young woman (Morley) and now there are 'two of them', two individuals that have different appearances but the same memories. Now, they must team up and find out what is going on. The plot of this forty-minute long film is one of its strongest aspects: a sort of body swap story that involves a man having two versions of himself and one is a young woman. As they set off to solve the mystery, they end up in an unknown place that resembles an abandoned building and things get more and more bizarre from there, involving a masked entity dressed in black and a quote from Dante Alighieri's The Divine Comedy . As Frank and his new friend go through their journey, the film alternates with scenes that show the woman sitting on a chair in a darkened location. There is mystery and there is plenty of cheeky and adult humour, mesmerising music, creative lighting techniques and the performances by Wright and Morley contribute massively in making this viewing enjoyable. Would there be anything that could had been improved? As far as the screenplay goes, it is never dull and although the low-budget production is evident, it does not significantly affect the viewing experience. As mentioned, the performences by the two leads are some of the strongest aspects of the film and that is because they are entertaining. Starting with Wright, his character is a man who apparently lives alone and drinks and smokes a lot. Morley's character is supposed to be the same character as Wright's (not physically that is), yet her character's personality seems to be different, more sceptical. Self-reflection plays a big part in this story, which is quite evident as two people who have the same mind explain themselves to each other and therefore are actually opening up to themselves. The narrative also involves regrets and reminiscing the past. Those who fancy a supernatural story with humour and also deep meanings should give this short a go. It is an odd and amusing journey with cheeky dialogue and an interesting plot. VIEW REVIEW Embrace How much do you notice when you walk to work each day? Are you one of those people that could say exactly how many drains you pass, or do you walk idly by, headphones in and with a head full of stress and worry about the day ahead? Sometimes it pays to be attentive, to notice the small changes to our typical environment and typical routine. ‘Embrace’ is an extremely concise film that leaves you with a lot to think about in just a short runtime, not least the amount of attention we pay to the world around us. In its short two minute runtime Axel Zeltser’s ‘Embrace’ follows Melanie (played by Natte You) as she navigates her everyday life, full of challenges and the rigours of monotony, as well as the looming backdrop of a stalker, who calls her phone and tries to assert his control over her. Each day she walks the same streets, completely oblivious to the wider world around her. She doesn’t notice the cold, grey, metal bucket that stays stationary down an alley, because, well, why would she? It doesn’t matter that the creepily scratched number on the side of the bucket seems to change each day for no apparent reason, that isn’t what suddenly causes Melanie to notice what had been hiding in plain sight. ‘Embrace’ is a clever film in how it uses the bucket and the secret behind it as a metaphor for the stalker Melanie is facing. The stalker, like the bucket, is a constant ominous presence in Melanie’s otherwise ordinary life, only one is ostensibly present to her and the other is not. The bucket haunts her by its very presence, and ultimately when she is drawn to it, seeks to control her, just in the same way as her stalker does. Writer and director Axel Zeltser depicts this metaphor with precision, and executes his message well. Throughout it is well edited, both visually and audibly, with beautiful shots of the winding Parisian streets that make up Melanie’s commute cut together with glimpses into her work as a therapist to the sound of footsteps, doorbells and phones ringing. Zeltser directs with a firm hand, a breezy pace and a strong vision, which is executed well, and yet, as the film hurdles to its conclusion, ‘Embrace’ leaves an underwhelming taste in the mouth. The ending of the film is weird. Your mileage for it may vary, but certainly it’s a change of pace from the rest of the film and takes a tangible mystery into the realm of disbelief. It’s an ending that feels superimposed from another film and placed into ‘Embrace’, and for that reason the film doesn’t quite stick its landing. Nevertheless, ‘Embrace’ is, for the most part, a well-made, concise horror, with a sharp, thought-provoking metaphor throughout. VIEW REVIEW Angeline An artist is guided by an old friend to face the feelings he is keeping inside about the loss of his partner, in an effort to get them out on the canvas. Xander (Hicks) has lost his mojo. He lost his partner, Angeline (Colton-Davenport) some time ago, and now we find him moping about in his flat staring at a blank canvas with no inspiration or motivation to paint. Luckily, Xander’s best friend from when he was five years old has turned up; a clown (Hunt) with a happy face and frizzy, red hair; and now Xander has found something within himself that he thinks he could express through acrylic. Unfortunately for Xander, the urge to paint his lost love Angeline has opened up some unclosed wounds from inside, and her memory takes that opportunity to face him from the dead and encourage him to join her. While Xander hugs and dances with his love we can feel him getting dragged further and further into her embrace, watching as he slowly unravels in front of her until he can’t take it anymore. Throughout the whole of Angeline , Xander doesn’t say anything at all, lost as he is inside his own head. Director and co-writer, William Stogden keeps everything very much in the arthouse style as we watch Xander’s descent into madness, using image and sound design to tell the story rather than the spoken word. Music also plays a big part in Angeline , with a memorable tune from Empire underpinning the meat of the narrative, harking back to simpler times with an almost golden oldie feel to the track. While it’s easy to tell that Angeline has been made on the tiniest of shoestring budgets, Stogden’s decisions as director keep everything in the narrative present and forceful within the frame. There’s a real economy to the film, not just from the set or the props, but in how much is squeezed from each part of the story to help the audience identify with Xander’s plight. The way the lighting shifts, the camera moves, or the characters change, is almost Lynchian in the effect it achieves, and along with the spot-on sound design, every emotion is expressed genuinely as the themes and narrative get explored. At just six-and-a-half minutes long, Angeline extends this economy into its runtime as well. Co-writer and cinematographer, Sasha Morris, helps keep the story right where it needs to be while also helping the scenes and transitions look good on screen. Nothing is wasted in Angeline , and thankfully, there’s no filler either. Everything we see has its place, and is always either expressing something or moving the narrative forward. For what is a short film, on a small budget, from a small production house, Angeline showcases what can be achieved when you focus on your filmmaking and try to get the best out of what you have. VIEW REVIEW Printer Head The writer-director Frances McIlvain weaves a gripping storyline blending horror with drama increasing the degree of audience engagement with the content. Jeremiah Soderstrom, Teej Morgan Arzola, Lucas Milani, and Amy Burke understand McIlvain’s vision and make a mark on the viewer’s mind even with a short running time. The plot of Printer Head revolves around a lowly office worker who is thrust into mayhem as he rushes to get an important document printed by the end of the day. Printer Head opens with a long shot of a printer and a background sound followed by a series of close-up shots as well the extreme close-up shots of it working tirelessly to establish the subject matter of the film. The writer-director Frances McIlvain utilises white colour for the name of the movie Printer Head to symbolise coldness and isolation which provides depth to the narrative keeping the audience hooked to it. The set design, the black white colour pallet, camera angles, lighting, sound, dialogues, costume, hair, makeup, and props have been incorporated into the storyline naturally so that it complements all the elements of storytelling to keep the viewers waiting for the climax eagerly. In terms of performance, Jeremiah Soderstrom plays the leading man Alex who is an employee in a company and reports to his female boss. He is a sincere, dedicated worker. Alex seems to be overworked but he couldn’t deny a task that needed immediate action. Soderstrom with his body language, voice modulation, facial expressions, and eyes are all on point to mimic the employee and employer equation adding realism as well as relatability to the character arc therefore building an emotional connection with Alex. Amy Burke plays Alex’s immediate boss. Amy Burke lends her voice to the character. Burke’s screen time is very limited but she leaves a strong impression on the audience and also helps establish the corporate situation required to pace up the screenplay. Teej Morgan Arzola plays the role of Morgan who is both a colleague and a good friend to Alex. Morgan brilliantly depicts how layered people in the office environment can be. The calm voice tone utilised by the young actor to create a comparison between Morgan and Alex’s characters. Lucas Milani is the antagonist of the narrative hooded figure who tricks Alex into a situation from which he can’t go back. Milani portrays the hooded figure with so much conviction that the viewers too feel helplessness and fear felt by the protagonist all through the running time of Printer Head. Printer Head talks about the various relationships in office and it also teaches us how one should deal with the same. The short film reiterates that doing tasks assigned by the boss proves one’s sincerity as well as dedication but taking care of wellbeing/ mental health is equally crucial. The cinematic highlights the cons of online shopping advising the viewers to be careful every time. The creative piece also talks about handling technology with utmost responsibility as it has the associated risk attached to it. VIEW REVIEW

Reviews from the latest movies, short films, indie features and more. Check out the UK Film Review Reviews section. Latest Film Reviews The latest movie reviews from UK film critics, this is the page to find the newest reviews from our team. The UK Film Review critics are assembled from around the globe, covering all types of movies. Whether these are movie reviews for films currently in UK cinemas (or even globally) or for films on streaming sites such as Netflix, Prime Video or Disney Plus, we cover them all. On this page you will also find the latest film reviews for indie and short films from the UK and around the world. Every month, UK Film Review receives a large selection of submissions from filmmakers requesting us to watch their independently made film and review it. We treat all movies the same and our reviews are never (ever) paid for! 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This will help you stay up-to-date with the latest releases, as well as the goings-on from our community of film lovers and critics. average rating is 3 out of 5 Holier Than Thou Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 One Night Stand Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Fyre Rises Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Post Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Homeless Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 N.I.L.ionaires Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Ugly Stepsister Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Sinners Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 In A House, At Night Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Dead Mail Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Left One Alive Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Wedding Banquet Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Bardo Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Embrace Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Amateur Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Angeline Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Pause (Music Video) Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Kuyashii Gonzo: Blood Visions and Chaos Magic Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Printer Head Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Misericordia Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Asog Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Relative Control Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Drop Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Slant Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 It'll Never Work Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Sacramento Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Last Movie Ever Made Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Bitter Taste Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Only A Call Away Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 For The Boss Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Decoy Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Whisper Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Between Earth and Water (Entre el Agua y la Tierra) Read Review average rating is 4 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5 The Assessment Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Alto Knights Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Hidden Wounds Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Snow White Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Hood Witch Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Bloody Axe Wound Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Road Back Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Hood Witch Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Fade In: To Murder Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Run To The River Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Time Rewind Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Wrists Tied Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Amaterasu Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Flying Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Blood Star Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Scratched Nail Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Forest 779 Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Whispers of Redemption Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Empty Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Mickey 17 Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Forest Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Rule of Jenny Pen Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Code Red: Spain Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Changing Tune Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 EFC Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Staycation Read Review average rating is 5 out of 5 Falling Rocks Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 My Dead Friend Zoe Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Bunnyhood Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Trigger Happy Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Liquor Bank Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Melodrive Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Networks of Street Signs Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Cin-E-Rama Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Curtain Call Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Monkey Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Old Guy Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Backway Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Quiet Ones Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Mix Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Thirst Trap Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Something Is About to Happen Read Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Murderous Intentions Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Armand Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Paddington in Peru Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Dead Thing Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Captain America: Brave New World Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Timestalker Read Review

Film reviews from some of the biggest movies in UK cinemas. We also review short films, indie films, and documentaries. Find a movie review now. Film Reviews Here at UK Film Review we like to tackle all kinds film reviews. Our writers come from all walks of life, and feel passionate about critiquing the movies they watch. From the latest Theatrical Releases to Short Films, Indie Films, Documentaries and even Animation, the contributors of UK Film Review are as eager to please as Dev Patel in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011). If you are a filmmaker, or are working in film PR and want to promote one of your clients, please get in touch using the Submit Your Film button under the drop-down menu for Home. Take a look at our list of film reviews below from some of the hottest releases in UK cinemas. Simply click the image of the review you would like, or the title of the movie. Or use the search button to find the movie you are looking for. We have given any feature length film a star rating (out of 5) in order to help viewers sort the Citizen Kanes from the Waterworlds, the Inceptions from the Transformers. Michael Bay will be given a fair film review from our writers, but that probably will not go in his favour. Speaking of Filmmakers, head over to our Filmmaker Features page for awesome articles about some of the best filmmaking geniuses who ever lived. Movie Trailers are also available, either underneath the film reviews, or on the Movie Trailers page. And lastly, if you like your film reviews verbalised. Simply because reading is boring and listening is marvellous, then make sure you Subscribe to the UK Film Review Podcast. Our critics offer up some banterous opinions on the best and worst movies across all genres. Head over to the Podcast page, or click this link to go straight to iTunes. If you would like to read or view any of the following, simply use the navigation. Alternatively, you can click on one of the images to read the film reviews here, or simply have a ganders at the lovely movie artwork on display. Remember to listen to film reviews on our regular film podcast. GET REVIEWED average rating is 2 out of 5 One Night Stand Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Post Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 The Ugly Stepsister Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Sinners Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 In A House, At Night Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Dead Mail Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Wedding Banquet Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 The Amateur Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Angeline Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Misericordia Read Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Asog Read Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Relative Control Read Review Film Podcast - Dune: Part 2 Chris Olson Mar 8, 2024 2 min read Film Podcast: George Clooney Rowing Biopic Scoops Film of the Month Chris Olson Mar 1, 2024 3 min read TAR FILM REVIEW - Jan 20, 2023 3 min read Empire of Light - Film Review Taryll Baker Oct 13, 2022 2 min read Bones and All LFF Review - Oct 11, 2022 3 min read White Noise (2022) LFF Review - Oct 7, 2022 3 min read Sanctuary TIFF Review - Sep 20, 2022 2 min read FrightFest 2022 Highlights UK Film Review Sep 13, 2022 5 min read Top Gun: Maverick Film Review - May 25, 2022 3 min read The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent Film Review - Apr 23, 2022 3 min read Spoilers in our film reviews As with all digital forms of expression sometimes people may find something that upsets them online. Spoilers can often be one of these things! Whilst we do our best to ensure that major plot points, twists, character deaths and celebrity cameos are not found in our reviews, it can sometimes be difficult to judge what each and every film lover on the planet would to be a spoiler. If you feel that one of our film reviews contains one too many details then please do let us (politely) know using our social media platforms. We may then take serious action, such as expelling the critic responsible from this and every other movie publication past and present, declaring war against the studio for leading our writer into temptation, or we may do nothing at all. To be honest, it is most likely going to be the latter unless some serious rules have been broken. You may also see some movie trailers in our reviews that could also contain potential spoilers. In which case anyone who is hoping to avoid these should probably not click the play button on them. Or click the play button, turn the sound down on your device, then leave the room for a least 28 minutes whilst the trailer finishes and leaves your life naturally. You may be wondering what you could do with all 28 of those minutes! Why not read some more film reviews on another device? Or make a short film of your cat playing with a piece of string? Spend it wisely guys and gals.

Fyre Rises film review by UK film critic Swati Verma. Starring Paul Marlon, Aaron Sidwell, Charlene Aldridge directed by Paul Knight. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Fyre Rises Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Swati Verma | Posted on: Apr 21, 2025 Directed by: Paul Knight Written by: Paul Knight Starring: Paul Marlon, Aaron Sidwell, Charlene Aldridge The writer-director Paul Knight blends emotion with the crime and action genre to tell the story of the protagonist (Paul Marlon) who is trying to safeguard his wife Maddie (Charlene Aldridge) and his children from the Antagonist the Priest (Aaron Sidwell) shapes up knight’s vision perfectly to increase the degree of audience engagement with Fyre Rises all through the running time of the film. The plot of Fyre Rises revolves around a Debt-ridden pacifist Richard Fyre who is propositioned to return to his abandoned mercenary ways by a Flamboyant zealot priest to eliminate his international competition in exchange for a clean slate. The feature film begins with a black screen and a voice-over informing about a status report. It starts with an opening sequence of a masked man dressed in black stuck in some unforeseen situation a perfect subplot to establish the subject matter of Fyre Rises. The makers have adapted connotations of fire like rage, danger, and life complexities into the narrative to make it multi-layered, realistic, and relatable in the eyes of the viewers. The storyline moves through various countries as well as timelines adding depth. The set design, black, red, and bluish colour palette, mix of natural and dim lighting, sound, camera angles, costume, dialogue, hair, makeup, and props complement the screenplay increasing the intensity according to the situation in the script. In terms of performance, Paul Marlon Plays Richard Fyre who is trying to move on from his dark past to create memories with his family while he is forced to do a task for the sake of the safety of those he loves. Marlon portrays the nuances of Fyre’s emotions as he handles many unforeseen situations in the narrative. The body language, voice modulation, facial expressions, and eyes are utilised well by the actor to depict the struggles, and helplessness that keep changing Richard Fyre as a person with each subplot in the storyline. Charlene Aldridge plays Maddie (Fyre’s wife) who is a pretty strong support system to him understanding what he is going through but also has her share of emotions she can share with her husband limited because she has the responsibility of taking care of the house as well as the children. Aldridge strikes a perfect balance between the duties of a wife as well as a mother with her acting skills. Aaron Sidwell plays the role of the Priest-villain. Priest commits all his evil doings in the name of God. He often does specific makeup to hide his real identity. Sidwell has beautifully incorporated body language, voice modulation, and dialogue delivery to bring the character to life onscreen inducing the fear in the audience’s eyes. Fyre Rises talks about the importance of showcasing the strong side of your personality and fighting injustices because everyone tends to take advantage of one’s vulnerabilities. The feature film reiterates the beauty of the relationship between the parents and children. The unconditional love, and protection parents give their children is incomparable. The cinematic piece highlights that no person can run away from their past completely so one needs to learn to live with it and move from it in pursuit of happiness and a peaceful life. About the Film Critic Swati Verma Indie Feature Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Holier Than Thou film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Dan Le Friec, Rhys Ashcroft, Ian Taylor, Jacob Morgan, Doug Craig directed by Rhys Ashcroft, Dan Le Friec. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Holier Than Thou Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Apr 22, 2025 Directed by: Rhys Ashcroft, Dan Le Friec Written by: Dan Le Friec Starring: Dan Le Friec, Rhys Ashcroft, Ian Taylor, Jacob Morgan, Doug Craig A short comedy drama film directed by Rhys Ashcroft and Dan Le Friec, written by Dan Le Friec and starring themselves and Ian Taylor, Jacob Morgan and Doug Craig. A young priest named Keith (Friec) decides to address God and tell Him about the complications of his life. Based on a live comedy show that played in London, the story begins after Keith has done something outrageous and goes to his church and proceeds to speak to the supreme being, ostensibly to make amends for his actions. From there, he goes on a series of long monologues that take place in a variety of locations, including the church, Keith's living room, his bathroom or his kitchen, where he communicates his emotions and describes his romantic experiences to God. A priest talks about their intimate experiences. The fact that it is a priest who is talking about such things is probably what makes this short stand out and the result is funny and shocking as people who work in religion are not expected to speak of such things, especially on church premises. If Keith's character was a simple person, one whose occupation does not involve religion, then the events and emotions that come to light in the story would not have the same impact, be it comedic or shocking. Basically, the screenplay is about Keith trying to come to terms with his life by speaking to God, revealing his thoughts, how he feels about this and that and hoping to find answers and it works well at being an interesting and amusing experience thanks to Friec's performance, cheeky and adult humour and a soundtrack that is comprised of songs by various artists including Elliot Albert Orchard, John Runefelt, Sleepaway Camp, Indigo Days and Anna Landstrom. Some viewers might perceive Keith as an anti-hero as they might be offended by the fact that this film is about a priest who uses profanity (especially inside a church), drinks heavily, takes drugs and engages in a series of activities that include masturbating in a cemetery and having intercourse inside a church. On top of this, they are also likely to disapprove of the content of some of the pictures in Keith's home. Friec does a great job as a young priest who is trying to understand his life and his experiences, delivering a performance that is comical throughout. This protagonist comes across as a well-meaning but naive guy, who fancies older women and enjoys alcohol. The script includes numerous flashbacks about Keith's experiences with other, including during his childhood and the actors that appear in this scenes play their part well, specifically Ashcroft, who is quite entertaining in his brief role. Self-reflection and self-expression are two main themes in this story that also delves into religion, specifically the idea of turning to God for advice. Reminiscing the past is another subject, along with romance, loss and having regrets. Friec's performance and the humorous screenplay make this short an amusing and intriguing viewing. Some people are likely to dislike the idea of a priest being involved in sexual matters, however, a priest having sexual thoughts and engaging in sexual activities is probably the primary thing that makes this film entertaining, because it is an unusual and outrageous (from a fun perspective) idea. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

One Night Stand film review by UK film critic Patrick Foley. Starring Tom Sidney, AJ Jones, Lauren Darbyshire directed by Michael Long. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS One Night Stand Film Review average rating is 2 out of 5 Critic: Patrick Foley | Posted on: Apr 21, 2025 Directed by: Michael Long Written by: Michael Long Starring: Tom Sidney, AJ Jones, Lauren Darbyshire It’s hardly an original observation that intimidation, bullying and desperation are rife in the acting profession – and these experiences are usually twice as bad for new recruits. One Night Stand tells the story of a despotic school ran by a depraved, jealous teacher – a snapshot of the disturbing manner in which lines can be blurred before they are crossed. Thomas (Tom Sidney) is warned by his teacher Geoff (AJ Jones) that he has to improve in acting class or his place is under threat. Taking an unusual interest in his relationship with fellow student Jess (Lauren Darbyshire), Geoff gives Tom the chance to impress in class by acting out a scene in which the two have had a one-night stand. But the scene takes an unpleasant direction as Geoff insists on an ever-more sinister escalation. One Night Stand is an uncomfortable look at power dynamics in the acting world. Viewers are shown how the jealous, sexual whims of a teacher are played out in his treatment of two students, under the pretence of helping them achieve something great. Thomas is isolated and threatened with expulsion from the class unless he improves – with a clear edict to follow his teacher’s commands. Geoff’s interest in Jess results in her being placed in a vulnerable position – being forced to strip in front of the class and put up with second-hand intimidation from her scene partner. Yet neither feel in a position to push back against their teacher – nor do other students in the class feel a need to step in until things have gone too far. The plot does a solid job of demonstrating how manipulators can gradually escalate abuse in front of others, especially in environments that they can control. However, it may have benefitted from additional context that is missing from the story. Viewers are intentionally left in the dark about the actual nature of the relationship (or lack thereof) between Tom and Jess. It is an interesting omission from director/writer Michael Long which makes Geoff’s obsession with the pair more elusive. Some extra background to the pair themselves would however have been welcome, and without this one is left wondering why neither feel able to stand up to their tormenter sooner or empathise with Tom quite as easily. For a film that gets into some really dark territory, it also feels like a larger point is needed to be underlined than the film commits to. The continuation of Geoff’s dominance of his students and ability to maintain his reign of terror over his class can be taken as a commentary on the resilient nature of abusers in the acting space – a notable unfortunate truth that is well documented. But the film feels like more of a snapshot than a story, and seems to suggest that this dynamic is a wheel that will keep on turning. If this is the film’s point, there have been better and more insightful examples of how such individuals and actions are excused than One Night Stand ever really gets into. And with characters that are quite one-note and contextless, the film is unlikely also to leave much of a lasting impression. About the Film Critic Patrick Foley Digital / DVD Release, Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Post film review by UK film critic William Hemingway. Starring Cy Ebert, Vivienne Bound, Elena Winnan directed by Terry Winnan. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Post Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: William Hemingway | Posted on: Apr 20, 2025 Directed by: Terry Winnan Written by: Terry Winnan Starring: Cy Ebert, Vivienne Bound, Elena Winnan A grieving father faces the loss of his family whilst taking shelter from a nuclear war which has broken out across the world. Paul (Ebert) has managed to get himself to safety after the first nuclear bombs have dropped on the UK. Somewhere, up on a hillside, on the outskirts of town, Paul has taken himself to an old ‘post’ – a ROC (Royal Observer Corps) shelter which had been built during the Cold War to monitor radiation levels in the event of a nuclear fallout. As a bit of a ‘prepper’, Paul has bought and taken ownership of the shelter and has kitted it out with all the mod-cons of post-apocalyptic living. With plenty of canned goods, dried food, potable water, and electric dynamos hooked up to an exercise bike, Paul is in the best place to keep an eye on the world and the radiation levels, as he sits out the time waiting for the day that he will be able to resurface. Alongside Paul on this extended retreat is his family – wife, Suzy (Bound) and daughter, Maria (Winnan) – and even if they aren’t technically there, or alive, they still take up a lot of space inside that small underground bunker, as well as inside Paul’s mind. On the CB is John, another survivor who is hiding out in his own home with his own wife and children, and over the course of the film the two men build a tentative friendship based on a mutual understanding of needing to protect those they love. Inside the shelter, Paul’s new life is fairly well catered for, with him managing to eat, sleep, wash, and exercise all within the confined space of about fourteen feet by six feet. In contrast, John is finding it difficult to keep life going in the outside world, with resources scarce, radiation everywhere, and trouble brewing on the streets. There are outlaw gangs roaming around, looking for whatever they can get their hands on, and now the battle for survival is really hotting-up, as John must keep them away from his home and his family. Sadly, this means that most of the conflict and action in Post is actually happening elsewhere. While we hear about John’s difficulties and real crises over the citizens band radio, we sit with Paul in the bunker, in relative ease and safety, as he deals with the loss of his family over a year earlier. Of course, this inner conflict is integral to Paul’s story, and the idea of him using this time to finally come to terms with his loss and say ‘goodbye’ to his wife and daughter, is really what Post is about, however, it does mean that we as the viewer are limited to watching dull, slightly repetitive actions, in an enclosed space, while we hear about all the actual conflict happening out in the real world. Interestingly, writer/director, Terry Winnan also released another short film last year, named Prepared , which actually focused on the exact situations that we only hear about in Post . In the same scenario of a nuclear war, a man tries to keep his family safe while society crumbles around him, and without having seen this film, it seems as though this has a better focus for a post-apocalyptic thriller, staying where the action and the conflict actually takes place. However, for Post we stay inside the bunker and deal with the theme of loss from a more personal perspective, giving a more simplified and isolated point of view than we might otherwise have got elsewhere. The scenario of a nuclear war is obviously one which interests Winnan, having now made two movies on the subject, and his production company RVA Synergies Productions might just shed some light on why this is the case. Before creating his production house, Winnan ran the engineering arm of RVA Synergies, which developed and manufactured a special air filter product for use in safe rooms and emergency shelters. One of these air filters makes an appearance in Post , and while it may be far enough away from actual product placement, it’s easy to see where Winnan gets his ideas and his motivations from. The film itself is fairly well made, with decent lighting, photography, acting, and special effects where needed. The sound design is particularly good, with the CB conversations and radio messages sounding like they are actually in the room, and a nice little indie song thrown in for good measure. There’s some decent attempt at backstory, as we flashback to how Paul’s family died, and everything is edited well into the sequence of the twenty-two-minute runtime. Unfortunately for Post , all the action takes place elsewhere, and the revelation that Paul’s family are dead, just not by the nuclear holocaust, is one that doesn’t really resonate. Still, if you fancy a bit of a chamber piece with a good dollop of claustrophobia and inner turmoil mixed in, but just not for too long a time, Post will see you through until you’re able to resurface into the real world at the end of it. About the Film Critic William Hemingway Digital / DVD Release, Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

Homeless film review by UK film critic James Learoyd. Starring Rocco the Adorabull, Blakely David, Sam van Gogh, Evelyn Tran, Jimmy Burke directed by Rikhil Bahadur. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS Homeless Film Review average rating is 4 out of 5 Critic: James Learoyd | Posted on: Apr 19, 2025 Directed by: Rikhil Bahadur Written by: Rikhil Bahadur, Shachi Sharma Starring: Rocco the Adorabull, Blakely David, Sam van Gogh, Evelyn Tran, Jimmy Burke Centered around an adorable bulldog’s turbulent fate, Homeless is a tonally pleasant, smoothly directed feel-good film with an encouraging sentiment. We follow our pup-protagonist as he goes from one living situation to another – in this way, it’s a comparative piece of sorts. The first half sees him under the ownership of a couple who seemingly find the puppy too much to handle; the second sees him being cared for more thoughtfully by a homeless man who takes on the responsibility in a way the previous owners were not able to do. Allow us to first discuss the impeccable talent on display in the technical department... On a level of sound, cinematography and design, this movie feels as if it was constructed by a group of seasoned professionals – with each one of these elements complementing the other appropriately. Firstly, the photography is soft and lovely. It’s not doing anything bold or particularly unusual, because it doesn’t have to. Shot on anamorphic with a slick visual sensibility consisting of dolly usage, pleasantly balanced lighting, and a warm, vibrant grade – this is a decidedly handsome looking production. It’s wonderful to witness the artistry and see real attention being paid to each composition; but perhaps even more striking to one familiar with low-budget independent filmmaking is the terrific sound design elevating these images. A quaint, comforting sense can be found in the audio; a superb mix on perfectly captured on-location recording with cinematic folly and layering. You couldn't ask for too much more with regards to the formal quality. As a filmmaker myself who has worked on projects about dogs, I can tell you that a significant part of said project’s success is dependent on the camera operator’s willingness to veer into a kind of documentary style while maintaining the fictional world’s stylistic flourishes. Homeless manages this wonderfully. The camera is to shift and flow in time with the unpredictable movements of the animal; the first AC (the focus puller) also has their work cut out for them. Working in tandem with this, the director and editor must craft a story through attaining a range of facial expressions and then crafting them around other reaction shots. It’s a big achievement all round. Another big method of conveying story in the terms of the film’s challenging, enigmatic subject, is through music. This picture has an incredibly high-end Hollywood sounding score, arranged with outstanding musical ability – whether it was recorded in-house or otherwise. Combined with the pleasing home-design and warm subject-matter, it reminds one of Nancy Meyers’ best work (Meyers being a truly masterful director, just so there’s no ambiguity on the matter). The only problem comes when the film leans on the score a little too heavily, with whole sequences playing out over the loudly emotional sounds which make their intentions explicit when it comes to audience engagement. As nice as it is, maybe a little more restraint wouldn’t have gone amiss. But my main structural complaint with the film is that the dog – at least for the first five minutes – does not give the audience much reason to suggest it’s misbehaving at all, just doing regular dog things which his first owners respond to as outrageous. When we then get to the scene in which he rips the house apart, there’s some more validity to the story’s trajectory; however, the couple at the beginning could have benefited from some more grounded characterisation. Despite this shortcoming, audiences will be pleased by the piece and its genial feel. It’s quite the lovely film and a most easy watch for this critic. About the Film Critic James Learoyd Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >

N.I.L.ionaires film review by UK film critic Jason Knight. Starring Afolabi Oyeneyin, Emily Goodwin, Clinton Portis, Imani Vaughn-Jones directed by Clark Birchmeier. HOME | FILMS | REVIEWS N.I.L.ionaires Film Review average rating is 3 out of 5 Critic: Jason Knight | Posted on: Apr 18, 2025 Directed by: Clark Birchmeier Written by: Phillip Buchanon Starring: Afolabi Oyeneyin, Emily Goodwin, Clinton Portis, Imani Vaughn-Jones A short drama written by Phillip Buchanon, directed by Clark Birchmeier and starring Afolabi Oyeneyin, Emily Goodwin, Clinton Portis and Imani Vaughn-Jones. In the United States, a new programme enables university athletes to get payed handsomely. That programme is the NIL (Name, Image and Likeness) and quarterback sensation Ace (Oyeneyin) is being offered the opportunity to join. Meanwhile, Taylor (Goodwin), another sports star, gets involved in the programme and transfers from a university in Louisiana to Hollywood University in Florida, where Ace is. As the two of them cross paths, Ace must consider his future. The impressive production value of this short is to be acknowledged. Viewing this short gives the impression that a great deal of creativity was put into it, along with significant efforts to make it a project of high standards. Firstly, the cinematography by Paul Krumper looks terrific and there are some outstanding aerial shots. Also, the addition of news reports and interesting music add extra value. The story is decent enough and Oyeneyin makes a likeable protagonist. As good as the above aspects are, the ending does not match them. The film's end feels anticlimactic and abrupt and generally incomplete. A more conclusive final would probably had benefited this short. Played convincingly by Oyeneyin, Ace is a professional athlete who finds himself in a situation where he is unsure what the next step is, what would be the best choice and he is worried. His confident associate, CP (Portis), tries to convince him that all will be well and so does Melissa (Vaughn-Jones), who works for NIL. Unlike Ace, Taylor is cheerful and confident about the programme's prospects. The plot focuses on being in a life-changing phase, coming across new opportunities and facing difficult decisions. It explores the world of professional athletes, future prospects, self-esteem and choosing wisely. A well-made short with a story about sports and decision-making. The ending may not be very rewarding, nevertheless, this is an intriguing and thoughtful viewing. About the Film Critic Jason Knight Short Film < All Reviews Next Film Review >