2023 Film Reviews

How to Have Sex (2023) Review - Molly Manning Walker's 'How to Have Sex' (2023), winner of the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes, is a film about sex and consent thankfully absent of the male gaze. Review by Gala Woolley.
Wingwomen (2023) Review - Mélanie Laurent directs and stars in 'Wingwomen' (2023), a Netflix Original buddy actioner reminiscent of 'Ocean's Eleven' and 'Lethal Weapon'. Review by Rob Jones.
Bottoms (2023) Review - Emma Seligman's 'Bottoms' (2023) is a hilariously violent teen sex comedy co-written by co-star Rachel Sennott. This is a memorable satire that packs a punch. Review by Margaret Roarty.
Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023) Review - The long-awaited film adaptation of 'Five Nights at Freddy's' (2023), starring Josh Hutcherson in a haunted family fun restaurant, proves fan service can only get you so far. Review by Margaret Roarty.

Hit Man (2023) Review - Glen Powell stars and co-writes 'Hit Man' (2023), from 'Dazed and Confused' director Richard Linklater, "one of the most fun and original movies in years". Review by Leoni Horton.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (2023) Review - 'Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour' set box office records, and it is a theater-worthy experience. Swift uses the film to construct her artistic image and narrative. Review by Jacob Davis.
Priscilla (2023) Review - Priscilla Presley memoir "Elvis and Me" fits effortlessly into director Sofia Coppola's cinematic canon. Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi star. Review by Leoni Horton.
Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) Review - 'The Killers of the Flower Moon' is nothing short of a masterpiece from our greatest living filmmaker, Martin Scorsese. Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone star. Review by Leoni Horton.
The Bikeriders (2023) Review - Jeff Nichols biker movie 'The Bikeriders' (2023), starring Tom Hardy, Austin Butler and Jodie Comer, wears its influences on its sleeve but tells a recognisable story with a fresh approach.
The Exorcist: Believer (2023) Review - 'The Exorcist: Believer', from 'Halloween' director David Gordon Green, seems to apply the 'twice as many kids, twice as scary' logic to 'The Exorcist', much to its detriment. Review by Kieran Judge.
Haunted Mansion (2023): Review - Disney's 'Haunted Mansion' (2023), starring LaKeith Stanfield at the head of an ensemble cast, is on Disney Plus. It's hard to imagine it becoming a family favourite. Review by Martha Lane.
The Old Oak (2023) Review - 'The Old Oak' (2023), the Palme d'Or-nominated "final film" of renowned director Ken Loach's career, speaks truth to power. Ignore the naysayers. Review by Joseph Wade.
The Creator (2023) Review - Behold Gareth Edwards' 'The Creator' (2023), a mid-budget sci-fi starring John David Washington that is a good time at the movies. Review by Mark Carnochan.
Saw X (2023) Review - The 10th instalment in the 'Saw' franchise, 'Saw X' (2023), won't convert those uninterested in Jigsaw, but it will be particularly pleasing to returning fans. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Dumb Money (2023) Review - Craig Gillespie presents a thoughtful take the real-life story of how GameStop stock upended Wall Street in 'Dumb Money', starring Paul Dano. Review by Rob Jones.
Love at First Sight (2023) Review - On the shoulders of its two stars Haley Lu Richardson and Ben Hardy, Netflix Original rom-com 'Love at First Sight' is great for a cosy movie night. Review by Rehana Nurmahi.
Elevator Game (2023) Review - 'Elevator Game' (2023), the elevator horror film from Rebekah McKendry, is 'Cube' meets 'Candyman', but an insult to both. Review by Kieran Judge.
Bolan’s Shoes (2023) Review - Timothy Spall and Leanne Best star in 'Bolan's Shoes', a film that may disappoint you if a Marc Bolan T Rex film is what you're expecting. Review by John McDonald.
El Conde (2023) Review - Pablo Larraín, the director behind 'No' (2012), 'Jackie' (2016) and 'Spencer' (2021), directs a historical satire imagining Chilean Dictator Augusto Pinochet as a vampire. Review by Martha Lane.
A Haunting in Venice (2023) Review - The third film in Kenneth Branagh's Poirot series takes a huge step away from Agatha Christie's source material for this horror film lacking the novel's magic. Review by Kieran Judge.
Scrapper (2023) Review - Charlotte Regan's debut feature 'Scrapper' (2023), starring Lola Campbell and Harris Dickinson, is a worthwhile take on a story that isn't often told. Review by Rob Jones.
Cobweb (2023) Review - Samuel Bodin horror 'Cobweb' (2023) is a daring push at formula, a film ever-so-close to being one of cinema's surprises of the year. Stars Lizzy Caplan. Review by Kieran Judge.
Fremont (2023) EIFF Review - Babak Jalali's 'Fremont' (2023), about an Afghan woman living in the United States, won't be a film for everyone but has a charm that is difficult to resist. Review by Mark Carnochan.
Kill (2023) EIFF Review - Adapted from a short film, Rodger Griffiths' feature directorial debut 'Kill' (2023) leaves you with thoughts of what could have been. Review by Mark Carnochan.
You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah (2023) Review - Adam Sandler and family come together to make 'You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah', a heartwarming Netflix Original comedy about coming of age. Review by Emi Grant.
Femme (2023) EIFF Review - 'Femme' (2023), from debut feature directors Sam H Freeman and Ng Choon Ping, starring Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and George Mackay is a tightly packed punch of a film. Review by Mark Carnochan.
Past Lives (2023) Review - Celine Song offers one of the greatest debut features of all time in 'Past Lives' (2023), an achingly beautiful film starring Greta Lee. Review by Mark Carnochan.
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde (2023) EIFF Review - Hope Dickson Leach fails to find consistent standards and a fresh take on Jekyll and Hyde in 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'. Review by Mark Carnochan.
Passages (2023) EIFF Review - Ira Sachs' sex-fused relationship drama 'Passages' (2023), starring Franz Rogowski, Ben Whishaw and Adèle Exarchopoulos, ultimately fails to arouse. Review by Mark Carnochan.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023) Review - 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem' is a love letter to the Ninja Turtles of the past, while creating something new and completely captivating. Review by Martha Lane.
Meg 2: The Trench (2023) Review - 'Meg 2: The Trench', from cult British director Ben Wheatley, ticks a lot of shark lore boxes and knows exactly what sort of film it is. Stars Jason Statham. Review by Martha Lane.
Sharksploitation (2023) Review - 'Sharksploitation', the shark film Shudder documentary, is a celebration of cinema that highlights real world issues and will give you plenty of films for your watchlists. Review by Kieran Judge.
Talk to Me (2022) Review - Danny and Michael Philippou of popular YouTube channel RackaRacka have captured the zeitgeist of Gen Z in their supernatural horror 'Talk to Me' starring Sophie Wilde. Review by Mark Carnochan.
They Cloned Tyrone (2023) Review - Netflix Original 'They Cloned Tyrone', starring John Boyega, Teyonah Parris and Jamie Foxx, is enjoyable, funny and entertaining. Review by Martha Lane.
Barbie (2023) Review - It's easy to fall in love with 'Barbie' (2023) starring Margot Robbie because director Greta Gerwig speaks a universal truth about growing up and so much more. Review by Margaret Roarty.
Oppenheimer (2023) Review - 'Oppenheimer' (2023) offers a depth of undertaking incomparable in the contemporary space, Christopher Nolan presenting an imperfect but important film. Review by Joseph Wade.
Theater Camp (2023) Review - Molly Gordon and Nick Lieberman comedy Theater Camp (2023) is a funny and poignant film about the inner workings of theater nerds. Review by Emi Grant.
Quicksand (2023) Review - 'Quicksand', the 2023 Shudder horror film set in the rainforest of Colombia, has a few rare and fleeting moments but is absent of creativity or enjoyment. Review by Kieran Judge.
The Out-Laws (2023) Review - Adam DeVine and Pierce Brosnan star in the latest Happy Madison Productions film for Netflix, 'The Out-Laws' (2023), a forgettable low-stakes comedy. Review by Rob Jones.
Insidious: The Red Door (2023) Review - Patrick Wilson takes a huge step behind the camera as he directs 'Insidious: The Red Door' (2023), a horror film full of anxiety, apprehension and fear. Review by Jacob Davis.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) Review - The 7th 'Mission: Impossible' film, 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One' (2023) proves that Tom Cruise was right to champion the theatrical experience. Review by Joseph Wade.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) Review - Some will say that Indiana Jones belongs in the past. That he's too old. That the ideas are overplayed. 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny' (2023) proves those people wrong. Review by Joseph Wade.
Asteroid City (2023) Review - Director Wes Anderson may have been mimicked on TikTok a lot recently, but his latest film 'Asteroid City' is all the proof you need of his genius. Review by Margaret Roarty.
No Hard Feelings (2023) Review - Jennifer Lawrence is the key to the good-natured albeit raunchy 2023 comedy 'No Hard Feelings', from 'Good Boys' director Gene Stupnitsky. Review by John McDonald.
Extraction 2 (2023) Review - Compared to other Netflix Original films, 'Extraction 2' (2023) starring Chris Hemsworth, is a gem. The kind of spectacle Netflix should shoot for. Review by Jacob Davis.
Elemental (2023) Review - Though not one of Pixar's best films in their beloved canon, Elemental is a heartwarming rom-com with masterful animations that is worth a watch this summer. Review by Emily Nighman.
The Flash (2023) Review - DCEU entry 'The Flash' (2023), from Andy Muschietti and starring Ezra Miller and Michael Keaton, is a touching story about loss with adrenaline-fueled highs. Review by Rob Jones.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023) Review - The 'Transformers' franchise returns with 'Rise of the Beasts' (2023), an ensemble blockbuster headed by Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback, that offers little to enjoy. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Sisu (2022) Review - Jalmari Helander tells a bloody tale for the sake of a bloody tale in the visually arresting Finnish action-western 'Sisu' (2023) starring Jorma Tommila. Review by Kieran Judge.
The Boogeyman (2023) Review - Rob Savage's 'The Boogeyman', an adaptation of Stephen King's short story, slots right into the established zeitgeist but makes no attempts to shake up a well-worn path. Review by Kieran Judge.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) Review - Sony Pictures Animation are rewriting the rule book in 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' (2023), a ginormous swing at something special. Spider-Man doesn't get better than this.
The Little Mermaid (2023) Review - Halle Bailey's vocal performance is the only highlight of a pale imitation of a much better movie. Disney and Rob Marshall's 'The Little Mermaid' (2023) review by Margaret Roarty.
Fast X (2023) Review - 'Fast X' (2023) is the first film to live up to the legacy created by 'Fast Five' and 'Furious 7'. Jason Momoa offers franchise's best performance. Review by Jacob Davis.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) Review - James Gunn brings the Guardians of the Galaxy's journey to an immensely satisfying and appropriately epic conclusion. Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper star. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Peter Pan and Wendy (2023) Review - Singular director David Lowery turns his hand to the story of Peter Pan in new Disney Plus live-action fantasy film 'Peter Pan and Wendy' (2023), starring Jude Law. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Evil Dead Rise (2023) Review - 'Evil Dead Rise' (2023) has risen from a possible grave, and it is well and truly groovy. Lee Cronin's new 'Evil Dead' take is efficient and gory. Review by Kieran Judge.
Missing (2023) Review - 'Missing' attempts to boost the 'Screenlife' trend in the thriller genre, but ultimately peaks too early and outgrows its formula. Review by Rob Jones.
Air (2023) Review - Air Jordan Nike film 'Air' (2023), Ben Affleck's first directorial feature in more than six years, is a light, well-paced film that subverts traditional boardroom dramas. Review by Grace Laidler.
Assassin Club (2023) Review - Henry Golding, Noomi Rapace and Sam Neill lead Camille Delamarre's 'Assassin Club' (2023), an insult to brainpower that is impossible to care about. Review by Kieran Judge.
The Pope’s Exorcist (2023) Review - Russell Crowe carries 'The Pope's Exorcist' as an enigmatic high-ranking exorcist professional in this otherwise standard exorcism flick. Review by Emi Grant.
Renfield (2023) Review - "Come for campy Count Cage, stay for Nicholas Hoult" in Chris McKay's colourful genre horror-comedy 'Renfield' filled with claret-soaked action. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) Review - Nintendo return to the big screen for the first time in thirty years with 'Super Mario Bros. Movie' (2023), an Illumination release that looks fantastic and stars Chris Pratt. Review by Rob Jones.
Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves (2023) Review - 'Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves' (2023) is "one of the best times you’re likely to have at the cinema this year". Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) Review - Keanu Reeves returns to take on an all-star cast of villains in 'John Wick: Chapter 4', a film better than 90% of action movies being pumped out today. Review by Kieran Judge.
Pearl (2022) Review - Mia Goth carries 'X' prequel 'Pearl' (2022) on her back, her eyes wild and performance perfectly balanced. Ti West's sequel is better than the first. Review by Margaret Roarty.
I Like Movies (2022) Review - Filmmaker Chandler Levack cleverly takes the familiar coming-of-age formula and creates a fresh, enjoyable film. Stars Isaiah Lehtinen, Romina D'Ugo. Review by Mark Carnochan.
War Pony (2023) Review - Riley Keough and Gina Gammell direct a slow rumination on the aimless lives of two Native Americans in their Cannes and GFF entry 'War Pony'. Review by Mark Carnochan.
Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023) Review - Idris Elba returns as Luther in BBC and Netflix feature film 'Luther: The Fallen Sun'. Co-starring Cynthia Erivo and Andy Serkis. It's fun for fans new and old. Review by Kieran Judge.
Polite Society (2023) GFF Review - "Truly, a star has been born in Priya Kansara" in Nida Manzoor's unique British coming-of-age film 'Polite Society', a film with all the makings of a smash hit. Review by Mark Carnochan.
Scream VI (2023) Review - 'Scream VI', the latest instalment in the 'Scream' franchise, is one hell of a cinematic horror ride, though it lacks the new direction it promised. Review by Kieran Judge.
God’s Creatures (2022) GFF Review - Emily Watson and Paul Mescal lead 'God's Creatures', the latest high quality film to come from Ireland. "Rich with subtext and brilliant performances." Review by Mark Carnochan.
Girl (2023) GFF Review - 'Girl', the debut feature from Adura Onashile and 2023 Glasgow Film Festival opening night gala, features a charming performance from Le'Shantey Bonsu but is generally disappointing. Review by Mark Carnochan.
Call Me Chihiro (2023) Review - Rikiya Imaizumi's Netflix Original 'Call Me Chihiro' (2023), is a quiet look at a lonely life that lacks the warmth and satisfaction you may expect. Review by Martha Lane.
Cocaine Bear (2023) Review - 'Cocaine Bear', from director Elizabeth Banks, isn't mesmerizing cinema, but it was never expected to be; it is amusing and well made. Review by Jacob Davis.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (2022) Review - Dean Fleischer Camp and Jenny Slate enchant with their lovable stop-motion animation 'Marcel the Shell with Shoes On', one of the most human experiences of recent times. Review by John McDonald.
Joyland (2022) Review - Controversial Pakistan film 'Joyland', from debut writer-director Saim Sadiq, starring Ali Junejo and Alina Khan, will leave you with a new perspective on life. Review by Rob Jones.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) Review - Marvel Studios' 2023 'Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania' shows some imaginative flourishes, Jonathan Majors proving himself a charismatic villain. Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson.
Women Talking (2022) Review - Sarah Polley's Oscar-nominated 'Women Talking' (2022) starring Rooney Mara, Claire Foy and Jessie Buckley, is an empathetic conversation about sexual assault and community. Review by Emi Grant.
Knock at the Cabin (2023) Review - M Night Shyamalan asks apocalypse-sized questions in his newest campy and philosophical film Knock at the Cabin (2022) starring Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff. Review by Emi Grant.
The Whale (2022) Review - Darren Aronofsky adapts Samuel D. Hunter's stage play in an attempt to speak to the truths in each of us, Brendan Fraser a charismatic and empathetic lead. Review by Katie Doyle.
Infinity Pool (2023) Review - Brandon Cronenberg film 'Infinity Pool' (2023) is bolstered by strong performances from Alexander Skarsgård and Mia Goth. It will surprise and disturb you. Review by Emi Grant.
The Fabelmans (2022) Review - Steven Spielberg declares through rose-tinted spectacles and Americana-drenched nostalgia that art matters in his semi-autobiographical 2022 film 'The Fabelmans'. Review by Joseph Wade.
Babylon (2022) Review - Babylon (2022), the latest from La La Land's Damien Chazelle, is a reflective piece on cinema's celebrated silent era and the myth of Hollywood's studio system. Review by Joseph Wade.
Tár (2022) Review - There is a European sensibility to Todd Field's mature and considered take on cancel culture, Tár (2022), featuring a spectacular performance from Cate Blanchett. Review by Joseph Wade.
Empire of Light (2022) Review - Sam Mendes' follows up his award winning '1917' with the oblique and tripe 'Empire of Light' (2022/23) starring Olivia Colman, a film that isn't really for anyone. Review by Joseph Wade.
Enys Men (2022) Review - Mark Jenkin follows his critically acclaimed feature debut 'Bait' with new colour horror film 'Enys Men' (2022), an example of his filmmaking prowess. Review by Mark Carnochan.
M3GAN (2023) Review - Aleka Cooper and James Wan follow 2021's horror hit 'Malignant' with 'M3GAN', the latest Frankenstein-esque tale of technology gone bad. Allison Williams stars. Review by Kieran Judge.