It's a rarity, but a trio of films were all released last Friday that I couldn't wait to see. I've managed two of them this week, and both are outstanding.
The Critic is set in 1930s London, boasting a stellar cast including Academy Award Nominee Sir Ian McKellan, Gemma Arterton, Mark Strong and the superb Lesley Manville (who I adored in Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris in 2022). Everyone is a critic these days on social media, but back then, the poison pen of the Chronicle's correspondent was much feared by those who appeared on the West End stage.
I really enjoyed the script, which is full of quotable lines, and the scenes depicting homophobic and racist attitudes on the streets of London draw a few chilling parallels with the ugly scenes seen recently during the far right riots of 2024. McKellan is perfect for the role of Jimmy Erskine, as he fights to retain his position on the paper with an audacious blackmail plan involving an aspriing actress who craves his praise in print.
Ian McKellan is a subtle, clever actor who delivers sardonic putdowns really well, and although I gather the ending was reshot following feedback from test screenings, I thought it wrapped the tale up pretty neatly by the closing frame. The plot does get a bit far-fetched, but if you go along with it, like any great theatre production, it will definitely keep you enthralled. There have been a fair few negative reviews, but for me it's one of my favourite films of the year so far.
Meanwhile, I can also recommend Speak No Evil. If you remember 2017's Split, you'll know James McAvoy plays unhinged characters with terrific aplomb, and he definitely doesn't let us down here. Two families meet on a paradise holiday in Italy, and agree to spend the weekend together in Devon, at the home of Paddy and Ciara. It seems like paradise at first, but American couple Louise and Ben soon start to see the cracks, including in their own marriage.
This is full on psychological horror, and a remake of a 2022 film, which I must watch at some point, as I gather the original is even more grisly! You'll certainly never hear the Bangles' Eternal Flame in the same way again, and I loved the fact it builds slowly. Mackenzie Davis as Louise is a standout, and this film whips up awkward tension better than any I've seen in a long time. I'll try & watch the original to review before next week, and report back on how it differs, but I'd highly recommend seeing Speak No Evil on the big screen if you like an edge-of-your-seat, twisty popcorn thriller full of interesting characters, resentment and blood spattered action.
Next week, I'll be reviewing Lee, which was also released last weekend, and stars one of my favourites, Kate Winslet. I've also got a mystery horror screening at Cineworld next Monday night, and the verdict on Demi Moore's new one The Substance.
