At some point in the last few decades, we found the concept of the B-movie losing a lot of meaning, undoubtedly the result of filmmakers become far more self-aware, and the rise of the “so bad, it’s good” approach to genres that were often considered to be nothing more than filler, done to capitalise on…
The Killing of Sister George (1968)
One of the most important moments in the history of Hollywood was when Robert Aldrich, the gifted journeyman director behind some of the most successful films the industry ever produced, decided to step aside from making blockbusters and instead opted to make a trio of films that are starkly different in terms of story and…
Materialists (2025)
At some point in our youth, we encounter the dreadfully trite adage “there is someone for everyone” – it’s often used to comfort someone who feels lonely and has struggled to see any romantic spark in their humdrum life. For about as long as we’ve been sentient and developed the desire for relationships (whether in…
Rope of Sand (1949)
We all appreciate a solidly made, well-constructed adventure film. Hollywood was well-aware of this fact, with the classical era being filled to the brim with stories that take place in the furthest corners of the world (the more exotic, the better), and focus on valiant heroes that overcome every obstacle without acquiring so much as…
The Life of Chuck (2025)
When all is said and done, it is going to be fascinating to see where Mike Flanagan’s career leads. He has already made quite a name for himself, both through his prolific body of work that has allowed him to find a home in both cinema and television, and his very peculiar approach to different…
Straight Up (2019)
There comes a time in everyone’s life when they suddenly realise who they are supposed to be – or at least that’s the myth that we have been sold for decades. The belief that within us lurks our true identity patiently waiting to emerge is nothing more than a fallacy, since we’ve often found that…
It Won’t Stay Dead: The Secrets of Frankenstein (Guest Column)
Andre Ferreira is a mechanical engineer by day and a film buff by night. He claims to be moderately competent in both. The following is his spectacular tribute to Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein, a superb piece of writing that I am very proud to share. What is scary? Can a film approaching it’s 100th…
Magic Farm (2025)
Every artist finds themselves in pursuit of something elusive – whether a particular project or to attain a specific status within their field, there’s a sense of urgency that comes with any artistic endeavour. The desire for fame is one of the most destructive and can often lead to unintentional challenges, from which recovery can…
Bloody Mama (1970)
For nearly a century, we have been enraptured by the story of “Ma” Kate Barker – and whether we hear of her story through detailed accounts of her criminal career, or through the song by Boney M that immortalised her within the culture, she has become a figure of American folklore, a fascinating individual whose…
The Assessment (2025)
For a species that has often expressed our fear of the end of the world, we do tend to have a fondness for dystopian stories. There’s something about works of speculative fiction that take place in the future in which we are presented with alternative realities that often capture our attention, even when we may…
The Postmodern Pelican 