Selection of the week

You are not my maternal figure.

Kate Dolan’s impressive first film delves into the topic of mental illness using elements from the horror genre, particularly drawing from Celtic mythology. The protagonist, Char, portrayed by Hazel Doupe, is a lonely and bullied teenager whose mother, Angela (performed brilliantly by Carolyn Bracken), seems to suffer from manic depression. As Halloween approaches, Angela’s actions become increasingly erratic and dangerous, leaving Char to question whether the cause is psychological or, as her pagan grandmother believes, influenced by the supernatural. Dolan, among a talented group of emerging Irish horror filmmakers, effectively maintains the mystery surrounding the family’s struggles.

On Saturday, December 2nd at 11:40 PM, the movie “Film4” will be airing.

Fargo

Although its popularity may have declined after five seasons, the 1996 dark comedy directed by Joel and Ethan Coen remains as sharp as the harsh winter weather in its setting of Minnesota. Jerry, a deceitful car salesman played by William H Macy, enlists the help of two amateur criminals – the talkative Carl (Steve Buscemi) and the quiet Gaear (Peter Stormare) – to abduct his wife for a ransom from his wealthy father-in-law. Frances McDormand shines as the down-to-earth yet determined sheriff Marge, who pursues them as their plan hilariously and violently unravels. Oh my goodness!

On Saturday, December 2nd at 9pm, tune in to Great! Movies.

Jackie Brown

The least extravagant of Quentin Tarantino’s movies, this 1997 crime caper sidelines his usual stylistic trickery for the equally satisfying scams and double-crosses of Elmore Leonard’s source novel. There’s also more heart than he typically manages, with revitalised stars of yesteryear Pam Grier and Robert Forster adding pathos and experience to their portrayals. She’s a flight attendant caught by the Feds illegally carrying cash for Samuel L Jackson’s arms dealer; he’s the bail bondsman drawn into helping her escape her predicament.

On Saturday, December 2nd at 9:40pm, Dave.

Bagdad Cafe

Percy Adlon, a German director, shares a similar interest in America as his fellow countryman Wim Wenders. In this film, Adlon places the character Jasmin, played by Marianne Sägebrecht, in the American desert and allows her to interact with the various individuals at a dilapidated roadside cafe and motel. The character Brenda, played by CCH Pounder, is the stressed owner of the establishment and goes from being suspicious of Jasmin to developing a newfound admiration for her. Both women have been left by their unfaithful husbands and Jasmin’s lively presence brings a much-needed energy to Brenda’s life.
Sunday 3 December, 10.35pm, Talking Pictures TV

Shaun of the Dead

ith the release of Hot Fuzz and The World’s End, you now have the opportunity to watch all three films in the Cornetto Trilogy. The first installment, directed by Edgar Wright and starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, is considered the best. This zombie parody takes place in suburban London and builds upon the movie-loving theme seen in their TV show Spaced. When their mundane lives are interrupted by a zombie invasion, friends Shaun (Pegg) and Ed (Frost) discover hidden strengths. As expected, their journey leads them to the local pub.

On Tuesday, December 5th at 6:05pm, tune in to Sky Cinema Greats.

Just Mercy

The movie “Just Mercy,” directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, brings to light the deep-rooted racial inequalities within the US justice system. It follows the story of Bryan Stevenson, a Harvard-educated lawyer, as he fights to overturn the wrongful conviction and death sentence of Walter McMillian, a Black man falsely accused of murdering a white girl in Alabama. Michael B Jordan delivers a powerful performance as Stevenson, whose moral compass is put to the test during this challenging case. The film highlights the impact of police intimidation, false witness testimonies, and systemic racism on the pursuit of justice, ultimately making a strong argument against the use of capital punishment.

On Tuesday, December 5th at 9:30 PM, BBC Three will be broadcasting.

The Wicker Man

Fifty years ago this month, Robin Hardy’s soon-to-be-cult movie was released as the B-picture on a double bill with Don’t Look Now. It has taken decades for it to be recognised as the equal of Nicolas Roeg’s masterpiece, but there’s no doubt now of its status as the pinnacle of British folk horror. It’s a chilling, sensual clash between Christian and pagan values on a Hebridean island, personified in Edward Woodward’s policeman – there to investigate a young girl’s disappearance – and Christopher Lee’s lord of the isle, where daylight offers no respite from the darkness. SW

On Tuesday, December 5th at 10pm, tune in to BBC Four.

Source: theguardian.com