Film Reviews by CM

The film is a complex character study where the audience is left to construct their own view of Lydia Tar. Nothing is presented with a fanfare or a flourish and the audience must decide what is important and revealing and what is just a passing moment. A bit like real life in fact. It won't be to everyone's taste but if you liked the fine-drawn detective work it takes to watching things like The Draughtsman's Contract (Peter Greenaway, 1982), Ida (Pawel Pawlikowski, 2013), or Evolution (Lucile Hadžihalilovic, 2015), or anything at all by director Joanna Hogg, this film will not disappoint. It's worth the time and attention.

Written and directed by Hugo Blick, this series pays homage to the western genre of the past in all its technicolour and cinematic glory, whilst at the same time updating the narrative to place a woman and a native american scout at its centre.

The plot is weaving and complex, told in a series of loops rather than in linear progression and never quite jumps the way you expect. The relationship and chemistry between the two leads (Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer) is engrossing and emotional. The film making is stunning, with enormous attention to detail, for the costumes in particular, that really pays off in sumptuous visuals. If you like the slightly over the top emotional tone (I would say 'operatic') of Spaghetti Western classics like Once Upon a Time in the West (Sergio Leone, 1968), coupled with big visuals and a soaring score, this six part series will definitely reward.

A very clever, labyrinth of a film, which takes you back and forth on what you think is happening.  If you like jump scares and a linear narratives this film isn't for you.  If you like more of a head trip, then it definitely is!  I had no idea where it would go next and I loved it.  One of those films where images keep popping back into your head.  Thoughtful, twisted and creepy.