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Testament of Youth

What’s it about?
An adaptation of the World War One memoir of Vera Brittain (Alicia Vikander), an Oxford student whose life is thrown into disarray upon the enlistment of her fiance Roland Leighton (Kit Harrington) and brother Edward (Taron Egerton).

What did we think?
Dominic Barlow says: The Theory of Everything might have gobbled up Oscar nominations earlier this year, but this is easily the superior historical British romance. It uses a tender love story to portray the personal damage done by a dark time in human history. With a fine cast and finer visuals, it’s a devastating, moving and inspiring piece of work.

It Follows

What’s it about?
A college student (Maika Monroe) is pursued by a murderous shape-shifter after having sex, and works with her friends to stop it.

What did we think?
Dominic Barlow says: This movie comes from the US with a lot of hype, and lives up to it. With gorgeous cinematography and an evocative electronic score, director David Robert Mitchell has created both a stylish monster thriller and a wide-awake nightmare of sexual anxieties. It‘s tense, surreal and an early contender for the best film of the year.

The Duff

What’s it about?
In this latest high school comedy, Mae Whitman plays Bianca, a perfectly happy girl whose sense of self is turned upside down when her neighbour and high school jock Wesley (Robbie Amell) tells her she is the DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) of her group.

What did we think?
Francesca Percy says: Homecoming dance! John Hughes references! Makeover montage! This entertaining story is nothing if not self aware, but it falls short of being teen classic material, due to the not-quite fully-formed characters (Bianca excepted). That’s not to say it doesn’t have enough going for it to make it worth your time. There are enough laughs, and Mae Whitman is fantastic as Bianca – it was great to see the character flourish and strengthen her feelings of confidence and self-worth while still staying true to herself.

 

’71

What’s it about?
British soldier Gary Hook (Jack O’Connell) is separated from his unit during a Belfast riot.  Unarmed and injured in hostile territory, he’s got to survive the night – but who can he trust?

What did we think?
Amy Currie says:  Director Yann Demange’s depiction of Northern Ireland at the height of the ‘Troubles’ is bleak, ugly and very, very well done.  There’s certainly plenty of action, but it’s thoughtful and unglamorous.  There are no goodies or baddies – just people trying to make sense of a sad and terrible mess.  You won’t exactly have fun watching this, but you’ll be glad you saw it.

Dior and I

What’s it about?
A beautiful behind the scenes fashion journey following Raf Simons as he creates his first collection as creative director of one of the most prestigious haute couture houses in the world, Christian Dior.

What did we think?
Cindy Nelson says: This story is as beautiful in subject as it is told. Much like the dreamy dresses you see being hand sewn by the masters at the height of their profession, director Frederic Tcheng has woven the history of Christian and the freshly anointed prince Raf Simons’ technique as a designer, vision and aesthetic seamlessly. Despite being acutely aware of the awe inspiring final runway presentation that was the finale and climax to the film, I was still overwhelmed by the “oohs”, “ahhs” and simply lost count of the number of “wows” that audibly filled the cinema throughout the screening. Dior and I is one of the best fashion documentaries of all time. And be warned – a simple bouquet of flowers will never be enough ever again. Sublime.

Shaun the Sheep

What’s it about?
When Shaun’s mischief inadvertently leads to the Farmer being taken away from the farm, Shaun, Bitzer and the flock have to go into the big city to rescue him, setting the stage for an epic adventure.

What did we think?
Anthony Sherratt says:  A delightful movie that proves quality storytelling doesn’t even need dialogue to charm the heart. Amazing characterisation and a surprisingly emotional storyline will leave everyone from toddler to imaginative adults with plucked heartstrings. Even if you aren’t familiar with Shaun and his pals you’ll still find something in this heartfelt comedy.

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