Less of a fight and more of a film ranking from my least favourite all the way down to my favourite watch. Anyway, there are some great independent films to look out for when they make their way over to the UK.
– The Meltdown
There’s a secret in the snow.
With her parents far across the world, 9-year-old Ines roams free in a Chilean ski resort run by her grandma. When she makes friends with a visiting skier who mysteriously disappears, Ines starts to learn the lengths her family is willing to go to save face and keep reputations in check.
– All of a Sudden
One chance encounter changes the lives of many.
Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s epic drama follows the increasingly pressurised world of Marie-Lou after she introduces a radical method of palliative care into her establishment, receiving criticism from members of staff as she grows more exasperated and hopeless. After a chance meeting with a theatre director, however, her world view begins to broaden as both women learn life lessons from one another.
– The Dreamed Adventure
Reunions are never easy.
After an encounter with former friend Said, Veska is slowly drawn into his criminal sphere. Featuring a standout performance from Yana Radeva and majestic choreography courtesy of Bernhard Keller. Tense and uneasy from the off, the Turkish landscapes become an ominous character of their own.
– Woman Unknown
The past never leaves.
In post-war paranoid Denmark, Marie tries to adapt to a new life with higher class expectations. After running into an old face and becoming increasingly disassociated with the daily horrors taking place on the streets, she yearns to escape the shackles of her new place in the world.
– Too Many Beasts
An urban farce with a prickly snout.
Plenty of snouts, as it happens. When the town of Sérieux becomes infested with an onslaught of porcine visitors, the warring community of farmers and hunters want the mysteriously increasing population gone. After one of the residents takes extreme measures to remove the creatures, the police are forced to intervene, discovering a deeper conspiracy beneath the surface, albeit through various drug-fuelled hallucinations. Sarah Arnold‘s absurdist comedy debut doesn’t quite hit all the right notes and the character motivations are different degrees of hogwash, but if you’re willing to suspend disbelief, then you’ll have a decent trip.
– Ivan & Hadoum
Love is a full-time job.
One the eve of life affirming surgery, Ivan, a trans man, is conflicted by his work and relationships after meeting factory worker Hadoum. Set in Southern Spain, Ian de la Rosa’s debut is a quiet and thoughtful rumination on the pitfalls of love and the journey to accept and fight for identity.
– Inherit
Grandma’s not looking like herself today.
When an elderly relative comes to stay at the house of her wealthy family, something doesn’t seem right. Besides the fact that the 80-year-old looks like a young woman, she also takes an unhealthy interest in the family’s youngest member, Oui. Hereditary with a Thai Twist.
– In The Shadows
Get the hook in.
The real-life inspirational story of East End boxer Ramla Ali is brought to the screen, punching through sterile sport biopic stereotypes with the help of director Anthony Wonke, whose award-winning documentary credentials shine through alongside a spirited performance from Ursula Rani Sama.
– A Bit of Light
The tunnel isn’t all dark.
After his practice is shut down by military forces, an Iran doctor despairs, deciding to take drastic measures to end his torment. Before doing so, he chooses to inform family and colleagues, learning along the way that a world without him would leave those he cares about in far worse conditions.
– In a Whisper
Some things aren’t spoken about.
Coming home to attend her uncle’s funeral, Lilia discovers unsettling truths and is forced to come to terms with own situation as she navigates fracturing family relationships. Soft piano and moody saxophones accompany the many silences that punctuate Leyla Bouzid’s heartfelt drama.
– The Match
Two nations. One hand.
The notorious 1986 World Cup final has graced the big screen multiple times, notably in FIFA’s Hero and Asif Kapadia’s masterful Maradona. Directors Juan Cabral and Santiago Franco provide fresh material here, however, with key talking heads having their say, and the political upheaval of the Maldives and the Falklands adds critical political history to the ongoing enmity between England and Argentina.
– Black Church Bay
There’s darkness in the sea.
A closeted man decides to go on a sailing trip with his sixth form student in a quiet Welsh coastal town. After the student disappears, the town begins to tear itself apart in its search for evidence. A thrilling watch with shades of The Talented Mr Ripley and Broadchurch, this is one you don’t want to miss.
The Idiot(s)
19th century Germany. Supposedly.
Beyond the decision to have all its players speak in plain English, it’s clear from the start that Malgorzata Szumowska and Michal Englert anarchic biopic isn’t in the world it purports to be. This fact’s signalled with a rendition of Aha’s ‘Take Me’, a tune that acts as the film’s surprisingly effective sonic bookend. Based on Andrew Kaufman’s source material, it follows the author’s self-exile to Germany and his wife Anna’s herculean efforts to restrict his gambling obsession, herself becoming a respected publisher in her own right. Featuring stellar performances from Johnny Flynn and Aimee Lou Wood, this a comedic joy.
Lemonade
When you’ve got ‘em, use ‘em.
After Josh is timed out of foster care services, he is forced to face the harsh realities of life, whether this involves avoiding the lifestyle of his dealer friends, reconciling with former social worker or trying to reunite with his beloved younger brother Jack. Featuring a fantastic performance from Lewis Brophy as well as Barry Keoghan’s most heartfelt character to date, this is spellbinding.
SUMO: Spirit Weighs Nothing
The dream is big. The ring is brutal.
Few disciplines are as secretive in the sporting world as sumo wrestling, but Erik Shirai‘s outstanding documentary shines a light on the fascinating and brutal life of the individuals who commit to the training. Like some of the best documentaries of recent times that are able to engage you in a sport you might know little about (The Last Dance and Madonna are two of my favourite examples), the use of found footage and the voices of four truly fantastic, enigmatic fighters propel this documentary into the top rank of the ring.