Inspired by events that took place in a powerful African state in the 19th century, The Woman King is the story of a battalion of female warriors. Known as the Agojie, their job was to protect the Kingdom of Dahomey, and its ruler King Ghezo (John Boyega). The narrative focuses primarily on two figures –…
– C’mon C’mon – Only in cinemas from 17 February 2022 We have 5 double in-season passes thanks to Transmission Films. *(Tickets valid in Australia only)* Watch the trailer HERE Johnny (Joaquin Phoenix) and his young nephew (Woody Norman) forge a tenuous but transformational relationship when they are unexpectedly thrown together in this delicate and…
Life throws curve balls when we least expect them – and we never know how we’ll react to them. We like to think we do, when we’re presented with hypothetical situations, but in reality, we don’t know until we take the catch. Faithful by Alice Hoffman explores the ‘what if’ and ‘what now’ for a young…
A slow-moving but compelling drama set in the land of Lawrence of Arabia, this film’s origins are in Bedouin tradition. Theeb is specifically about a boy who, in order to survive, must become a man and live up to the name his father gave him. The year is 1916. While war rages in the Ottoman…
I’m not sure what’s going on with James Wan’s blockbuster Aquaman. This is a bloated Franken-movie that cobbles together parts of many – mostly better (*cough* Black Panther *cough*) films. Yet by the time the climactic final battle takes place, I found myself cheering for our hero. How does that happen? As a director, Wan’s…
This comprehensive documentary about the rise and fall of the iconic and flamboyant fashion designer, simply known as Halston, is a tale of fashion, fame and hubris. Roy Halston Frowick was born in Iowa in the Depression era, but made his reputation in New York in the 70s. He started his career as a milliner….
Filled with humour and pathos, Draw Two is a richly human tale. It is a compelling, beautifully crafted and superbly told story about the impact of a life changing event. In her late 20s, Riley thinks she knows which way is up. Put another way, she has built a life for herself that she likes….
The sad later life of French painter Paul Gauguin is brought into sharp focus in this slow-moving biopic. The year is 1891. Gauguin (Vincent Cassel) is already well known in Parisian artistic circles. But he’s tired of the so-called civilised world and its conventions. Leaving his wife Mette and five children behind, he ventures alone…
A lightning-fast wit, smart one liners and political incorrectness distinguish my pick at the 2021 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The 50-minute set is crammed full of contemporary references and personal stories. No subject is off limits and Shafar makes that clear from close to the get go, when he starts talking about his second battle with…
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic 1925 novel is reimagined for the stage in a fusion of ballet, tap and jazz. BIG Live is a welcome new voice in the performing arts – a ballet company where tradition meets innovation. Alongside narration of the tragic Gatsby storyline is a stunning score, bold choreography, striking sets and costuming,…
