Festivals

One of the most acclaimed indie films of the year from the winner of last year’s Best Picture Oscar will be streaming on Netflix from Friday

Netflix is adding one of the best films of 2025 that you may not have heard of but is definitely worth your attention this week.

From director Shih-Ching Tsou and co-written by her long-time collaborator Sean Baker, Left-Handed Girl is a brilliantly understated family drama that will leave you breathless.

Baker is the most recent recipient of the Best Picture trophy at the Academy Awards for his masterful modern epic Anora, starring Mikey Madison, while Tsou has worked with him on his other films such as Tangerine and The Florida Project.

Tsou has now made her solo directorial debut with Left-Handed Girl, a heartfelt portrait of single mother Shu-Fen (played by Janel Tsai) who moves back to Taipei with her two daughters.

When her five-year-old I-Jing (Nina Ye) develops a dominant left hand, the family struggles to come to terms with her newfound quirk when her superstitious grandpa calls it her “devil hand” and forbids I-Jing from using it.

Set to stream on Netflix from Friday, 28th November, the film has already received critical acclaim and will be Taiwan’s submission for best international film at next year’s Oscars.

The Guardian has awarded it five-stars, writing this “striking Taiwanese family drama is a real marvel”.

They went on: “Tsou and Baker’s script sharply examines what it really means to lose face: which shames are noble, which are indulgent and what should be passed from one generation to the next?”

“Above all else, this film features what may be one of the best child performances that I’ve seen in recent memory,” one Letterboxd reviewer claimed after seeing Left-Handed Girl at the Toronto International Film Festival.

“Where this movie goes from one innocent little assumption passed by family escalates into something unexpected. It’s enough to prove Shih-Ching Tsou is on her way to becoming a great filmmaker in her own right too.”

Someone else shared: “Genuinely a very strong contender for the best film of the year. So glad I took the time to see this.

“It was so nice to hear the incredibly positive reactions from the other folks around me in the theatre when the credits rolled. It’s been a minute since I’ve been in a theatre where the audience clapped at the end. So lovely!”

A third wrote: “It does not surprise me that Sean Baker is one of the screenwriters on this film. It is a beautifully nuanced depiction of family dynamics, and family secrets.

“The wonderful performances, sometimes very raw, also felt very flawed and real. This film and also their other collaborations all worth revisiting!”

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And a final fan said: “What a remarkable film. One of the most charming kid performances I’ve seen.

“The stories/struggles of each character in this family are so well balanced. Every heartwarming and heartbreaking moment just lands perfectly.”

Will you be checking out this lesser-known gem from Taiwan now it’s becoming available to stream at home?

Left-Handed Girl is streaming from Friday, 28th November on Netflix.

IT might be coming to the end of the year, so now is a great time to book a holiday – and here are the best places to visit.

One On the Beach expert named his ‘best kept underrated secret hotels’ with aquaparks, private beaches and panoramic sea views.

Luna Vista Belek, Turkey

In the very popular Turkish resort of Belek in Antalya is this new 5-star hotel that opened earlier this year in May 2025.

The Luna Vista Belek is a 5-star resort on the coast of Belek and even has its very own private beach and reviews at 4.9 out of 5.

Despite this, On the Beach revealed there are still plenty of spaces with a low booking rate.

On the Beach expert Rob Brooks said: “This place barely gets booked compared to the big Belek names – but the people who do absolutely rave about it”.

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The hotel has six pools, an aquapark and entertainment from festivals to karaoke, and even cinema nights.

It also has ultra all-inclusive options with gourmet meals all day and night.

A seven-night stay at the Luna Vista Belek starts from £770pp including flights from London Gatwick.

3HB Faro, Portugal

The five-star luxury 3HB hotel is in downtown Faro but is still quiet enough that it won’t feel like its in the heart of the city.

Rob said: “If you want a city break that feels like a beach resort, this is it”.

Common mentions in the reviews are the modern rooftop pool area and ‘ridiculously good breakfasts’.

The hotel has two restaurants as well as a rooftop bar that looks over the city and is a five-minute walk from the centre of Faro.

A seven-night stay at the 3HB Faro starts from £830pp (room only) with flights from London Gatwick.

Eagles Nest Studios, Kefalonia

The Eagles Nest Studios is in the tiny village of Lourdas in Kefalonia at the foot of Mount Ainos – which means you get amazing mountain and sea views.

Rob calls it the “definition of an underrated Greek gem” and reviews compliment the “unbelievably kind owners”, “panoramic hillside views” and “simple but spotless rooms”.

It’s even been lauded as a ‘four star experience at a two star price’.

The Eagles Nest Studios is a perfect stay for anyone looking for simplicity – it has an onsite pool and local tavernas.

A four-night stay at the Eagles Nest Studios starts from £420pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.

Basar Hotel, Turkey

The three-star Basar Hotel is tucked slightly inland from Dalaman in Turkey very near to Marmaris.

Rob reveals that the reviews compliment its “family-run vibe with homecooked meals” .

The hotel has twin, double and triple rooms – each has an ensuite and balcony.

There’s a main restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating – and both breakfast and dinner are buffet service.

Outside is a swimming pool surrounded by sunbeds and inside is even a TV lounge.

A seven-night stay at the Basar Hotel starts from £345pp (for a B&B) with flights from London Gatwick.

La Concha Boutique, Lanzarote

La Concha Boutique is a three-star adult only apartment complex on the beach in Lanzarote.

The white-washed peaceful complex has an outdoor pool, guests can stay in one of the roomy apartments that’s equipped with speedy Wi-Fi.

Reviews have described the place as a “luxury Airbnb” and Rob reveals the reason that it isn’t as booked up because it’s slightly tucked away.

A seven-night stay at La Concha Boutique starts from £565pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.

Hotel Iliana Panormos, Crete

The Hotel Iliana Panormos is a two-star hotel on the island of Crete with a central courtyard and swimming pool.

Reviews say it’s a “proper Greek family run gem” in the village of Panormos near pretty tavernas.

The hotel looks classically Greek with white walls with terracotta rooftop tiles and bright blue doors.

It’s only 150m from pretty sandy beaches as well as watersport spots, and it’s within walking distance of local tavernas and shops.

A seven-night stay at Hotel Iliana Panormos starts from £370pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.

A Suite Side, Turkey

A Suite Side is a three-star complex in Side, Antalya that has self-contained apartments with a shared pool.

Rob reveals that guest reviews say it feels a “boutique design hotel but with Turkish value for money“.

The hotel is missed because it doesn’t have sea views – but it’s a very short walk away from the beach front.

There are plenty of rooms up for grabs including those with garden and pool views, others come with Jacuzzis – but all come with a furnished balcony or terrace, an open-plan living room and kitchen.

At the hotel are multiple pool areas, one for adults and a smaller one for children.

A seven-night stay at A Suite Side starts from £455pp (on a self-catering basis).

Idyll Suites, Gran Canaria

The adults only Idyll Suites is found in sunny Gran Canaria which has sunny terraces and incredible ocean views.

In fact, the 24 deluxe suites and 23 superior suites, all face the sea and have beautiful panoramic views.

Reviews say it feels like a “luxury suite at a mid-range price” with many guests stating they return year after year.

It’s self-catering, but nearby is the Delicias restaurant and a place to enjoy Mediterranean specialities – and hotel guests get an exclusive discount.

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It’s in the quieter part of Gran Canaria near to Puerto de Mogan’s pretty harbour, and 4km from lively Puerto Rico.

A seven-night stay at the Idyll Suites starts from £435pp (on a self-catering basis) with flights from London Gatwick.

WHAT do you get if you cross Dragons’ Den with ice swimming? Frozen assets? It was time to find out . . . 

I was in Oulu, on the north-west coast of Finland, which last year welcomed the return of televised event, Polar Bear Pitching.

Visitors pay to watch up-and-coming entrepreneurs pitch ideas to a row of cash-fuelled investors, just like the BBC show.

Except these hopefuls must do it from a frozen lake, their pitch lasting as long as they can withstand the freezing waters.

It gave me goosebumps, and not just because of the -20°C chill.

I may not have had any start-up ideas to pitch but that didn’t stop me plunging into the chilling waters while I was here.

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The Icebreaker experience is one I’ll never forget.

Dressed in a warm, waterproof bodysuit, I boarded a large boat which slowly made its way across the chilling sea, its hull carving a pathway as it broke through the ice.

We came to a halt and then it was time.

Hurling myself in, I bobbed between huge ice blocks in my floating suit, in awe of my surroundings.

This is an experience that will set you back a fair whack, but it’s absolutely something for the bucket list.

And with so many free things to do in the city, you can save your cash elsewhere.

Oulu is filled with wonderful traditions – so much so it’s been named the European Capital of Culture for 2026.

It’s calmer than Helsinki, with just 215,000 people, but no less fun.

The Frozen People Festival, a drum and bass-filled evening in the Pikisaari district, doesn’t cost a penny.

The event, traditionally held on a frozen lake, will take place on February 28 next year, with DJs, art installations and movies.

Due to climate change, we had to party on firm ground this year, but that didn’t stop me dancing the night away with a local cider in hand as snow fell.

Reindeer stew

Unfortunately, I missed out on the World Air Guitar Championships, a phenomenal spectacle that attracts contestants from all over the globe.

But this free event, held every August in the town’s square, is a fun must-see if you can make it.

With snow on the ground, it seemed only right to celebrate Christmas a little early with a trip to the Arkadia Reindeer Farm where Rudolph and his mates pulled me on a sleigh.

Later, I regressed into a giggling child when feeding them dinner.

Awkwardly, my dinner was a yummy reindeer stew served at the farm’s cosy cabin.

If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can head to the Arctic Foodlab, home to a collection of cafes, bakeries and breweries.

I sampled salmon soup and rossypottu, a potato, smoked pork and blood sausage stew.

Both are local delicacies and great for warming you through.

If you’re still not warm enough, pay a visit to the sauna — you’ll find one in most hotels in the city.

The Finnish proudly enter naked, but my English propriety won out, and I wore a swimsuit. I was willing to try one tradition, though – running out into the snow afterwards.

As I pelted into the powdery white, wearing just my cossie and Doc Martens, something stopped me in my tracks.

A flash of green flickered in the sky and several colours danced between the trees above.

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The final item on my bucket list had just been ticked off — seeing the Northern Lights.

Even the air’s bitter bite couldn’t distract me from that magical sight.

The film tells the story of a woman who is grieving the death of her father and becoming obsessed with training a goshawk

An upcoming film hailed as an “unconventional yet moving grief drama” by Variety is set to hit the big screen soon.

Based on Helen Macdonald’s bestselling memoir, the film follows Helen, a woman grappling with the loss of her father, Alisdair Macdonald, portrayed by Brendan Gleeson.

Other stars such as Sam Spruell, Josh Dylan, Denise Gough, Lindsay Duncan, Emma Cunniffe and Arty Froushan also feature in the film.

The much-anticipated movie, H is for Hawk, will be released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on 23 January 2026, with a new trailer now available for viewing.

Overwhelmed by grief, Helen finds solace in memories of exploring the natural world with her father, reports the Express.

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She becomes fixated on the idea of training her own goshawk, introducing us to Mabel.

The synopsis further reveals: “As she labours to tame Mabel, a grieving Helen undergoes an untaming of her own.”

H is for Hawk is a record of a spiritual journey, a story about memory and nature and how it might be possible to reconcile death with life and love.

The drama has already received positive feedback following its premiere at the 52nd Telluride Film Festival in August, boasting a Rotten Tomatoes score of 82%.

Geek Vibes Nation commended the lead cast, stating: “Foy’s emotionally resonant performance is a genuine depiction of grief, while Gleeson anchors the movie with his tender and engaging acting.”

Next Best Picture also chimed in, adding: “Whatever one makes of the title, Claire Foy’s performance alone is reason enough to see it.

“She soars in a role that proves once again why she is among the finest actors working today.”

The Hollywood Reporter concluded: “As an appreciation of birds and our connection to them, it’s engrossing and endearing — a fresher take, certainly, than yet another weepie about dog or cat owners.

“But as an exploration of grief, it’s hindered by a 128-minute run time.”

H is for Hawk will be hitting UK and Ireland cinemas on January 23.