film festival

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.

The All Creatures Great and Small star has opened up on her latest role which is a far cry from her character in the family drama

All Creatures Great and Small returns for its sixth series, featuring the beloved Rachel Shenton as Helen Herriot.

The performer boasts an impressive portfolio and gained recognition for her Academy Award-winning short film, The Silent Child.

During her appearance on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, she discussed her upcoming ventures beyond All Creatures, acknowledging her newest character represents a dramatic shift from Helen Herriot.

Following a preview of her latest series, The Rumour, Alan remarked: “This is not a cosy drama, is it?”

“No, it’s a bit of a departure from All Creatures isn’t it”, Rachel acknowledged whilst explaining her passion for varied roles.

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In her fresh production, she portrays Joanna, following a mum who relocates to a small community only to suspect a child murderer resides nearby.

The character couldn’t be more different from Helen Herriot in All Creatures, yet Rachel explained that range is precisely what drew her to performing.

She disclosed she’s currently crafting a theatrical piece – her newest professional venture, stating: “It’s hugely important to me, variety is what you get into this business for, to tell stories and to do them in whatever medium that is.

“I love all sorts of stories, I love feature films and short films.

“At the moment I’m writing a play and all of it is so important to me, that you just get to tell your version of the story in whatever way that is.”

The actress has made a comeback to the horror genre, featuring in The Strangers – Chapter 2, the fourth instalment of The Strangers film series.

She portrays Debbie, the elder sister of the main character Maya (Madelaine Petsch), who is a survivor of the Strangers.

The most recent film premiered in September 2025.

All Creatures Great and Small airs on Thursdays on Channel 5 at 9pm

An upcoming nuclear war thriller starring an A-list actress is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s best new films of the year

Netflix subscribers have been going wild for a heart-racing trailer teasing what could be one of the best new films of 2025.

The political thriller from acclaimed director Kathryn Bigelow recently premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it received an incredible 11-minute standing ovation.

Led by Mission: Impossible star Rebecca Ferguson alongside a packed supporting cast of A-listers, A House of Dynamite is a must-watch when it premieres on the streamer this October.

Ferguson portrays Captain Olivia Walker, a communications point for the US Armed Forces who scrambles to respond to an incoming nuclear missile heading towards Chicago.

Idris Elba portrays the President of the United States, with Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, Moses Ingram, Jonah Hauer-King, Greta Lee and Jason Clarke filling out the stellar cast.

A House of Dynamite is filmmaker Bigelow’s first film in almost a decade following her acclaimed 2017 historical drama Detroit. She has previously released hit films such as Point Break and Zero Dark Thirty.

The first trailer for the film dropped this Wednesday (3rd September) and film fans are already getting goosebumps over this timely take on an impending nuclear disaster.

One YouTuber user raved in the comments: “Probably Netflix’s best trailer.

“They showed just enough for me to not know what’s going on, but pulls me in enough to want to watch to see what happens.”

“That is an example of a fantastic trailer, I get the concept but know nearly nothing more and still managed goosebumps. Wow,” someone else gushed.

Another fan claimed: “Possibly the best trailer I have ever seen. Can’t wait to watch this!”

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Viewers have also praised the decision to use a sample of scientist Carl Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot to narrate the trailer.

“As soon as I heard Carl Sagan the tears started to fall and I will be there in theaters opening weekend!” someone exclaimed.

Another said: “This is how a Netflix trailer should be, not long that it spoils the whole movie. That Carl Sagan Voiceover is chilling.”

While another fan was particularly impressed by the taste of the film’s score, replying: “Volker Bertelmann giving us chills yet again. Wow. What a trailer.”

The thriller currently has an impressive 89 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, so it’s definitely one to add to the top of your Netflix watchlist this autumn.

A House of Dynamite will be released Friday, 24th October on Netflix.

Ted Lasso fans are going wild as one of the show’s biggest stars is taking on a brand new role that’s worlds away from the plucky football comedy

Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein is nothing like his iconic grumpy footballer Roy Kent in a heartwrenching trailer for an upcoming sci-fi drama film.

Helmed by one of the directors of Black Mirror, William Bridges, who co-wrote the film with Goldstein, All Of You is led by the star opposite Imogen Poots in a decades-spanning romance for the ages.

Set in the not-so-distant future, the AppleTV+ film follows two best friends from college who drift apart when one of them takes a test that promises to find your soulmate.

Their lives still cross over the years and they’re forced to confront their unspoken feelings.

An official synopsis for the film reads: “Best friends since college, Simon (Goldstein) and Laura (Poots) drift apart when she takes a test that finds her soulmate despite years of unspoken feelings between them.

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“Over the years, as their paths cross and diverge, neither can deny the feeling that they’ve missed out on a life together.

“Faced with the uncertainty of changing the course of their lives, are Simon and Laura willing to risk everything to experience the love that had been between them all along, or should they accept their fate?”

The trailer, released this week, has already received a rave response from fans who are eager to see the Ted Lasso favourite taking on a new role.

One fan predicted a stellar performance from the leading man: “Brett Goldstein’s ‘face acting’ is next level.

“He can perform an entire, silent dialogue with just one look. It’s so good to see him in a role like this.”

While another quipped: “It’s so weird to see Roy Kent be friendly and not growl every 5 seconds.”

For those still not quite convinced by the tear-jerking trailer, the film has already received critical acclaim after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last September.

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It currently stands at an impressive 83 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics warning fans to have tissues at the ready.

Entertainment Weekly called it a “weepie of the highest order”, adding: “It’s familiar fodder for romantic drama, but it’s of the highest caliber thanks to its sharp script and devastating central performances.

“Watching All of You is like pressing on a bruise, and ooh, baby, it hurts so good.”

Awards Buzz declared: “Goldstein and Poots are both terrific and would certainly be deserving of Golden Globe nominations.”

While Matt Neglia raved: “ALL OF YOU just emotionally soothed and wrecked my heart.

“An aching adult drama about the choices we make, the regrets we feel, and whether or not we actually have soulmates out there for us in the world.

“I adore adult romantic dramas where the conflict doesn’t feel manufactured & the characters behave like adults. I got plenty of that here with two heartfelt & endearing performances from Brett Goldstein & Imogen Poots.”

Are you ready to get your heart broken by All Of You? There’s just a few more weeks to wait before this devastating drama hits screens.

All Of You premieres Friday, 26th September on Apple TV+.

The 79-year-old actress will debut her new film, Dragonfly, at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in August, after it was met with glowing reviews at Tribeca

Brenda Blethyn is set to star in the gripping new thriller Dragonfly, a far cry from her iconic role as DCI Vera Stanhope, with the film set to premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in August.

The movie follows the story of Colleen, played by Andrea Riseborough, who takes it upon herself to care for her elderly neighbour Elise, portrayed by Blethyn, amidst concerns that the professionals are not doing an adequate job.

However, it remains to be seen whether Colleen has ulterior motives or if those around her are simply making unfounded judgments.

The film boasts an all-star cast, including Jason Watkins as John, Sandra Huggett as Mary, and Lolly Jones as Jane.

Having garnered widespread critical acclaim at Tribeca, Dragonfly has already achieved an impressive 92% approval rating, reports the Express.

Since her departure from the hit series Vera, the 79 year old actress has gone on to take on a string of exciting new projects, including the highly anticipated historical comedy Fools.

Directed by Paul Andrew Williams, Blethyn’s latest venture has been hailed as a “stark, fierce and wonderfully acted film” by The Guardian.

The Film Stage praised the film, saying: “Williams and his brilliant cast create a film that is equal-parts tender and shocking, turning horror tropes on their head.”

NYC Movie Guru lauded Blethyn’s performance as award-worthy, adding: “What begins as a slow-burning and tender drama with shades of Mike Leigh turns into a dark and gripping Hitchcockian thriller.

“Brenda Blethyn and Andrea Riseborough give powerful and Oscar-worthy performances that ground the film in raw authenticity.”

Brenda’s latest role comes almost a year after she was spotted filming her final scenes for Vera in Newcastle.

ITV left fans heartbroken when they announced in spring 2024 that the beloved detective drama would conclude this year, following a triumphant 14-year run.

The plot summary for Dragonfly is as follows: “Disgusted with the state of care that her elderly neighbour Elsie is receiving, Colleen offers to help for free.

“Over tea and through trying moments, the pair become trusted confidants despite their differences. But Colleen’s intentions may not be exactly as they seem. As suspicions grow, a shocking act triggers a violent chain reaction that threatens to irreparably alter the lives of both women.”

Dragonfly will premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in August.

The movie widely regarded as one of the best sci-fi films ever made and is an absolute must-watch for any fans of the dystopian genre

This year has seen a significant rise in dystopian thrillers, with series like The Last of Us gripping telly viewers and films such as 28 Years Later set to grace the big screen this June. With an abundance of options, it’s easy to feel swamped, but if you’re on the hunt for a true classic of the dystopian genre, I wholeheartedly suggest Alfonso Cuarón’s Children of Men.

I only recently had the pleasure of viewing Children of Men and was riveted from the opening scene. It swiftly climbed the ranks to become one of my all-time favourite films, and I was particularly taken by its peculiar optimism amidst the bleak post-apocalyptic setting.

What Children of Men is about

The world has descended into utter chaos as humanity grapples with impending extinction. The United Kingdom stands as one of the few remaining countries still operational, albeit under an authoritarian regime.

Theo Faron (Clive Owen), a disenchanted former activist, has ceased his resistance and now meanders through life as a civil servant. He’s so disconnected from the world that he barely registers the bombings, caged refugees, and public executions he encounters on his commute.

One day, Theo is abducted by his ex-wife Julian, who heads a rebel faction known as The Fishes, battling against the government for refugee rights. Julian implores Theo to safeguard Kee, a young African refugee, and assist her in escaping the country safely.

However, Theo soon discovers that Kee is astonishingly pregnant, carrying the world’s sole known unborn child. Driven by the need to protect this miracle, he risks everything to keep Kee’s condition under wraps and get her safely to the enigmatic Human Project, scientists seeking a cure for the global fertility crisis.

So why should you watch Children of Men?

Despite its stark backdrop, the film’s protagonist embodies hopefulness in his unwavering dedication to the prospect of a rejuvenated world.

The outpouring of support for Kee amidst such turmoil underscores a compelling truth: even in the bleakest circumstances, human kindness endures, proving that we have not strayed from our compassionate nature.

One of the captivating aspects of Children of Men is how palpably real and weathered its universe feels, peppered with background information gleaned from transient news reports, advertisements, and leaflets—a testament to the environment’s rich storytelling texture.

Packed with nuances, Children of Men invites viewers to engage deeply, promising new discoveries upon every viewing.

What critics are saying about Children of Men

Boasting an impressive 92% Rotten Tomatoes rating from over 250 critic reviews, Children of Men was also in the Oscar race for three categories (Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing) back in 2007.

Brian Tallerico of UGO hailed it as “feels more relevant than almost every film set in the present day and is better than almost every other film made this year.”

Kathi Maio from The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction remarked: “This is one movie that will have a lasting impact even if you are forced to watch it on a ten-inch black and white Zenith.”

Peter Travers, writing for Rolling Stone at the time, placed it as the runner-up in his best films of the 2000s list, commenting: “No movie this decade was more redolent of sorrowful beauty and exhilarating action. You don’t just watch the car ambush scene (pure camera wizardry)-you live inside it. That’s Cuarón’s magic: He makes you believe.”

Where to watch Children of Men

The film can be streamed on Apple TV’s £8.99 monthly subscription or via Now TV’s £9.99 a month Cinema membership. You can also purchase Children of Men on Amazon Prime for £5.99.

This Coronation Street star turned a few heads after he was spotted at this year’s film festival – not least the hordes of Corrie fans who have yearned for his return to the cobbles

Coronation Street fans were left stunned as one of the soap’s beloved actors swapped the Weatherfield cobbles for the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Ryan Prescott, who is best known for playing Ryan Connor, was recently spotted on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.

Despite not revealing why he was attending the star-studded event, fans confessed they’ve “missed” seeing the 36-year-old on their TV screens recently, but agreed he looked fantastic mingling with the celebs. Ryan, who has also had stints in Emmerdale and Doctors, looked incredibly smart in a black suit and bow tie, posing with friends and soaking up the atmosphere of the annual festival, which runs until May 24.

Sharing snaps on Instagram, he simply captioned them: “CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2025.” Fans were quick to compliment the actor’s appearance after the photos were posted.

One fan commented: “Miss you when you’re not in Corrie but pleased you are having an amazing time,” while another added: “Looks like you are having a great time! You also clean up nice!”

A third chimed in: “Chuffed for you,” while a fourth fan remarked: “Looking dapper my brother.”

How Ryan managed to secure a spot at the exclusive event remains a mystery. As one would expect, the Cannes Film Festival is typically reserved for film industry professionals and accredited participants.

The festival is now an exclusive affair with restricted access, necessitating a badge for entry, keeping most of the festivities out of reach for the average Joe. This year’s event launched with much fanfare on May 13 and will run this Saturday, drawing in A-listers such as Nicole Kidman and Amal Clooney.

Meanwhile, Ryan’s entrance to Coronation Street came in 2018 when he became the much-loved Ryan Connor, stepping into Sol Heras’s shoes as the third actor to take up the role.

Despite his character’s on-screen drama, Ryan’s off-screen life is seemingly tranquil. The Merseyside-born actor made waves when he appeared in Emmerdale as Flynn Buchanan – Aaron Dingle’s romantic pursuit – before gracing the streets of Weatherfield.

Scoring the part was Ryan’s career milestone, leaving him initially gobsmacked by the limelight, even leading to fans hounding him for autographs post his stint in the ITV soap which lasted for 12 episodes.

Before hitting it big on the cobbles, Ryan secured parts in well-known shows such as Holby City, The Syndicate, Doctors and Casualty. But success didn’t come easy, as he encountered obstacles along the path to fame.

Confirming his Corrie gig opened the floodgates of online vitriol, with Ryan recounting to The Mirror: “I’ve had a few… you always get the occasional Facebook message. There’s always haters out there. Nothing too crazy but people give their opinion.

“Someone will say something like ‘I much preferred the other Ryan’, or something like that. I never reply. That’s where people go wrong.”

Aside from his TV appearances, the actor is quite the globe-trotter, frequently sharing snaps on Instagram from his globetrotting adventures. His passport boasts stamps from Thailand, Amsterdam, Monaco, and a significant part of the United States – yet he always finds his way back to his roots in the north of England.

Eight years after its release, the film is gaining a second life on Netflix.

Netflix UK has added a real gem to its collection with the wartime drama Defiance, featuring the star power of James Bond’s Daniel Craig and Ray Donovan’s Liev Schreiber in an incredible true story from WWII.

Daniel Craig and Liev Schreiber team up in the enthralling historical drama Defiance, the 2008 offering that’s been garnering a cult following and is now thrilling Netflix UK audiences who hail it as “one of the best films ever.”

Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Belarus, Defiance follows the extraordinary tale of the Bielski brothers – Tuvia, Zus, Asael, and Aron – four Jewish rebels who defiantly took on the Nazis by forming a vigilante group in the wilderness.

Based on Nechama Tec’s factual book Defiance: The Bielski Partisans, the film recounts their heroic saga of providing sanctuary to over 1,200 Jews in forest hideouts, building a veritable secret village threatened with constant jeopardy.

The cast features Daniel Craig as Tuvia Bielski, the group’s appointed head, whilst Liev Schreiber portrays his combative sibling Zus. Jamie Bell appears as their younger brother Asael, and a pre-1917 George MacKay plays the junior member of the clan, Aron, reports the Express.

Helmed by Edward Zwick of The Last Samurai fame, Defiance had its US debut just shy of the 2009 awards season and was tipped for an Oscar for Best Original Score by composer extraordinaire James Newton Howard, with a Golden Globe nod to match.

Filmed right in the heart of Lithuania, merely 200 kilometres from the original saga’s setting, ‘Defiance’ took storytelling to the next level, utilising authentic forest backdrops and even enlisting extras with personal ties to Jewish kin saved by the Bielskis.

The movie started off with a low key in selected theatres, but once it spread its wings for a wider showing, it managed to rake in an impressive $52 million across the globe. Reviewers sent out mixed signals, however, as time passed, it has only received more adulation from movie-goers.

A gleaming review on Letterboxd enthused: “Must watch 10/10. Whenever you have Daniel Craig (Bond) and Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan) play two Nazi-hunting Jews navigating a group of a thousand displaced Belorussian Jews through the Yarden forest, facing the ultimate adversity – you have me sold”. Another chimed in with high praise: “Action-packed, great quotes, accurate, and a thrill ride from start to finish. You’ll be rethinking how powerful a sense of community is. (People forget! )”

Scores of cinema enthusiasts have lauded the film’s potent narrative, a blend of vast survival themes and deeply personal character journeys. Defiance further delves into the intense pressure of steering a multitude amidst dire straits, especially as the numbers swell from a mere band to a throng surpassing one thousand souls.

One viewer mused: “For me, one of the best films ever. So inspiring and tragic at the same time. Worth watching.”

Another queried its lack of wider acclaim, stating: “I still find it crazy that this film is not considered a modern classic, with its stunning cinematography, fantastic performances, and gripping story.”

Defiance can now be streamed on Netflix UK.