This is the text version of my Patreon exclusive podcast where I talk about the best films I watch each month. If you’d like to get access and help to support the network you can do so at patreon.com/eloquentgushing.

Blue My Mind

Very reminiscent of other coming of age horror or dark films – Raw, Thirteen, Neon Demon. And it was gripping, except the way they then escalated stuff in a party at the end that was necessary and just trying to shock.

Charlie’s Angels

Based on the trailer I was really looking forward to this, although early comments online and from friends made me feel less enthused. But it was great. Kristen Stewart as terrific as ever – in fact pretty much every

Braid

A very weird film. Proper weird in fact. But with a couple of twists that made it interesting. Not the best I’ve seen but I look forward to seeing pretty much everyone involved in future projects.

Happy Death Day 2U

I didn’t expect this film to be great, but it was at least as good as the first, which also surprised me. They leaned more into the repetition aspect from the first one than the horror, which suited it better. And as ever the lead, Jessica Rothe, was really good.

Fast Color

Whilst the film didn’t totally deliver on some of its promises, this is another sign that people are doing interesting things with the core ideas of mutants and superheroes.

Whip It

I was floored how good this film was. I’m annoyed I didn’t see it earlier – everything I expected from Josie and the Pussycats was in this film. It’s terrific and I can’t wait to find an excuse to put it on podcasts.

Shoplifters

I’d been meaning to watch this for a long time, and I think the hype of winning Cannes and being lauded has hurt it. The film was tense and dramatic, but it didn’t deliver as well as others from the same categories in the same year (Capernaum). That said, still terrific and worth watching.

Belle

I usually disparage historical films that are a bit reckless with history, but this is based on a painting of a person whose life we don’t know much about, but who was involved in significant events. Great performances, some great shades of P&P coming through this one, so it’s a very easy recommendation.

Little

Another twist on the Big / body swap genre. The lead character was immensely unlikeable, so much so it was putting us off. And then she became a little girl again, and the film was superb from then on. Finding out that girl was actually the one who put the idea together and is the youngest ever Hollywood exec producer just makes it better. Fun and charming in the end.

The Avengers

Yes you’ve seen it, but this is a high point in the MCU rewatch. Natasha stood out on this watch as she was given so much to do, was capable at doing it, and SC’s delivery of the charm of the character really works.