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.

Tomboy

I had been wanting to watch some from Celine Sciamma as her latest film is getting such a buzz. This was an incredibly understated take on children reinventing themselves when moving to a new location. The performances from the children were outstanding, and there are a lot of ways to read this film that give it a great amount of depth.

The Breadwinner

I’m very intrigued at what age this film is aimed for. It feels like a good insight into life during this period in Afghanistan, but it did not feel like it softened any aspects to make them more suitable to children. The story was gripping, and less Mulan than I thought it might be.

Jojo Rabbit

I had very high expectations for the new film from Taiki Waititi, and I think this met them. I don’t think I’ve seen many stories set during WW2 that were showing the people in occupied towns. Two or three moments that landed as well as they were intended to, and showed off the craft behind the film’s production.

Night Watch

I’ll recommend this any opportunity we get. This was an episode of Pop Culturally Deprived, but if you haven’t seen it do seek the film out. Interesting urban fantasy with a story that unwinds in a way you would not expect.

Who Killed Captain Alex?

Seeking out films from countries I have never seen a film from before, this had such a weird vibe, given the incredibly low budget there was more here than expected. More interesting because of the story behind it, the example of the democratisation of film making on display is always a joy to see.

The Human Condition I: No Greater Love

This trilogy regularly come up on must see lists. I don’t think the length is entirely justified, there were a few points that were laboured and returned to multiple times. But a dark and interesting story that gave us some gripping elements, resounding as much today as they did when this was made.

Us

I had been thoroughly looking forward to seeing this and was not disappointed. The overall story was interesting, although the twist was slightly unnecessary. But the performances, particularly Lupita Nyong’o, were incredibly good and kept us riveted.

Nappily Ever After

I’ve started reading Emma Dabiri’s Don’t Touch My Hair, so this seemed a good place to start before hitting that book. It genuinely went through plot points I didn’t expect, and then delivered some good dramedy in key points. Surprisingly enjoyable!

Booksmart

Another film I’d been very much looking forward to. In the end it was on the more positive side, but the film struggles when the two leads are not together. Their relationship going through stages was really well done, with both humour and warmth.

The Runaways

I didn’t know the back story this film gives, and reading up afterwards it doesn’t seem to have embellished much. The more I see of Kristen Stewart the more I like, which might speak to how much you get when you know her style better.

Eighth Grade

Another teen coming of age story, this was a fabulous film. I loved the different aspects the film went through, really showing the travails of teen life in the modern era. By the end we were both weeping watching the film, but it really did balance a lighter touch with some real insight into the lead’s character.

Aladdin

I was not sure about watching this and, on balance, I don’t think it was necessary at all. There are some smaller and well earned changes, but there are elements removed that are some of my favourite parts of the original. I’m still looking forward to Mulan, but I’m not convinced Disney are going far enough with their work in creating new versions of classic animated films.