Couple in a Hole (12A)

four stars

Dir: Tom Geens

With: Kate Dickie, Paul Higgins

SCOTS actors Kate Dickie and Paul Higgins thrive in this French-set drama from Belgian director Tom Geens that won best film at Dinard. The pair play John and Karen, a couple who are hiding out in France, determined to stay away from the outside world as far as possible. What brought them to this state of affairs? What keeps them here? All concerned tell the story with impressive restraint, and the performances from Dickie and Higgins are outstanding, making us believe in this story and these characters. An unusual, and unusually good, piece. Would that “Scottish” filmmaking always took such risks.

Tonight, 25 February, 18.00; tomorrow, 10.45, Glasgow Film Theatre.

Anomalisa (15)

four stars

Dirs: Duke Johnson,Charlie Kaufman

Voices: David Thewlis, Jennifer Jason Leigh

Runtime: 90 minutes

THIS Sunday in LA, Being John Malkovich director Charlie Kaufman will find out if he has won the best animated feature Oscar. Before that, his film has another VIA, Very Important Appointment, as the closing gala of the Glasgow Film Festival. British actor David Thewlis gives voice to Michael, a sales guru due to give a talk at yet another soulless conference. In the midst of a midlife crisis, Michael wonders if he will ever be pleasantly surprised by life again. Then along comes Lisa (Jennifer Jason Leigh). Gentle humour pierces nicely through the gloom to deliver a Lost in Translation-style experience.

Sunday, 28 February, 20.00, Glasgow Film Theatre