REVIEWS BY CALUM COOPER

The Parting Glass ***

Directed by Stephen Moyer

With: Denis O’Hare, Ed Asner, Cynthia Nixon, Melissa Leo, Rhys Ifans, Anna Paquin

95 Minutes

Stephen Moyer gathers a talented cast for his directorial debut, in which a family tragedy forces the remaining members to pick up the pieces. The acting is mostly strong, the stellar cinematography pairs well with the film’s snowy backdrop, and despite the serious subject matter it does weave in some decent visual humour. However, it falls short of being something exceptional due to various tonal inconsistencies, and a scattershot narrative. It has some terrific moments, the best involving the subtle building of ire between the family members, but irritating melodrama that feels forced threatens to derail the otherwise dignified treatment of some hard hitting themes.

¾

*** Dir: Ilian Metev

With: Mila Mihova, Nikolay Mashalov, Todor Veltchev, Simona Genkova Runtime: 82 Minutes

Ilian Metev’s 3/4 may not appear to do much on the surface, but it captures the emotional turmoil between members of a fragmented family fairly strongly. Relying mostly on the interactions of its characters rather than a driven story, it follows the daily antics of piano prodigy Mila and her younger brother Niki, who is as hyperactive as he is bored with his uneventful lifestyle. The film offers an interesting contrast between the siblings and their aloof father to recreate the ironic sentimentality in not having much in common with your family, or in standing out at all. The subtle cinematography, lack of story arc, and natural dynamic between the cast of non-professionals all help strengthen this, making the film comfortably engaging. Unfortunately, the film’s unconventional nature means it’ll either really work for you, or won’t. Nevertheless, it’s clearly plotted out its themes carefully, and has evidently been crafted with skilled hands, meaning it’ll likely be a very fulfilling experience to viewers who can get on board with its style.

June 21-22, 18.00, Vue Omni

Science Fair ****

Dir: Cristina Costantini and Darren Foster

With: Anjali Chadha, Ryan Folz, Harsha Paladugu, Abraham Riedel-Mishaan, Kashfia Rahman

Runtime: 90 Minutes

About midway into Science Fair, an interviewee says, “Every place has intelligent people – what they need is the opportunity.” This is a sentiment this wonderful documentary fully embraces, as it champions diversity, intellect, and youthful ambition, by interacting with some of the brightest young minds in science as they meticulously prepare intricate projects and research findings for America’s esteemed Intel ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair) competition. Not only is the documentary stylishly filmed and briskly paced, but it adds a wholesome human touch. Even if you don’t understand the science jargon shared, you easily identify with each teenager’s inner drive – whether that be a competitive urge to win, an obsessive interest in a particular scientific field, or even wanting to change the world with their findings. The wise decision to include youths from across the world – from America to Germany to Brazil – only adds to the film’s joyous celebration of scientific passion and opportunity. A delightful, humorous, and humble documentary that may one day spark a youth’s interest in science, and all for the best. A remarkable highlight for this year's festival.

June 21, 20.40, Vue Omni; June 23, 13.00, Vue Omni

White Chamber *

Dir: Paul Raschid

With: Shauna Macdonald, Oded Fehr, Amrita Acharia, Sharon Maughan

Runtime: 89 Minutes

White Chamber is a frustrating mess of intolerably lethargic proportions. It’s especially infuriating as the initial setup offers some creative promise. Set in a dystopian future where Britain is at civil war, a woman wakes up in a strange white room designed for various forms of torture, while flashbacks show us her past, and what the room’s true purpose is. This idea attempts to explore the boundary between morality and duty, but it is all for naught. Intriguing potential is squandered in vain, in favour of poor editing and shot composition, mesmerizingly unnatural dialogue, over the top performances, and hollow characters whose attributes are either clichéd or spoon-fed to us in colossal ignorance of the show don’t tell rule. Whatever hard work went into this is nowhere to be found on screen. It feels less like a film and more like an excuse to show people in numerous levels of pain through different means, creating a monumentally unpleasant experience. Why would sadomasochists go to the effort of making a multi-torture room when they can just show you this instead?

June 21, 20.30, Cineworld; June 22, 18.10 Vue Omni

Weightless ***

Directed by Jaron Albertin

With: Alessandro Nivola, Julianne Nicholson, Johnny Knoxville, Eli Haley

93 Minutes

Weightless is an admirable debut from Jaron Albertin. The premise is fascinating. We meet Joel (Alessandro Nivola), a loner who is prone to bursts of anger. His world is turned upside down when he is given custody of a ten year old son he never knew he had. Nivola marvellously captures all of his character’s quirks and anxieties, while sharing great chemistry with newcomer Eli Haley. The characters feel like genuine people, and the drama feels just as authentic. It’s a shame the third act feels incoherent compared to the first two, meaning some of the momentum is lost.

June 22, 18.10; June 24, 13.00, Cineworld

Blood Fest **

Directed by Owen Egerton

With: Robbie Kay, Seychelle Gabriel, Jacob Batalon, Barbara Dunkelman, Tate Donovan

93 Minutes

Rooster Teeth have been creating online content for a decade and a half, having produced numerous entertaining shows, including the gargantuan hit RWBY. Their transition to film however has left a bit to be desired, even among diehard fans. Blood Fest is an odd film to summarise. A group of teenagers getting trapped by psychotic showmen in what’s essentially a comic con for horror clichés may not seem the most appealing idea to outsiders. In fairness, the film never takes itself too seriously, acting in line with Cabin in the Woods more than anything else. It’s adequately crafted, even if it does feel more like an extended YouTube skit, and it is moderately funny at times. Pity the writing isn’t up to scratch with the inventive premise.

June 22, 23.25, Filmhouse; June 24, 20.45, Odeon 4

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