Reviews

Written, directed and produced by Brighton-based filmmaker Brian Gregory, ‘Daniel Came Home’ looks at the indelible trauma and lasting effects that our upbringing can have on us – even posthumously. The horror-fuelled dramatic experimental film employs a myriad of skilful cinematic techniques which wholly absorb you throughout the 16 minute runtime. The film is adaptedContinue reading “In Review: ‘Daniel Came Home’ by Brian Gregory”

‘REVERB’ by Liv Boren and production company Jack and Grace Productions is a powerfully perceptive examination of grief through the eyes of a young girl. The ambitious New York-based filmmaker succinctly devised a script which centralises on twelve-year-old Vivienne, sneaking into her first concert with the help of her older brother. A traumatic event witnessedContinue reading “In Review: ‘REVERB’ by Liv Boren”

Screening at Brighton Rocks on Saturday the 24th June in our late night programme “Beware Ye Who Enters Here” from 9.30pm at the Actors. ‘The Witching Hour’ by Craig Ford and production company Pardon Our French has adapted the weird and wonderful cinematic world of horror and applied it to the inner turmoil of aContinue reading “In Review: ‘The Witching Hour’, by Craig Ford”

It is reported that there are 9 stillbirths every day in the UK. ‘Stillness’ follows the journey of a photographer who strives to support a new family as they struggle with their loss. The following article contains content which might be difficult for some to read and watch. ‘Stillness’ is an admirably brave and powerfulContinue reading “In Review – ‘Stillness’ by Rachel Fowler”

StartStop is the greatest and most important punk rock band of all time! Now the truth, that they invented punk rock, will finally be proven thanks to Jim Banfield. A feature film premiering at Brighton Rocks in June this year is guaranteed to delightfully assault all of your senses from start to finish. ‘StartStop (TheContinue reading “In Review StartStop (The Untold Story as told by Mary Applestone a film by Jim Banfield) by Kew & Michael Bennett Leroux”

A terrifying and perhaps unsurprising fact reveals that In 2021, London recorded its worst ever death toll from teenage homicides. When writer and director Peter Callow came across the original play ‘Four O’Clock Flowers’ written by Louise Breckon-Richards he realised how affecting a film version could be in its exploration of grief, bereavement, loss, guiltContinue reading “In Review ‘Four O’Clock Flowers’ by Peter Callow”

‘Tales From The Great War’ is writer Elias’ second feature length film, following his 2018 release ‘The Numbers’. Both films deftly intertwine the stories of multiple characters and their inevitable crossing of paths, bringing forward a certain recurring theme for Elias: the power of fate. His latest release opens with a powerful close up ofContinue reading “In Review ‘Tales from the Great War’ by Andrew Elias”

Creaky floorboards, whispers in the walls and shadowy apparitions are all harbingers of an enticing horror film and are deftly incorporated into the very opening scenes of director Robin Rippman’s ‘Spellbound’, assuring the audience that they will be delighted by what follows. Spellbound’s sound design and score are striking from the very outset. We openContinue reading “In Review: ‘Spellbound’, by Robin Rippmann”

Experimental New York cinema might bring to mind Andy Warhol, Jonas Mekas or Maya Deren but whatever your fancy it has the power to stimulate and draw out admiration, contemplation and so much more in the viewer. It diversely tests and breaks traditional aspects of filmmaking thus allowing the director to break free from narrativeContinue reading “In Review: ‘Stabat Mater’ & ‘Couscous’ by Marina Sagona”

‘UNDER A PAGAN SKY’ is a documentary that takes a spellbinding look at contemporary druidry and witchcraft in Australia. It shines light on a world you may not know existed and will invite you to contemplate nothing less than the eternal mysteries of sex, life and death. In fine documentary tradition, you will learn lotsContinue reading “In Review: ‘UNDER A PAGAN SKY’ by Helen Browning”

Appearances can be deceptive and ‘QUEER BLOOD’ is a striking example of a film where nothing is quite as it seems. An indie neo-noir set in North Hollywood, this drama features characters whose wants and desires are hidden by their own internal struggles and locations so authentically brought to life and meticulously put together youContinue reading “In Review: ‘Queer Blood’ by Alexander Roman”

Alex Webb’s latest work, ‘KEITH’, presents a mycology-infused film about how a man named Keith Eldred and his wife, Margot, came to acquire a declassified site in Norfolk from the Ministry of Defence in 1966. Shot against the secluded backdrop of RAF Barnham 94 MU, the film skilfully merges an array of visual styles thatContinue reading “In Review: ‘KEITH’ by AF Webb”

A short horror where an inexplicable disease becomes a metaphor for the trauma of dealing with the suffering of loved ones. From the moment ‘MATER MORTIS’ opens on your screen, your senses are stung by themes of familial trauma and you do not have to travel far to see the personal connection to this film.Continue reading “In Review: ‘Mater Mortis’ by Rishi Gandhi”

Brighton Rocks Film Festival 2019’s Best Music Video Winner Returns . . . Unapologetic sexual lease-of-life and gay icon JD Kelleher stars in and directs the music video for his new single release Give Me Light. The music video is a captivating cinematic piece with wide-angle shots of an Irish coastal landscape against the soft light ofContinue reading “In Review: ‘Give Me Light’ by JD Kelleher”