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Reviews
Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story (2024)
A movie that's good for the soul
This lovingly shot documentary about a man who helps a young otter washed up on his boat ramp on Shetland Island is the most tranquil and beautiful movie experience I've ever had. Narrated by the couple who aided the otter, this film not only tells the story of two people and an adorable otter, it also showcases the stunning scenery of the Shetlands with superb cinematography. The score also deserves a mention.
Watching this movie was a beautiful experience. I could feel peace and calm descend over me as I watched the narrative of Billy and Molly unfold. In these turbulent times this is the balm, the respite I needed.
Strays (2023)
Wonderfully inappropriate humour with a serious message
This movie is chock-full of juvenile humour and overall is bloody funny. It also has a serious message about dog welfare and responsible ownership. Seeing the world from a dog's POV was done well, and so poignant that the MC dog did not comprehend his owner's cruelty. I can't believe this was rated R in the USA, rated MA in Australia. We are not so prissy about language. If you want a belly-laugh but at the same time want to see human cruelty to dogs exposed, this is the movie you should watch. Reggie's loyalty to his owner exemplifies how trusting dogs can be of their owners despite all indications to the contrary. Fortunately, Reggie has some good friends.
Beacon 23 (2023)
Intelligent philosophical sci-fi
This series is true speculative fiction. I can only image the low ratings come from people who think sci-fi is all about laser pistols and CGI space battles. The writing is excellent as are the performances. Can't wait for season two.
The storytelling is measured and well-paced. The mystery draws you into the narrative. The depiction of AI is innovative, most particularly Bart, the beacon's AI, who in flashbacks had becoming increasingly self-aware, unlike Aleph or Harmony. The regular refrain of dwelling on the photo of a lighthouse keeper who may be about to be overwhelmed by storm waves is particularly evocative.
Disregard the poor reviews, if you are truly into speculative fiction you will find this series thought-provoking and satisfying.
Total Control (2019)
Season 3 is an excellent finale
The writing, the acting, the production values, are all excellent. And the final episode of series 3 is particularly poignant in light of the referendum result.
I must admit I wish they had gone ahead with the original working title but understand it would have been controversial. But that phrase was muttered in every episode of season 1, and was revisited in the final act of the final episode of season 3. It says it all.
Every Australian should watch this, and I think International viewers would also find it riveting. Politics/ethics/human rights/real and current issues.
As Molly would say-"Do yourself a favour".
Foe (2023)
Slow but brilliant
If this was a book it would be considered literary speculative fiction. The ending informs you about the beginning and realise the beginning is a quiet flag to what the narrative is really about. There are subtle flags throughout the movie. I can only conjecture that those giving it a low rating either didn't "geddit" or are more accustomed to blockbuster type action sci-fi movies rather than the cerebral journey this movie takes you on. This movie is an emotional journey, it is a slow build for legitimate storytelling reasons. All done with just three actors. I do recommend prospective viewers look to the positive reviews.
Scavengers Reign (2023)
Superb
World building, story telling, characters and beauty of the animation all get a 10 from me. This series is magical. I'm still left wondering about some things but that is okay. That is what a second season is for that I think this series deserves. There is a dearth of decent sci-fi series and movies, so many of them boiler-plate nonsense. If this was a book I would call it literary sci-fi. I am a fiction editor working primarily in the speculative fiction space, and this is a gem. In Australia it is available on Binge. All the episodes are there if you want to subscribe for just a month. Highly recommend.
Darby and Joan (2022)
Refreshing Aussie series
Darby And Joan is a heartwarming series with two likeable and intelligent leads doing some amateur sleuthing while trying to solve the mystery surrounding Joan's husband who was found dead in Australia when he was ostensibly in Spain. Joan is English, a nurse and, while there a few "fish out of water" tropes these are few and she's no fool. Jack Darby is the laconic, emotionally stunted Aussie bloke, but there is more to him than that. He just doesn't want to overshare. Some great cameos from familiar Aussie actors and fantastic scenery to boot. If you want some light viewing with an overarching engaging narrative I can highly recommend this series. I hope there is a season 2.
Saltburn (2023)
I want the time I spent watching this refunded
This movie relies on gross scenes of sexual indecencies with no apparent context to the overall narrative until the final denouement. The intention is to just shock and, perhaps, induce vomiting. I stopped watching, not because it was confronting but because every nasty scene was just gratuitous as there was no context. There is some slight hint of what might be afoot after what happens with the sister when she is in the bath. I eventually decided to finish watching this film which ended with what could only be called a somewhat pathetic exercise in celebrating evil as intentions are finally revealed.
This may be a hit movie, but personally I have no time for it. I really regret the time I spent watching it. If you must know what it is about just fast forward to the end.
Solos (2021)
Speculative fiction at its best.
This is not sci-fi, it's speculative fiction, fiction that seeks an answer to a question. Performances by the actors are amazing and the writing is great. Production design is superb. I posit that the damning reviews are more reflective of the viewer just not getting what this was about. This is not Star Trek. It's not Star Wars. It's not Black Mirror. This is an emotional journey.