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Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 3h

Gianfranco Rosi’s #BelowTheClouds is a wonderfully insightful exploration of Italian culture, living in the shadow of Vesuvius.

The culture, architecture and warmth of the people existing here shines through vividly through this artistic black and white intimate lens. #LFF

Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 4h

Ronan Day-Lewis’ #Anemone is a colossal fail. Aside from the obligatory quality from DDL and Sean Bean, the film is an overstuffed slog to nowhere.

Dull, insipid and rudderless, this is art without quality, devoid of anything interesting to say. I expected so much more #LFF

Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 7h

Bradley Cooper’s #IsThisThingOn is a delightful treat. Cooper’s sharp screenplay explores married life wonderfully while also embracing the bizarre nature of relationships.

The screenplay is fun, uplifting, poignant and utterly hilarious. Will Arnett and Laura Dern are 🔥 #LFF

Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 1d

Ordinarily, Aneil Karia’s contemporary version of #Hamlet may be a welcome spin on a classic. However, after seeing #Hamnet, the film is a woefully inferior cousin.

Riz Ahmed’s quality shines through and elevates the film, but it amounts to little more than a token entry. #LFF

Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 1d

Sadly, Kelly Reichardt’s #TheMastermind is an artistic road to nowhere. While I admire the director’s vision and the performance of Josh O'Connor, it fails to deliver anything of conviction.

This timepiece stutters with a self-contained, hollow story with aimless nuance. #LFF

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Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 1d

Guillermo del Toro’s #Frankenstein is a monstrous triumph. The director’s signature style and unique vision have crafted a truly exceptional adaptation of Mary Shelley’s tale.

With its incredible heart, stunning soundtrack and breathtaking cinematography, it’s a rare gem. #LFF

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Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 2d

Philippa Lowthorpe’s #HIsForHawk is a beautiful exploration of life and loss. Claire Foy dazzles alongside the incredible Denise Gough against the backdrop of some sumptuous cinematography.

Sad, emotional but ultimately uplifting, the film beats a warm, emotional drum. #LFF

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Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 2d

Joachim Trier’s #SentimentalValue is a compelling piece of cinema. An estranged family’s turmoil plays out in gloriously intimate fashion with perfectly weighted, poignant performances from Stellan Skarsgård & Renate Reinsve.

Often silently heartbreaking, it’s a triumph. #LFF

Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 2d

Nia DaCosta’s #Hedda is an intoxicating and seductive watch. Tessa Thompson delivers a mesmerising performance in a story as slick and sexy and a coiled snake.

The atmosphere is electric, the costumes are phenomenal, and DaCosta’s impressive style shines through. #LFF

Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 2d

Another busy day today at #LFF.

Today’s starts with #Hedda and #SentimentalValue and climaxes with #HIsForHawk

Keep the coffee flowing!

Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 3d

Luca Guadagnino’s #AfterTheHunt is a frustrating watch. Aside from a glowing performance from Julia Roberts and the scene stealing Michael Stuhlbarg, the film is an overstuffed drama that fails to deliver on its promise.

Not even Andrew Garfield can spark this into life. #LFF

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Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 3d

Chloé Zhao needs to take a bow. #Hamnet is phenomenal. The film floored me. It’s a breathtaking piece of filmmaking from start to finish. From the beautiful score to the sumptuous cinematography, the film is an emotional triumph.

Jessie Buckley deserves an Oscar for this. #LFF

Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 3d

It’s a lighter day at #LFF today.

First up is #Hamnet followed #AfterTheHunt - let’s do this!

Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 4d

Sadly, Mona Fastvol’s #TheTestamentOfAnnLee didn’t resonate with me.

Although the film crafts a brilliant historical setting, the jarring religious musical numbers and oddly choreographed worshipping didn’t land. Amanda Seyfried performs well, but she can’t salvage this. #LFF

Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 4d

Noah Baumbach’s #JayKelly is a wonderfully weighted piece of cinema.

George Clooney delivers a phenomenal performance alongside the refreshingly impressive Adam Sandler. Fun, reflective, amusing and memorable, the film is an engrossing but poignant watch. #LFF

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Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 4d

Yorgos Lanthimos’ #Bugonia is another zany, well-executed, and intoxicating addition to his filmography.

Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons deliver mesmerising performances in this bizarre, twisted and stylised battle of ideologies. It’s brave but bizarre…in a good way. #LFF

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Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 5d

Edward Berger’s #BalladOfASmallPlayer is an another triumph. Although it’s not as tight as #Conclave, it’s an unnerving and hypnotic ride.

Colin Farrell shines as the failing gambler with the beauty of Macau serving as a sumptuous backdrop in this twisted tale of deceit. #LFF

Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 6d

Jan Komasa’s #GoodBoy is a truly brilliant addition to #LFF.

Stephen Graham and Anson Boon turn in a dazzling performances in this dark and twisted tale of kidnapping, imprisonment, torture a family ties. With its dark, twisted, but fun storyline, the film is a rare triumph.

Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 6d

Jonatan Etzler’s #BadApples is a rare delight. Saoirse Ronan leads a phenomenal young cast in this audacious commentary of the British Education system.

Part thriller, part comedy, it drags us into the classroom for a sharp, well-layered and brilliantly directed surprise! #LFF

Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 6d

Rian Johnson has hit another home run with #WakeUpDeadMan #KnivesOut - this whodunnit is a banger.

Daniel Craig effortlessly slips back into gear with Josh O’Connor stealing the spotlight from the brilliant ensemble. It’s fun, sharp, witty, and bags of sleuthing fun! #LFF

Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 6d

Joachim Rønning’s #TronAres is an ambitious sequel. Jared Leto performs well on The Grid and elevates the material alongside Greta Lee. The visuals are gorgeous, and the cinematography is superb.

However, neither the score or plot are in the same league as its predecessors.

Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 7d

It’s time for a break from #LFF for a trip to the Grid!

Seated and #NowWatching #TronAres - thanks to our pals at Disney for tonight’s light cycle extravaganza!

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Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 7d

Majid Al Ansari’s #TheVile is a well-executed horror. The dark and twisted story benefits from some fabulous jump scares and an eerie setting that transforms a loving family home into a paranormal prison.

With its impressive cast, the film is a welcome addition to #LFF

Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 7d

Thomas Ngijol’s #Untamable is an enticing thriller. Exploring the values of a family and tradition in Cameroon, the film excels with an engrossing crime story.

Ngijol also leads the film, and adds some well-layered excellence as the tradition-obsessed police chief. #LFF

Phil Roberts @philthecool.bsky.social · 7d

Okay, Ion De Sosa’s #BALEARIC is a frustrating spin on the horror/thriller. Two bizarre stories trudge along and amount to nothing.

Sure the stylish atmosphere and scary opening moments hit hard, but the film never gains momentum. This is classic style over substance. #LFF