The Substance, 2024 - ★★★
This was a challenge for me, not least because as a feature length ASMR film it triggered all my noise sensitivities. I think I need warnings like the ones you get for flashing lights!
That said, it’s like nothing I’ve seen before and Demi Moore was indeed excellent.
The Brutalist, 2024 - ★★★½
Visually impressive and enjoyable as a modernist architecture geek. The length which was one thing I was unsure about really wasn’t noticeable with the well-timed interval.
The main reason this isn’t getting a higher rating is that I felt no emotional connection to the characters. I feel there was also scope to develop the stories of some of the peripheral characters further especially Gordon and Zsofia.
Finished reading: Babel by R. F Kuang 📚
Thoroughly enjoyable. Some good twists along the way. Got a little pedestrian in the final third though which has tempered my enthusiasm a little.
A Real Pain, 2024 - ★★★★★
I’ve been thinking about what to write about this for a week. And I’ve ended up with this… it’s got just the right amount of everything. I feared before going in it could be overly sentimental, but the script and performances are just spot on.
It’s a lean film with nothing more than it needs. Not trying to give us answers but more questions to ponder.
The Florida Project, 2017 - ★★★★
This took me by surprise a little. Felt very reminiscent of British social realist films like Fish Tank and The Selfish Giant.
Seen lots of reviews talking about seeing things from Moonee’s perspective, but the more I think about it, the more I feel like it was Bobby’s eyes I was looking through.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, 2024 - ★★★★
These days if you can hold my attention for a full 2.5 hours you’re likely to get 4 stars. And if you give me a main character who is someone competent and excessively resentful on top of that, it’s a lock in.
The bookend to my day yesterday, walking home via the Quayside. Spot Venus 🪐
Mad sky this morning on my commute
I’m kinda glad I don’t get annual podcast stats, otherwise you’d know how much time I spend thinking about my fantasy premier league team 😆
Currently reading: Babel by R. F Kuang 📚
I enjoyed the author’s note at the beginning of this, which outlines all her sources for the details of Victorian Oxford and the artistic licences she has taken. The last sentence in particular made me chuckle…
If you find any other inconsistencies, feel free to remind yourself this is a work of fiction.
Finished reading: Report for Murder by V. L. McDermid 📚
Sometimes you just need the comfort of a classic crime procedural and Val McDermid is always a sure bet.
Anora, 2024 - ★★★★
Quite the rollercoaster. At times uncomfortable to watch, at times laugh out loud funny and then one final moment of gut wrenching despair.
Finished reading: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver 📚
It took me two goes, but I did it. Skipped a few chapters in the late 30s/early 40s where the story felt it just got stuck. Enjoyed the rest of it.
Frosty mornings
I much prefer the crisp cold morning we had yesterday to today’s slushy snow. We went for a walk along the River Derwent and it was magical.
Year in books for 2024
Here are the books I finished reading in 2024. I didn’t reach my goal, but who cares. I’ve read some outstanding books and abandoned a few that didn’t feel worth my time.
Currently reading: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver 📚
Encouraged by my friend, I’m picking this up again. She said it’s worth getting through the middle slump, so I skipped a few chapters from where I left off and started again. So far, so good.
Perfect Days, 2023 - ★★★★★
Some films come along at just the right time, and this one I needed today. Now is now.
The Holdovers, 2023 - ★★★★★
An actual Christmas film that is actually very good. I enjoyed how it was set up to be one thing then turned into something entirely different. All three main actors were at the top of their game. And Payne’s touch is so subtle I was fully immersed in the story and the unfolding relationships.