Paul Schrader’s First Reformed uses potent images and an exceptionally crafted protagonist – found in Ethan Hawke’s lonely Reverend Ernst Toller – to find a bleak balance between hope and despair. Rev…
A Billboard for Apostasy
Writer-director Daniel Kokotajlo grew up as a Jehovah’s Witness. By intimately exploring a tragic family drama in his debut feature film he voices his frustrations with the Witnesses that led him to r…
Mamma Mia! I’d Gladly Go Again
Forget what you think makes a good movie, because Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again denies all wisdom on the subject and manages to produce an utterly joyous Kalokairi-set celebration. It doesn’t matter tha…
Journey to the Heart of Story
Fascinated by film? Driven by drama? Ready to put the ‘lit’ back into literary genius? ‘Journey to the Heart of Story’ is a fiery new Flipside section exploring any aspect of film, drama and bookish b…
JHS: The Hero’s Journey
Human change and transformation doesn’t just occur on screen… Choke! Choke! Choke! Choke! Stop being so fucking weak! You’re a bum. A rapper. A ballet dancer. A boxer. While very different in ma…
JHS: The Art of the Double Reversal
When the antagonist and hero learn from each other, we get a work of exceptional quality and powerful message… Two warriors enter the clifftop edge, bruised and broken from their climactic fight. Kill…
JHS: Warrior vs King
Exploring conflict through archetype in Damien Chazelle’s ‘Whiplash’ Many seek power over others. Others seek power over themselves. These values aren’t separate. They fuel and propagate each other. A…
An interview with the LSE graffiti artist
I guess we first want to ask about the location. How did you choose it and why? Well, a big part of the decision was definitely convenience. I had to avoid getting caught so I chose a spot that was ea…
Precious mettle: “Lady Bird” is the beautiful retelling of a young life lived
By Adam Solomons I haven’t attended church regularly in some time, so the learned voice of a priest and the inviting echo of a congregation and the all-too-appetising communion wafers introduce…
The Wombats review – “Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life”
It doesn’t quite feel like it, but the Liverpool-founded indie band the Wombats’ last release was almost three years ago. 2015’s stellar “Glitterbug” brought new emotional highs and a changed electron…