James Mangold, acclaimed for directing the acclaimed Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line, returns with a new music drama tracing the formative years of Bob Dylan's career. The film centres on Dylan's arrival in New York in 1961, intent on following in the footsteps of his hero Woody Guthrie. Timothée Chalamet delivers a performance that transcends impersonation, capturing Dylan’s single-minded pursuit of his musical and political ambitions. The story portrays his impact on folk musicians such as banjo player Pete Seeger (played by Edward Norton), while also exploring his fraught relationships with fellow artists like Joan Baez, portrayed by Monica Barbaro. The film is available to watch from Wednesday 30 April on Disney+.
In the realm of crime thrillers, Netflix has released Havoc, directed by Gareth Evans. The film stars Tom Hardy as Walker, a corrupt police officer ensnared in a tense conflict involving his equally corrupt colleagues, led by Timothy Olyphant’s Vincent, a politician named Beaumont played by Forest Whitaker, and a Triad gang seeking vengeance for the death of their leader's son. The gritty urban setting evokes a dark, crime-ridden atmosphere reminiscent of Gotham City. The film is noted for its intense and stylised action sequences that favour overwhelming firepower. Havoc is available to stream now on Netflix.
Fashion enthusiasts can explore the dramatic highs and lows of John Galliano's career in Kevin Macdonald’s documentary High & Low: John Galliano, premiering Sunday 27 April on Netflix. The film opens with footage of Galliano’s 2010 Paris bar incident, where an antisemitic outburst ended his career at Dior. It chronicles his rapid rise from student at Saint Martins to haute couture icon, while candidly examining his struggles with alcoholism, drug abuse, and personal excesses that contributed to his downfall.
French cinema presents Justine Triet’s legal drama Anatomy of a Fall, streaming from Tuesday 29 April on Netflix. The film centres on Sandra, portrayed by Sandra Hüller, who faces a trial for the murder of her husband Samuel, following his fatal fall from their attic. The narrative delves into the complexities of their marriage and societal gender expectations, using various forms of evidence—including audio recordings, literary works, and testimony from their partially sighted son—to explore the differing interpretations of the incident.
Film4 viewers will have the opportunity to revisit David Leland’s Wish You Were Here on Tuesday 29 April at 1.40am. Set in the early 1950s, the film features Emily Lloyd as Lynda, a rebellious 16-year-old girl challenging societal norms in a bleak seaside town. The film addresses themes of female independence and the challenges posed by predatory men, with Geoffrey Hutchings and Tom Bell among the supporting cast.
For those seeking a comedic mystery, Another Simple Favour arrives on Prime Video on Thursday 1 May. Directed by Paul Feig, the film continues the story of Stephanie, played by Anna Kendrick, an amateur sleuth turned true-crime author, and Emily, played by Blake Lively, a character recently released from jail and planning a wedding to an Italian mobster in Capri. The movie is characterised by its fast-paced, witty narrative filled with twists and turning picture-perfect locations.
Lastly, Film4 will air Other People’s Children on Thursday 1 May at 1.25am. The film stars Virginie Efira as Rachel, a single teacher confronting the ticking clock of motherhood. After developing a relationship with Ali (Roschdy Zem) and his young daughter Leila (Callie Ferreira-Goncalves), Rachel experiences the bittersweet dynamics of parental love when she remains an outsider to the child’s life. Rebecca Zlotowski’s drama delicately explores themes of family, longing, and acceptance.
Source: Noah Wire Services