DOCTOR WHO
(BBC, available on iPlayer)
The Chris Chibnall era of Doctor Who has officially begun. Jodie Whittaker brings an enthusiasm and childlike wonder to the role not unlike the Eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith, yet also manages to maintain some of the gruffness of her predecessor, Peter Capaldi. With a new Doctor comes a new group of companions, played by Tosin Cole, Mandip Gill and Bradley Walsh respectively. Whilst the new Doctor and her companions are compelling and engaging, none of the villains thus far have really stood out. This needs to be rectified soon – Chibnall’s refusal to utilise the old stalwarts, the Daleks and the Cybermen, means that the pressure will be on to create new and frightening villains. Despite this, the series as a whole has been enjoyable and a nice throwback to the show’s origins. ****GE
OF GODS AND WARRIORS
(DVD/BluRay)
An earnest Viking movie with a strong female lead in Anna Demetriou, forced to face her royal destiny after being raised oblivious to her heritage. Lots of grunts, groans and slo-mo battle sequences with cameos from an awkward Terrence Stamp, a bemused Paul Freeman and a bewigged Will Mellor. Covers a lot of hoary cliches on a limited budget, has an unnecessary sex scene and some gore but remains mildly diverting for Nordic mythology fans. ***KS
I KILL GIANTS
(Netflix/DVD)
A retread of A Monster Calls with Madison Wolfe’s quirky young girl defending her small town from monsters/giants via a series of elaborate traps – but she is really running away from her own family problems and looming tragedy. She’s an outsider who finally manages to connect with a new friend, Sydney Wade, and face what is really troubling her. Well-acted and directed, but unfortunately very similar to Patrick Ness’ metaphorical examination of grief. Worth a look but suffers by comparison. ***KS
KILLING EVE
(BBC iplayer)
Killing Eve is the latest thriller to hit the BBC, directed by Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge. It doesn’t disappoint with it’s often darkly humorous take on espionage, surprisingly topical following heightened tensions between the UK and Russia. Sandra Oh stars as Eve Polastri, a low-level MI5 analyst who’s drawn into a terrifying game of cat-and-mouse after deducing that a recent assassination was in fact carried out by a woman. The cat to Eve’s mouse is Villanelle, a mysterious and psychotic assassin hellbent on killing her. Jodie Comer steals the show with her portrayal of Villanelle, veering from playful to sexy to evil, sometimes within the course of a single scene. This globetrotting spy thriller is a must watch; who knew being evil could be so enjoyable? *****GE
HOLD THE DARK
(Netflix)
Jeremy Saulnier, the brains behind the superb thrillers Blue Ruin and Green Room hits Netflix with this chilly Alaskan mystery of wolves and missing children. It is not nearly as focused as either of his two previous films, and the film’s lack of a clear resolution has infuriated many viewers. But those looking for such resolution are looking in the wrong places – this is a film of ambiguity and mystery, of a lonesome melancholy at the sadism of human beings. It isn’t as good as Green Room and it would have benefited from a cinema run, but that’s the world we live in now. ****FT
