February 26th 2026
EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert
Sirat
The Testament of Ann Lee
Floodland
Solo Mio
It's yet another week of terrific films, with several being right up there in my estimation. Three featurs, and two docos give you plenty to choose from.
EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert
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© Universal - the next best thing to
having been in the audience at Vegas |
While Luhrmann was doing his research for his 2022 biopic Elvis, he heard rumour of some unseen footage deep in the MGM vaults in Kansas City. He unearthed an incredible 65 reels of negative film, then acquired some Super 8 movies from the Graceland archive, followed by the discovery of several audio tapes, never before heard, in which Elvis speaks openly about his life. Luhrmann knew he had to put it all together in one fantastic documentary. There is no voice-over in this doco; it consists of The King talking about himself, and large slabs from several concerts and rehearsals, especially the 1970 record-breaking Vegas show. It's all put together to make you feel like you are there in person, at a concert, or hanging out with Elvis and the band at rehearsals. In the show scenes, the glittering jumpsuits are memorable, but it is the electrifying energy and sheer likeability of the man himself that swept me away in this film. Whether he's singing gospel, rockabilly, or schmaltzy love songs, Elvis is a force of nature, oozing sensuality, rhythm and a honeyed voice. Peter Jackson's film company has restored the original footage to amazing clarity, and to the credit of the early cinematographers, there are so many intense close-ups of Elvis' face, you feel like he's right there. The editing of this film, with, for example, one seamlessly performed song in three differing venues, is mind-boggling, and some of the rare footage, such as baby Lisa Marie, is so touching. To think that a performer, dead nearly 50 years, can stir up such adulation and excitement, is a thing of wonder, and even if you think you're not a fan, you will be after seeing this film!5 - unmissable
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| © Madman - unforgettably disturbing |
One of this year's Oscar nominees for Best International Feature Film (as well as umpteen other awards and nominations), Sirat is not for the faint-hearted or those needing a happy ending. The word sirat in Arabic means path, way or road, and also has theological meanings. But this is no religious film; rather it tells of a father Luis (Sergi Lopez) and his young son Estefan (Bruno Nunez Arjona), who are searching for their missing daughter/sister. They believe she may be at a techno-rave in Morocco. Having no luck, they follow a group of party-goers who are headed to another rave. Their trek takes them deep into the montainous and desert regions of Morocco. I have not been so traumatised by a film in some time. The arduousness of the journey the oddly-matched group of people take is breathlessly terrifying, and certain things that happen along the way are unexpectedly shocking. The characters who Luis folllows are all damaged in some way and seem to be seeking something through drugs and overpowering music, yet they all have a compassion and unexpected depth to them. All are played by non-professional, real-life ravers. They play their parts perfectly, as do Lopez and Arjona. Small references to a third world war lend a deeper context to the narrative, but there is also an overwhelming sense of nihilism, along with elements of stark beauty. Stunningly shot evoking heat, loneliness, sorrow, fear, futility, death, and human connection, this is an experience like few other films I've seen. It may not be for everyone, but I'm left the whole day after seeing it mulling over many philosophical questions, a good sign of a truly affecting film.4 - highly recommended
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© Searchlight Pictures - revelatory portrayal of a
religious group, and one woman's deep faith |
Amanda Seyfried has just won a Golden Globe for her performance as Ann Lee in this strikingly unusual film, which introduces us to a religious movement known as the Shakers. The group was an offshoot of the Quakers, originating in England in the late 1700s. Led by Ann Lee, known to her followers as Mother, the group headed to the United States, where it founded its first community. The Shakers had many hymns and rhythmic dances that are portrayed repetitively and almost hypnotically throughout the film. Ann's early life with husband Abraham (Christopher Abbott) may explain how she came to espouse celibacy as a requirement for her followers, and the decidely unerotic sexual scenes are a stark contrast to the faith-driven ecstasy of the worshippers. The film looks great, and its many award nominations for music, costumes and editing are testament to the quality of the direction. This is a hard film to relate to if you don't really understand deep faith. Despite finding it all "a bit odd", I was intrigued to gain insight into what makes such communities tick, and impressed to see there was once a cult with a strong woman, who believed in the gender-neutrality of God, at its helm. 3.5 - well recommended
Floodland
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© Bonsai - moving doco highlighting the personal
cost of climate change, and natural disaster |
Winner of the Sustainable Future Award at the Sydney Film Festival, this is an important documentary that is personally heart-rending, and environmentally super-relevant. Eli has lived in Lismore all his life, and is delighted to buy his first home. But Lismore is the most flood-prone town in Australia, and soon Eli's property is ruined by rising water, with each successive flood being higher than the last. After teaming up with Jess and her little son Jensen, Eli undergoes more devastating dramas and must decide whether to leave his town. Meanwhile his pal Harper, sick to death of government procrastination on promised solutions, goes into grass-roots activism. This is powerful film-making on several levels. It gives a deeply personal insight into people's lives, while at the same time highlighting the escalating catastrophes that climate change is causing, along with the initial stupidity of white settlers building a town on a flood plain. Indigenous practitioner Dr Carlie Atkinson creates a centre for trauma healing, and outlines how traditional wisdom can help communities cope with nature's challenges. Bonita Carzino's exquisite cinematography showcases the beauty of the area, along with nature's fierce power.4 - highly recommended
Solo Mio
Dir: Charles Kinnane & Daniel Kinnane
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© Rialto - conventional but sweet rom-com
in a lovely Italian setting |
Matt (Kevin James) proposes to Meghan, suggesting they marry in Rome. She accepts but then gets cold feet and ditches him at the altar. The hotel manager suggest that, since he's in the Eternal City, Matt may as well do all the activities he had planned for his honeymoon, but as a single. Two other couples on the same honeymoon tourist package befriend him, and help him get over his grief. But at the same time, Matt meets local cafe owner Gia (Nicole Grimaudo) who decides to show him another side of Italy. And since she is related to Andrea Boccelli, and takes Matt to the famous singer's estate, things really look up. The film breaks no new ground, tends to stretch credibility, but certainly shows a lovely side of Rome and the gorgeous countryside of Tuscany. The characters are all amiable enough, and the film has some quite sweet and funny moments. And of course having the real Boccelli playing himself is a major drawcard. Could be good for a date night. 2.5 - maybe
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