February 3rd 2026
It Was Just an Accident
Blue Moon
Addition
Steps of Freedom (SMS On Demand)
Disneyland Handcrafted (streaming on Disney+)
Two of today's films are up there in Oscar contention. And for those staying home, there are two fine documentaries to enjoy on streaming platforms.
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© Madman - comedy masks some serious
social commentary |
From the renowned Iranian director, this Palme d'Or winner at last year's Cannes FF, is now nominated for two Oscars, (along with countless other nominations and wins). Eghbal (Ebrahim Azizi) is driving at night with his family when his car hits a dog and is damaged. He calls into a workshop, where mechanic Vahid (Vahid Mobasseri) instantly recognises the voice as belonging to someone who was his tormentor when he was in an Iranian jail. Fuelled by revenge, he kidnaps Eghbal and tries to bury him alive, but Eghbal vehemently denies his presumed identity, and so Vahid contacts a few other ex-detainees to try to help identify their former captor and torturer. This is a clever blending of political comment, thriller and comedy, with an incisive examination of moral issues at its heart. The plot has much to say about oppression, revenge and forgiveness. Should victims stoop to the same levels as their persecutors, or can forgiveness be possible? With the current state of affairs in Iran, this is timely viewing.4 - highly recommended
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© Sony - Ethan Hawke gives one of
his finest performances yet |
Just nominated for an Oscar for Best Lead Actor and Best Screenplay, Blue Moon is the story of one night in the life of Lorenz Hart (Ethan Hawke), famed partner of the musical-comedy writing duo Hammerstein and Hart. Hammerstein (Simon Delaney) has just enjoyed a rave response to his new musical show Oklahoma, but it has been written in collaboration with Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott). Hart has been sidelines, thanks to his alcohol addiction. The story is mostly set in the confines of a bar, where Eddie the barman (an excellent Bobby Cannevale) presides. The film is almost entirely dialogue driven, with Hart expounding at length upon the dramas in his life, his love for much younger protege Elizabeth Wieland (Margaret Qualley), and trying to come to terms with his ex-partner's raging success without him, as well as grappling with his own sexual identity. Hawke is a revelation, both in the acting department and his makeup driven transformation. His brashnes and garrulousness contrasted with an underlying self-loathing are beatifully portrayed. Though nothing very dramatic happens plot-wise, Hart's intense self-examination and the excruciatingly painful night he must endure make for quite rivetting watching. The glory days of 1940s Broadway are reflected in the sumptuous setting, which adds to the atmosphere.3.5 - well recommended
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| © Roadshow - rom-com meets mental health issues |
Based on an award-nominated, popular novel by Toni Jordan, Addition is a rom-com with a difference - it is also an insight into mental illness, specifically an OCD type of obsession with counting. Grace (Teresa Palmer) is a mathematician and tutor who constantly counts everything she comes across, as if her life depends on it (her mental health certainly does!). When she meets Seamus (Joe Dempsie) in a supermarket and a romance develops, she is forced to confront herself and her order-obsessed world. While Palmer's performance is excellent, the film lacks the narrative drive to really pull viewers in. Attempting to depict mental health conditions with random on-screen numbers, and imaginary conversations with inventor Nikola Tesla (Eamon Farren) doesn't totally work. While a pleasant diversion, the film hasn't stayed in my head as long as the algebra I learned decades ago in school! 2.5 - maybe
Steps of Freedom
Dir: Ruan Magan
Length: 73 mins
Streaming on SBS On Demand (2021)
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| © unexpectedly wonderful and joyous |
Now here's a film to make a song and dance about! This award-winning doco traces the history of Irish dance, from its ancient peasant origins, to the global phenomenon it has become, featuring the likes of Michael Flatley and his arena performances. Even if you don't imagine yourself a fan of the genre, there is so much to love here, from the infectious energy of the dancers and musicians, through to the fascinating history of Ireland that is intertwined with the dance history. Seeing the dancers lose themselves in the rhythm and hearing the driving beats and steps is a mesmerising experience. The film posits that African culture also had an influence on Irish dancing, and a couple of "dance-offs" between African and Irish dancers are simply mind-blowing. This is uplifting, entertaining, and a totally unexpected treat which is a must for music lovers and fans of all things Irish. 4.5 - wholeheartedly recommended
Disneyland Handcrafted
Dir: Lesley Iwerks
Length: 78 mins
Streaming on Disney+
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| © Disney+ - |
If you think you have absolutely no interest in Disneyland, this captivating doco should make you rethink. It's the story of how Walt Disney, determined and focussed, brought his vision to life with the help of hundreds of skilled artisans and workers. Using rare, unseen archival footage, the doco shows how a seemingly impossible dream came to fruition back in the mid 1950s. The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, along with months-long dedicated labour, saw Walt's iconic theme park born. From an arid patch of land, to a world of fantasy and fun, it was almost unbelievable that everything could be done within the time frame envisaged. This is entertaining, inspiring and educational viewing. And for those old enough to remember watching Disneyland on a Sunday night, it's a glorious trip down memory lane.4 - highly recommended
