The conflicting adaptation of Tom Michell’s memoir, The Penguin Lessons, swerves between a lighthearted comedy and political drama.

Small Things Like These is a poignant title for an arresting film, as it’s the little uncomfortable things director Tim Mielants wants you to become familiar with.

The Count of Monte Cristo, directed and written by french duo Alexandre de La Patelliere and Matthieu Delaporte, is a three hour epic worthy of the source material.

James Ashcroft’s The Rule of Jenny Pen is a slow-burn psychological horror that trades in gore for something far more insidious - helplessness.

Oh, Canada tries to be profound and contemplative, but disappointingly, is not as deep or compelling as it thinks it is. 

Steven Soderbergh continues his prolific ‘post-retirement’ run with Black Bag, a tightly-wound spy thriller that is as cleverly composed as it is devilishly paranoid.

While it most likely won’t be regarded as a mobster classic when compared to some of Scorsese’s other masterpieces it is trying to channel, The Alto Knights is still a well-enough-made film that fans of the mobster genre will be able to glean some enjoyment from the feature.

My Melbourne is the people we all know: our friends, our family, our neighbours, our coworkers, our bosses, our classmates, the people on our tram rides in the morning, and the people we talk to on a night out.

From a young age, the film stuck in my mind as undyingly sympathetic, and upon my revisiting it recently, I love it more than ever as not only the purest demonstration of Lynch’s ability to thrive within the studio system, but also the directorial attention to his own idiosyncratic way of loving the people of the world around him.

Hard Truths is a masterclass in great writing and acting, and despite a shaky ending, still packs a huge punch.

Rasoulof brings the audience directly into Tehran - this film will most likely be the closest thing we’ll ever have to see into the lives of those who have been oppressed in Iran.

While I’m Still Here is quite simple in terms of filmmaking, it is elevated by its incredible performances, storytelling and authentic portrayal of the time period.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is a tale bound to resonate with every woman’s experiences.

The Last Showgirl is a reflection on how the end is just the beginning, and the whimsy of girlhood can persevere into womanhood.

Having already won the New Directors Award at the San Sebastián International Film Festival, Baumgartner has proved himself a deeply talented auteur to watch, reminding audiences of the fierce talent that Switzerland has to behold.

Visually, this film feels like a masterclass of instinctive storytelling.

What is art without family? Although providing no concrete answer, Arens does tell us that life is worth creating, and creativity comes from those around us.

Bird is a visceral coming-of-age tale that soars thanks to its naturalistic approach to both performances and on-screen craft. 

if you’re into making a mockery of death, ethereal dancing, classical art allegories, and ‘tacky’ playlists then They Will be Dust is the film for you. 

What stands out the most is the ironically loud message of Julie Keeps Quiet.