Safe Return Doubtful

Van International Film Festival 2024

Conclave  A movie that requires some suspension of disbelief in its convenient coincidences, and is far more than the twists in its tail; for if it were to be judged on they alone it would far less rewarding. What it is, is a visual masterpiece with some outstanding performances. Though Fiennes, Tucci, Lithgow and Msamati seem to attract the plaudits, it was Carlos Diehz that for me stole the show, a Mexican with little previous acting experience. 

IMDb score 7.4 / 10 – my score 9 / 10 

Anora I found this to be an enjoyable romantic comedy but not much more than that. I can’t imagine it being close to my top ten films of the year. 

IMDb score 8.0 / 10 – my score 7 / 10 

The Last Stop in Yuma County This is a highly entertaining indie film from a new and upcoming director, in the mold of Tarentino, and played out entirely in the diner of a gas station on a wild stretch of desert road that could be from a Wes Anderson set. The location plays its part as the excellent cast do. 

With each plot development a seemingly simple game of cat and mouse grows more complex. The diner becomes a pressure cooker, with its customers unaware of the danger they are in. 

To look at a summary, it may not seem an original storyline, but it’s done so well that really doesn’t matter. Better described I’d say as being Fargo-esque.. 

(It’s not released in the UK until next year). 

IMDb score 6.9 / 10 – my score 9 / 10