Hive (15)
Directed by Blerta Basholli
★★★★

THE struggle of one woman to provide a livelihood for her children while fighting the injustice and misogyny of a patriarchal society is the core of this powerful and moving drama.

Writer-director Blerta Basholli’s impressive debut feature is based on the true story of Fahrije Hoti (Yllka Gashi) who, burdened with fading hope and mounting grief over her husband who went missing during the war in Kosovo, is faced with animosity and hostility from the village men after she obtains a driving licence and finds a job. When she decides to launch a company making ajvar sauce and involve other war widows in the community, the men call her a whore, hurling rocks at her car window while she is behind the wheel.

This is an incredible tale of feminist resistance and female empowerment, driven home by a powerhouse turn by Gashi, whose quiet resolve and determination as Fahrije speaks volumes. It is set against the backdrop of civil unrest, when thousands died or went missing during the 1999 conflict which left women in limbo and at the mercy of their sexist male relatives.

The film paints a touching and awe-inspiring portrait of one woman’s triumphant battle to overcome loss and adversity, resulting in a successful business which employs over 50 women and exports to Europe and beyond.

In cinemas

Three Floors (18)
Directed by Nanni Moretti
★★★★

MORAL actions and consequences are examined in this captivating story of three families living in the same Italian apartment building.
Based on Eshkol Nevo’s best-selling novel Three Floors Up, this is the first time co-writer-director Nanni Moretti, who also produced and stars in it, has adapted another artist’s work. However, he has relocated the book’s setting from Tel Aviv to Rome’s stylish Prati neighbourhood.

Unfolding over the course of 10 years, the film follows these families, the way they deal with conflict and how it affects relationships between husbands, wives, parents, children and siblings.

Exquisitely shot and beautifully acted by a phenomenal ensemble cast, it is totally enthralling; the choices these characters make reflect universal moral dilemmas with rippling consequences.

A must-see film.

In cinemas

Master (15)
Directed by Mariama Diallo
★★★

THE horrors of underlying racism at a prestigious, predominantly white New England college are explored through the experiences of three black women struggling to find their place.

Mariama Diallo’s debut feature is a deliciously creepy and disturbing thriller in which the living residents are far scarier than their ghostly counterparts.

The film follows Regina Hall as Professor Gail Bishop, the first black female master of a residence hall; Jasmine Moore (Zoe Renee), a black freshman whose dorm room is haunted by a former (dead) occupant; and Liv Beckman (Amber Gray), a professor battling for tenure with whom Jasmine clashes.

It is an intriguing examination of overt and insidious racism, and how the three women are forced to confront it, with a surprising and thought-provoking twist. It just needed a few more substantial scares.

In select cinemas and on Prime Video

Deep Water
Directed by Adrian Lyne
★★

FROM the director of Fatal Attraction — the film responsible for the phrase “bunny boiler” — comes another erotic psychological thriller which sadly won’t leave an indelible mark (or splash).

Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel of the same name, it centres on an affluent New Orleans couple where husband Vic (Ben Affleck) allows the wife Melinda (Ana de Armas) to have affairs in order to avoid divorce.

However, resentment, jealousy and mistrust grow when she starts flaunting her younger lovers in front of him and their friends.
While Affleck seems to be on permanent autopilot, De Armas is on magnetic and manipulative form. The problem lies with their characters, both heinous, entitled and rich, leaving us with nobody to root for except maybe their razor-sharp young daughter Trixie (a phenomenal Grace Jenkins), who is determined to make her mother’s life a misery.

When Melinda’s dalliances start to mysteriously disappear, suspicion falls on Vic — but did he do it? He is so odious that he doesn’t instil any sympathy and frankly the two deserve each other.
Director Adrian Lyne delivers a very slick and stylish thriller, but despite the eroticism it lacks any sexual tension — or memorable bunny boiler moments.

On Prime Video