I Am Martin Parr (12A)
Directed by Lee Shulman 
★★★ 

 
HAILED as one of the greatest photographers of all time, film-maker Lee Shulman attempts to unravel the enigma that is Martin Parr in this fascinating intimate portrait of the man, his work and his legacy. 

This documentary follows the controversial photographer, now in his seventies, on a road trip across England as he visits his most famous haunts and discusses his life and his most renowned photographs. 

It is a real eye-opener seeing him in action blending into the background with his walker as he takes snapshots of British life as it happens. It also shows how he talks to people, putting them at their ease before snapping them.  

The film also features interviews with curators, numerous photographers, as well as Madness guitarist Mark Bedford and actor/comedian David Walliams.  

It is Parr’s extraordinary work that speaks for itself. The powerful and stunning black-and-white pictures of working-class people and the vibrant and eye-catching colour shots  which just pop and draw you right in.  

He reveals how when he moved to colour it was very controversial, but he never looked back. 

He photographs people just as they are but his photos contain a lot of humour. He admits they are political but refuses to elucidate, leaving it up to you to decide. 

For those who know very little about Parr this is the perfect introduction to an unassuming yet revolutionary man which will hopefully get them to seek out his work.   

In cinemas February 21. 

September Says (18)
Directed by Ariane Labed
★★★ 

THE close but toxic bond between two sisters is explored in actor-turned-director Ariane Labed’s surreal debut feature. 

It is based on Daisy Johnson’s novel Sisters which Labed adapted for the big screen. 

Siblings September (Pascale Kann) and July (Mia Tharia) have an unhealthy co-dependent relationship. September is protective and distrustful of others and defends July (Mia Tharia) from the school bullies; while July, although reserved, is curious about the world but relies heavily on her older sister who is stifling at times. 

When September is suspended from school yet again, their mother (Rakhee Thakrar) takes them all away to a family holiday home in Ireland, sparking tensions. There, July’s bond with her sibling seems to start shifting in a way she cannot understand. 

The first part of the film is shot on 16mm and the second on 35mm which is a subtle way of reflecting a change in July’s perception of reality. Once the shock denouement is revealed it sheds much needed light on the girls and their mum’s erratic behaviour.  

Although well-acted I did not care for these characters who were not very likeable. It is a bleak and bizarre tale which may not be to everyone’s liking. 

In cinemas February 21. 

The Monkey (15)
Directed by Osgood Perkins
★★★ 

 
FROM the writer-director of Longlegs comes another deliciously dark and twisted horror film this time about a disturbing looking wind-up monkey with killer vibes.  

Written and directed by Osgood Perkins, it is based on a Stephen King short story. It follows two young twin brothers Hal and Bill, both played phenomenally by Christian Convery, who find their father’s old toy after which a series of gruesome deaths ensue which tears their family apart. They throw it away and 25 years later it returns and embarks on a new killing spree forcing the estranged siblings (both portrayed solidly by Theo James) to confront the cursed toy. 

Exploring toxic masculinity, fatherhood and sibling rivalry taken to extremes, this is a bonkers yet wonderfully macabre horror. It features some unforgettable gory kills and one of the creepiest toys ever which seems indestructible. 

Hugely entertaining it is packed full with jump scares and truly sick twists.  

In cinemas February 21.

The Gorge (15)
Directed by Scott Derrickson
★★★ 

 
FROM the director of The Black Phone, Scott Derrickson, comes a fascinating mash up of genres resulting in a thrilling and compelling apocalyptic ride. 

It stars Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy as two highly trained operatives and crack snipers (one from the west, the other from the east) who are sent to patrol and safeguard opposite sides of a vast and mysterious gorge, protecting the world from an undisclosed evil lurking inside. Sigourney Weaver plays the cut-throat head of the company behind the gorge. 

As the two break protocol by striking up a friendship leading to a meet cute they soon discover the truth behind the gorge and the monsters it is harbouring inside.

Part romantic drama, part sci fi, part thriller and part horror, it is driven convincingly by Teller and Taylor-Joy’s heartfelt and captivating performances. It is worth a watch. 

On Apple TV+ now.