Everything Went Fine (15)
Directed by Francois Ozon
★★★★

IF YOUR elderly ill father asked you to help him end his own life, how would you deal with that? How could you say No?

That is at the heart of this deeply moving drama by writer-director Francois Ozon, based on a memoir by his late writing partner Emmanuele Bernheim.

The film centres on 85-year-old Andre (Andre Dussollier) who, after suffering a debilitating stroke and not being able to fend for himself, asks his daughter Emmanuele (a stunning Sophie Marceau) to assist him in making all the arrangements so he can die in a clinic in Switzerland.

It causes major friction between father and daughter and between Emmanuele and her sister Pascale (Geraldine Pailhas), who cannot believe what he is asking.

The two women have to make a heartbreaking and an unfathomable decision as they are faced with a difficult, domineering and non-loving father, who has always pitted them against each other, and who they have never been able to disobey.

An exquisitely crafted drama by the master French film-maker Ozon, it examines both the legal and practical logistics of euthanasia as well as the emotional repercussions, driven home by standout performances by Dussollier, as the irascible Andre, and Marceau as his long-suffering child.

You cannot help but sympathise with both of them in this heart-wrenching tale about family love, growing old and checking out on your own terms.

MD

In cinemas.

Pleasure (18)
Directed by Ninja Thyberg
★★★

IN THIS frank and uncompromising drama, film-maker Ninja Thyberg lifts the curtain and takes a deep dive into the adult film industry, which makes for exceedingly uncomfortable and difficult viewing.

Based on Thyberg’s 2013 prize-winning short of the same name, this audacious debut feature explores this world through the eyes of 19-year-old “Bella Cherry” (newcomer Sofia Kappel) as she arrives in Los Angeles from Sweden determined to become the next big porn star.

Her ruthless ambition and attempts to play this patriarchal industry at its own game take her to the darkest side of the business, which she struggles to reconcile herself with.

Kappel is absolutely phenomenal and mesmerising as she delivers a candid and haunting performance in her first-ever acting role opposite real-life professional porn stars playing versions of themselves.

It is raw, sexually explicit and terribly violent while providing an eye-opening exploration of consent and the role of agencies in sex work.

Though truly distressing to see, if it makes porn watchers reconsider what they are viewing with fresh and insightful eyes, then job done.

MD

Available exclusively on Mubi.

Cha Cha Real Smooth (15)
Directed by Cooper Raiff
★★★★

THIS captivating yet bittersweet comedy drama centres on a 22-year-old guy who strikes up an unlikely friendship with a young mother and her autistic daughter while working as a Bar Mitzvah party host.

Written, directed, produced and starring Cooper Raiff, this gentle and slow-burning dramedy wins over your heart completely as you cannot help but root for Andrew (Raiff) to find love and direction with Domino (Dakota Johnson and her production company’s first film) and her 14-year-old kid Lola (impressive newcomer Vanessa Burghardt).

Andrew — fresh out of college and living back home with his mum (Leslie Mann), his stepfather (Brad Garrett) and younger brother (Evan Assante) — is still discovering who he is; Domino is desperate for stability and commitment.

Exquisitely acted and with sizzling chemistry between Raiff and Johnson, this is a funny yet heartfelt and nuanced tale which shows Raiff as a talent to watch.

MD

In select cinemas and available on Apple TV+.

Lightyear (PG)
Directed by Angus MacLane
★★★

THIS Toy Story prequel-cum-spin off is the film that made Andy in 1995 beg for the much-sought-after Buzz Lightyear toy — the bane of Woody’s life — in this fun space romp and origin story.

The film follows space ranger Buzz Lightyear (Chris Evans) as he and his colleagues are marooned on a planet and spend endless years trying to get home while encountering an army of ruthless robots led by Zurg (James Brolin).

It also explains all of Buzz’s annoying quirks and habits.

Though not quite in the same league as Pixar’s previous films, it is still charming, engaging and guaranteed to make you cry with a heartbreaking montage scene.

With colourful and vibrant animation, inclusive characters plus an uber-cute robot sidekick cat called Sox (Peter Sohn) the film will win over the hearts and minds of all.

MD

In cinemas.