Donna Thiessen

Based on a play, this movie mostly takes place in one set but the language is so extraordinary and Stewart and Close are radiant as the king and queen, playing hide the game with each other .

Rather silly but it is a period romance so true to type. The premise is as thin as the heroine’s petticoat. Like all romance trust in the just and all will be right.

Creepy to the max. The conversation scenes of the two men talking are so well done. Interesting to watch their body language and facial expressions. Fascinating and repulsive.

Not really complete but interesting exploration of 3 characters and their odd relationships or interactions. Can a grown man have a friendship with a young girl he is not related to. This seems like a modern taboo- we know how this ends.

American lack of humour drama. A reporter returns to a story that resulted in a teenager’s incarceration and provides a podcast commentary and reflection as the story’s true nature is revealed. Octavia Spencer is less likeable as a likeable but impulsive reporter; I prefer her more nuanced and ambiguous roles. Strange family relations.

Bad sisters are so good. Funny, profane and with a compelling question - how did the ***** die? Backwards and forwards narrative shifts are represented by key scenes around a central plot point. Well done as the sort is revealed.

Beautiful cinematography and fabulous costumes. The story is a compilation of fantastic tales around a modern story envelope. A bit disjointed as a result but worth the time.