On this page: DANGEROUS ANIMALS | FRANKLIN | A NICE INDIAN BOY

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Meanwhile, Courtney is having a blast as the deranged Tucker, a swaggering nutcase who is so wildly unhinged that it's unlikely that officials wouldn't have noticed by now. Even his shaggy old neighbour (Carlton) at the docks somehow doesn't realise what a menace he is, never bringing his customers back to shore. Courtney's charisma adds a comical spin on the role that makes him even more unnerving, so his frustration is palpable as he faces off against the super-tenacious Zephyr.

Packed with scenes that inventively mix properly constructed suspense with jump scares and gleefully vicious gore, the movie never lets up. Horror fans will enjoy this full-on style of storytelling, especially as it keeps the audience laughing even as we squirm in our seats at the pain that's inflicted on these characters. Director Byrne skilfully ramps up the violence without getting too graphic about it, aided by some terrific effects work and an astonishing number of hungry but majestic sharks. This deserves to be a cult hit.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

29.May.25

Russell has terrific presence as guy who's impatient to get on with life. He also reveals the nice guy beneath Franklin's swaggering bravado. Even if his auditions feel oddly overplayed, his charisma emerges in earthier scenes opposite Ambrose's Val, who can't see that she's the problem. Her performance runs very hot, but also has nuance. Russell also creates strong camaraderie with Todd's friendly, engaging Trevor. And the superb Marcano makes Vic the film a beating heart, a life-loving man with plenty of astute advice.

While prejudice, abuse and hatred are universal, Morrison skilfully approaches them through a Black community perspective, which makes everything feel personal. This helps the story, situations and especially the confrontations resonate strongly with a wider audience. As Vic notes, being a man, regardless of your sexuality, is about facing your life head-on. But then, that's what it means to be a grown-up. And it's not only Franklin who needs to learn this lesson. So even if the plot takes some rather jarring turns, there's a story here that's well worth telling.

themes, language, sexuality

10.Jun.25

At the epicentre, Soni creates distinct, beautifully understated chemistry in each of Naveen's relationships. Unusual nuances fill his scenes with Garg and Patel as parents who react very differently. Soni and Groff create a warm, tight bond in the focal relationship, sweet but never simplistic. It's very easy to root for them. And their lively friends (Kim, Goldberg and Amsing) provide some comical encouragement along the way.

Deeper themes gurgle up constantly, from how Naveen is embarrassed by the sweeping notions of love to a comment that happiness might not be enough. More important is learning to live with who you are and where you come from, without shame or fear. And there's also the point that there's a difference between not wanting something and being afraid to want it. These ideas are woven throughout the script, grounding the swelling sentiment. So by the time we reach the big Bollywood finale, we can't wipe the smiles from our faces.

themes, language

6.Jun.25