Films: July 5 - 11

Boku wa Ashita, Kinou no Kimi to Date Suru  (My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday) (2016) 

Morgan (2016) 

Cry Macho (2021)

Doctor Sleep (2019) 

A Kind Of Murder (2016) 

Madame Bovary (2014) 

Sylvie's Love (2020) ///

Boku wa Ashita, Kinou no Kimi to Date Suru (My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday) (2016) Confounding love story of time running in parallel strands and opposite directions, means Sota Fukushi and Nana Komatsu's relationship has only one true day. Concept and comic touches tend to creak, yet detail gradually weaves affecting romanticism.

Morgan (2016) Slick production and technical skill conjure moments of tension and violent thrills as gene-spliced Anya Taylor-Joy strikes out at scientists while company rep Kate Mara tries to take control. Good cast flounders as ethics and politics brushed away for plot mechanics and unsurprising last act action and reveal.

Cry Macho (2021) Soured Clint Eastwood agrees to retrieve rodeo boss' teenage son from Mexico and finds a restorative sense of self when stuck in a rural village. Disappointing lack of tangible jeopardy and narrative focus partially redeemed by warm, contemplative mid-section and easy atmosphere.

Doctor Sleep (2019) Effectively disturbing, and anchored with melancholic taste of personal loss, a fusion of literary and cinematic legacies that stylishly builds character and scares as damaged Ewan McGregor faces off with malevolent Rebecca Ferguson. Somber and messy return to Overlook Hotel, sparked with bracing ideas.

A Kind Of Murder (2016) Alluring visual trappings establish noirish sixties background for bleak tale of cracked relationships and murder, as suspicions grow about aspiring crime writer Patrick Wilson and copycat killing of neurotic wife Jessica Biel. Shifting plot and indefinable characters neuter rather than enrich drama.

Madame Bovary (2014) Adapted with detached observation, restless Mia Wasikowska's need for more than country doctor husband and constraining village inevitably leads to tragedy. Textured, worn visuals and Evgueni and Sacha Galperine's expressive score hint at emotions left frustrated.

Sylvie's Love (2020) Swooningly romantic, an unfiltered view of enduring love between independent Tessa Thompson and jazz saxophonist Nnamdi Asomugha set to achingly melodic period soundtrack. Tonally inconsistent and sometimes awkwardly staged, yet messy nature elevates emotions.