Talking Movies: Oxford

Come join us at the Curzon bar to meet fellow film fans and discuss all things film over a drink.

We'll give our thoughts on some of the latest releases, and also discuss our opinions on what films have been selected this month. Some are new and at the cinema, some are can be enjoyed from home. Whether you're an avid cinemagoer, home streamer...Or a bit of both! Please come and share your views on the following films:

Remember!
*Please only RSVP if you intend on turning up

*Don't worry, you are not expected to see every film, this is just a selection for you to choose from. Watch what want or what you can!

*Check the first comment below for details on where to see these films!

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In Cinemas...

Bitter Christmas
Pedro Almodovar’s new film, one which is set between two tales, and blurs the line between reality and fiction. Christmas 2004 and Elsa is having a crisis, her mother has died and she’s beset by panic attacks, therefore she decides to go on a break to Lanzarote. In the present day Raul is a filmmaker who is undergoing a creative drought, and who starts to write a screenplay, one which seems uncannily similar to Elsa’s story.

Resident Evil
With the success of Barbarian and Weapons, Zach Cregger has become one of the ‘go to’ horror directors. With this in mind he has been given free reign to re-boot the Resident Evil film franchise. Bryan is a young medical courier, ferrying transplant organs in and around Raccoon City, he is given one last job which will see him driving through the night. However tonight is the night the zombie T-Virus takes hold in the city and Bryan is in for one hell of a trip.

The Incomer
Folk comedy starring Domnhall Gleeson. An adult brother and sister live on a small Scottish island, they have lived their all their lives with no contact from the mainland, and have developed strange beliefs and customs. Their one priority is to keep out any incomers who stray on their turf. Unfortunately Daniel, (not the most assertive person in his workplace) is given the news that he must travel to the island and inform the siblings of their eviction! Uh-oh!

On Streaming...

Is God Is
Revenge story based on a hit 2018 play. As children Racine, Ania and their mother were subjected to a heinous attack by their father, who then left. The
trauma of that day caused their mother to put the girls up for adoption. Years later they are young adults, but still bare the visible scars of that day. They receive an unexpected letter from their mother (nicknamed God), she isn’t long for this world and has one last favour to ask of the girls- “make your daddy dead”. Vivica A. Fox and Janelle Monae feature.

Kokuho
Japanese epic, which has been a phenomenon in its own country sweeping several awards and becoming the highest ever grossing Japanese film. In the 60s the son of a slain Yakuza boss is put up for adoption, with his new family he develops a talent for Kabuki theatre, including the prestigious Onagata role (where men perform as women). However over the decades the climb to the top, and the familial rifts which occur, scar his meteoric rise as an actor. His success will be paid for by sacrifice, blood, sweat and tears.

EX_MACHINA (2014)
Chosen by: Julia
Phrase: Magnificent Machines

Alex Garland's modern tech classic starring Alicia Vikander, Domnhall Gleeson and Oscar Isaac. A computer programmer, Caleb, wins a competition to visit the secluded home of tech mogul (and his boss) Nathan Bateman. Whilst there he is shown Bateman's latest breakthrough, a feminine robot called AVA. Nathan wants Caleb to interact with her in order to see if she is genuinely an AI who has real thought, emotion and consciousness. However issues of trust and deception are close at hand.