Rosamund Pike

  • Review: ‘Beirut’ is methodical but not well planned (Includes first-hand account)

    Being able to navigate tenuous relationships and correctly gauge people’s feelings is a specific and valuable skill. While it could have multiple applications, a key use for such an ability is negotiations… and if one learns to harness and hone these instincts, the sky’s the limit on where they could go. It, of course, has everyday practical uses such as getting the best price on a car or asking for a raise; but on a larger scale, it can mean talking down someone who’s suicidal, navigating peace talks or discussing terms with a hostage-taker. In Beirut, such a man is an important asset.

  • Review: ‘Hostiles’ weaves a complex story in an equally complex setting (Includes first-hand account)

    The United States of America is a country born from conflict, so it’s not surprising that many of the films set in the 19th century reflect the countless struggles experienced by people gaining and losing land. In Westerns there’s frequently a backdrop of war, but also clashes with the indigenous people, which contribute to the tense, and generally violent, atmosphere. However, it’s not often that these encounters are used to tell a story in which an aggressive character evolves, gaining depth and respect as the narrative unfolds. Hostiles is one of these rarities, taking audiences through a perilous journey of racism and redemption.

  • Review: ‘Return to Sender’ shows rape-revenge movies can be subtle (Includes first-hand account)

    Trauma affects people in a variety of ways. There is no escaping its memory, but how it manifests for each individual can vary. For some it’s crippling, perpetual fear; for others it’s strength, anger… vengeance. Closure also comes in many forms; some peaceful, others less so. Many films have centred on the aftermath of a painful experience with contrasting paths and results. The latest is Return to Sender, which follows one woman’s recovery after a vicious attack.