In this conversation, the Film Focus Online team delve into their favourite films of 2025. They explore the performances of actors, the direction styles of filmmakers, and the emotional impact of various films. The discussion also touches on anticipated future releases and the disappointments of the year, providing a comprehensive overview of the current film landscape.

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere is an excellent recapturing of an intimate, challenging period of time for Springsteen and showcases the process of his bold, stripped back change of sound that he crafted to work through his emotions.

Eleanor the Great is the definition of a Sunday afternoon drama. It coasts along at a slower pace and does tick off traits-and-tropes that are quite predictable, however it is carried by a brilliant lead performance (and a strong supporting cast), solid direction and intimate, personal drama.

Stanley Kubrick’s seminal horror masterpiece, The Shining, celebrates its 45th anniversary this year, so we take a look at the all time classic in all its glory.

Eternity is a breezy, heartfelt, funny and unique spin on familiar romcom beats. Standing out from the crowd with its immersive world, great cast, big ideas and simultaneously wholesome yet at times tear jerking atmosphere.

Dracula (or Dracula: A Love Tale as it is also known), is a mixed bag of an adaptation. It takes some bold swings, features some genuinely stellar visuals and an excellent lead performance from Jones. However, clashing tones, hindered pacing and inconsistent performances hold it back.

In this episode of the Film Focus Online podcast, host Elliot Lines and guest Jack Ransom delve into the filmography of legendary director James Cameron.

Keeper is a disappointing new offering from Perkins, especially given how solid both his prior two outings are. Stylistically and visually the film does excel throughout, the idea behind the reveal is interesting and Maslany is locked in.

In this episode of the Film Focus Online podcast, hosts Elliot and Jack delve into the captivating world of heist films, focusing on the latest instalment of the 'Now You See Me' franchise.

Despite having some potentially interesting themes and some impressive stylistic choices, The Disinvited fumbles its premise due to poor dialogue, dull pacing, unlikeable and uninteresting characters.

In this episode, Elliot and Jack delve into the Predator franchise, focusing on the latest instalment, Predator: Badlands. They conclude by ranking the films and speculating on the future of the Predator series.

Predator: Badlands is a thrilling and emotionally charged addition to the iconic franchise. Director Dan Trachtenberg delivers a bold, lore-expanding story packed with brutal action, strong performances and surprising heart. With Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi leading the charge, this is a fresh evolution of the hunt — and proof the Predator saga is far from over.

Chris Stuckmann’s long-awaited debut Shelby Oaks blends found footage horror with emotional mystery as a woman’s search for her missing sister turns into a descent into the supernatural. Visually striking and atmospheric, it showcases Stuckmann’s directorial flair, even if the story falters under familiar tropes and uneven pacing.

As Constantine celebrates its 20th anniversary, Keanu Reeves’ dark and stylish take on DC’s chain-smoking antihero returns to the big screen. Though not hailed as one of the all-time comic book greats, the film’s bold visual flair, supernatural themes, and cynical edge have helped it earn lasting cult status.

Despite a few qualms and familiarly expected beats, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues was an easy watch gem that should hopefully please fans.

The Vile may tread familiar ground throughout its screenplay, but it delivers a damn good blend of 90s-esque thrills, a modern horror tone, and a smattering of seat-jerking scares.

At the Place of Ghosts is a beautiful film to look at and has some intriguing ideas and an eerie tone but is held back by an undercooked and clashing screenplay.

Ballad of a Small Player is held back by a generic and undercooked screenplay, pacing problems, a jumpy structure, and a lack of engaging side characters.

Exit 8 is certainly in the upper echelon of video game adaptations. The strong camerawork and direction, inspired visuals, solid performances, and layers of intrigue keep it engaging.

Keep up to date with every episode of 'Peacemaker' season 2 with our weekly reviews. See if James Gunn's latest edition to the DCU is worth the watch.