Whether you follow college basketball religiously or couldn’t name the Southern Conference champion from last year, the series offers something universal: the stubborn, hopeful belief that this time, it might finally be different.

Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model is about reality TV, who has power, who doesn’t, and how easily it can be abused when cameras are rolling.

In an era obsessed with branding, Being Gordon Ramsay offers a portrait of a man still chasing standards he knows he may never fully satisfy. And, we have to give credit for letting us into his life this way, it’s brilliant PR.

In this episode of the Film Focus Online podcast, host Elliot Lines and guest Romey Norton dive into the survival thriller Send Help directed by Sam Raimi.

Send Help isn’t subtle, it’s a wild, witty, ride. It’s an exploration of human behaviour when civilisation is gone and roles are reversed. If you like your comedies with a side of tension, your survival stories with a twist of absurdity, and your films filled with energy and heart, this is one island trip you don’t want to miss.

The Investigation of Lucy Letby is less about uncovering new facts than about exploring how narratives are built, consumed, and sustained. As a documentary, it is measured, absorbing, and ethically thorny.

Bridgerton Season 4 understands that romance is not just about recognition, but readiness. And in asking whether love can survive when fantasy dissolves into reality, the series offers one of its most mature propositions yet.

Baab may not offer comfort, but it offers recognition. In charting grief as an ongoing, shape-shifting presence rather than a problem to be solved. This film is a haunting meditation on loss that feels both deeply personal and universal. A must watch for fans of thriller films, films with strong female leads, and foreign cinema.

Rendez-vous is lean, focused, and admirably disciplined. By committing fully to its real-time structure, the film transforms an everyday scenario into a nerve-tightening psychological experience.

The last 30 minutes are the most exciting and entertaining and it’s a shame the rest of the series didn’t have as much grip. Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials is an easy, three-episode binge with moments of intrigue, strong supporting performances and striking locations, but it ultimately struggles with pacing, period authenticity and a lead character that feels misjudged.

Rough-edged, imaginative, and quietly defiant, Suffer stands as proof that scale is not a prerequisite for impact. It is a small film with a large, unwavering voice. This is a fantasy about dissent made by filmmakers who clearly believe in it. A must-see for fans of films with strong female leads, filled with drama and fantasy!

Cover-Up functions as both historical document and contemporary warning. It asks viewers to consider their relationship to truth. The documentary does not demand admiration for its subject, but it does demand attention, and, perhaps, a renewed respect for the slow, difficult work of asking inconvenient questions.

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.

Water Meadow is a punchy short with subtle themes of identity, crisis, and sisterly love. With audiences wanting more short bursts of entertainment, short films are on the rise, and Water Meadow is a must-watch for fans of dystopian and independent cinema.

The Mighty Oaks is a reminder that the strongest sports stories are never just about sports; they’re about the roots that hold a community upright.

In this festive episode of the Film Focus Online podcast, host Elliot Lines and guest Romey Norton dive into their favourite Christmas films, discussing what makes a good holiday movie, sharing their top picks, and exploring the themes and nostalgia associated with these beloved classics.

The Abandons is a confident, engaging Western with a sharp emotional core, anchored by two powerhouse lead performances and a thematic focus that feels both classic and newly relevant.

The ending is poignant, thought-provoking and will send shivers down your spine. Yes Repeat No is not a comforting film, but it is an essential one. It’s a bracing, unflinching interrogation of identity and conflict, delivered with creative courage and emotional intelligence.

In an era when dehumanization spreads faster than truth, this film serves as a necessary, resonant counterweight. It doesn’t simply ask viewers to remember; it asks them to move forward, together, deliberately toward a world where empathy has a fighting chance. For the Living is thought-provoking, powerful and possibly one of the best documentaries I've seen all year.

Bitter Desire isn’t trying to reinvent the thriller. This isn’t a movie that chases shock value; it’s a nice indie that wants to entertain its audience. With a runtime of an hour and ten, this is a film you can sit back and relax to, have on in the background when friends are round, or when you’re doing chores. It's a slow, but fun ride.