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Cover-Up functions as both historical document and contemporary warning.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.

A Merry Little Ex-Mas isn’t here to reinvent the Christmas rom-com — and that’s fine. It’s exactly what audiences want from a Netflix festive film: escapism with a hint of emotional truth

Mark Andrew Altschul’s All American is a powerful, human portrait of determination and change. Following three young women wrestlers over five years, the documentary explores gender, identity, and perseverance in a sport still learning to welcome them. With raw honesty and emotional depth, All American celebrates female strength—both on and off the mat.

In Divia (2025), Ukrainian filmmaker Dmytro Hreshko turns his lens on an unexpected casualty of war — nature itself. Haunting yet breathtaking, this visually stunning documentary captures the quiet resilience of forests, rivers, and animals caught in the chaos of conflict. With its poetic pacing and environmental focus, Divia redefines the war documentary, transforming silence, survival, and beauty into a powerful cinematic statement.

Roads of Fire has done what great documentaries should: it opens our eyes and refuses to let us look away.

Light Up is a celebration of light, life, and the quiet, powerful act of being yourself.

This documentary is a thoughtful, incisive, and occasionally startling portrait of Patrick Oliphant, one of the most daring political cartoonists of the 20th century.

Smart, strange, and soaked in Houston weirdness — Someone Dies! turns a time-traveling sink into one of the most original indie comedies of the year.

In our exclusive interview, director Barnaby Roper and acclaimed actor Burn Gorman sit down with Film Focus Online’s Romey Norton to pull back the curtain on their haunting new project.

She Loved Blossoms More is a bold, genre-defying exploration of grief. The film offers a haunting experience like a half-remembered dream.

Pistachio Wars is a punchy, eye-opening documentary that reveals how something as simple as a nut connects to environmental collapse, political lobbying, and even international conflict.