We’ve all questioned at one point or another whether we are, in fact, the worst person in the world. In the case of Signe, the heroin of Kristoffer Borgli’s Sick of Myself, the answer may actually be yes. Signe’s narcissism is just in a different league, and whilst in a constant state of competition with her boyfriend Thomas, she takes things to the next, vicious level in her quest for empathy and attention. If you like your satire darker than pitch-black, this one is for you. Sick of Myself is a razor-sharp and provocative character study, and whilst it makes for an uncomfortable watch at times, it will undoubtedly make you feel better about yourself.
In Davy Chou’s Return to Seoul, Freddie is a young woman who, on somewhat of an impulse, finds herself in South Korea, searching for her biological parents. Her journey will take her in unexpected directions as the film follows Freddie over the years following that initial trip. Return to Seoul is a remarkable exploration of identity, family and home, with an exceptional performance by Ji-min Park in the lead role.
Halim and Mina are husband and wife and run a traditional caftan shop in one of Morocco’s oldest medina. Though they undoubtedly love each other, their relationship carries the shadow of Halim’s closeted homosexuality. When they hire a young man to help them in the shop as Mina’s health deteriorates, things fall in and out of balance for the couple. Maryam Touzani’s The Blue Caftan is one of the most delicate films to be released in recent years. An incredibly kind, touching, and simply beautiful piece of storytelling that will stay with you long past the end credits.
In a near dystopian future, the Japanese government has launched a programme encouraging anyone turning 75 to volunteer to be euthanised, as a solution to an ever ageing population. Chie Hayakawa’s Plan 75 follows three people affected by the programme, an elderly woman, a salesman, and a Filipino worker, as they navigate an impossible choice and must face life and death in unexpected ways. Plan 75 is a film full of details and observations, and one that will make you question the meaning of life with great humanity.
Adapted from Judy Blume’s classic novel, Kelly Fremon Craig’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. follows Margaret Simon, a young girl born from a Jewish father and a Christian mother. When her parents decide to move from New York City to the New Jersey suburbs, and away from her beloved grandmother, Margaret tries to reach out to God, though she’s not entirely sure how to go about it all. A sweet, funny and incredibly relatable exploration of teenage, identity, faith, and becoming your own person, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. is a splendid coming-of-age story that will resonate across generations.
