Mysterious Ways 
Directed by Paul Oremland
★★★ 

 
SET in New Zealand, this moving drama centres on a gay vicar who takes on his religious bosses in a bid to marry his Samoan boyfriend in church, sparking a media storm.  

While his superiors do not have an issue with Peter (Richard Short, The Tragedy of Macbeth) being queer or having Jason (newcomer Nick Afoa) as his male partner, they do have a problem with the pair getting wed in a place of worship. Particularly when it scandalises the devout local community, inciting anti-gay protests. 

Co-written and directed by Paul Oremland this film provides the springboard for a much-needed debate regarding the intransigence of religions that deem homosexuality to be a sin.

It also examines the pressures that it places on Peter and Jason’s relationship. Jason does not mind where he gets married, but Peter decides to make a stand, causing a rift.  

The arrival of Jason’s flamboyant nephew Billy (captivating newcomer Joe Malu Folau) from Australia adds another explosive layer. He is trans and a larger-than-life character who lives life on his own terms and decides to help his uncle.  

Afoa, in his first-ever film role, delivers an impressive performance holding his own opposite Short. The two make a believable couple. However, some of the extras playing angry protesters are less convincing. 

That said, this compelling drama is a stark reminder of how the church needs to be more inclusive and totally rethink its anti-gay marriage stance in this day and age. 

Available on streaming services now.

About Dry Grasses (15)
Directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan
★★ 

 
SET in the snow-ridden depths of a remote village in Anatolia, a young art teacher sees his hopes of being transferred to Istanbul, after four years of compulsory service, being thwarted after being accused of inappropriate conduct by two female students.

Like Samet (Deniz Celiloglu), I too felt like I was never leaving this bleak community where teachers’ careers go to die during this never-ending 197-minute-long drama co-written and directed by Nuri Bilge Ceylan. 

While the accusations Samet faces provide much tension and intrigue they are soon dismissed as the film focuses on his blossoming relationship with Nuray (a phenomenal Merve Dizdar), also a teacher.

She challenges his views and his belief that Istanbul would be the answer to his prayers, stating: “Your problems will follow you wherever you go.” For no reason he then walks off set, breaking the fourth wall, looking for the bathroom. Most weird. 

While the film contains some fascinating moments, and is driven by a powerhouse performance by Celiloglu, it loses its direction and energy due to its bloated running time. As for the dry grasses — they are only mentioned briefly in passing at the very end. 

In cinemas July 26.

 
Deadpool & Wolverine (15)
Directed by Shawn Levy 
★★★★ 

 RYAN REYNOLD’s foul-mouthed and subversive Deadpool finally joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe, teaming up with Hugh Jackman’s grumpy Wolverine, in a long-awaited pairing which takes no prisoners.

He opens by welcoming us to the MCU and stating: “You’re joining at a bit of a low point,” which sets the bar for what is to come as, with no holds barred, he continually lampoons Disney, Marvel Studios, its president Kevin Feige and the multiverse, to name a few. 

Deadpool is as lewd, crude, irreverently funny and unapologetic as always, dropping F-bombs everywhere and proclaiming himself the Marvel Jesus. 

Co-writer/producer Reynolds and Jackman’s chemistry is off the charts, and their characters’ bromance is a joy to behold. The Time Variance Authority’s (TVA from Loki TV show) Mr Paradox (Matthew Macfadyen) recruits and then dumps them in the Void where they encounter its villainous queen Cassandra Nova (a standout badass Emma Corrin). 

It’s full of insane cameos that will send fans wild and stunning fight scenes underscored by a killer soundtrack. It also features the ugliest Dogpool, aka Mary Puppins. 

Unfortunately you need to have seen Logan, Loki and Deadpool 2 to fully appreciate it. Will they save the MCU? I hope not, as this was one joyous standalone ride. 

In cinemas now.

I Saw The TV Glow (15)
Directed by Jane Schoenbrun
★★★ 

 
FROM the writer-director of We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, Jane Schoenbrun, comes another surreal horror that plays with fantasy and reality. 

Set in 1996 it centres on two teenagers, Owen (finely played by Ian Foreman and Justice Smith) and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine), who bond over their love of a supernatural TV show called The Pink Opaque, which is one day mysteriously cancelled. Things turn weirder when Maddy then suddenly disappears. 

Owen is haunted by this show and finds that he is losing his grip as he cannot determine what is real or not. Reminiscent of Stranger Things, this is one hell of a bizarre ride which is too weird for words and will leave you with a mind-freeze. 

In cinemas July 26.