Movie Reviews 2025: The Monkey, The Gorge, Hard Truths

By Alex Wiggan

Well, it’s been another important week for film (or for the film industry anyway). In case you missed it, Sunday saw the arrival of the BAFTAs – a prestigious award ceremony which recognises many of the major movies of the moment.

In terms of cinema, the BAFTAs is an opportunity to showcase the talents of filmmakers and actors, often with a significant slant (but not exclusively) toward British talent. The ceremony is also seen as a precursor to the Academy Awards, with films doing well here, often doing well there.

There were two big winners at this year’s BAFTAs: Conclave and The Brutalist. Both took home four awards apiece, with Conclave grabbing Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing, while The Brutalist scored Best Director, Best Leading Actor, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score.

All eyes will now be looking at these films as the front runners for the Academy Awards. And while it’s not a given these two movies will replicate the same success at the Oscars in March, it’s quite likely they will do well.

Meanwhile, other films which picked up awards at the BAFTAs included Emilia Pérez, Anora, A Real Pain, and Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, Wicked, Kneecap, and Dune: Part Two were also recognised.

One film which was nominated but sadly walked away empty handed was Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths. However, while it may not have bagged an award at the BAFTAs, the film does get the distinction/booby prize of appearing in this week’s edition of Movie Reviews 2025!

Speaking of which…

This week’s reviews include The Gorge, The Monkey, and the aforementioned Hard Truths. Plus, Notting Hill gets a DVD re-release, there are anniversary celebrations for The Brady Bunch Movie, and They Live is back… on VHS!

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Now streaming…

The Gorge (2025)

First up, in The Gorge, Levi Kane is an elite sniper operating in the US. After retiring from the marines four years ago, Levi is called back in by US forces to embark on a special mission.

This mission sees Levi whisked off to a remote and secret location, where he is to spend the next year guarding a mysterious gorge, hidden in the wilderness. Levi will sit in a heavily fortified outpost known as the West Tower, which overlooks the gorge, and he will monitor it at all times until he is relieved in 365 days by his replacement.

On the other side of the gorge is the East Tower. A Lithuanian sniper named Drasa has been sent to this tower to monitor the gorge from the other side.

All that Levi and Drasa are told is the gorge is home to something dark and deadly and has been under strict guard since the end of World War II. Their objective is to maintain security of this deadly fissure and to ensure nothing gets out.

Directed by Scott Derrickson, The Gorge stars Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Sigourney Weaver. The film is an action-horror, which blends elements of sci-fi and romance, and is an enjoyable romp which is certainly worth a watch, even if it is somewhat implausible stuff.

Is it implausible because the gorge is home to some sort of deadly creatures that are being kept hidden from the world? Nope. Implausible because the fate of humanity seems to rest solely on the shoulders of two snipers… rather than say, two teams of operatives, or two armies.

However, if you can put this little issue to one side, there’s a fair bit to like about The Gorge. The mysterious origin of the mission is intriguing; the blend of genres allows for a good mix of action and suspense; and the things that dwell in the gorge are suitably creepy.

Then to add to this, there is an engaging and likeable romance which develops between Levi and Drasa. The two snipers may be divided by a hellish chasm, but this doesn’t stop them from making a connection.

This connection not only brings the two characters together, but also puts them in danger. And it is a danger which increases significantly in the second half of the film, when the true extent of the gorge is explored.

It’s at this point the film delves deeper into the horror genre, with some wonderfully macabre imagery. Think The Last of Us meets Resident Evil, and you’ll know the type of hellscape you’re in for.

What makes The Gorge an enticing proposition is the involvement of Scott Derrickson as director. Derrickson has built up a strong portfolio of horror, which includes films such as The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005), Sinister (2012), and The Black Phone (2021), as well as Marvel’s Doctor Strange (2016), so he is more than experienced at delivering fantastical premises and twisted visuals.

Throw in Teller and Taylor-Joy, who are always good value, as well as a supporting role for Weaver, and you have a picture which entertains. OK, so it doesn’t amaze, and occasionally it loses momentum here and there, but it is enjoyable and often quite creepy.

The Gorge is simple stuff, but it is well-made simple stuff which makes it perfect for streaming. This is the sort of film streamers should be focusing more on, rather than the bland nonsense often served up at an ever-increasing subscription rate.

Should you wish to check it out for yourself, The Gorge is now streaming on Apple TV+.

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In cinemas…

Hard Truths (2024)

Next up, is the British drama-comedy, Hard Truths. Written and directed by Mike Leigh, the film stars Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Michele Austin, David Webber, and Tuwaine Barrett, and follows the story of two sisters coming to terms with the death of their mother.

Set in London, Hard Truths centres its tale around Pansy and Chantelle – two sisters in their 50s. Pansy is a house-proud woman, who lives with her husband Curtley and their son, Moses, while Chantelle is a hairdresser who lives with her two daughters.

While the two siblings are similar in age and similar in their beliefs, their personalities couldn’t be further apart. While Chantelle is a bubbly and outgoing person, Pansy is curt, short-tempered, and perpetually defensive.

Pansy is also incredibly angry with the world. She is hostile to every single person she encounters, and her behaviour is not only causing friction with Chantelle, it is also alienating Curtley and Moses.

Pansy’s abrasive persona appears to have stemmed from the death of her mother, who passed away in 2018. She has unresolved issues relating to her passing, which is mixed in with her grief, and it is impacting her outlook on everything.

But will Pansy be able to resolve her issues before she pushes everyone away? As time ticks along, it is looking increasingly unlikely, which spells further disharmony for her family life.

Hard-hitting, but filled with dashes of humour, Hard Truths is a deeply engrossing picture about anger, grief, and the relationship between two sisters. Due to its subject matter, it is often a sombre film, so do keep this in mind, but it is also one which is difficult to take your eyes off.

A large part of this is because of the way in which writer/director Mike Leigh stages domestic situations. He is an expert at drawing out the realism, everyday dialogue, and mundanity of a kitchen sink drama, and this is more than evident in Hard Truths.

The other reason this film works as well as it does is due to the cast, specifically Marianne Jean-Baptiste as Pansy. The actress gives a powerful performance as the irked sister who finds fault in everything, including flowers, foxes, doctors, and dentists.

Watching Jean-Baptiste go off on yet another rant is oddly captivating. While it would be difficult to live or even exist in the general vicinity of Pansy, as a member of the audience (who can walk away at any time) it is fascinating to see how much anger one person can store up inside themself.

Yet, while there is a great deal of annoyance and irritation in Pansy, there is also the sense she is deeply troubled. As such, she requires compassion more than condemnation.

It takes a great director and actress to pull this out of a character so prickly as Pansy, so praise is given all round. In fact, Jean-Baptiste is already receiving plenty of praise, having been nominated for various awards.

And although she did miss out on a BAFTA this week (it went to Mikey Madison for Anora), Jean-Baptiste has picked up other accolades instead. Rightly so, because her work in Hard Truths is exemplary.

While Hard Truths may not be for everyone, as it may veer too far into domestic and conversational territory for some, those who enjoy or appreciate the work of Mike Leigh should find it another fine entry in his portfolio. Marianne Jean-Baptiste’s performance is a big draw, giving the story the gravitas it needs, while the rest of the cast bring a sense of realism to proceedings.

Should you wish to check it out for yourself, Hard Truths is currently playing in UK cinemas.

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On disc…

Notting Hill (1999)

Still celebrating Valentine’s Day? Really? Blimey, you’re late. Well, I guess the benefit of dragging it out this long is the flowers will be cheaper and you’ll actually be able to book a table in a restaurant without paying a premium.

You also have the benefit of being able to snuggle up with your significant other while watching classic British rom-com, Notting Hill. The movie is re-released on DVD in the UK this week, also missing the Valentine’s cut off date, so you’ll be in good company!

Directed by the late Roger Michell, and written by Richard Curtis, Notting Hill stars Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, Hugh Bonneville, Emma Chambers, and Rhys Ifans. The movie tells the story of book shop owner Will Thacker, who falls in love with famous actress, Anna Scott, and details their romance along the way.

In the film, the pair first meet when Anna enters Will’s shop, The Travel Book Co. Another chance encounter happens on a street corner shortly after and results in a spilled coffee and an apologetic clean-up.

These two incidents then kick-start an on/off relationship which brings a big dollop of romance, as well as much hilarity. Some of this comedy comes from the whimsical interactions between Will and Anna, while at other times laughs are mined from Will’s dim but well-meaning flatmate, Spike.

Rhys Ifans takes on the role, stealing multiple scenes and lifting his acting profile in the process. However, as great as Ifans is (and he really is brilliant in this picture), Notting Hill really does belong to Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts who sizzle on screen as the love struck couple.

Highlights of Notting Hill include a humorous press junket, with Will pretending he is a

journalist for Horse & Hound magazine; a delightful dinner to celebrate Will’s sister’s birthday; and a fun press conference which helps draw the romance to a satisfying conclusion. The film also includes a clever transitional scene midway through the film, which depicts the passage of time and is accompanied by the song, ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ by Bill Withers.

And speaking of songs, Notting Hill features a fab pop-tastic soundtrack, which includes tracks by Elvis Costello, Al Green, The Spencer Davis Group, and Ronan Keating, amongst others. Incidentally, the latter of which had a huge hit in the UK and Ireland off the back of this film, with the delightful ‘When You Say Nothing At All’.

But then you probably know this already, because you bought the single and you’ve watched Notting Hill on loop since the film debuted in 1999. All you really need to know is the re-issued DVD of Notting Hill is in entertainment shops now, and you can pick it up for around £6.99.

Got that? Good.

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Anniversary focus…

The Brady Bunch Movie (1995)

Wheel out the cake and light up the birthday candles because it’s celebration time! This next movie turns 30 years old this week, and if you’ve slept on it since 1995, now is a great time to get it on your tele-box.

The film is of course The Brady Bunch Movie – a delightful comedy from director Betty Thomas. Inspired by hit television show The Brady Bunch, which originally ran from 1969 until 1974, The Brady Bunch Movie is a superb parody of the classic series, delivered in a playful way.

Starring Shelley Long, Gary Cole, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Christine Taylor, Jennifer Elise Cox, and Michael McKean, the film follows the titular Bradys as they glide their way through the ‘90s. Thing is, the Bradys still act like it’s the 1970s, so there is a bit of a culture clash between how the world perceives them, and how they perceive the world.

Not that this is the most pressing problem in their lives. As the film begins, Mike and Carol Brady discover they accidentally owe $20,000 on their taxes, and if they don’t pay up within a week they will lose their house!

Meanwhile, the Brady kids are dealing with problems of their own. Peter is navigating his way through puberty; Cindy is accused of tattling; and Jan is battling voices in her head, as well as an intense dislike for sister Marcia.

As you can probably tell from the plot description above, The Brady Bunch Movie doesn’t take itself too seriously, nor is it afraid to embrace a little bit of dark humour. An ongoing thread involving Jan’s hatred for Marcia is one of the film’s highlights (and leads to one of its best performances from Jennifer Elise Cox), while the plot about the overlooked tax money results in a lot of daft hijinks.

There is also a great number of double entendres thrown at the screen to keep the laughs coming. Whether it’s the next door neighbour lusting after the male Bradys, or Marcia’s best gal-pal having a crush on Marcia, there is plenty of humour on offer.

Of course, the longest running gag of the entire movie is the Bradys acting as if it is still the 1970s. The Brady Bunch Movie mines plenty of laughs from this concept, and it cleverly allows the film to pay tribute to the old show, while bringing the characters to a new audience, as well as a new time period.

Upon release, The Brady Bunch Movie was a moderate financial success, taking around $54 million from a budget of $10 million. The film also spawned two sequels: A Very Brady Sequel (1996) which is equally fun, and The Brady Bunch in the White House (2002), which is best to ignore.

However, the real legacy is the way in which this movie manages to take the beloved show, maintain the sitcom vibe, but add a new spin on things. This made The Brady Bunch Movie an unexpected delight in ‘95, and has kept it remaining enjoyable and frothy ever since.

Should you wish to check in with the Bradys as they celebrate 30 years on film, The Brady Bunch Movie is currently streaming on NOW in the UK.

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On tape…

They Live (1988)

And now for something a little special on physical media. It’s special because releases like this don’t come around all that often.

The film is 1988’s They Live. The format? VHS.

Yep, you read that correctly, They Live has just received a new release on good ol’ trusty VHS. Occasionally films do still crop up on this largely long-gone format, and this is one of ‘em!

Obviously this is one for the collectors out there, but if you’re a fan of They Live, and you’d love a copy of the film on tape, then you may wish to get all over this pretty sharpish. This is a limited edition release of the movie, which is now available courtesy of Vice Press.

Directed by John Carpenter, and based on Ray Nelson’s story, Eight O’Clock in the Morning, They Live is a sci-fi action-horror and a ruddy ‘80s classic. The movie stars the late Roddy Piper, alongside Keith David and Meg Foster, and follows the story of a drifter who uncovers a sinister conspiracy.

In the movie, the drifter Nada travels to Los Angeles in search of employment. Here he finds work but also discovers some unusual sunglasses.

After putting the glasses on, Nada begins to see the world in monochrome. To his shock, he also discovers a secret society of aliens who are passing for human, but who are revealed to him when he’s wearing the shades.

From here, Nada uncovers a sinister plot to suppress and control the population using subliminal messaging. The aliens have become the elite and are using the planet’s resources for their own gain.

Few films have aged quite as well as They Live. Not only does the movie’s central themes about class, wealth, elitism, and control feel so relevant in 2025, but its chief villains seem so relatable too.

The aliens in this film aren’t bringing down humanity through brute force, they are doing it through distraction and coercion, allowing the human race to sleepwalk into its own nightmare. One could argue this isn’t too far away from where we are now, with the ruling classes *cough* politicians *cough* herding society down a similar path.

Of course, this may not be a thought process you prescribe to. However, it’s not too difficult to connect the dots, making this film more than just a sci-fi picture about magic specs.

In fact, They Live has plenty more to offer, including one of the longest, and possibly daftest fight scenes in movie history, as well as some genuinely creepy-looking aliens. Oh, and there’s also a brilliant line of dialogue about kicking ass and chewing bubblegum.

So, it’s good then? Yes, very much so – and one of John Carpenter’s best!

Should you wish to grab They Live on VHS while you can, you can either order direct from Vice Press or get one via HMV’s website. Two editions are available, both priced around £29.99, with one being a ‘Collector’s Edition’, and the other a ‘They Live, We Sleep Edition’.

The ‘Collector’s Edition’ includes a standard black cassette housed in a traditional clamshell case. This edition comes with a reversible sleeve.

Meanwhile, the ‘They Live, We Sleep Edition’ includes a white cassette tape, with a message printed across the top (Obey, Submit, Stay Asleep, etc). This edition is housed within a cardboard sleeve.

Regardless of whichever edition you opt for, They Live is available on the PAL format only, so it will only play on UK and European VHS players. Keep this in mind if you’re ordering from overseas.

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In cinemas…

The Monkey (2025)

And finally, now playing in UK and US cinemas is the comedy horror, The Monkey. Written and directed by Osgood Perkins, and based on the short story of the same name by Stephen King, the film stars Theo James and Christian Convery and tells the story of a mysterious toy responsible for a series of horrific deaths.

In the film, the year is 1999 and Hal and Bill Shelburn come across a strange toy monkey amongst their father’s possessions. It looks odd and a little creepy, but it’s a simple, old fashioned toy and they don’t think too much about it.

However, after a number of deaths occur, the boys become aware of the monkey’s involvement. Realising the toy is extremely dangerous and cannot be destroyed, they throw it down a well to rid themselves of it for good.

Twenty-five years later, the monkey finds its way back into their lives. Over the coming days, carnage follows.

Bonkers, often quite fun, but ultimately flawed, The Monkey is a mixed offering that starts off well but unfortunately loses its way. During the initial set-up, when the children are introduced there is a lot of chaos and plenty of over-the-top death scenes, which is all very likeable, but then somewhere along the way the momentum goes and interest levels drop.

At times it feels a bit like things are being made up as they go along. As if there is a script, but it hasn’t been fully fleshed out.

The problem seems to be, there simply isn’t enough story to hang everything on. Outside of the mysterious monkey and all the death scenes, which wouldn’t look out of place in a Final Destination movie, there’s not much else going on.

Tonally The Monkey hits the spot, and some entertainment can be found in the black comedy, but when someone isn’t being killed in an insane way it’s all a touch uninteresting. It’s during these moments the cracks also become quite clear and the laughs wear off.

So, while The Monkey is watchable and at times it’s perfectly chucklesome, it never truly hits the spot as intended. As a film short or an episode of an anthology show it would work, but as it stands it’s a bit hit-and-miss.