6 November 2026
Some excellent films this week – the reviews will be short as there are too many releases just now…including the successful GIFF! (Geneva International Film Festival).
CLUB KID ****
Jordan Firstman has written, directed and stars in this film about a gay club organiser in New York City who leads a debauched, drug-dependant life until a 10-year-old boy (the incredibly charming and sweet Reggie Absolom) shows up from England, who is supposed to be his son.
The kid manages to transform the lowlife atmosphere of the film into an amusing and touching tale of love and rehabilitation. A brilliant first film that will remain in your heart.
WILD HORSE NINE ***1/2
Remember the unforgettable “In Bruges” and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” by Martin McDonagh? His latest is once again about male camaraderie and dark humour, this time involving two quirky CIA agents involved in the 1973 overthrow of Chile’s Allende.
John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell play its black comedy to the hilt, and may well end up with Oscar nominations for their wild and moving repartee. Not to miss if you’re a McDonagh, Coen Brothers or Jarmusch fan.
Ken Russell’s THE DEVILS ***1/2
This is a completely restored version of the 1971 classic about religious and political hypocrisy, based on both uninhibited and suppressed sexuality in 17th century France. Starring a magnetic Oliver Reed and an angelic-faced Vanessa Redgrave, it has lost none of its power or provocation, and strangely mirrors much of today’s continuing corruption and depravity.
Written, produced and directed by the inimitable Ken Russell, it caused a huge scandal back in its day and remains gory and cruel, but magnificently crafted as a study of corrupt societies, in any era.
Run to catch its short stay at the Cinérama Empire – 9/11 at 17.15. Check on their site for further dates.🤞
L’AFFAIRE MARIE-CLAIRE *** (vo French)
In Paris, 1972, a groundbreaking trial took place concerning illegal abortion. This true story about the accused 16-year-old Marie-Claire, is told with great precision and valour by the directing team of Lauriane Escaffre and Yvo Muller.
Charlotte Gainsbourg, playing the defence lawyer Gisèle Halimi, and Cécile de France as the mother of the accused, are both intense and moving.
This is a film to be seen for its historical and moral importance, as well as its portrayal of the very competent French judicial system.
LA GRADIVA ** (vo French)
Here’s a debut film by Marine Atlan about a French high school class trip to Naples and Pompeii, featuring different characters who represent today’s youth, encompassing all their angst and hangups.
For me, the pace was too slow, the film too long, and the troubled personalities not distinctive enough. But it has been hyped up into a generational gem, and has won prizes at several festivals. To each their own…
UN BON PATRON ** (vo French)
An outstanding 2021 Spanish film with the same name, starring Javier Bardem, which won 6 awards, including Best Film and Best Actor at the Goya Awards, has now been turned into a bland French comedy about the family-owned factory and its various employees.
Even the talented Didier Bourdon cannot save this forgettable endeavour. Why remake a masterpiece? Hollywood might be next in line.
SANGUINE & GODZILLA
One is a gory, bloody horror film, while the other is a visit from a familiar, out-sized monster. Neither is a film that I have any need to see. At your own risk and taste…
GIFF ! 30/10- 8/11
Geneva’s own film festival was a great success, with most of its films and events sold out. Some of its highlights for me were a rousing interview with the renowned Indian/American director Mira Nair; worthy new films such as ELSINORE, CLUB KID, COWARDS; and a superb Iranian documentary, VIENDRA LA REVOLUTION, which will be showing later at the Grütli cinemas from December through January.
One of the festival’s brilliant surprises was the virtual-reality, 40-minute work, EVEREST: THE FIRST ASCENT. It takes one up to the glorious Himalayas as though one is actually there, accompanying Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary on their ascent to the top of the world in 1953. It is other-worldly and exhilarating!
Make sure you experience the rare thrill of it before the festival ends – it will be showing daily at the Théâtre Pitoëff – last day is on Saturday from 10 till 21.15.
Superb **** Very Good *** Good ** Mediocre * Miserable – no stars
By Neptune
Neptune Ravar Ingwersen reviews film extensively for publications in Switzerland. She views 4 to 8 films a week and her aim is to sort the wheat from the chaff for readers.
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