War Archives - That Shelf

War

Fatherland Review: Cannes 2026

by Elizabeth Mulloy | June 13, 2026

Featuring captivating performances from Sandra Huller and Hanns Zischler, and breathtaking cinematography, it is hard not to be enthralled by Fatherland .

The Black Ball Review: Cannes 2026

by Elizabeth Mulloy | June 7, 2026

Los Javis's The Black Ball is a generational-defining historical epic about the Queer experience from The Cannes Film Festival.

Minotaur Review: Cannes 2026

by Elizabeth Mulloy | June 6, 2026

After nearly a decade in exile, Andrey Zvyagintsev returns with Minotaur , a haunting portrait of Russia's corruption.

Coward Review: Cannes 2026

by Elizabeth Mulloy | June 1, 2026

Lukas Dhont's Coward is a tender portrait of love, grief, and the healing power that art can offer during times of war.

Anastasia Shemyakina and Daniil Gazizullin facing each other

Deaf Lovers Review

by Lida Bach | December 21, 2024

Boris Guts”˜ Deaf Lovers premiered in Tallinn”˜s Black Nights Film Festival”˜s Official Competition despite major public backlash. But what of the film itself?

Civil War Review: Kirsten Dunst’s Role of a Lifetime

by Rachel West | April 10, 2024

Kirsten Dunst has landed the lead role of a lifetime as jaded war photojournalist Lee Smith in Alex Garland's unflinching dystopian American nightmare, Civil War.

All Quiet on the Western Front Review: Anti-War Excellence

by Pat Mullen | October 12, 2022

Edward Berger's adaptation of the classic novel All Quiet on the Western Front is a masterfully realized feat of filmmaking.

Greyhound Review: Captain Hanks, Ahoy!

by Pat Mullen | July 8, 2020

Greyhound is a non-stop thrill ride that hinges on Tom Hanks's everyman appeal.

1917 Interview: George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman & Krysty Wilson-Cairns

by Victor Stiff | December 23, 2019

That Shelf sat down with 1917's screenwriter and stars to discuss working on one of 2019's most technically ambitious movies.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Review

by Jason Gorber | December 13, 2016

After the Skywalker tale is told, will there still be room for energizing, cinematic stories set in that galaxy far, far away?

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La Bola Negra weaves together three timelines to explore queer love, identity, and the stories that survive across generations. From a musician navigating love and survival during the Spanish Civil War to a playwright uncovering a forgotten piece of queer history in contemporary Spain, the film connects lives shaped by stigma, loss, and the courage to be true to oneself. With soulful music, a richly interconnected narrative, and outstanding performances led by Guitarricadelafuente and Penélope Cruz, the film becomes a moving tribute to queer artists and the histories that deserve to be remembered. Directors Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo build on Federico García Lorca’s unfinished play to create an expansive, deeply felt celebration of LGBTQ+ lives, love, and artistic expression. 📝 Full review by Pat Mullen now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
2 days ago
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1/9

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With just 34 days before reporting to federal prison, Elizabeth Holmes invites filmmakers Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim into her home for an unrestricted look at her life. What begins as an offer of complete access becomes an unsettling exploration of truth, performance, and the difficulty of knowing who someone really is. Balancing uncomfortable humour with a fascinating sense of ambiguity, the documentary refuses to offer easy answers about Holmes or her carefully constructed public image. Through intimate cinematography, intricate editing, and Fielder’s signature awkwardness, it challenges audiences to question what they’re seeing, making for an ambitious, thought-provoking film that lingers long after it ends. 📝 Full review by Lyle Kruger now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
5 days ago
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2/9

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Rest in peace, Tom Skerritt (1933–2026). A familiar and commanding presence on screen for more than six decades, Skerritt built a remarkable career across film and television, bringing a quiet authority and understated humanity to every role. From Captain Dallas in Alien and Viper in Top Gun to his performances in MASH*, The Turning Point, Steel Magnolias, and A River Runs Through It, he became part of some of cinema’s most enduring stories. On television, he earned an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Sheriff Jimmy Brock in Picket Fences, a role that showcased his ability to balance strength, warmth, and humour. Whether playing a military commander, a father, or a small-town sheriff, Skerritt had a way of making his characters feel grounded and real. With a career spanning generations and more than 170 film and television credits, he leaves behind a body of work that will continue to find new audiences. Thank you for the performances and the lasting mark you left on cinema.
6 days ago
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3/9

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Street Fighter brings the iconic video game franchise back to the big screen, following estranged brothers Ryu and Ken as they reunite for the World Warrior Tournament. But with M. Bison plotting to harness the fighters’ power for his own sinister purposes, the competition soon becomes a battle for the fate of the world. Packed with spectacular fight sequences, nostalgic references, and a soundtrack that takes audiences straight back to the ’90s, the film delivers a major upgrade over its predecessor. With a perfectly matched cast, genuinely funny dialogue, and faithful recreations of the game’s signature moves, it balances fan service with entertaining action that newcomers can enjoy, too. 📝 Full review by Sarah Gopaul now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
1 week ago
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4/9

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Whalefall follows Jay Gardiner, a young scuba diver who finds himself trapped inside a sperm whale and facing an increasingly desperate fight for survival. But as he struggles to escape before his oxygen runs out, the experience also forces him to confront unresolved grief and his complicated relationship with his late father. Led by Austin Abrams, the film delivers an intense underwater survival thriller with impressive technical work and a convincing sense of claustrophobia. However, its exploration of grief and family trauma struggles to match the tension of its central premise, relying on familiar character arcs and heavy-handed emotional beats that leave its themes feeling muddled. 📝 Full review by Mel Valentin now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
1 week ago
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5/9

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What does it mean to see and hear yourself represented on screen? In his feature directorial debut, California Schemin’, James McAvoy tells the true story of Scottish rappers Silibil N’ Brains, who found success by pretending to be American. In this interview with That Shelf, McAvoy discusses the importance of staying true to the Scottish identity at the heart of the film, bringing the duo’s story to life, and why everyone deserves to see their own experiences reflected in cinema. 📝 Full interview by Pat Mullen now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
2 weeks ago
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6/9

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The Social Reckoning revisits the world of Facebook, following data scientist Frances Haugen and Wall Street Journal journalist Jeff Horwitz as they investigate the company’s role in spreading harmful content and radicalizing users. Set between 2019 and 2021, the film examines the consequences of prioritizing profit over people in the social media industry. Despite tackling an urgent and relevant subject, Aaron Sorkin’s follow-up struggles to offer fresh insights into the damage caused by social media. While the story raises important questions about corporate responsibility and the power of technology, underdeveloped characters, an awkward central relationship, and uninspired direction prevent the film from reaching its full potential. 📝 Full review by Mel Valentin now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
2 weeks ago
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7/9

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Six seasons into Slow Horses, Gary Oldman continues to find new layers in Jackson Lamb, the sharp-tongued, dishevelled spy at the centre of the series. In conversation with That Shelf at TIFF, Oldman reflects on playing Lamb over multiple seasons, the character’s history and hidden vulnerabilities, and the parallels between Lamb and another of his iconic spies, George Smiley. He also shares how adapting Mick Herron’s novels allows him to keep discovering new details about a character who carries years of history and baggage. 📝 Full interview by Pat Mullen now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
3 weeks ago
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8/9

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Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother follows Latif, a devout Muslim and hitman whose life takes a turn after his wife’s death leaves him caring for their three children. With his infant refusing formula and their supply of breast milk running out, Latif must navigate a dangerous world of crime and violence while trying to provide for his family. Mahershala Ali delivers an extraordinary performance in this striking blend of crime thriller, dark comedy, and religious parable. Bassam Tariq explores faith, fatherhood, hypocrisy, and forgiveness without losing sight of the tenderness at the film’s heart. Despite some uneven pacing near the end, it’s a bold, moving, and unforgettable film that stands apart from anything else this year. 📝 Full review by Lyle Kruger now up on That Shelf (and at the link in our bio).
3 weeks ago
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9/9