I watched 24 films over April. This included watching films at the cinema, discovering new films and rewatching films I already know I enjoy.
I watched 15 films for the first time and rewatched 9 films.
Top 3 First Time Watches – April 2025
Sinners (2025)
The One I Love (2014)
Carol (2015)
Top 3 Rewatches – April 2025
Chef (2014)
Anastasia (1997)
Beetlejuice (1988)
2h 4mins
6/10
First time watch
Comedy – Heartwarming – Uplifting
A former basketball coach receives a court order to train a basketball team with special educational needs, only to discover that they have just as much to teach him as he does them.
A very sweet, easy to watch, feel good comedy. I can’t think of anything I’ve watched Woody Harrelson in that I have not enjoyed.
Would watch again
1h 40mins
6/10
First time watch at the cinema
Thriller – Suspense – Whodunnit
Nervous on her first date in years, Violet is made to feel at ease by her charming date, until she begins to receive a series of anonymous drop texts that become increasingly sinister.
An enjoyable thriller, where you can have fun playing detective, second guessing everyone who appears on screen.
I love a film that is under 2 hours (90 minutes being my favourite!), that can tell an intriguing story without feeling rushed.
Would watch again
2h 3m
6/10
First time watch at the cinema
Thriller – Spy – Revenge
A CIA analyst leaves the safety of his desk to track down those responsible for his wife’s murder, diving into the dangerous world of covert operations to avenge her death at the hands of a terrorist organisation.
I can find a lot of spy films a bit samey, where they’re filled with big explosions and chase scenes that quickly lose my interest. However, this felt different coming from a desk worker who we follow as he learns his own way to seek justice and taking out his victims.
In writing this, I have discovered that it is actually a remake of the 1981 film The Amateur/re-adaption of the book The Amateur by Robert Littell. So, where I thought this was an original idea, I have been proven wrong!
Although I found this an enjoyable and exciting watch, it is not the kind of film I would enjoy watching multiple times.
Would not watch again.
1h 58mins
7/10
First time watch
Romance – Emotional – Drama
When Therese meets the elegant Carol while working in a department store, their chance encounter blossoms into an intimate connection which brings both profound joy and challenging consequences.
An emotional but also somehow cosy watch. It has a gentle pace which is reflective of the gentle nature of the leading ladies.
Anticipation is built as you watch the domino effect on their lives as their relationship evolves.
A beautiful, bitter sweet film.
Would watch again
2h 1min
8/10
Rewatch
Atmospheric – Horror – Thriller
Adelaide reluctantly returns to Santa Cruz, where she had a traumatising experience as a child, for a family getaway, only to realise too late that the ominous presence she had sensed all along was terrifyingly real.
I’m realising that I’ve mentioned a few times that I’m not a horror girl, but I have actually been watching a fair bit of horror recently, so I would like to rephrase that as I am not a gory horror girl.
I really enjoy watching Us, where even though I know what is going to happen, the atmosphere and tension that is built in this film still has me sitting on the edge of my seat. Super creepy in a fabulous way.
Would watch again
1h 50mins
6/10
First time watch
Coming of Age – Drama – Gritty
A young boy discovers a passion for falconry after taking in a kestrel, but this newfound joy stands in stark contrast to the harsh reality of his life and the indifference of those around him.
I must admit that I needed to put the subtitles on to follow this film, but what a sweet yet emotional coming of age story this is.
I’d been misled by my assumptions of the cover for this film for years. I saw a young boy appearing to be flipping off the camera, so thought it was some kind of thuggish, yob-like, gang, coming of age story set in France (I somehow thought Kes was a french word). I’d put it in my mind as a foreign language “This Is England (2006)” type of film, which I wouldn’t say is my usual vibe, but would probably try one day.
It was beautiful watching Billy’s joy grow as he began to train Kes and the positivity it brought into his life. If only those around him had done the same.
The film’s slow pace feels purposeful, reflecting the drab and dreary lives of those around him, which serves to highlight the small yet meaningful joy Kes brings into his life.
Although I’m glad to have seen it, I don’t feel it has a rewatch-able factor for me.
Would not watch again
1h 48mins
6/10
First time watch in the cinema
Mythical – Comedy – Horror
On their way to a wealthy family’s mansion to finalise a business deal, a father and daughter accidentally hit a unicorn, which unleashes a dark and chaotic chain of events driven by greed and curiosity.
I really enjoyed this fresh new story among what feels like a sea of remakes or sequel/prequels.
I thought it was going to be more of a comedy thriller but feel it was more of a comedy horror, where most of the gory scenes were too much for squeamish old me. I feel I would have enjoyed it more if the acts of violence had been implied and left to your imagination, rather than being shown so graphically on screen.
I enjoyed the unravelling on the history/lore of unicorns.
A funny, unique story poking fun at capitalistic society and the lives of the elite wealthy. Just a bit too much “eww gross” gore for me that I felt was unnecessary. Although, personally I feel pretty much all graphic gore is unnecessary when it comes to entertainment in films.
Would watch again
1h 32mins
9/10
Rewatch
Quirky – Dark Comedy – Fantasy
A darkly whimsical tale about a recently deceased couple who seek help from an eccentric spirit to help reclaim their home from unexpected new occupants.
One of my absolute favourites gifted to us by the wonderful Tim Burton films! This film has him stamped all over it and I would be surprised if anyone mistook it for the vision of anybody else.
It’s weird, it’s wacky and it’s wonderful. I love it!
An interesting take on what happens in life after death.
Winona Ryder is the perfectly strange and unusual teen.
Michael Keaton is this zany, hilarious, mischievous, iconic character who makes such an impact with only 17 minutes of screen time!
Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin play such a cute loved up couple that you are routing for throughout.
Catherine O’Hara does not disappoint as the eccentric, stereotypical upper class wannabe socialite artist.
Such fabulous casting!
The contrast between the worlds of the living and the dead is a visual feast fr the eyes, as well step into the magical mind of Tim Burton with his illustrations coming to life.
It’s spooky. It’s funny. It will have you cracking up laughing wile enjoying a truly unique narrative and aesthetic of a film.
Would watch again
1h 31mins
7/10
First time watch
Black Mirror-esque – Dark Romance – Mystery
A married couple on the verge of divorce follow their therapist’s advice for a weekend retreat, only to uncover a startling new perspective on each other and their relationship.
I was drawn to this film purely because I saw Elisabeth Moss was the leading lady and I was like “Sold!”.
For a film I have not heard anything about, I really enjoyed it. It has a Black Mirror-esque element to it, which gives so many layers to dissect a struggling relationship, giving you new points of view to see them from.
A romance that gets your thinking cogs turning throughout and eager to see what happens next.
Would watch again
What Katie Watched 