Limp climax for trilogy

Fifty Shades Freed (18) ● ●●●●

The supposedly erotic trilogy mercifully comes to an end with a suitably limp ending.

Even Dakota Johnson, the best thing about the previous two flicks, looks and sounds like she can’t be bothered – and who could blame her.

Silly, over-dramatic plot points belong in a glossy American soap opera and it’s all criminally dull.

Let the Sunshine In (15) ●●●● ●

Juliette Binoche brings class in lorryloads to this mature comedy-drama that could teach Fifty Shades a thing or two.

Sex – and talk of sex – feels natural and realistic amid Binoche’s divorced artist’s attempts to find love.

Director Claire Denis keeps things simple until a divisive final scene rocks the boat.

Phantom Thread (15) ●●● ●●

Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the most lauded directors of his generation but, to be honest, I’ve found most of his output pretentious and hard going.

Magnolia and There Will Be Blood hoovered up awards and critical acclaim but, for me, the more simple Punch-Drunk Love and Boogie Nights remain his best.

Phantom Thread falls somewhere in the middle as this 1950s-set tale grips for the most part.

Daniel Day-Lewis, in what is reported to be his final movie role, is typically terrific as couturier Reynolds Woodcock, while Lesley Manville (Reynolds’ sister Cyril) and Vicky Krieps (his muse Alma) both match him stride for stride.

DVDS with Ian Bunting