THE BOX 10 OFFICE TOP
(15) ★★★★★
HAUNTED by a shocking incident in her past, shrinking violet Moll (Jessie Buckley) submits to a joyless life under the thumb of her domineering mother, Hilary (Geraldine James).
When she is not singing in the local choir, Moll takes care of her father (Tim Woodward) and blushingly accepts awkward overtures from a local police officer (Trystan Gravelle).
Moll’s birthday party sees favoured sister Polly announce she is pregnant, so the birthday girl slips away and welcomes alcohol-induced oblivion at a local nightclub. (15)
MAXINE PEAKE hammers home her status as one of Britain’s most fierce acting talents in the title role of this unforgiving comedy drama.
The star of TV’s Silk is mesmerising in a tale that charts the rise of a comic from poverty-stricken childhood to TV wealth.
In flashbacks we’re offered insights into her life and her struggle for survival and identity while suffering abuse, battery and alcoholism.
The following morning, Moll encounters poacher and handyman Pascal (Johnny Flynn), whose disregard for etiquette is a thrilling antidote to her mother’s starchy formality.
When her uncouth beau is arrested for the murders of young women on the island, Moll prepares a false alibi.
Beast is a brooding adult fairytale of female empowerment and sexual awakening. Buckley and Flynn are an electrifying pairing and James sends shivers down the spine with each withering glance or whispered threat.
Director Michael Pearce ladles on the sense of discomfort until the threat of sickening violence almost chokes us.
Carefully credited as a piece of fiction, the story bears some parallels to the early life of Sheffield-born comedienne and variety star Marti Caine.
The powerful and moving story never shies away from the sexist, racist and homophobic material of the seedy 1970s northern club circuit, where women were expected to be singers, strippers, or both.
There are comic cameos by John Bishop and Vic Reeves, while the songs of Richard Hawley strike an achingly emotional chord.
By Christopher Hunneysett.
ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD (15)
ON July 10 1963, John Paul Getty III (Charlie Plummer) is snatched off the street in Rome by balaclava-clad men. They demand a $17 million ransom from the boy’s mother, Abigail (Michelle Williams). Abigail’s father-in-law, Oil tycoon J Paul Getty (Christopher Plummer) refuses to help pay up. Instead, he hires former CIA agent Fletcher Chace (Mark Wahlberg) to rescue the boy. Ridley Scott’s picture is strong on dramatic tension but weak on historical accuracy.
■ Available to stream/ download from April 30 and on DVD fron streaming May 14
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6. Rampage Peter Rabbit A Quiet Place Ready Player One Truth Or Dare The Greatest Showman
7. Love Simon
8. Isle Of Dogs
9. Black Panther
10. Duck Duck Goose
CHART COURTESY OF THE BFI