From cinema releases to streaming gems, including a powerful look at the troubled youth of Iran and a photorealistic gorilla voiced by Sam Rockwell
Fancy a film but can't make your mind up what to see? Look no further: we’ve assembled the best of what's showing in London, plus the latest streaming releases, and gathered them here to make choosing a great movie as easy as possible. Whatever you're in the mood for, out in the world or in the comfort of your own home, WeLoveCinema has you well and truly covered…
New Releases
Ava
Where to watch it: Curzon Home Cinema
A furious, polemical debut feature, Ava features one of the year's great film villains in a mother that does everything she can to enforce Iran's patriarchal standards on her bright, rebellious teenage daughter. Filmmaker Sadaf Foroughi gives an insight into a world previously under-explored on screen, using imaginative, voyeuristic visuals as well as excellent performances to immerse audiences in the frustrating reality of being a young woman in Iran (read our full review).
Yes, God, Yes
Where to watch it: Various streaming services
A coming-of-age film in all sense of the word, Yes, God, Yes follows a Catholic teen who has to come to terms with both her faith and her sexuality when she discovers the joys of masturbation. Stranger Things star Natalia Dyer anchors this serious-yet-silly look at the difficulty of balancing being devout with the physical realities of going through puberty, taking good-natured stabs at the sexual dysfunctions of teenagers and adults alike.
The One and Only Ivan
Where to watch it: Disney +
A cute and cuddly choice for the family, The One and Only Ivan takes a true story of celebrated gorilla Ivan (who became famous for his painting) and adds a touch of classic Disney magic, filling Ivan's journey with adventure and talking animals. An all-star cast – including Angelina Jolie, Bryan Cranston, and Sam Rockwell – add gravitas to proceedings, and animal-lovers will likely find themselves shedding a few tears at this inspiring tale.
Chemical Hearts
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime breaks into the teen romance genre that has proven so successful for Netflix in recent years. Adapting an acclaimed Young Adult novel, Chemical Hearts follows a self-confessed romantic as he falls in love for the first time with a girl who harbours a tragic secret. With teen TV favourites Austin Abrams (Euphoria) and Lili Reinhart (Riverdale) leading the cast, this should be a perfect heartbreaker for young audiences.
Perfumes
Where to watch it: Get London showtimes or stream it on Curzon Home Cinema
A gentle and deeply French romcom about new love in middle age, Perfumes sees a once famous and respected 'nose' (an expert perfume smeller) fall for her limo driver, a single dad facing some tough times. Filmmaker Gregory Magne looks at how class disparity impacts romance in this warm and enticing offering.
Still in Cinemas and Streaming
Babyteeth
Where to watch it: Get London showtimes
A powerful supporting presence in Little Women and Sharp Objects, Eliza Scanlen graduates to a starring role in this wrenching, yet funny, coming-of-age tale. Playing a seriously ill teenager who starts a whirlwind romance with an older boyfriend, Scanlen makes for a compelling lead, with a supporting cast containing some of Australian cinema's best and brightest, including the barnstorming coupling of Ben Mendelsohn and Essie Davis as Scanlen's parents (read our full review).
Pinocchio
Where to watch it: Get London showtimes
Matteo Garrone makes a drastic departure from his previous film – the intense crime drama Dogman – to bring us a new take on one of cinema's most enduring fairytales. Garrone's Pinocchio carves out its own identity quite separate from the famous Disney version, keeping the sweetness you expect, but bringing back more of the original story's bite. In a neat meta touch, Roberto Benigni stars as Geppetto, and this should be a great way in for any parents looking to introduce their kids to European cinema.
Boys State
Where to watch it: Apple TV +
Already one of the year's most celebrated documentaries and a prize-winning highlight of Sundance 2020's slate, Boys State offers a sometimes-hopeful, sometimes-chilling portent of America's political future. As a thousand high-school boys descend upon Texas for a massive political exercise, directors Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss unearth incredible insights into the possible leaders of tomorrow.
Howard
Where to watch it: Disney +
Disney lyrical legend Howard Ashman is the subject of this tender and warm-hearted documentary. Working with Alan Menken, Ashman was behind the iconic soundtracks of films like Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, but his life was tragically cut short by AIDS. A towering talent gone too soon, Ashman's life story makes for a documentary that is both moving and exciting, as well as offering insightful glimpses into the creative process (read our full review).
Perfect 10
Where to watch it: Get London showtimes or stream it on Curzon Home Cinema
A teenager manages grief and gymnastics in this debut coming of age tale. Set in Brighton, Eva Riley's first feature centres around two striking performances from first time actors playing long-estranged half-siblings. It's an earnest and sweet look at tumultuous teenage lives, announcing some firecracker talents both in front of and behind the camera.
