Skip to main content

Search: Starring Pet

  • Spaceman (2024)
    Review preview for Spaceman

    While the lo-fi production design on the spaceship - with its man-made webbing and items from food tins to tools strapped down left right and centre - is absorbing in its detail, there's only so long it can distract you from the film's bloated running time.

    Amber Wilkinson · 2.5 out of 5
    An astronaut, has been on a space mission for months. He realises that his wife might not be waiting for him once he returns to Earth. In his desperation, he turns for help to a mysterious creature lurking deep in the bowels of his spaceship.
  • Spartacus (1960)
    Review preview for Spartacus

    This is an iconic film which had a massive influence on popular culture.

    Jennie Kermode · 4.5 out of 5
    The epic tale of a gladiator in Ancient Rome who revolts and tries to lead a slave army to freedom.
  • The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)
    Review preview for The Spy Who Dumped Me

    People are being shot everywhere you look

    Angus Wolfe Murray · 1.5 out of 5
    Two friends find themselves caught up in an international conspiracy thanks to one of their ex-boyfriends.
  • Stardust (2007)
    Review preview for Stardust

    A really enjoyable yarn in the Princess Bride mold, told with panache.

    Tony Sullivan · 4.5 out of 5
    Fantasy epic about a boy who goes looking for a falling star.
  • Start With Half (2019)
    Review preview for Start With Half

    A good idea, well executed.

    Jane Fae · 3 out of 5
    An ailing conservative widower and his queer grandchild are brought together by a marijuana muffin.
  • Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)
    Review preview for Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace

    The dialogue is carved in marble, as if the power of speech never progressed beyond Ronald Reagan and the art of the autocue.

    Angus Wolfe Murray · 3 out of 5
    Lucas's Star Wars origins story returns to the big screen in 3D.
  • Star Wars: Episode 4 - A New Hope (1977)
    Review preview for Star Wars: Episode 4 - A New Hope

    Few can deny the great storytelling of Lucas' true first episode of his space-opera.

    Scott Macdonald · 5 out of 5
    Cult space opera.
  • The Station Agent (2003)
    Review preview for The Station Agent

    A tender, moving film, with no distractions.

    David Haviland · 4 out of 5
    A man with dwarfism seeks solitude in rural New Jersey and develops a very unlikely friendship with a hot dog vendor and a painter.
  • Stiff Upper Lips (1997)
    Review preview for Stiff Upper Lips

    The humour is less subtle than a fat lady in a small swimsuit.

    Angus Wolfe Murray · 2 out of 5
    Satirical sideswipe at Merchant Ivory dramas.
  • Stillwater (2021)
    Review preview for Stillwater

    It progresses in the same sort of manner as leading man Damon in that it's big and bulky, slow and purposeful but somehow, despite this, quite compelling.

    Amber Wilkinson · 3 out of 5
    An American oil rig worker attempts to clear his daughter's name in France, where she is imprisoned.
  • Strange Harvest: Occult Murder In The Inland Empire (2024)
    Review preview for Strange Harvest: Occult Murder In The Inland Empire

    Ortiz, like many a filmmaker before him, acknowledges a debt to HP Lovecraft, but his work here is more in tune with that author’s style than most, in that it resists the temptation to reveal too much or to offer reasoned explanations.

    Jennie Kermode · 4.5 out of 5
    A faux true-crime documentary about two detectives pursuit of an infamous serial killer named Mr. Shiny, who terrorised Southern California for almost two decades.
  • Straw Dogs (1971)
    Review preview for Straw Dogs

    The film has been unjustly vilified. It has a powerful impact, not only because of the violence, but because of its visual and emotional clarity.

    Angus Wolfe Murray · 3.5 out of 5
    Dustin Hoffman and Susan George suffer sexual and physical abuse from Cornish yokels.
  • Strictly Ballroom (1992)
    Review preview for Strictly Ballroom

    Luhrmann combines an orgy of schmaltzy pastiche with satirical fireworks.

    Angus Wolfe Murray · 4 out of 5
    An 'ugly duckling' dancer teams up with the champ in waiting for feelgood romp.
  • Subject (2022)
    Review preview for Subject

    While Subject works as a catch-up with the stars of some of the most captivating docs of the past 10 to 20 years, it also offers plenty of food for thought.

    Sunil Chauhan · 4 out of 5
    Unpacks the ethics and responsibility inherent in documentary filmmaking by examining well-known documentaries of the past decade and revealing the impact their commercial success has had on the lives of the onscreen subjects.
  • Summoners (2022)
    Review preview for Summoners

    It’s beautifully acted and its gentle pacing allows for the construction of a richly detailed world.

    Jennie Kermode · 4 out of 5
    A young woman returns to her home town and is persuaded to help an old friend engage in witchcraft.
  • Sunday Ninth (2025)
    Review preview for Sunday Ninth

    De Pauw is great as Horst, a frail, but still-threatening presence bursting with volatile, even violent energy.

    Marko Stojiljkovic · 3.5 out of 5
    An Alzheimer's sufferer is reunited with the brother he hasn't seen in 30 years.
  • Supernova (2020)
    Review preview for Supernova

    With eloquent, understated performances from both leads and a willingness to take its time, Supernova explores not merely the issues they face but the life they share.

    Jennie Kermode · 4.5 out of 5
    Old friends Sam and Tusker go on a road trip to make the most of their time together two years after Tusker was diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
  • The Sweeney - The Complete Third Series (1976)
    Review preview for The Sweeney - The Complete Third Series

    By series three the formula, now tried and tested, is, for the most part, followed. But there are changes.

    Donald Munro · 4 out of 5
    The Flying Squad takes a third turn around the block.
  • Sweet Dreams (2023)
    Review preview for Sweet Dreams

    More poem than conventional narrative, Sweet Dreams explores the tropes of the colonial fable with a romantic eye and a sharp wit.

    Jennie Kermode · 3.5 out of 5
    When Dutch patriarch and plantation owner Jan dies suddenly in Indonesia, his son arrives from Europe with plans for radical change. But when Jan’s will puts his Indonesian concubine Siti at the forefront of the family estate, ideals prove to be futile and blood thicker than water.
  • Swimming With Men (2018)
    Review preview for Swimming With Men

    While in plotting terms, the film pretty much stays in the lane you'd expect, it has plenty of heart.

    Amber Wilkinson · 3 out of 5
    An accountant suffering from a mid-life crisis joins an all-male synchronised swimming team.
  • Starred Up (2013)
    Review preview for Starred Up

    Mackenzie shows everyone, inmates and guards alike, to be trapped in a corrupted, corrupting system that resists all change.

    Anton Bitel · 4 out of 5
    A young offender is relocated to the adult prison where his father is locked up.
  • Star Wars: Episode 7 - The Force Awakens (2015)
    Review preview for Star Wars: Episode 7 - The Force Awakens

    The Force Awakens manages to stop one thinking about how disbelief is suspended and instead carry one along.

    Andrew Robertson · 4.5 out of 5
    A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a new threat has emerged and new heroes must arise to save the day.
  • Stormbreaker (2006)
    Review preview for Stormbreaker

    The film will appeal perfectly to its age group. There is nothing too violent and nothing too serious.

    Angus Wolfe Murray · 3.5 out of 5
    Alex Rider is a junior James Bond for the 21st century
  • Straight To The Heart (2008)
    Review preview for Straight To The Heart

    It's a heavy-handed storyline in places, but is alleviated considerably by Keven Noël, who plays Jimi with real assurance yet with a refreshing lightness of touch.

    Jennie Kermode · 3 out of 5
    A car thief runs into trouble when he experiences love at first sight.
  • The Strangers (2008)
    Review preview for The Strangers

    Bertino introduces a parade of cardboard characters whose psychological reflexes only extend to squealing when something goes bang.

    Jennie Kermode · 1.5 out of 5
    A young couple are terrorised by a group of masked home invaders.
  • Strange Bedfellows (2004)
    Two macho Aussies learn tolerance and respect after pretending to be a gay couple.
  • Strange Culture (2007)
    Review preview for Strange Culture

    In the mindscape of Alice Through The Looking Glass, the surrealism of Steve’s predicament would be a footnote to The Patriot Act: Fear Or Frenzy?, if it wasn’t so tragic.

    Angus Wolfe Murray · 4 out of 5
    The artist as victim of The Patriot Act.
  • Strange Septembers (2011)
    Review preview for Strange Septembers

    The film's scattershot approach doesn't really succeed in building up much of a case for the alien theory, nor in mounting an effective challenge to it.

    Jennie Kermode · 2 out of 5
    A documentary about possible alien contact incidents The Hill Abduction And the Exeter Encounter.
  • Strange Wilderness (2008)
    Review preview for Strange Wilderness

    When the final scene fizzles out to nothing, you know it's been a wasted journey.

    Keith Dudhnath · 1 out of 5
    Wildlife TV presenters go in search of Bigfoot with a crew of idiots and stoners.
  • Strangled (2016)
    Review preview for Strangled

    We see the killer at home, observe him moving through life like an ordinary man, but something is always subtly off key.

    Jennie Kermode · 4.5 out of 5
    Seven years after a killer is jailed, a murder occurs in town - is it a copycat or has the wrong man been jailed?
  • The Stuff (1985)
    Review preview for The Stuff

    As wilfully messy as all of Cohen’s work but his wicked sense of humour, budget-enforced ingenuity and ability to draw off-kilter performances from unlikely thesps shines through.

    David Graham · 4 out of 5
    When a dessert starts taking on a life of its own, it spells trouble for the local populace.
  • The Stunt Man (1980)
    Review preview for The Stunt Man

    Multi-layered, original, funny and packed full of story and circumstance that makes you think.

    Gator MacReady · 5 out of 5
    An on the run criminal takes a job as a stuntman... and finds himself falling for the leading lady.
  • Submarino (2009)
    Review preview for Submarino

    Performances are strong throughout the film, generating an effective mixture of simultaneous sympathy and anger in the audience.

    David Graham · 2.5 out of 5
    Two men struggle to escape a childhood of neglect.
  • Summer '04 (2006)
    Review preview for Summer '04

    From gentle, idyllic beginnings, Summer '04 builds into edge-of-the-seat tension.

    Chris · 4 out of 5
    Unexpected thrills on a Baltic holiday.
  • Sunset Song (2015)
    Review preview for Sunset Song

    While the craft remains faultless, the effect becomes like walking through a beautiful gallery, with each painting looking lovely but with little connection to the one before or after.

    Amber Wilkinson · 3 out of 5
    The daughter of a Scottish farmer comes of age in the early 1900s.
  • Sword Master (2016)
    Review preview for Sword Master

    Without that old roughness, this film creates no friction. It glides by so smoothly that one barely even notices it.

    Jennie Kermode · 2 out of 5
    A highly skilled warrior tries to give up bloodshed but cannot escape his past.
  • Sword Of Vengeance (2015)
    Review preview for Sword Of Vengeance

    Weber's work is carefully choreographed and will please fans of fighting films even if it does sometimes take liberties with physics.

    Jennie Kermode · 2 out of 5
    A mysterious warrior comes to the aid of a people under threat in the Dark Ages.
  • Tabloid (2010)
    Review preview for Tabloid

    Morris traces this perfect tabloid tale in all its hilarious, sad and bizarre particulars.

    Anton Bitel · 4 out of 5
    A documentary about a former beauty queen alleged to have raped a Mormon missionary with whom she was infatuated.
  • Tales Of The Riverbank (2008)
    Review preview for Tales Of The Riverbank

    A family movie of considerable appeal.

    Anton Bitel · 3.5 out of 5
    Hammy the hamster and pals get a re-imagining.
  • Tape_13 (2014)
    Review preview for Tape_13

    A poor rip-off of Paranormal Activity and The Blair Witch Project.

    Sophie Charlotte Rieger · 1 out of 5
    Homage to the Blair Witch Project.
  • Tattoo (2002)
    Review preview for Tattoo

    On the strength of this film, writer/director Robert Schwentke is a talent to watch.

    Keith Hennessey Brown · 3.5 out of 5
    Stylish German Se7en style thriller.
  • The Teacher (2016)
    Review preview for The Teacher

    Hrebejk and Jarchovsý deftly employ humour as a way of mocking and undercutting their anti-heroine while preventing their overall point about power and corruption from becoming preachy.

    Amber Wilkinson · 4 out of 5
    A teacher creates a climate of fear in the classroom.
  • Tea & Sangria (2014)
    Review preview for Tea & Sangria

    The comedy is generally broad but by extension travels well, breezily utilising stereotypes (fiery Spaniards versus hesitant Brits) that audiences are readily familiar with.

    Rebecca Naughten · 3 out of 5
    After an Englishman moves to Madrid, only to be jilted by his girlfriend, he find he has to learn to live and love the Spanish way.
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
    Review preview for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

    The central plot is that old fave of the superhero genre - world domination

    Angus Wolfe Murray · 3.5 out of 5
    The turtles battle to save New York from the evil plans of a billionaire scientist
  • That Peter Kay Thing (2000)
    Review preview for That Peter Kay Thing

    Solid entertainment.

    Scott Macdonald · 4 out of 5
    Series of mockumentaries from the stand-up comedian.
  • Thelma (2017)
    Review preview for Thelma

    Thelma appears aloof on the surface, but her constant choice of statement lipsticks, despite her otherwise conservative dress code, hints at the emotions screaming from within.

    Amber Wilkinson · 3.5 out of 5
    Strange things happen to a religious young woman when she starts to fall in love.
  • A Thousand Years Of Good Prayers (2007)
    Review preview for A Thousand Years Of Good Prayers

    While the lighter sections are wonderful to watch, the film doesn't fare as well when dealing with more serious portions of the story.

    George Williamson · 3.5 out of 5
    Cultural and generational gaps explored by aging Chinese man visiting his daughter.
  • Time Is Illmatic (2014)
    Review preview for Time Is Illmatic

    It elegantly shows a clear path between the jazz riffs that were Nas's father's bread and butter through to the inventive beats that back his son's hip hop.

    Amber Wilkinson · 3 out of 5
    Documentary about hip hop artist Nas.
  • 'Tis Autumn: The Search for Jackie Paris (2006)
    Review preview for 'Tis Autumn: The Search for Jackie Paris

    Any doubts that this film might just be a devotee’s wilful championing of a mediocre talent that found its natural niche are immediately banished when he sings.

    Jeff Robson · 4 out of 5
    Documentary about "the greatest voice you never heard".
  • Tommy's Honour (2016)
    Review preview for Tommy's Honour

    The film rattles along at a fair pace, peppered with gentle warmth and good humour.

    Robert Munro · 3 out of 5
    Story about the father and son relationship between the founders of the modern game of golf.

News and features

Paul Rowley on moving to New York, the Pulse massacre, and Gays Against Guns

Cash on delivery Ben McKenzie on economics, belief, cryptocurrency and Everyone Is Lying To You For Money

Going ape Antonin Niclass on character creation, empathy and animated short Into The Forest

Freeform Will Niava on grief, new immigrant experiences and Jazz Infernal

In silence Emir Kumova on child marriage in Türkiye, moral challenges and making The Witness

Taking a ride into liminal spaces Katharine Round on making documentary Ghost Town

Flying blind Michael Woloson and Scott Tinkham on improvisation, experimental writing and Littermates

More news and features

Festival coverage

Festivals
Cannes festival coverage, 2026

We're bringing you all the latest news and reviews from the Cheltenham International Film Festival, the Leeds International Film Festival, the Thessaloniki International Film Festival and Tallinn Black Nights.



We're looking forward to the French Film Festival and DOC NYC.



We've recently brought you coverage of the Belfast Film Festival, Halloween Frightfest, the Scottish Queer International Film Festival, Newfest, the London Film Festival, the New York Film Festival and Grimmfest.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.