Rob Reiner's "Stand By Me" (1986) is a beautiful and often heartbreaking film that grapples with the push and pull of the desire for freedom, on the one hand, and one's own finitude, on the other. The performances by the youngsters are outstanding: River Phoenix, Jerry O'Connell, Corey Feldman and Wil Wheaton, as well as Keefer Sutherland. The similarities and differences to Stephen King's original novella show how the same story can emphasize radically different attitudes to life. Join me as I share some of my thoughts with you.

Joachim Trier's "Sentimental Value" (2025) is a deceptively simple film that hides an abstract core. It may appear to be a story of how past trauma affects lives, but in reality, it is a story of how forgiveness and grace, no matter how difficult or painful, are what hold a family together. Join me as I share some of my thoughts with you.

Radu Jude's "Dracula" (2025) is a provocation, a bad joke, filthy, irritating and thought provoking. It sits joyfully in the centre of the endless debate of whether something is art or trash. But can something be too conceptual to work as cinema? Join me as I share some of my thoughts with you.

Milos Forman's "Amadeus" (1984) remains a masterpiece of cinema, that rare example where all cinematic arts come together in a cohesive, perfectly realized whole. While endlessly entertaining, if you allow it to work on you, it will yield myriad themes and ideas that are enriched over many viewings. Join me as I share some of my thoughts with you.