New LEGO® Batman™: Legacy of the Dark Knight Launch Trailer

A brand-new trailer for the upcoming Lego: Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight has been revealed ahead of the game's launch on May 22.

Warner Bros. Games released the LEGO® Batman™: Legacy of the Dark Knight Launch Trailer, taking viewers on a thrill ride through Bruce Wayne’s epic journey to become DC’s hero of Gotham City, from origin to legend.

 

Set against the backdrop of Seal’s Grammy-winning song “Kiss from a Rose” from the Batman Forever (1995) film soundtrack, the trailer features new cinematic and gameplay moments of the Caped Crusader and his crime-fighting allies – Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, Jim Gordon, Catwoman, and Talia al Ghul – as they take on an ever-growing threat from The Joker, Poison Ivy, Mr. Freeze, Two-Face, Ra’s al Ghul, Bane, and other infamous DC Super-Villains in the ultimate LEGO Batman experience.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight will launch worldwide on May 22 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam & Epic Games Store). Pre-orders are available now for the Standard and Deluxe Editions of the game on the above-mentioned platforms*. Deluxe Edition pre-orders will receive 72-hour early access beginning on May 19, prior to the main launch. All pre-orders will receive The Dark Knight Returns Batsuit (at launch), inspired by the acclaimed comic book series.

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced: Deep Dive into Parkour, Stealth & Combat

Ubisoft has shared more details on key gameplay elements for Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, with an update from Creative Director, Paul Fu. This deep dive details how ground gameplay in Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced has been rebuilt, while preserving the feel of the original Black Flag.
 

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced will release worldwide on 9 July 2026. The game will be available on Ubisoft+*, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, as well as Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store, Steam and the Epic Games Store.

 

Led by Ubisoft Singapore** Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a faithful remake of Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, originally released in 2013. Rebuilt from the ground up and powered by the latest Anvil engine, the game features updated visuals and enriched gameplay, including parry‑driven combat, improved stealth and parkour, deeper naval mechanics, and new narrative content.

 

Set during the Golden Age of Piracy, Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced invites players to sail the Caribbean as Edward Kenway, a rebellious pirate captain drawn into the centuries-old conflict between Assassins and Templars. As Edward pursues glory and fortune, he crosses paths with legendary figures such as Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, and Calico Jack, while the fate of everything the pirates have built hangs in the balance.

 

During the Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Showcase, Ubisoft also confirmed that GRAMMY‑nominated artist Woodkid is returning to the Assassin’s Creed franchise, collaborating on a reimagined track to be revealed later this year.

 

The standard edition of the game will be available here for a price of AUD $99.95 on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, as well as Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store, Steam and the Epic Games Store***.  PC System requirements have already been disclosed and can be consulted here.

 

Additionally, fans pre-ordering Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced will receive Blackbeard's Crimson Pack, which includes an exclusive costume for Edward Kenway, a pair of swords, and a set of pistols. The Standard, Deluxe, and Collector’s Editions were announced as well.

 

• Standard Edition – Includes the base game.
• Deluxe Edition – This digital-only edition includes the base game plus the Master Assassin Character Pack and the Master Assassin Naval Pack. 
• Collector's Edition – Includes everything in the Deluxe Edition, plus premium physical collector's items: Edward's Figurine, Edward wearable metal brooch, exclusive SteelBook®, cloth map, and more.

 

For more information on Assassin’s Creed, please visit: assassinscreed.com.

 

Logitech G G512 X Gaming Keyboard: Review

If you've always wanted a gaming keyboard to be able to be fiddled with halfway through what you're doing, and then been frustrated at the lack of such a thing in the market, you're in luck.

As part of their latest launch and continuing foray into the e-sports marketplace, Logitech G has launched a new keyboard that puts the control and the option to fiddle into your own hands - and it's all the better for it.

Initially, simplicity is the key for this, as a simple connection via a cable makes this the kind of tech you can connect and get going right away. As the keyboard connects, it lights up in a way that's both compelling to look at and weirdly, not distracting. During typing and usage, the keys pulse and glow, giving the chunky keyboard a feeling of ethereal power. Powered by a couple of twirling knobs that can be adjusted to the top right of the board, the whole thing starts to feel a little like a DJ deck as you bash away with it.

It is the first Logitech G keyboard to feature TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance), Dual Swap capability, a Global Light Bar, and fully assignable and customisable Dual Dials. It also debuts SAPP (Second Actuation Pressure Point), enabling two distinct actuation points per key to unlock unprecedented control and layered inputs within a single keystroke. In many ways, it's the kind of keyboard gamers have been looking for, thanks to a combination of responsiveness and a feeling of endurability in its build.

Perhaps it's a frustration that this can't be connected wirelessly, but the sufficient length of the cabling means that most people looking to use this either for typing or gaming will have enough of a chance to connect to what's needed.

It has to be said though that the keys tend to take a little time to get used to, given how incredibly sensitive they can be. Plus, with the fact they're elevated off the base of the keyboard itself, initially, it's incredibly easy to type extra letters without realising what you've done - something that's a frustration for a touch typist. The double shot keys make the typing feel smoother and even if there's an occasional feeling that these keys are somewhat plastic-feeling, the responsiveness is more than effective for what's needed.

(And one minor niggle, with the pulsing lights, you can't easily tell if you've left something on like Caps Lock until you start typing.)

But at the end of the day, this is a gaming keyboard, first and foremost, one which is aimed more at E-sports players, rather than those on working duties. And it's also about the customisation it offers that many fixed keyboards don't even have - and it's very welcome.

So it is on that front that the Logitech G G512 X Gaming Keyboard delivers a solid and impressive outing, with buttons feeling like they've hit the target when necessary.

At the top of the keyboard is an area to store the nine keys that are more often changed than not. It's an intriguing idea, with the core logic being that most gamers readily only ever change a fixed number of keys.

From satisfying feelings in games like shooters such as Overwatch and also for games that require a level of skill, the Logitech G G512 X Gaming Keyboards delivers a substantial punch for its size and appeal. The TMR switches leave you with a feeling of precision which is always vital in gaming - and the fact that you can repeatedly press buttons for trigger actions without feeling like the keyboard's going to fall apart after a strenuous session is a real bonus.

Allowing customisation in the usual G-Hub means that the light controls can be tinkered with and the the palm rest that has to be bought separately (perhaps one of the sole downsides here) and connects to the light bar at the bottom of the keyboard means that it can all come together for one slick looking set up.

Logitech's managed to corner a niche in the market and what with recent headsets and gaming mice, there's a real chance to build an impressive rig at a very reasonable price. 

It's very close to a game-changer and given this unit's got a bit of heft and the key changes are extremely easy to do, there's a real feeling that the Logitech G G512 X gaming keyboard will last the distance.

If they just manage to make this set wireless, then it could be a no-brainer for one of the essential tech pieces of the year - no matter what level of gamer or typist you are.

French Film Festival returns for its 20th season in New Zealand

24 fresh French stories, across 24 towns and cities, over 4 weeks.

After a standout 2025 marked by packed theatres and widespread sell-outs, the L’Oréal French Film Festival Aotearoa celebrates its 20th edition by bringing the magic of French cinema back to audiences across Aotearoa from May 27.   Releasing its full programme today, the festival guarantees a compelling line-up of standout, hand-selected films including French box-office hits, Cannes favourites and award-winning talent including Pierre Niney in Guru, Angelina Jolie in Couture, Pierre Lottin in the modern take on the Alfred Camus classic The Stranger, and Isabelle Huppert in The Richest Woman in the World - all with that unmistakable French flair that audiences continue to fall in love with year after year. Angelina Jolie in Couture  Festival Director Fergus Grady commented, “The response last year was incredible. We’re seeing audiences really embrace the festival experience, coming back multiple times and trusting the programme to deliver something special each visit. This year’s line-up continues that tradition, with something for everyone to discover.” Opening the festival this year is the acclaimed drama from Cédric Klapisch (The Spanish Apartment, Back to Burgundy) Colours of Time, following four estranged cousins who are reunited by the unexpected inheritance of a house in Normandy, uncovering the extraordinary story of their ancestor in 19th century Paris - a city alive with invention, early photography and the rise of Impressionism. Other highlights include The Richest Woman In The World - the modern day scandal of billionaire L’Oréal heiress, Liliane Bettencourt; Award-winning François Ozon’s, The Stranger, a story of a young expatriate on trial for murder in 1930s French-colonised Algeria and a poignant new adaptation of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece Les Misérables, charting the origin story in Jean Valjean, the beloved tale’s iconic protagonist.   L’ORÉAL FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL AOTEAROA IS IN CINEMAS ACROSS THE COUNTRY FROM MAY 27 TO JUNE 28. TICKETS ARE ON SALE TODAY AT FRENCHFILMFESTIVAL.CO.NZ Please find the full programme below along with the 2026 locations and dates. 2026 PROGRAMME (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER): A DASH OF LOVE (Comedy/Drama) This exciting debut feature follows a delightful cast of characters on a road trip that will change their lives. Julia Piaton plays Mélanie, a gifted lawyer suffering from a terminal illness. Deciding it’s time to live life on her own terms, she convinces her old school friend Benjamin (Quentin Dolmaire) to accompany her on a road trip to Spain. Joining them as their burly chauffeur is Lucas (Grégory Gadebois), one of Mélanie’s clients who has recently been released from prison. In exchange for her legal services, Mélanie ropes him into taking the wheel. The unlikely trio embark on an unforgettable journey across stunning vistas, embracing joy and friendship along the way. This a trip you will most certainly want to take! A NUN IN THE CITY (Comedy) After twenty years of devotion to her convent, Sister Lucie’s (Marilou Berry) quiet life is upended when she is separated from her sisterhood during a group outing. While trying to find her way home, she spots a familiar face on a television screen: her teenage sweetheart, now accused of a high-profile murder. Convinced of his innocence, she makes the impulsive decision to try to help him. Lucie’s disappearance has caused panic back at the convent, and the formidable Mother Superior Henriette (Isabelle Nanty, Amélie) sends two nuns to track her down and bring her back. A heartwarming, comedic story where faith, freedom and past love collide with surprising results. CASE 137 (Crime/Thriller) Léa Drucker took home the Best Actress César award for her performance in this gripping thriller as Stéphanie, an Internal Affairs police officer who is assigned the case of a young man severely wounded during a tense and chaotic demonstration in Paris. When she discovers that the victim hails from her hometown of Saint-Dizier, the case suddenly becomes far more personal. While nothing initially points to police misconduct, Stéphanie soon finds herself isolated in a system hellbent on protecting its own. With officers refusing to talk, Sophie turns to housekeeper and reluctant witness Alicia Mady (Guslagie Malanda) whose testimony holds the key to the truth - but puts them both in danger. From Dominik Moll (Only the Animals), this compelling crime drama was selected for official competition at Cannes International Film Festival 2025. COLOURS OF TIME (Comedy/Drama) Director Cedric Klapisch has crafted a genuine crowd-pleasing story that blends the excitement, wonder and art of Belle Epoque France with present day themes around identity, legacy and connection. In 1895, young Adele (Suzanne Lindon) leaves Normandy for Paris, a city alive and buzzing with invention, photography and the rise of Impressionism. In the present day, her descendants inherit an unexpected legacy: a countryside house in Normandy, abandoned for decades and suspended in time. Four of Adele’s descendants arrive to survey the Estate and together end up piecing together the story of Adele’s unexpected life. Colours of Time is a charming and fascinating family saga and is sure to be a hit at this year’s Festival. COUTURE (Drama) Angelina Jolie turns in a career-best performance in this immaculate drama set in the high stakes fashion world. Taking place during the frenzy of Paris Fashion week, Jolie plays American filmmaker Maxine Walker, commissioned to direct a film for a prestigious label. After receiving sudden, life-changing news, Maxine crosses paths with two other women: Ada (Anyier Anei), a young South Sudanese model who has escaped her predetermined destiny to make a name for herself, and makeup artist Angéle (Ella Rumpf, Marguerite’s Theorem) who quietly dreams of a different life. Amid the glamorous scenes of haute couture, each must make choices small and significant, and confront major career decisions. CYCLE OF TIME (Comedy) Elsa Zylberstein (Simone: Woman of the Century) and Didier Bourdon (The Scammers) star in this inventive time travel comedy that sharply explores societal roles. It’s 1958 in quiet suburbia. Hélène and Michel live a simple but happy life with their two children. Michel works in a bank, while Hélène focuses her efforts on their home and family life. Through an unexpected series of events, the couple find themselves catapulted into the 21st century. As they navigate this unfamiliar world, the pair must confront new ways of thinking, loving and living. Propelled by hilarious performances, this is a delightfully subversive comedy that will have you rediscovering the present through characters from a bygone era. DE GAULLE: TILTING IRON (Biography/Drama) Direct from Cannes Film Festival 2026 - June 1940, France collapses and signs the Armistice. Amid the chaos, one man, Charles de Gaulle, refuses to give up. Taking the ultimate gamble he flees to London and seeks to convince the world that the battle for France is neither over or lost. What follows next is a triumphant story of faith, audacity and an unshakeable quest for freedom. Antonin Baudry has crafted a powerful and dramatic view of a man at the very centre of a turning point in history, on his path to becoming a 20th century leader and cultural icon. The reality of intense politics, family struggles and the impact of war are deftly drawn in this geopolitical thriller, which has been more than five years in the making. Simon Abkarian commands the screen as the titular General, leading a stand-out ensemble cast including Benoît Magimel, Mathieu Kassovitz, Francois Darlan, Niels Schneider and the César-winner Anamaria Vartolomei (The Count of Monte Cristo). The talented Simon Russell Beale (The Choral) rounds out the cast as Winston Churchill, with the film exploring the complex relationship between De Gaulle and the British Bulldog. GURU (Thriller) In this tense psychological thriller, Pierre Niney (The Count of Monte Cristo) delivers a chilling performance as a popular life coach with a dedicated following. Mathieu Vasseur (Niney) delivers electrifying seminars, promising empowerment and transformation to his loyal fanbase. But behind his carefully curated image lies a more sinister reality. As scrutiny from skeptics and the law pushes Vasseur's organisation towards obsession and collapse, he faces the question: how far can he go? Guru is a razor-sharp examination of power dynamics that masterfully explores the thin line between mentorship and manipulation. Already a hit in France with over $16 million USD at the box office. AN EVENING WITH VICTOR HUGO (Comedy/Drama) Director Pascal Bonitzer (Maigret and the Dead Lover) brings this charming tale from the late Sophie Fillières brilliantly to life. French acting legend Fabrice Luchini plays popular performer Robert Zucchini, who has built his career on a stage act that lauds the works of the famous writer Victor Hugo. Robert’s bold reverence of Hugo’s ‘male genius’ doesn’t always play well with more enlightened modern audiences, and he finds himself not only at odds with a feminist theatre troupe, but with his adult daughter Lisbeth (Marie Narbonne, The Count of Monte Cristo), who has recently reappeared in his life. Robert wrestles with how art meets with politics - but more importantly, with his real-life relationships. Where he once took refuge in texts of the past, Lisbeth demands his presence in the moment. Little by little, with his daughter’s help, Robert begins to reconnect with his past, open up to others and relearn the practice of his craft. Pascal Bonitzer has crafted a slick, emotional, funny account of modern problems playing out on and off stage. JEAN VALJEAN (Drama) Victor Hugo’s masterpiece Les Misérables is one of the most beloved novels of the 19th century, and now the superb Grégory Gadebois has re-teamed with his Delicious writer/ director Éric Besnard for this authentic and emotionally affecting retelling that charts the origin story of the tale’s legendary protagonist. 1815, Provence, France. In the peaceful village of Digne, rumour spreads that a dangerous man has entered the area; indeed, the hulking Valjean (Gadebois) has just been released from prison after nineteen years of hard labour. Branded a criminal and ostracised, Jean is repeatedly turned away. Desperate for a bed, he knocks at the door of the house of Monseigneur Bienvenu (Bernard Campan), who lives simply with his ailing sister (Isabelle Carré) and dedicated (but suspicious) servant (Alexandra Lamy). Without judgement, Bienvenu invites him in. And on this crucial night, Jean will face a choice that will define his future... With this superbly filmed exploration of justice, empathy and moral redemption, Besnard’s reflective and intimate drama – and Gadebois’ towering performance - bring new depth to Hugo’s hero, a spurned man transformed by kindness and compassion. Admirers of the source text and rich historical drama will not be disappointed. JUST AN ILLUSION (Comedy) From Eric Toledano and Oliver Nakache, the award-winning directors of The Intouchables and A Difficult Year comes a heartwarming and brilliant comedy set in the suburbs of Paris in 1985. The film follows Vincent (an incredible debut performance from Simon Boublil), a boy standing on the precipice of his 13th birthday and his Bar Mitzvah - a milestone that feels more like an identity crisis than a celebration. Vincent’s mother Sandrine (Camille Cottin, Three Friends) tries to hold the family together with her job as a secretary, while his father Yves (Louis Garrel, also starring in Couture) grapples with unemployment and a wounded ego. Caught between his parents’ frequent arguments and a distant older brother, Arnaud (Alexis Rosenstiehl), Vincent must find his own rhythm in a family that is out of sync. Simon Boublil is being hailed as a major discovery for his performance as Vincent, carrying this nostalgia-soaked tale with a winning combination of vulnerability and dry humour. Meanwhile, French cinema stalwarts Cottin and Garrel deliver explosive but grounded chemistry. Directors Toledano and Nakache blend the infectious energy of a classic 80s soundtrack with their signature brand of heartfelt humour, for their most personal film to date. Book in quick to avoid disappointment! LEAVE ONE DAY (Comedy/Drama) Making waves in 2025 as the first-ever debut feature selected to open the Cannes Film Festival, Amélie Bonnin’s joyously entertaining musical romance stars break-out singer/songwriter Juliette Armanetas, a talented Parisian chef forced to reconnect with her small-town upbringing during an unexpected trip home. Cécile (Armanet) – a fan-favourite Top Chef winner – is about to finally realise her dream and open her own restaurant when her father, the cook at a small rural truck stop, falls unwell. Cécile must deal with a return to her roots that is more complicated than she imagined in this warm-hearted and completely endearing gem. MAIGRET AND THE DEAD LOVER (Crime) Following the break-out success of 2025 hit The Stolen Painting, acclaimed writer/director Pascal Bonitzer brings his unique perspective and panache to Simenon’s cherished Parisian detective - a French counterpart to Agatha Christie’s Poirot - as he attempts to solve the murder of a diplomat with a long-held secret. Inspector Maigret (four-time César nominee Denis Podalydès) is urgently summoned to the Quai d’Orsay: a former ambassador has been found shot dead by his long-serving housekeeper (Anne Alvaro, Bolero). But rather than contact the police, she has followed diplomatic protocols by first informing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Forewarned that he will find a series of salacious letters - and cautioned to be discrete - Maigret heads to the victim’s opulent apartment. He finds no forensic evidence at the crime scene, but certainly, the letters prove startling - secret, decades-spanning correspondence between the ambassador and the Princess of Vuynes, whose own husband, by strange coincidence, has also just died…Bonitzer, renowned for an intuitive and empathetic focus, finds a perfect match with a protagonist who relies on quiet observation. He delivers an absorbing, wholly compelling mystery that also serves as a thoughtful examination of modern life’s key concerns: hierarchy, aging, and the very different worlds that money creates. Best of all, the twist ending is…a killer. ONCE UPON MY MOTHER (Comedy/Drama) Based on the bestselling autobiography by Roland Perez, this exuberant and heartrending film pays tribute to a love like no other – a mother’s love for her child. In 1963, Roland is born to Esther, her sixth child in their close-knit Jewish immigrant family living in the Parisian suburbs. When Esther learns that Roland has been born with a club foot, she vows to ensure her son lives not just a normal life, but a fabulous one. She enlists the help of a determined specialist and the pop songs of Sylvie Vartan (who makes a cameo in the film) to help Roland defy all expectations and learn to walk. This joyful crowd-pleaser absolutely smashed the French box office with over 1.5 million admissions. REDRESS (Drama/Thriller) Auteur Régis Wargnier (director of the Oscar-winning Indochine) returns to filmmaking with the masterfully crafted globe-trotting drama Redress. Renowned chef Paskal Jankovski is close to announcing his third Michelin star when he vanishes. Disappearing alongside him is Antoine, his trusted sous-chef. Paskal’s daughter Clara suddenly finds herself the inheritor of the family restaurant at just 20 years old and must embark on a journey to find the truth about her father’s fate. Covering continents, cuisines and cultures, Redress is a luscious combination of intriguing mystery, picturesque environments and a variety of sumptuous dishes - just don’t see it on an empty stomach! SANTIAGO: THE CAMINO THERAPY (Drama) Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Camino de Santiago in this life-affirming drama centred on an unforgettable pairing of characters. Adam (a powerful performance from up-and-comer Julien Le Berre) is a teenager who’s lost and heading in the wrong direction. After a run-in with the law, a judge hands over a surprising sentence: he must walk the 800km Camino de Santiago to think about his future. Assigned to walk the path with Adam is Fred (an excellent-as-always Alexandra Lamy), a tough and outspoken woman coming to terms with her own chequered history. Their journey is an uplifting and inspirational story, set against gorgeous vistas that deserve to be seen on the big screen. THE MONEY MAKER (Drama/Thriller) Based on an incredible true story, The Money Maker follows Jan Bojarski (Reda Kateb, The Extraordinary), a young Polish engineer taking refuge in France during World War II. Desperate to survive, he turns his talents to forging identity documents during the German occupation. Once the war ends, Jan still struggles to make ends meet. Stuck in underpaid jobs and denied citizenship, he is unable to patent his many inventions until a gangster recognises his skills and presents a risky opportunity: to produce counterfeit banknotes. So begins a thrilling and nail-biting series of events, as Jan leads a double life. For over 15 years he runs a counterfeiting operation from his garden shed, unbeknownst to his family. His fakes are so precise he earns the moniker “the Cézanne of counterfeit money,” but this also draws attention. Jan soon finds himself in the crosshairs of Inspector Mattéi (Bastien Bouillon, also starring in Leave One Day). Director Jean-Paul Salomé (The Godmother, The Sitting Duck) brings this fascinating and gripping tale to life, with an unforgettable performance from Reda Kateb. A certified hit in France with over 1.1 million admissions! THE MUSICIANS (Comedy/Drama) The enchanting new comedy of manners from acclaimed writer/director Grégory Magne (whose debut Perfumes was a huge success in the 2021 Festival),The Musicians stars Valérie Donzellias a wealthy heiress whose plan to stage a landmark concert is derailed by the clashing egos of the virtuosos recruited for the performance. Celebrating both the chaos and beauty of collaboration, set amidst the villas, vineyards and chapels of the stunning Champagne region, with an exquisite original score by Grégoire Hetzel, this is sparkling entertainment for the heart (and ears). THE PARTY’S OVER! (Comedy) This entertaining black comedy follows Mehdi (Sami Outalbali, Lucky Winners), a recent law graduate from a modest background spending the summer at his girlfriend’s luxurious family villa. He soon finds himself caught in an escalating class conflict between the entitled Trousselard family and their mistreated caretakers. Hoping to secure an internship at his girlfriend’s father’s prestigious law firm, Mehdi attempts to mediate between the two sides, only to be trapped in a spiralling conflict over money, power and pride.The Party’s Over! is a biting satirical portrait of class privilege with a sensational comic cast including Laure Calamy and recent César award-winner Laurent Lafitte. THE RICHEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD (Comedy/Drama) Few modern scandals have captivated France as the astonishing events surrounding Liliane Bettencourt, the billionaire heiress to the L’Oreal fortune and doyenne of Parisian society. Now writer/director Thierry Klifa has freely adapted the incredible story into a captivating dark comedy, featuring a jaw-dropping, tailor-made role for one of France’s most iconic stars. Marianne Farrère (Isabelle Huppert), the head of the Windler Group, is the richest woman in the world. Pierre-Alain Fantin (Laurent Lafitte, who won a César award for his performance) is a vivacious dandy, writer and photographer. After meeting on a photo shoot, the two quickly become inseparable. Their friendship surprises, amuses, intrigues, and eventually unsettles the billionaire’s entourage and family.  Most of all, Marianne’s daughter (Marina Foïs) struggles with her mother’s sudden complicity with this younger man, but her husband (André Marcon) and loyal butler (Raphaël Personnaz) share her concerns. Surreptitious queries soon transition into a private investigation, resulting in extraordinary ramifications for all involved…With several twists too good to spoil, The Richest Woman in the World makes the most of its fabulous ensemble cast, but Huppert and Lafitte simply eat up the screen. This wildly entertaining film became an enormous box-office hit in France for good reason. THE SON OF (Comedy) One week after a chaotic presidential election, France urgently needs a new Prime Minister. A hapless but ambitious young parliamentary assistant has a plan: convince his retired and highly erratic politician father (François Cluzet, The Intouchables) to return from exile and seize the top job. What follows is a breakneck political comedy that transforms into a razor-sharp portrait of power, ambition, and the flexibility of principle. The narrative hums with uncanny and prophetic resonance. Think Veep with a distinctly Gallic accent; anyone appreciative of Armando Iannucci’s savage political dissections and Succession will find much to savour here in this mischievously satisfying, winning satire. THE STRANGER (Drama) The superb new drama from multi award-winning writer/director François Ozon (Swimming Pool, 8 Women, Under the Sand), The Stranger is a gripping adaptation of Albert Camus’ landmark novella about a detached young expatriate on trial for murder in French-colonised Algeria. Summer, 1938. Meursault (Benjamin Voisin, Lost Illusions), a quiet and unassuming clerk in his early thirties, attends his mother’s funeral. The next day he begins a casual affair with Marie (Rebecca Marder), a colleague randomly encountered at the local baths and quickly slips back into routine. However, daily life is soon disrupted by his volatile neighbour (an excellent Pierre Lottin, who won a César award for his performance), who draws Meursault into a dispute involving an ex-lover. And then, one blisteringly hot afternoon, an inexplicable event occurs on a beach, one that will see Meursault’s very moral standing brought to question…Visually resplendent with sensuous black-and-white imagery, Ozon’s elegant and masterfully realised film shines a contemporary lens on Camus’ classic tale of dissociation and morality, capturing the beauty and heat of a charged society on the boil. Both impactful and mysterious, The Stranger is one of the major highlights of this year’s Festival and should not be missed. WHAT IS LOVE? (Comedy/Romance) What is Love? is an uplifting and comedic examination of relationships and new beginnings, brought to life by an all-star cast. Marguerite (Festival favourite Laure Calamy) has long since moved on from her ex-husband Fred (Vincent Macaigne), having established a new life with a different partner. When Fred asks for Marguerite’s help in obtaining an annulment of their marriage from the Catholic Church, she is only too happy to oblige. However, as Marguerite and Fred navigate old memories and rediscover genuine affection - as well as the tensions that broke them - long-buried feelings begin to surface. 13 DAYS 13 NIGHTS (Thriller/War) Based on the incredible true story and autobiography of Commander Mohamed Bida, 13 Days,13 Nights is a profound thriller. Kabul, August 15, 2021. As US troops prepare to withdraw from Afghanistan, the Taliban storm the capital and seize power, plunging the city into chaos. Thousands of Afghans flock to the last safe haven: the French Embassy, where Commander Biba and his elite crew work to ensure security, and, with the help of Eva, a young humanitarian worker, negotiate with the Taliban to organise a convoy in a last-ditch attempt to evacuate. Director Martin Bourboulon (The Three Musketeers) has crafted a breathless, edge-of-your-seat experience that simply must be seen on the big screen.

Doc Edge 2026: From inside Gaza to Alec Baldwin's Trial — First films revealed

The 2026 Doc Edge festival has revealed its first films ahead of the full programme launch on May 15.

The Oscar®-qualifying Doc Edge Festival marks its 21st year with a bold opening slate — sixteen films that take audiences inside a Gaza conflict zone, into the world of AI companionship, onto the set of a fatal Hollywood shooting, and deep into the criminal underworld of Aotearoa. From competitive dance floors to a bucket list written by a dying man and narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, this year's programme is as wildly varied as it is urgent.

Spanning deeply personal stories to global issues playing out in real time, the opening line-up draws on voices from Aotearoa and around the world and features multiple World Premieres ahead of the full programme release on 15 May.

The festival runs in Auckland from 24 June to 12 July and Wellington from 15 to 26 July, with screenings alongside an immersive exhibition programme. Auckland will also host Doc Edge's industry event and awards from 29 June to 1 July, drawing filmmakers, distributors, and industry guests from across New Zealand and internationally.

New Zealand Films

World Premiere

Finding Honk

Director: Eldon Booth

To fulfil his dying father's final wish, Hayden Pere tracks down an estranged relative and is pulled deep into the shadows of his own family history, where vengeful enemies and buried secrets threaten everything he holds dear.

World Premiere

Music and the Mystical Experience

Director: Isabel Corfiatis

Sound engineer Michael Sutherland assembles twenty of New Zealand's most talented musicians to score the psychedelic experience. Through performance and expert insight, the film explores music as a transformative tool for therapeutic healing.

 

World Premiere

There's a Hole in my Bucket

Director: Robert Cavanah — Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch

When Royd Tolkien, great-grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien, loses his brother Mike to Motor Neurone Disease, Mike leaves behind one final act of love and mischief: a bucket list of 50 challenges designed to drag his reluctant, comfort-zone-hugging brother back into the land of the living. Raucous, tender, and deeply human.

 

World Premiere

Unlikely Kin

Directors: Kim Webby, Michael Jonathan

A father and son fight to uphold Māori guardianship — harvesting stranded whales and protecting endangered fauna. They reveal how ancestral knowledge may be the essential key to healing the land and saving New Zealand's forests.

 

International Films

World Premiere

Mar Musa

Director: Schahab Kermani — Germany

Amid Syria's desert mountains, the Mar Musa monastery embodies interfaith hope as monks and nuns pursue peace in the long shadow of war.

 

World Premiere

Return to the Strange Land

Director: Olga Malirova — Czechia

Legendary choreographer Jiří Kylián creates his final masterpiece: a personal tribute to his lifelong muse, Sabine Kupferberg. Set on a windswept Dutch island, this film is physical poetry about love, mortality, and shared legacy.

 

International Premiere

The Trial of Alec Baldwin

Director: Rory Kennedy — USA

A fatal on-set shooting. A Hollywood star. A courtroom battle that put fame and accountability on trial. Rory Kennedy's unflinching film examines how Baldwin's public persona became a lightning rod for justice and judgment.

 

International Premiere

Revolution's Daughter

Director: Thaddeus D. Matula

Alina Fernández never knew her father was Fidel Castro. When she found out, she spoke out, defected, and never looked back. A portrait of identity, secrets, and life in exile.

 

International Premiere

Seized

Director: Sharon Liese — USA

A police raid on the Marion County Record in Kansas and the death of its 98-year-old co-owner ignites a fierce debate about the abuse of power, journalism, and the U.S. Constitution.

 

International Premiere

Dance For Your Life

Director: Luke Cornish — Australia

Ten young Australian dancers from Brent Street performing arts school compete for a spot with an international dance company — travelling to London to audition for Shapehaus Dance Theatre under choreographer Dean Lee.

 

Asia Pacific Premiere

A War on Women

Director: Raha Shirazi — Italy

Shot to reframe the 2022 Iranian uprising, this film reveals a feminist resistance forty years in the making.

 

Asia Pacific Premiere

Inside Gaza

Director: Hélène Lam Trong — France, Belgium

Trapped in a conflict closed to the international press, a group of AFP journalists documents the war from within. A searing exploration of the moral dilemma of survival, and the vital role of field journalism in an era of growing attacks on media freedom.

 

Asia Pacific Premiere

Ceremony

Director: Banchi Hanuse — Canada

From ramshackle Nuxalk Radio in Bella Coola, voices trace the disappearance of the ooligan run revealing a buried history deeper than the river itself.

 

Asia Pacific Premiere

Let Our Mountains Live

Director: Håvard Bustnes — Norway, Finland

Sámi reindeer herders win a Supreme Court victory against Europe's largest wind farm — but when the state refuses to act, their fight reveals a deeper crisis of justice and trust.

 

NZ Premiere

Elon Musk Unveiled – The Tesla Experiment

Director: Andreas Pichler — Germany

For the first time, close confidants, whistleblowers, victims, and former high-ranking Tesla employees pull back the curtain on Musk's empire and speak out.

 

NZ Premiere

Replica

Director: Chouwa Liang — Australia, France

Young Chinese women turn to AI companions in search of the love they feel is missing from their lives. But are chatbots standing in the way of real human connection?

Doc Edge 2026 Key Dates

Programme launch & tickets on sale 15 May

Auckland

24 June – 12 July

Industry & Awards (Auckland)

29 June – 1 July

Wellington

15 – 26 July

Tickets on sale from 15 May at docedge.nz. Follow Doc Edge on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Mortal Kombat II: Movie Review

Cast: Karl Urban, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Ludi Lin, Mehcad Brooks, Lewis Tan, Damon Herriman, Chin Han, Tadanobu Asano, Joe Taslim, Hiroyuki Sanada, Adeline Rudolph Tati Gabrielle
Director: Simon McQuoid

Five years ago, the first Mortal Kombat delivered a movie that pitched perfectly to its core game audience, but did nothing to satiate a general audience and bring in new fans. So in terms of cinematic success, it's almost unthinkable to believe the sequel would double down on what made the first work and yet somehow also prove equally as unqualified in trying to garner a wider audience while threatening an Avengers: Doomsday style sequel at the end.

Yet that's exactly what McQuoid's follow-up does, despite mixing in a story of Kitana's creation (she saw her father killed before Shao Khan, an evil monster enslaved her kingdom) and introducing weary former martial arts expert Johnny Cage (Urban) on whose shoulders the fate of Earth Realm rests.

With a side-story of a MacGuffin about an amulet that grants its bonded wearer immortality, the preposterous levels of Mortal Kombat are set in stone before the very first fight takes place.

Once again, the movie remains faithful to the gameplay and locations, even if some of its choreographed fights are more like dances around the subject. The brutality seems lacking this time around and if anything compared to what can unfold on TV screens these days, it almost seems tame in its execution - particularly for a game famed for its OTT Fatality final kills.

The action is serviceable enough, directed as it is in a perfunctory way by McQuiod as he swirls around characters and takes in the video game-style backgrounds. But in among the CGI fare and taunts, there's little that suggests flair and certainly little that's memorable.

More successful - though once again, very familiar - is the Cobra Kai-style arc of Urban's Johnny Cage, a washed-up fighter turned actor who starred in some questionably bad 80s and 90s movies, such as Citizen Cage, that became cult hits for the wrong reasons. Sidelined at a convention, Cage's weariness and cynicism is expertly captured by Urban, even if in truth, he's played a dialled down version of Billy Butcher from The Boys. 

The film's more enjoyable when it leans on the more humorous edges of the set-up and sequences where Cage has to fight against a multi-toothed creature in a Mad Max-themed dustbowl show glimpses of what the franchise could be if it stopped taking itself just too seriously.

Once again Josh Lawson's Kano gets the best lines. From labelling an albino necromancer a "bleached dildo" to calling him "Pennywise", the chuckles are a welcome addition to a film that just doesn't want to appeal to everyone.

At nearly 1 hour 50 minutes, Mortal Kombat II is a test of patience in many ways. It's not a disastrous video game adaptation and takes what makes the fight series work and transposes it to a big screen. 

It's just that it now risks becoming the kind of movie franchise that Cage himself is mocked for doing - a dinosaur doing a bunch of karate poses - and the fact it looks likely to continue on to a third film is a fatality for any audience wanting some kind of thrill at the cinema.