Holy Days: Movie Review

Cast: Judy Davis, Miriam Margolyes, Jacki Weaver, Elijah Tamati, Craig Hall, Johnny Brugh, 
Director: Nat Boultt

Sometimes, simplicity is the key.

So it is with Holy Days, the latest New Zealand film to send a cast of characters off on a road trip, with the evident chaos following in their wake. 

Holy Days mixes its Nuns on the Run ethos with a kind of Father Ted madcap comedy that proves to be a sweetly engaging, if somewhat slight, film.

It’s back into the 1970s world of New Zealand, complete with stubbies and pulled-up socks, as this trio and their errant ward Brian head off on a road trip that’s unbothered with either geography, unnecessary stops or any kind of mingling with the locals.

First-time director Nat Boultt’s take on Dame Joy Cowley’s book is quite adorable and simple in many ways, though it belies a subtle darkness that lies within.

From the loss of Brian’s mother and his denial of a new mother-to-be that his father (Craig Hall) has acquired to a hint of stolen generation children and convent-raised families, the film’s quite keen to point out the rosy-tinted view of yesteryear isn’t quite as pleasant as you’d imagine. Throw in a hint of how the nuns themselves have become surplus to requirements in both their community and up and down the land, and you have a kernel of some kind of devastating commentary.

However, Boultt’s less interested in pursuing that, cribbing elements from Rachel House’s 2024 The Mountain and parts of Goodbye, Pork Pie to pull together something that’s a crowd-pleasing mid-afternoon movie, the likes of which are seldom seen in cinemas these days.

Whether it’s Miriam Margolyes’ take on Father Jack from Father Ted’s non-sequiturs in her Sister Lucia, or Jacki Weaver’s subtle sadness in her loss of place within the convent that used to be bustling or the harsher edges of Judy Davis’ Irish Mother Superior, there’s much here that feels familiar enough to ensure a broader appeal.

But young Tamati’s Brian emerges as the film’s star, charting a similar trajectory as Julian Dennison’s cheeky Ricky Baker did nearly a decade ago – even down to appearance and looks. But he’s the beating, innocent heart of this film, a childlike naivete and deep sadness pervading his lot in life.

All in all, Holy Days isn’t too full of itself to fall short of delivering a fart gag and some broader appeal, plus physical comedy when it’s needed. That’s no bad thing and for a first-time effort, this has a sweetness which is hard to ignore or fight off. Praise the lord.

The Testament of Ann Lee: Movie Review

Cast: Amanda Seyfried, Lewis Pullman, Christopher Abbott, Thomasin McKenzie

Director: Mona Fastvold

Technically adept, heavy with symbolism but emotionally aloof and thematically repetitive in its structure, The Testament of Ann Lee is an intriguing film, one that blends musical and hagiography to varying degrees of success - and which will test your patience for religious preaching.

A fully committed Seyfried is Ann Lee, who's born in Manchester in 1736, and whose world is forever changed when she sees her parents having sex and is struck by a vision of sin. Deciding to shun her family and falling into a life of piety, Ann discovers faith in the form of Quakers during a visit to another family.

Struck by one group, who are Shaking Quakers and who have a physical reaction to faith, she is driven towards the belief that she is the second coming of Jesus Christ after losing her four young children and gradually excluding her husband, thanks to her abstinence.

Following her new beliefs, she leads a small group of Shakers as they head to find a new life and found a religion in America.

The Testament of Ann Lee becomes an exercise in patience as it plays out.

Despite some dodgy accents and some weaker musical numbers (all of which have been drawn from the Shaker faith and which use their rhythmic thumping and drumbeats to lead their number into a religious fervour), there's a craft at play here that works from director Mona Fastvold.

However, it's the script that feels like it's not quite reached the rhapsodic highs of what's to be expected. Perhaps it's a little too in love with the Shaker story, and keen to mythologise the tale of her ascent and growing followers, but there's little drama and conflict, not to mention interaction, between those on screen.

Aside from one brutally dramatic moment at the end of the two-hour film, The Testament of Ann Lee hangs solely on Seyfried's shoulders. Thankfully, her impressive performance is just enough to guide any naysayers through the movie, but the overall impact of what is clearly a film which relies on the exposition of its narrator (Thomasin McKenzie) is muted and feels like an odd piece of propaganda, rather than an insight-heavy movie that dives deep into the psychology of what it takes to found and lead a religion against all the odds.

Bugonia: Blu ray Review

Cast: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

The latest film from Yorgos Lanthimos hues a fairly straight path initially as it peddles its simple story of  CEO Michelle Fuller (Emma Stone) being abducted by a conspiracy theorist Teddy  (Jesse Plemons) and his under-the-thrall cousin Don (Aidan Delbis).

It starts off innocuously asimages of bees pollinating flowers pervade the screen, but as it cuts to the absurdity of the pair rehearsing their plan while Michelle works out and practices a corporate video detailing the levels of diversity her pharmaceutical company has taken, it's clear there's a very dark vein of humour coursing through here.

Convinced Fuller is an alien from Andromeda, Teddy demands they be taken on her ship as the impending lunar eclipse nears...

While initially the film feels like the characters lack some depth and are painted in very broad strokes, Lanthimos' clever slow-burn approach complete with an ambiguity of who's right here plays out to intriguing effect.

It's best to go to Bugonia unspoiled, and while it packs a narrative that would probably only work once, the English-language remake of South Korean film Save the Green Planet! certainly feels like an oddity in terms of today's box office fodder.

But perhaps that's its biggest charm.

Lanthimos has an eye for the absurd and the off-kilter and with both a steely Stone and a determined Plemons, the film's butting of heads and ideologies certainly leaves you guessing throughout.

A softer Delbis adds a more human touch to proceedings, and there's an underlying sadness that he appears to feel pity for his cousin who's become alienated from his family.

Yet Lanthimos skirts a fine line here, not gifting either side the moral edge or any of the high ground. Large parts leave you wondering who's who, what's what and more importantly, whereall this could end up.

But deep within, there's a subtle (and perhaps softer than the original) takedown of humanity as a whole. Whether it's the business approaches we impose on others (Fuller spends much time telling colleagues that it's after 530pm and they can go, unless they have work to do) or the rabbit holes that conspiracies send others down, it's a fascinating journey that Lanthimos has laid out for viewers.

With a crashing soundtrack that blisters proceedings and gifts the film with a sonic edge that's hard to shake, Bugonia is one of the more original films to be released this year - and proffers up a point of difference that makes the 2 hour ride more than worth taking.

What's on Neon in March

Here's everything streaming on Neon during March 2026.

Marshals Season 1 (March 2)

In this highly anticipated Yellowstone spinoff, Kayce Dutton joins an elite unit of U.S. Marshals. Kayce and his teammates must balance family and duty with the high psychological costs that come with serving as the last line of defence in Montana’s war on violence. Created and executive produced by Taylor Sheridan.

Stars: Luke Grimes, Gil Birmingham, Mo Brings Plenty

The Madison (March 15)

Also from the world of Taylor Sheridan, comes all-new series The Madison– a sweeping neo-Western drama that expands the franchise into powerful, emotional new territory. Led by icon Michelle Pfeiffer, the series follows the Clyburn family as they leave New York behind and seek healing in Montana’s rugged Madison River valley after a life shattering tragedy.

Stars: Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell, Patrick J. Adams

Outlander Season 8 (March 7, 6pm)

Claire and Jamie’s epic love story is set to conclude with a bang in the eighth and final season of Outlander. As the final season begins, Jamie and Claire find war has followed them home to Fraser’s Ridge, by now a thriving settlement that grew in their absence. The Frasers must confront what they are willing to sacrifice for the place they call home and what they might sacrifice to stay together.

Stars: Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Sophie Skelton, Richard Rankin

DTF St Louis S1 (March 2)

When a suburban stepdad is found dead, it sets off an investigation involving cheating apps, illicit affairs, and a middle-aged love triangle.

Stars: Jason Bateman, David Harbour, Linda Cardellini, Peter Sarsgaard

Rooster (March 9)

A popular crime novelist decides to make a short trip to the elite college where his daughter is a professor. However, events conspire to prolong his stay.

Stars: Steve Carell, Charly Clive, Danielle Deadwyler, Lauren Tsai

Movies on Neon

The Naked Gun (March 8)

Only one man has the particular set of skills... to lead Police Squad. Following in his father's footsteps, Detective Frank Drebin Jr. must solve a murder to prevent the police department from being shut down, and save the world.

Stars: Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson

I Know What You Did Last Summer (March 22)

When five friends are stalked by a vengeful killer, they turn to survivors of the legendary 1997 Southport Massacre for help.

Stars: Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Freddie Prinze Jr

Small Things Like These (March 24)

In a small Irish town, a devoted father discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent, forcing him to confront truths of his own. Based on the award-winning novel by Claire Keegan of the same name.

Stars: Cillian Murphy, Eileen Walsh, Emily Watson

TV by Date

01 Gods of Tennis S1

01 Frasier S1-4

02 Marshals: A Yellowstone Story S1 

06 Scrubs S1-9

07 Outlander S8

15 The Madison S1

19 South Park S3-4, 13-15

26 Murdoch Mysteries S18

Movies by date

01 A Horse Named Winx 

01 Emilia Perez 

01 The Dead Don’t Hurt 

01 Sing Sing

01 The Last Showgirl 

01 Queer 

01 Barbie Uncovered: A Dream House Divided 

01 Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus 

05 Lockout 

06 The Matrix 

06 The Matrix Reloaded 

06 The Matrix Revolutions

07 Mirror, Mirror 

08 The Naked Gun 

08 The Social Network

08 Whiplash

12 Fury

14 Grown Ups

14 Grown Ups 2

15 Fun with Dick and Jane

21 Rango

22 I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025)

22 Sliding Doors 

24 Small Things Like These

HBO MAx by date

02 DTF St. Louis S1

02 The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball S2

08 The Bus Driver: Britain’s Cocaine King S1

09 Rooster S1

09 Barney’sWorld S1

10 Jellystone: SnowdodioS3

10 Hustlers Gamblers Crooks S2

10 About Face S1

16 Jellystone: Crisis on Infinite Mirth S3

23 Comeback S3

23 TeenTitansGo!S9

30 Bugs Bunny Builders S2

31 LikeWaterForChocolateS2

HBO Max Movie

01 Police Academy

01 Police Academy 2: The First Assignment

01 PoliceAcademy 3: Back in Training

01 PoliceAcademy4:Citizens on Patrol 

01 PoliceAcademy 5: Assignment Miama

Beach

01 PoliceAcademy6: City Under Seige

01 Police Academy 7: Mission to Moscow

01 Doctor Sleep 

01 Sucker Punch

01 V for Vendetta

20 Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires

What's on Shudder in March

Here's everything that's streaming on Shudder in March

Bodycam – Shudder Original Film New Film Premieres Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ Friday 13 March

When two police officers show up to investigate a domestic dispute, a startling escalation leads to a tragic accident. Not wanting to be crucified by the public, the officers attempt to cover it up–only to reveal that their

body cameras aren’t the only things watching them.

1000 Women in Horror – Shudder Original Film New Documentary Film Premieres Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+ Friday 20 March

A deep dive into how women pioneers revolutionized horror cinema through their groundbreaking work as directors, actors and creators since 1895, leaving an indelible mark on the genre’s evolution. Featuring interviews with Roxanne Benjamin, Akela Cooper, Mary Harron, Cerise Howard, Kier-La Janisse,

Nikyatu Jusu, Roseanne Liang, Annalise Lockhart, Toby Poser, Sara Risher, Gigi Saul Guerrero, Kate Siegel, Jenn Wexler and more.

The Mortuary Assistant – Shudder Original Film

New Film Premieres on Shudder and AMC+ Friday 27 March

Newly certified mortician Rebecca Owens (Willa Holland, Arrow) accepts a night shift at a mortuary, embalming bodies alone after hours. As disturbing events escalate, Rebecca uncovers demonic rituals, the dark secrets of her enigmatic mentor (Paul

Sparks, Boardwalk Empire), and her own buried trauma—racing to survive the night before her body becomes a vessel for possession. Based on Brian Clarke’s best-selling viral sensation video game.

The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs – Shudder Original Series

New Episode Premieres on Shudder and AMC+ Sunday 8 March

Two great films. Two legendary hosts. Join Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl as they do what they do best: celebrate the weird, wonderful world of genre

NEW ADDITIONS TO SHUDDER’S FILM LIBRARY

1 March

In Search of Darkness

Journey into iconic late ‘90s horror with notable film and industry horror legends, expert journalists and authors deconstructing, recontextualizing and reframing meta-fueled movies like Scream, Bride of

Chucky In the Mouth of Madness and more.

A Mother’s Embrace 

During massive 1996 Rio storm, firefighter Ana and her firefighter team must evacuate a collapsing nursing home, but the mysterious residents have other sinister plans.

The Severed Sun

Magpie lives in an isolated church community ruled over by her father, The Pastor. When a man is murdered, paranoia sets in and people start to whisper about a strange ‘Beast’ that lives in the forest.

Psycho Therapy 

A writer in a creative crisis befriends a retired serial killer, who becomes his marriage therapist and consultant for a new book. But his wife begins to suspect she might be a target.

Osiris

Special Forces commando are abducted mid-operation by a mysterious spacecraft and, upon awakening, find themselves prey to a relentless alien race in a fight for survival.

Death Warmed Up

A kid is hypnotized by a scientist to kill his parents and ends up in a mental institution. As a grown-up, he returns to seek revenge over the scientist.

Bridge to Nowhere

Kids on an outing in the forest come up against a mysterious hermit who lives on the other side of a bridge, and he is definitely not happy to see them.

Restraint

A mentally ill woman who’s been submerging her violent impulses for years unravels after she marries a controlling older man and relocates to his suburban home.

The Last Horror Film

A New York taxi driver stalks a beautiful actress attending the Cannes Film Festival, which coincides with a series of violent killings of the lady’s friends.

9 March

Fade to Black

A shy, lonely film buff embarks on a killing spree against those who browbeat and betray him, all the while stalking his idol, a Marilyn Monroe lookalike.

The Beastmaster

A sword-and-sorcery fantasy about a young man’s search for revenge. Armed with supernatural powers, the handsome hero and his animal allies wage war against marauding forces.

Evilspeak

An outcast military cadet taps into a way to summon demons and cast spells on his tormentors through his computer.

The Bluff: Movie Review

Cast: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Karl Urban, Temuera Morrison, Ismael Cruz Cordova

Director: Frank E Flowers

To say The Bluff has had a long time at sea is an understatement.

With a director signed on back in 2021 and a lead change in 2024, the two month shoot has yielded mixed results with a movie that feels like a mix of Pirates Of The Caribbean and a straightforward chase movie.

Jonas is Ercell Bodden, a former pirate who's given up her life on the ocean wave for a quieter one with her husband and their children, setting on an island away from the treachery of pirate life.

But when Captain Connor (an Irish-accented Urban) shows up in her paradise looking for her, Ercell's forced to confront her past and a part of her she'd hoped was long-buried.

It's churlish to suggest there's no sea-legs in this would-be swashbuckler, because for the first 50 minutes of the 1hour 40minute movie, there's scant else. 

However, when the film shifts away from the action, its plot and dialogue begin to show the strain of what lies ahead. From scenes of characters talking that's little more than heavy exposition to very little screen time for anyone other than Chopra Jonas and Urban, the film somehow manages to underwhelm at most points of its execution.

Flowers delivers one decent action sequence amid a mire of formulaic fare. A cave-set hunt crackles as the light of the gunpowder-filled guns crackle through the dark, each bang flashing the fights to life and showing there's some directorial flair to be had.

But alas, it's too little too late.

Jonas delivers the same kind of performance she gave as a gritty fighter in Prime Video's action series Citadel, but there's relatively no depth here for her to mine to excel. Urban teeters on the right side of hamminess for his devilishly dogged captain, but he also has little treasure to offer in the role, thanks to very shallow writing.

A final showdown feels flat and the closing moments hint there could be more to come - but at the end of the day, this pirate-led movie delivers nothing but a boat-load of trouble and sea-riously should have thought more about what it was wanting to do with such a solid premise with such great talent.

The Bluff is streaming on Prime Video from Wednesday, February 25.

Scrubs: Review

Back in 2001, a sweetly brilliant little comedy erupted in the US.

Running for nine seasons, the story of JD (Zach Braff) slowly becoming a doctor from being an intern at Sacred Heart hospital proved to be a comedic tonic to the likes of medical drama ER.

So it's with a heavy nostalgia blanket that the 2026 revival of the series follows JD in the next stages of his life. Beginning with his dream of being a doctor and the reality of what mid-life has brought him, the revival pits JD on a return course to Sacred Heart, having left it years behind.

When he returns to the halls of the teaching school, he finds the usual faces - Dr Cox (John McGinley), Elliot (Sarah Chalke), Carla (Judy Reyes) and of course, his longterm bromance, Turk (Donald Faison). However, in a twist that's being deemed a spoiler, JD ends up taking a position at Sacred Heart and essentially returning to where it all began.

It's not entirely off the mark to say that Scrubs is welcome back for 2026. 

JD, Turk and Elliott were a great group to hang out with and quick writing full of quips and smart one-liners set up the show well.

But the 2026 revival of Scrubs taps into that feeling with a sense of nostalgia, deja-vu and perhaps a little flatness in some of the gags and set-ups. You'd have to be blind to see the lack of where the student returning to when it all began could go, and in fairness, there really was no other way to ensure a revival in many ways.

It's like the show never clocked out from its demise, and even some of the writing feels ripped from that era too. IT's solid and heartfelt without ever really cracking the ribs in extreme humour. It also feels like an extension of the final season which introduced new interns and tried to carry on the legacy.

 

Yet this time, there are some moments that feel a little better. An underlying storyline about Turk's general aura dropping as he continues years in the school and sees so many repeat patients is effective in its ennui.

The heartfelt nature and the push for innocence in healthcare is a worthy one - but it remains to be seen if the 2026 Scrubs revival can keep up the highs of the original series. On this evidence, it could go either way - but it's to be hoped JD and Turk can keep it from flatlining.

Episodes 1-4 of the 2026 series of Scrubs were viewed for the purposes of this review.
Scrubs airs on Disney+ on February 25.