Riefenstahl ★★★★☆
Directed by Andres Veiel. Featuring Leni Riefenstahl, Adolf Hitler, Albert Speer. Limited release, 115 min
One can easily understand how a documentary on Leni Riefenstahl, the notorious cinematic propagandist for Nazi Germany, might prove unsettling, but it is surprising how relentlessly infuriating this fine film proves. This counts as a sort of back-handed compliment. The main focus is, however, on Riefenstahl’s tireless efforts to distance herself from the appalling crimes and crackpot philosophies of the regime. Its dissection of her evasions reveals powers of self-deception that beggar belief. There is also strong, grim material on how she retained much popular support in postwar Germany. Full review DC
The Surfer ★★★★☆
Directed by Lorcan Finnegan. Starring Nicolas Cage, Julian McMahon, Finn Little, Nic Cassim, Alexander Bertrand, Rahel Romahn, Miranda Tapsell. 15A cert, gen release, 100 min
Fascinating, freaky drama from an Irish filmmaker stars Cage as an Australian ex-pat who returns from America only to be bullied half-insane by a gang of surfers. It hardly needs to be said that, out here in the rational world, there would be ways of resolving these issues. But screenwriter Thomas Martin, who has worked on series such as Tin Star and Ripper Street, forges us an allegorical space that abuts the absurd. The gang could hardly offer a more obvious stand-in for contemporary “alpha-male” toxicity – the social-media bully pit made sunburnt flesh. Full review DC
Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Márquez shot dead while livestreaming on TikTok
PGA Championship Round 1 live updates: Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry among early starters
Galway’s persistently high rents to be investigated by RTB following ‘concerning’ trends in new data
Look inside: Former RTÉ presenter’s Glenageary home with French countryside-style garden for €2.25m
Ocean with David Attenborough ★★★★☆
Directed by Toby Nowlan, Colin Butfield, Keith Scholey. Featuring David Attenborough. G cert, gen release, 85 min
Early in this engaging portrait of sea life, the veteran broadcaster outlines his thesis: “After living for nearly 100 years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land but at sea.” Ardent lovers may well wish for someone to look at them the way Attenborough looks at giant kelp; at another moment, he excitedly recalls forgetting to breathe during his first snorkel. The film has much to say about the ecological damage inflicted by humans while also being at home to hope. Full review TB
The Wedding Banquet ★★★☆☆
Directed by Andrew Ahn. Starring Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-chan, Joan Chen, Youn Yuh-jung. 15A cert, gen release 104 min
Times have changed since 1993, when Ang Lee’s understated indie classic introduced a bisexual Taiwanese immigrant, his long-term male partner and a fancy sham wedding designed to fool visiting parents. James Schamus, who co-wrote the original, shares writing credits with director Ahn on this muddled remake. Technically, Wedding Banquet 2025 is a dog’s dinner. It falls to the charming cast to outshine the flimsy material. Gladstone and Tran are as warm and well-worn as a much-loved bed sweater. Bowen Yang thrums with millennial angst. Joan Chen steals scenes as a loudly gay-positive mother. Full review TB
