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Jan 16, 2025 | 
universityobserver.ie | Robert Flynn
UCD DramSoc’s King Lear is a Vividly Raw Interpretation of Shakespearean TragedyImage Credit: UCD DramsocHead of Reviews Robert Flynn describes UCD DramSoc’s tortured and enthralling interpretation of King LearAfter showcasing ‘Hamlet’ last year, the UCD Drama society is now making a return to rich Shakespearean tragedy.
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Jan 14, 2025 | 
universityobserver.ie | Robert Flynn
OTwo Reviews: NosferatuImage Credit: Focus FeaturesHead of Reviews Robert Flynn describes the haunting yet exciting ways in which Nosferatu becomes a truly terrifying experienceF. W. Murnau’s Nosferatu (1922) is one of the few silent horror classics that still maintains its unsettling power, even a century after its release. Murnau’s use of light and imposing silhouettes were eerily interwoven to create haunting and iconic images, imbued with sexual metaphor.
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Nov 26, 2024 | 
universityobserver.ie | Robert Flynn
OTwo Reviews: AnoraImage Credit: Universal PicturesHead of Reviews Robert Flynn reviews Anora, Sean Baker's dazzling Palme d'Or winner that proves to be one of the most thrilling and triumphant films of 2024Sean Baker, writer and director of Anora (2024), is one of the most distinct and exciting voices in the filmmaking sphere today.
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Nov 26, 2024 | 
universityobserver.ie | Robert Flynn
OTwo Reviews: Gladiator IIImage Credit: Paramount PicturesHead of Reviews Robert Flynn delves into Gladiator II and why Ridley Scott's return to Rome will not leave you entertained. From the very beginning of Gladiator II (2024), an all too common Hollywood sin is committed in terms of sequels: making the original pointless.
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Nov 21, 2024 | 
universityobserver.ie | Robert Flynn
OTwo Reviews: BirdImage Credit: MubiHead of Reviews Robert Flynn reviews Andrea Arnold’s newest film Bird and the journey of discovery Arnold takes us onBird (2024) has all the traditional Andrea Arnold trademarks that you might expect. The relationship and parallels between animals and man, invasive handheld camerawork, and a young, defiant female protagonist are all integral aspects of director Arnold’s latest film.
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Oct 23, 2024 | 
universityobserver.ie | Robert Flynn
Going Back to Beale StreetImage Credit: If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) by Annapurna PicturesHead of Reviews Robert Flynn revisits If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) and discusses why Barry Jenkins’ film deserves more recognitionBefore Barry Jenkins’ If Beale Street Could Talk (2018), there was Moonlight (2016). The film propelled the American director to the most coveted stage in Hollywood: The Academy Awards.
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Oct 17, 2024 | 
universityobserver.ie | Robert Flynn
Head of Reviews Robert Flynn delves into The Substance, one of the most divisive films of the year, and what makes it so controversial. The Substance (2024) is a movie of anger. Writer and director Coralie Fargeat’s debut, Revenge (2017), displayed her propensity for bloody violence and her interest in interrogating depictions of women on screen. The Substance reaffirms these interests with an extremely gory, propulsive and deeply disturbing film.
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Oct 17, 2024 | 
universityobserver.ie | Robert Flynn
OTwo Reviews: Beetlejuice BeetlejuiceImage Credit: Warner Bros. OTwo Head of Reviews Robert Flynn reviews Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, a movie which struggles to replicate the magic of Burton’s original 80’s classicOn paper, Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (1988) would read as incomprehensible. The afterlife is actualised as a purgatory filled with grotesque ghouls who work at various bureaucratic establishments and the titular character doesn’t even make his introduction until an hour into the film.
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Oct 16, 2024 | 
universityobserver.ie | Robert Flynn
OTwo Reviews: Joker: Folie à DeuxImage Credit: Warner Bros. StudioHead of Reviews Robert Flynn Reviews Joker: Folie à Deux and discusses how it makes the same mistakes as the last filmOne of the many downfalls of Joker (2019) was that director Todd Phillips took himself too seriously. Phillips’ DC comic book story did not want to fall in line with other, mainstream superhero films, in fact, it tried to stray as far away as possible from that path.
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Oct 16, 2024 | 
universityobserver.ie | Robert Flynn
OTwo Reviews: The TeacherImage Credit: Cocoon FilmsHead of Reviews Robert Flynn discusses the importance of Palestinian representation in Farah Nabulsi’s The TeacherFilmed during the summer of 2022, Farah Nabulsi’s The Teacher (2024) predates the events of October 7th by over a year. As a result, Nabulsi’s tense drama represents much more than was originally anticipated.
