Olivia Carmody

The Riot Club loosely based on the real life Oxford Bullingdon club, and adapted by the play "Posh" was a thought provoking insite into the British class system, and the separatness of the working class north, and upperclass south which still exists to this day. The film was written and directed by women which wove in a female perspective. Laura Wade who wrote the play, and Lone Scherfig directed.The film was well acted and included a quality ensemble. Max Irons the implied protagonist carried the role of a young man in search of himself while getting lost with a group poisoned with narcissism, privilege and sociopathic tendencies. Others included in the ensemble were Jack Farthing(Poldark) , Josh O'Connor (The Durrels) Freddie Fox ( Cucumber) and Matthew Beard (Vienna Blood) who gave a variety of personality and humor to their characters throughout the film. Sam Claflin(Peaky Blinders) was excellent as the most volital in the group. The pack mentality is the large takaway, doing unthinkable things when certain personalities are put together that would not be done alone. Overall it was a solid film showcasing the unevenness of society as well as the tremendous power that patriarchal aristocracy can hold.

Russel T Davies has the magic touch with story telling. The writer of “Its Sin” and “Queer as Folk” takes the viewer on a vibrant ride through life as a gay and bisexual man in Manchester England combining the youth culture and middle aged culture. Stereotypes and shallow depictions of the gay community are smashed by complex character development and great chemistry between Henry ( Vincent Franklin) Lance (Cyril Nri) and Freddie played by Freddie Fox who steals the show with his undeniable charm, beauty and believability with extraordinary acting talent. There wasn’t a weak character within the additional ensemble, and all of the subplots were intertwined together in a concise , Manner within the main storyline. Cucumber is an overall witty, thought provoking and honest look into a world still in need of validation.

Fanny Lye Deliver'd was well acted with a well executed cast bringing credibility as well as believability to the characters and the film as a whole. The soundtrack added a suspenseful effect bringing a nostalgic retro cinema experience. All in all it was a solid film about puritanical rule and challenges within religion in 17th century England and feminism.