Nostalgia is a double-edged sword when it comes to its use in movies. On the one side, it can often be employed to spark fond memories. However, when overdone, the potential for a good story is replaced with heavy-handed references to the past. Co-written and directed by Jason Reitman, Ghostbusters: Afterlife features a likeable cast of characters but fails to utilise them in an efficient manner. Instead of establishing an exciting new direction, the film has chosen to replace narrative weight with nostalgia.

The exploration of humanity through the lens of bizarre circumstances can often be fantastic fuel for a cinematic story. Although such an approach may be off-putting to many viewers, those willing to dive headfirst into a pool of absurdity are sometimes presented with the gift of a uniquely interesting tale. Written and directed by Julia Ducournau, Titane combines brutality with compassion, a mix that results in a beautiful symphony of chaos.

Mixing spectacle with character depth is a difficult task when creating a horror movie. More often than not, filmmakers choose to either deliver an enjoyable experience or a psychological one. When a combination is attempted, a high level of skill is required to balance each element effectively. Co-written and directed by Scott Cooper, Antlers isn’t quite the emotional horror film that it wants to be. Nonetheless, it is still an entertaining effort despite falling short of its goals.

While not a necessity, defining a target audience often helps the creation of a film. By understanding the desires of a particular group of people, a director can then clearly define their story’s purpose. Without this, the movie may struggle to maintain a narrative throughline. Co-written and directed by Valdimar Jóhannsson, Lamb is wonderfully bizarre but lacks the storytelling strengths required to be a great film. Unfortunately, this odd case of tonal whiplash fails to live up to its potential.

With such a long cinematic history, the genre of sci-fi often suffers from an oversaturation of similar ideas. However, in the right hands, a futuristic setting provides a glorious backdrop for an incredibly captivating experience. Co-written and directed by Denis Villeneuve, Dune is a masterclass in worldbuilding. Exceptionally beautiful and filled with satisfying set-pieces, the film triumphantly reveals an enthralling universe, despite its shortcomings as a standalone feature.