What's new at Odeon's this week : Thursday 19th February 2026.

The 76th Berlin International Film Festival (The Berlinale) is currently in full swing having opened on Thursday 12th and concluding on Sunday 22nd February. The Berlinale is a unique place of artistic exploration and entertainment. It is one of the largest public film festivals in the world, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from around the globe each year. For the film industry and the media, the eleven days in February are also one of the most important events in the annual calendar and an indispensable trading forum. The Berlin International Film Festival enjoys an eventful history. The festival was created for the Berlin public in 1951, at the beginning of the Cold War, as a 'showcase of the free world'. Shaped by the turbulent post-war period and the unique situation of a divided city, the Berlinale has developed into a place of intercultural exchange and a platform for the critical cinematic exploration of social issues. To this day it is considered the most political of all the major film festivals . . . .  so reads the official website.

This years Opening Night film presentation was 'No Good Men' from Germany, France, Norway, Denmark and Afghanistan and is Directed by Shahrbanoo Sadat. Afghanistan, 2021, shortly before the Taliban’s return to power. Naru, the only camerawoman at Kabul’s main TV station, is struggling to retain custody of her three-year-old son. After leaving her serially cheating husband, she has become convinced that no good men exist in her country. Naru is therefore caught off guard when Qodrat, Kabul TV’s most important journalist, offers her a career opportunity. As the two criss-cross the city reporting on its last days of freedom, sparks fly between them and Naru starts to doubt her conviction. World Premiere.

During the Opening Ceremony, Malaysian Actress Michelle Yeoh was awarded the Honorary Golden Bear.

The following films were selected for the Main Competition for the Golden Bear to be announced on 20th January, overseen by this years Jury President, German filmmaker Wim Wenders :-

* 'At the Sea' - from the USA and Hungary and this drama film is Co-Produced and Directed by Kornel Mundruczo, and starring Amy Adams, Murray Bartlett, Chloe East, Dan Levy and Rainn Wilson.

* 'Dao' - from France, Guinea-Bissau and Senegal, this drama film is Written, Directed and Co-Edited by Alain Gomis.

* 'Dust' - from Belgium, Greece, Poland and the UK, this drama offering is Directed by Anke Blonde.

* 'Everybody Digs Bill Evans' - from Ireland and the UK, this biographical drama film is Directed by Grant Gee and stars Anders Danielsen, Bill Pullman, Barry Ward and Laurie Metcalf.

* 'Home Stories' - from Germany, this coming of age family drama film is Written and Directed by Eva Trobisch.

* 'In a Whisper' - from France and Tunisia, this drama film is Written and Directed by Leyla Bouzid.

* 'The Loneliest Man in Town' - from Austria, this docufiction drama film is Co-Produced and Directed by Tizza Covi and Rainer Frimmel, is Written by and Co-Edited by Tizza Covi and photographed by Rainer Frimmel. 

* 'Josephine' - from the USA, this thriller drama film is Written, Co-Produced and Directed by Beth de Araujo, and stars Gemma Chan, Channing Tatum and Mason Reeves.

* 'Flies' - from Mexico, and this comedy drama film is Co-Written, Co-Produced, Directed and Co-Edited by Fernando Elmbcke.

* 'My Wife Cries' - from Germany and France, this drama film is Written, Directed and Edited by Angela Schanelec.

* 'A New Dawn' - from France and Japan, this animated drama film is Written and Directed by Yoshitoshi Shinomiya.

* 'Nightborn' - from Finland, France, Lithuania and the UK, this fantasy horror film is Co-Written and Directed by Hannah Bergholm and stars Seidi Haarla, Rupert Grint, Rebecca Lacey and John Thomson.

* 'Nina Roza' - from Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada and Italy, this drama offering is Written and Directed by Genevieve Dulude-De Celles.

* 'Queen at Sea' - from the UK and the USA, this drama film is Written, Directed and Edited by Lance Hammer, and stars Juliette Binoche, Tom Courtenay, Anna Calder-Marshall, Florence Hunt and Steven Cree.

* 'Rose' - from Austria and Germany, this drama film is Co-Written and Directed by Markus Schleinzer and stars Sandra Huller.

* 'Rosebush Pruning' - from Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, this satirical tragicomedy thriller film is Directed by Karim Ainouz, and stars Callum Turner, Riley Keough, Elle Fanning, Jamie Bell, Tracy Letts, Pamela Anderson, Elena Anaya and Lukas Gage.

* 'Soumsoum : The Night of the Stars' - from Chad and France, this drama film is Co-Written and Directed by Mahamat-Saleh Haroun.

* 'Salvation' - from France, Greece, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Turkey, this drama offering is Written and Directed by Emin Alper.

* 'Yellow Letters' - from Germany, France and Turkey, this political drama film is Co-Written and Directed by Ilker Catak.

* 'We Are All Strangers' - from Singapore, this drama film is Written, Produced and Directed by Anthony Chen. It's the final film in Chen's 'Growing Up' trilogy, following 2013's 'Ilo Ilo' and 2019's 'Wet Season'.

* 'Wolfram' - from Australia, this Western drama film is Directed by Warwick Thornton, and is the sequel to his 2017 film 'Sweet Country'. Starring Deborah Mailman, John Howard and Matt Nable. 

* 'Yo (Love Is a Rebellious Bird)' - from the USA, this documentary film is Co-Produced and Co-Directed by Anna Fitch and Banker White, with Banker White also lensing the film and Editing.

For the descriptors of the above named films in the Main Competition section, plus the other award categories, and a whole bunch of other good stuff, you can visit the official website at : http://www.berline.de

Looking ahead then to this weeks seven new release movies coming to a big screen Odeon close to you, we kick off with a documentary featuring long-lost footage from Elvis Presley's legendary Las Vegas residency in the 1970's, woven together with rare 16mm footage from Elvis on Tour. This is followed by a British slapstick comedy parody set in 1931 in which a new porter forms an odd bond with the youngest daughter of a well-known UK family, and as the Davenport family, headed by Lord and Lady Davenport, deals with the epic disaster of the wedding of their eldest daughter to her caddish cousin. Then we turn to a drama offering that tells the story of a mother and her non-binary teenager, as they visit the teenagers gay grandfather in Amsterdam. Next up we have an erotic comedy drama about a timid man, who meets a confident biker gang leader, who initiates him into a submissive relationship, challenging his mundane existence and prompting personal growth through their unconventional dynamic. Following on, there is a Canadian mockumentary about a pair of hapless non-musicians and their plan to book a show at the Rivoli, a famed Toronto bar and restaurant, that goes horribly wrong, and they wind up accidentally travelling back to the year 2008. Up next is a documentary that chronicles Paul McCartney’s life and career during the 1970's following the breakup of 'The Beatles'; before closing out the week with a survival thriller film which follows two friends who become trapped in a remote lagoon with a vengeful orca. 

Whatever your taste in big screen film entertainment is this week - be it any of the seven latest release new films as Previewed below, or those doing the rounds currently on general release or as Reviewed and Previewed in previous Blog Posts here at Odeon Online, you are most welcome to share your movie going thoughts, opinions and observations by leaving your relevant, succinct and appropriate views in the Comments section below this or any other Post. We'd love to hear from you, and in the meantime, enjoy your big screen Odeon outing during the coming week.

'EPiC : ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT' (Rated PG) - is a documentary film about Elvis Presley that is Co-Produced and Directed by Baz Luhrmann, and is a follow-up to his 2022 biographical film 'Elvis'. Baz Luhrmann's previous feature film making credits include his debut 'Strictly Ballroom' in 1992 which he would follow up with 'Romeo + Juliet' in 1996, 'Moulin Rouge!' in 2001, 'Australia' in 2008, 'The Great Gatsby' in 2013 and the aforementioned 'Elvis' in 2022. 

The film features long-lost footage from Presley's legendary Las Vegas residency in the 1970's, woven together with rare 16mm footage from Elvis on Tour, and precious 8mm from the Graceland archive, plus recordings of Elvis telling 'his side of the story' rediscovered during Luhrmann's research for his Best Picture Oscar-nominated 2022 film 'Elvis'. It Premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in early September last year, and had its first advanced US screenings at Presley's former mansion, Graceland, on 8th January this year on what would have been his 91st birthday. It will then be released exclusively in IMAX theatres from 20th February before being released wide to the general public one week later on 27th February. It has generated universal critical acclaim.

'FACKHAM HALL' (Rated M) - this UK and US period slapstick comedy parody film is is Directed by Jim O'Hanlon and is Co-Written by British comedian, screenwriter and TV personality Jimmy Carr. Here, a new porter Eric Noone (Ben Radcliffe) forms an odd bond with the youngest daughter, Rose Davenport (Thomasin McKenzie) of a well-known UK family. As the Davenport family, headed by Lord and Lady Davenport (Damien Lewis and Katherine Waterston respectively), deals with the epic disaster of the wedding of their eldest daughter to her caddish cousin. Also starring Emma Laird, Lizzie Hopley, Tom Felton, Tom Goodman-Hill and Jimmy Carr. The film was released in the US in early December, in the UK in mid-December and is released here in Australia this week having so far grossed US$2M and garnered mixed or average reviews. 

'JIMPA' (Rated MA15+) - is an Australian, Finland and Netherlands Co-Produced drama film that is Co-Written, Co-Produced and Directed by Sophie Hyde, who made her feature film Directorial debut with '52 Tuesdays' in 2014 and which she would follow up with 'Animals' in 2019 and 'Good Luck to You, Leo Grande' in 2022. Here, Hannah (Olivia Colman), together with her nonbinary teenager, Frances (Aud Mason-Hyde), travel to Amsterdam to visit her gay father Jim, known as Jimpa (John Lithgow). When Frances wishes to stay with their grandfather for a year, Hannah is forced to re-examine her parenting and her past. Also starring Daniel Henshall. The film saw its World Premiere showcasing at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, has generated mixed or average reviews and has so far grossed just US$24K.

'PILLION' (Rated R18+) - this UK and Irish Co-Produced erotic comedy drama film is Written and Directed by Harry Lighton in his feature film making debut, and is based on the 2020 novel 'Box Hill' by Adam Mars-Jones. Colin (Harry Melling) is an introverted gay man living with his parents in Bromley, London, letting life pass him by. That is, until Ray (Alexander Skarsgard), the impossibly handsome leader of a motorcycle club, takes him on as his submissive. Ray uproots Colin from his dreary suburban life, introducing him to a community of kinky, queer bikers and taking all sorts of virginities along the way. But as Colin steps deeper into Ray’s world of rules and mysteries, he begins to question whether the life of a 24/7 submissive is for him. Has he found his calling, or has he simply swapped one form of suffocation for another? Also starring Douglas Hodge and Lesley Sharp. The film saw its Premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at last years Cannes Film Festival, where it won the section's Best Screenplay prize, alongside nominations for the Camera d'Or and the Queer Palm. It was released in the UK at the end of November last year, has received wide spread critical acclaim so far collecting fourteen award wins and a further 29 nominations from around the awards and festival circuit, and has so far recovered US$2M from its US$1M production budget. 

'NIRVANNA : THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE' (Rated M) - is a 2025 Canadian time travel mockumentary-adventure film Directed by Matt Johnson from a screenplay by Johnson and Jay McCarrol. The film is based on Johnson and McCarrol's 2007–2009 web series 'Nirvana the Band the Show', as well as its 2017–2018 sequel television series 'Nirvanna the Band the Show'. The film stars Johnson and McCarrol as fictionalised versions of themselves in a band called 'Nirvanna the Band' as they attempt to book a gig at the Rivoli, a bar and restaurant in Toronto, despite the fact that they have never actually written or recorded a single song, nor taken any steps to contact the Rivoli's management about booking a show. A new plan to play the Rivoli gone wrong and accidentally sends Matt, Jay, and their friend/cameraman Jared back in time to the year 2008, leaving them stranded unless they can find a way to get back to the future. The film Premiered at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival in early March last year, and had its Canadian Premiere in the Midnight Madness programme at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the People's Choice Award, Midnight Madness. It has garnered generally favourable critical reviews.

'PAUL MCCARTNEY : MAN ON THE RUN' (Rated M) - this UK and US Co-Produced documentary film is Co-Produced and Directed by Morgan Neville whose previous documentary output includes his Academy Award winning '20 Feet from Stardom' in 2013, 'Best of Enemies : Buckley vs. Vidal' in 2015, 'Won't You Be My Neighbour' in 2018, 'Roadrunner : A Film About Anthony Bourdain' in 2021, and 'Piece by Piece' in 2024. This film charts Paul McCartney's extraordinary life following the breakup of 'The Beatles' in 1970 and how the love he shared with Linda became his foundation and influenced a journey that resulted in the formation of 'Wings' and a second decade's musical catalogue of timeless classics. With access to never-before-seen footage of Paul and Linda's home videos and photos, as well as new interviews, and featuring archival interviews with his Beatles and Wings bandmates, Linda McCartney, Mick Jagger, Chrissie Hynde, Sean Ono Lennon and Mary and Stella McCartney. The film Premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in late August last year, and has a limited cinematic release for one night only this week before moving to streaming on Prime Video on the 27th of this month. The film coincides with the 2025 album, 'Wings', and the book 'Wings : The Story of a Band on the Run'.

'KILLER WHALE' (Rated M) - this Australian and US Co-Produced survival thriller film is Co-Written and Directed by Jo-Anne Brechin who helmed her first feature film 'Zelos' in 2017 and would follow this up with 'Paper Champions' in 2020. After a life-shattering tragedy, Trish (Mel Jarnson) tries to comfort her best friend, Maddie (Virginia Gardner), by taking her on a spectacular adventure to a secluded lagoon while holidaying in Thailand. Their peaceful retreat soon becomes a terrifying fight to stay alive when the ocean's most bloodthirsty predator, a killer whale, seeks vengeance for a brutal life in captivity having only recently been released into the wild. The film was released in mid-January and has generated less than positive reviews.

With seven new release movie offerings this week to tempt you out to your local Odeon, remember to share your movie going thoughts with your other like minded cinephile friends afterwards here at Odeon Online. In the meantime, I'll see you sometime somewhere at your local Odeon in the week ahead.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

IS THIS THING ON? : Tuesday 10th February 2026

I saw the M Rated 'IS THIS THING ON' earlier this week, and this American comedy drama film is Co-Written for the screen, Co-Produced, Directed and stars Bradley Cooper in his third Directorial outing following 'A Star is Born' in 2018 and 'Maestro' in 2023, as well as his numerous acting and Producing credits. This film is based loosely on the life of English comedian John Bishop, who was given a story credit on the film, after he met Will Arnett and told him about the night he decided to become a stand-up comedian, and how ultimately it helped save his marriage. The film had its World Premiere as the closing film of the New York Film Festival on 10th October last year, was released in the US on 19th December and here in Australia last week, has so far grossed US$12M and has garnered generally positive critical reviews. 

After twenty years of marriage and twenty-six years since they first started dating, Alex and Tess Novak (Will Arnett and Laura Dern respectively) have decided on an amicable end to their marriage. They now face an uncertain future as Alex moves out and takes a rental apartment while Tess remains in the family home. They continue to share co-parenting responsibilities with their two young sons Felix (Blake Kane) and Jude (Calvin Knegten). One evening after they have separated Alex finds himself unable to pay the US$15 cover charge at the Olive Tree Cafe, and so puts his name down for the open mic night at the Comedy Cellar, located in the basement of the Cafe. Alex begins to regularly do stand-up comedy routines, and he forms a bond with the other stand-up comic regulars at the cafe. In turn he has a one night stand with Jill (Jordan Jensen), a fellow comic. Tess returns to her passion of volleyball having retired from the sport after representing the USA at a professional level to raise a family. She is later offered a place as Assistant Coach for the 2028 Summer Olympics, and has dinner with Laird (Peyton Manning) a mid-40 year old former Netball player also turned coach, and also divorced. 

After dinner with Laird, he offers to take Tess to the Comedy Cellar which as it happens is the same night that Alex is offered a ten minute slot as a featured act. During his routine Alex opens up about having had sex with another woman for the first time in over twenty years and says that he was never unfaithful to his wife, and comments that he is not very good at it. Laird offers to leave but Tess wants to stay and can't believe her eyes and ears! Outside, Alex and Tess confront each other about moving on so quickly, but the two reconcile, laugh it off and have sex later that night. Later on, at Jude's tenth birthday party the pair seem to reconnect, while having fun with their family and close friends, but choose to maintain a casual distance at this point for fear of confusing their children.

When Alex and Tess see their friends Balls (Bradley Cooper) and Christine (Andra Day) at a coastal weekend getaway Balls confides in Alex that his separation has inspired him to consider the idea of separating from Christine. Balls is a background Actor who has aspirations beyond his talents it seems, but has been offered a role as a ranch hand in Season Four of a Western series being shot in Texas. Meanwhile Christine says that she has been looking down on Alex due to him reminding her of her past self, and his withering away has also led to herself reconsidering her marriage to Balls.

Tess gets upset when she hears from Alex about his hanging up a large blown-up photo of her from behind in mid-flight as a volleyball athlete at his apartment, as she later brings up during an argument that it makes it look like Alex was only in love with an idea of her. The two then accuse each other of not having each others backs during their relationship.

As a result of that argument Alex's next stand up routine is a bitter rant about relationships, where Alex's Dad Jan (Ciaran Hinds) is in the audience, unknown to Alex. After his routine Alex is sat on a step outside the Comedy Cellar having a cigarette, when he sees his Dad exiting. He tells his son that his thinking is dangerous and that two people in a relationship need to rub against each other. The pair embrace and upon parting company Jan tells Alex to include some jokes next time. 

Balls later visits Alex one morning at his apartment and says that he has talked things out with Christine, saying that they are okay with being confused with each other. Balls also says that they killed off his character in the series, but he has written a part with his character coming back as a ghost to wreak havoc on the ranch, which he is going to pitch to the Producers. He and Christine spent nine days in Texas on set and that helped work things out between them. Alex then shows up at Tess' door, saying that he was not unhappy 'with' their relationship, but rather unhappy 'in' their relationship and that he wants to be unhappy with Tess. The two then show up to Felix and Jude's school performance of 'Under Pressure' and Alex and Tess kiss, and seem very happy together in their renewed relationship.

This character study of Generation X'ers has enough comedy, drama and romance to satisfy anyone in the audience of that era, and in Director Bradley Cooper, he has here delivered a grounded, realistic and authentic tale of a couples fateful decision, and their ultimate retrieval from that decision into a stronger, solidified relationship. Laura Dern and Will Arnett give truly standout performances, whereas Cooper's role is under utilised, almost as though he had bitten off more than he could chew in this his third Directorial offering. Whilst this comedy drama is a shift in genre for Director Cooper, and for some I can see it failing to live up to those expectations, this is nonetheless a noteworthy entry in his film making portfolio and as such worthy of your consideration. That said, despite the ups, downs and up again of their relationship, I came away from the movie theatre with a sense that love conquers all, and that's no bad thing.

'Is This Thing On?' merits four claps of the Odeon Online clapperboard from a possible five claps.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new at Odeon's this week : Thursday 12th February 2026

The 15th Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards (AACTA Awards) is an awards ceremony to celebrate the best of Australian films and television screened throughout 2025. The main ceremony occurred on Friday 6th February at the Home of the Arts on Queensland's Gold Coast and was hosted by the Australian Actress, comedian and media personality Celeste Barber.

The primary role of AACTA, as a not-for-profit organisation, is to recognise, encourage, promote and celebrate film and television excellence in Australia, connecting Australian and international audiences with great Australian screen content. The Academy serves as Australia’s most prestigious film and television membership body, bringing together and representing screen professionals from a cross-section of the screen industry in order to further screen excellence in Australia . . . so reads the official website. 

In the feature films category, the winners, grinners and also rans are highlighted briefly below :-

* Best Film - awarded to 'Bring Her Back', beating out 'Kangaroo', 'Lesbian Space Princess', 'The Correspondent', 'The Surfer' and 'The Travellers'.

* Best Indie Film - presented to 'Lesbian Space Princess', beating out 'Carmen & Bolude', 'Fwends', 'It Will Find You', 'Magic Beach' and 'With or Without You'. 

* Best Direction - awarded to Danny and Michael Philippou for 'Bring Her Back', beating out 'Kangaroo', 'Lesbian Space Princess', 'The Correspondent' and 'The Travellers'.

* Best Screenplay - presented to Peter Duncan for 'The Correspondent', beating out 'Bring Her Back', 'Inside', 'Lesbian Space Princess' and 'Together'.

* Best Lead Actor - presented to Richard Roxburgh for 'The Correspondent', beating out Bryan Brown for 'The Travellers', Ryan Corr for 'Kangaroo', Jai Courtney for 'Dangerous Animals', Guy Pearce for 'Inside' and David Wenham for 'Spit'.

* Best Lead Actress - awarded to Sally Hawkins for 'Bring Her Back', beating out Alison Brie for 'Together', Emily Browning for 'One More Shot', Susie Porter for 'The Travellers', Daisy Ridley for 'We Bury the Dead' and Lily Whitley for 'Kangaroo'.

* Best Supporting Actor - awarded to Julian McMahon for 'The Surfer', beating out Damon Herriman for 'Together', Cosmo Jarvis for 'Inside', Julian Maroun for 'The Correspondent', Rahel Romahn for 'The Correspondent' and Jonah Wren Phillips for 'Bring Her Back'. 

* Best Supporting Actress - presented to Deborah Mailman for 'Kangaroo', beating out Marta Dusseldorp for 'With or Without You', Brooke Satchwell for 'Kangaroo', Yael Stone for 'The Correspondent', Sally-Anne Upton for 'Bring Her Back' and Sora Wong for 'Bring Her Back'.

* Best Cinematography - awarded to Aaron McLisky for 'Bring Her Back', beating out 'Beast of War', 'The Correspondent', 'The Surfer' and 'Went Up the Hill'.

* Best Editing - presented to Geoff Lamb for 'Bring Her Back', beating out 'Beast of War', 'The Correspondent', 'The Surfer' and 'Together'.

* Best Original Music Score - presented to Cornel Wilczek for 'Bring Her Back', beating out 'Lesbian Space Princess', 'The Correspondent', 'The Surfer' and 'Together'.

* Best Sound - awarded to Emma Bortignon, Nick Steele, Hamish Keen, Cameron Grant, Lachlan Harris and Pete Smith for 'Bring Her Back', beating out 'The Correspondent', 'Spit', 'Together' and 'Went Up the Hill'.

* Best Production Design - presented to Fiona Donovan for 'The Correspondent', beating out 'Lesbian Space Princess', 'The Surfer', 'Went Up the Hill' and 'Together'.

* Best Costume Design - awarded to Anna Cahill for 'Bring Her Back', beating out 'Beast of War', 'Spit', 'The Correspondent' and 'The Surfer'.

* Best Casting - presented to Nikki Barrett for 'Bring Her Back', beating out 'Inside', 'Kangaroo', 'The Correspondent' and 'The Surfer'.

In addition, the AACTA Longford Lyell Award (named after the prolific Australian film Director, Writer, Producer, and Actor during the silent era. Raymond Longford was a major Director of the silent film era of the Australian cinema. He formed a production team with Lottie Lyell), was presented to Bruce Beresford - the Australian film Director, opera Director, Screenwriter, and Producer. The AACTA Trailblazer Award was presented to the Australian Actress Sarah Snook.

For the details of other television awards presented, the additional awards and the audience choice awards, plus a whole lot of other good stuff, you can go the official website at : http://www.aacta.org

This week we have four new cinematic releases coming your way, kicking off with a romantic drama set in the mid-19th Century on the Yorkshire moors that explores the intense and turbulent relationship between two star crossed lovers. Next up we have a crime thriller in which a Los Angeles detective pursues an elusive thief who teams up with an insurance broker for one last heist. Then we turn to a Sci-Fi actioner which follows the final recruits of a gruelling special ops boot camp who encounter a deadly force from beyond this world; before closing out the week with a horror offering about a misfit group of unwitting high school students who stumble upon a cursed object, an ancient Aztec Death Whistle.

Whatever your taste in big screen film entertainment is this week - be it any of the four latest release new films as Previewed below, or those doing the rounds currently on general release or as Reviewed and Previewed in previous Blog Posts here at Odeon Online, you are most welcome to share your movie going thoughts, opinions and observations by leaving your relevant, succinct and appropriate views in the Comments section below this or any other Post. We'd love to hear from you, and in the meantime, enjoy your big screen Odeon outing during the coming week.

'WUTHERING HEIGHTS' (Rated M) - is a UK and US Co-Produced romantic drama film written for the screen, Co-Produced and Directed by Emerald Fennell, and is loosely based on Emily Bronte's 1847 novel of the same name. Emerald Fennell has previously helmed her breakout feature film debut 'Promising Young Woman' in 2020 and 'Saltburn' in 2023. She also has numerous big and small screen acting roles and TV series writing credits to her name, accumulating numerous awards and accolades along the way, mostly for her her two previous feature films. This film saw its Premiere screening in Los Angeles on 28th January, and is released here in Australia, the UK and the USA this week - on the eve of Valentine's Day. It cost US$80M to produce. 

Here then, in this passionate and tumultuous love story set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire dales, the film explores the intense and destructive relationship between Heathcliff (Jacob Elordi) and Catherine Earnshaw (Margot Robbie, who also Co-Produces here), a woman from a wealthy family in 19th-century England. Also starring Charlotte Mellington as young Catherine, Owen Cooper as young Heathcliff, Hong Chau, Martin Clunes, Alison Oliver, Shazad Latif and Ewan Mitchell.

'CRIME 101' (Rated M) - this UK and US Co-Produced crime thriller film is Written for the screen and Directed by Bart Layton whose previous film credits take in the 2012 documentary 'The Imposter' and 2018's 'American Animals'. This film is based on the 2020 novella of the same name written by Don Winslow. Here, a notorious jewel thief named Mike Davis (Chris Hemsworth, who also Co-Produces here) heists along the 101 freeway (a major north–south highway that traverses the states of California, Oregon, and Washington on the West Coast of the USA) have left Police baffled. When he sets his sights on the ultimate score, his plans intersect with those of insurance broker Sharon Colvin (Halle Berry). A detective named Lou Lubesnick (Mark Ruffalo) believes he has cracked Mike's pattern and is determined to bring him down before the next job. Also starring Barry Keoghan, Corey Hawkins, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nick Nolte, Tate Donovan and Monica Barbaro. The film premiered in London at the back end of last month, and is released here in Australia and the US this week. 

'WAR MACHINE' (Rated MA15+) - is an Australian and US Co-Produced Sci-Fi action thriller that is Co-Written, Co-Produced and Directed by Patrick Hughes whose previous feature films efforts take in his debut with 'Red Hill' in 2010, which he would follow up with 'The Expendables 3' in 2014, 'The Hitman's Bodyguard' in 2017, 'The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard' in 2021 and 'The Man from Toronto' in 2022. Here, on one last gruelling mission during Army Ranger training, this elite team's cross-country exercise led by combat engineer (Alan Ritchson) must lead his unit in a fight against a giant otherworldly killing machine. Also starring Dennis Quaid, Stephan James, Jai Courtney and Esai Morales. Released this week in Australia before streaming on Netflix from 6th March onward.

'WHISTLE' (Rated MA15+) - this Canadian and Irish Co-Produced horror film is Directed by Corin Hardy in only his third feature film outing following 'The Hallow' in 2015 and 'The Nun' in 2018. Here, a group of high school misfits inadvertently come across an ancient Aztec death whistle. Blowing it summons their future deaths to hunt them down. As the body count increases, they investigate the artifact's history in hopes of halting the sequence of events they have set into motion. Starring Dafne Keen, Sophie Nelisse, Sky Yang and Nick Frost. The film premiered at Fantastic Fest in late September last year, was released Stateside last week, this week here in Australia, the UK and Ireland and early reviews have been largely positive.

With four new release movie offerings this week to tempt you out to your local Odeon, remember to share your movie going thoughts with your other like minded cinephile friends afterwards here at Odeon Online. In the meantime, I'll see you sometime somewhere at your local Odeon in the week ahead.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

SEND HELP - Tuesday 3rd February 2026.

I saw 'SEND HELP' at my local multiplex cinema this week, and this American survival horror film is Co-Produced and Directed by Sam Raimi whose previous feature film making credits take in the likes of 1981's 'Evil Dead', 'Evil Dead II' in 1987, 'Darkman' in 1990, 'Army of Darkness' in 1992, 'The Quick and the Dead' in 1995, 'A Simple Plan' in 1998, 'The Spider-Man' trilogy in 2002, 2004 and 2007, 'Drag Me to Hell' in 2009 and 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' in 2022. This film saw its Premiere screening in Los Angeles, California in mid-January and was released here in Australia and the US last week, having so far grossed US$33M from a production budget of US$40M and generating largely positive critical reviews.

Meek and mild mannered corporate financial strategist Linda Liddle (Rachel McAdams) looks forward to a long-deserved promotion to the position of Vice President promised by her former boss who has recently passed away, and who bestowed great value upon the work that Linda undertook for his company. His son Bradley Preston (Dylan O'Brien) is obliged to honour the promotion upon becoming CEO of his family's financial management company. Bradley has however, already given the promotion to Donovan Murphy (Xavier Samuel), his old college buddy who dresses like he's a Gordon Gekko wannabe! He intends to have Linda transferred to a dead-end position out of disgust for her boorish manner, lack of self-confidence, unattractive appearance, and the fact that she has an odour about her. 

When Linda protests against Bradley's decision, in order to appease her somewhat he asks her to accompany him, Donovan and two other executives on a business trip to Bangkok to finalise the company's impending merger. While flying through a storm over the ocean in the company's private jet, Donovan humiliates Linda by playing a self made audition tape she recorded for the popular reality TV game show'Survivor USA', showcasing her extensive practical survival skills. The plane suffers engine failure, begins to break up and lose altitude. A panicking Donovan, who in fear of getting sucked out of the plane through a gaping hole ripped out of the side of the aircraft, attempts to strangle Linda with her seat belt demanding she give him her seat. In the ensuing struggle, Linda reaches for a fork that has tumbled with a set of cutlery from the galley, and stabs him with it, causing him to recoil in pain, let go and in turn slide out of the plane, before impacting with the water, exploding and quickly sinking. Linda fumbles with her seatbelt as the plane sinks, but manages to free herself and swim to the surface. 

Linda comes round the next morning washed up on a remote island somewhere in the Gulf of Thailand. She finds Bradley with a badly injured leg, but no other survivors. Linda puts together a shelter and forages for food and water. Bradley remains unconscious for about a day and a half, and when he comes round he accepts her help, but reverts back to manager and employee mode by barking orders at her. Linda responds by abandoning him for two days where he is unable to move because of his injured leg, exposed to the hot sun, and has nothing to drink or eat. Just as he collapses from thirst, Linda returns and gives him water. Bradley remains defiant and eventually tries to build his own camp. When his efforts fail, Bradley swallows his pride and allows Linda to boss him around. Sometime later while she is out exploring and gathering food supplies, she observes a boat sailing nearby offshore, but avoids attracting attention of the occupants, wishing to remain on the island, saying to herself that she's not ready to leave yet.

Over the course of the next few weeks, Linda gradually becomes stronger, more attractive, and confident, while teaching Bradley some essential lessons on how to survive in the wild. One night while sharing homemade fruit wine, Linda confesses to Bradley that she was married for ten years to a man who abused her until she allowed him to drink heavily and drive, resulting in his death in a road traffic accident. Seemingly moved, Bradley offers to repay Linda by cooking dinner for her the next night. He spikes the food with poisonous berries and attempts to flee on a makeshift raft, leaving Linda to die on the beach. The raft is however, destroyed in the waves, and Bradley is sucked under the big swell. Linda, partially recovered due to Bradley's miscalculating the poison dose, is able to save him from drowning, but vomits profusely all over his face as she attempts to revive him.

Linda paralyses Bradley with Blue Ringed octopus venom and pretends to castrate him as punishment, saying that with her career effectively over, she has nothing to return home to. Bradley finally accepts that the power dynamic has shifted and relinquishes all hope of escape. While harvesting fruits, Linda is surprised by the arrival of Bradley's fiancee Zuri (Edyll Ismail), who has hired a boat to rescue them, and has spent weeks searching the islands for any signs of his life. Fearing her new life will be ruined, Linda lures Zuri onto a narrow ledge of rocky cliff and pushes her and the boat captain off to their deaths. Haunted by the murders, Linda feigns sickness and allows Bradley to go out to hunt alone, whereupon he finds Zuri's hand sticking out of the sand wearing her unmistakeable diamond engagement ring. 

Distraught, Bradley runs back full speed to confront Linda about his find. Linda admits to Zuri's murder. Bradley tries to kill her. A brutal hand-to-hand fight follows, with Linda suffering a partially gouged eye before stabbing Bradley in the side. He flees and comes across a luxurious beach house on the other side of the island. Easily gaining entry he finds the fridge fully stocked with champagne and water amongst other things. Linda follows and monitors Bradley's movements through the house on the CCTV security monitoring system. She admits to having known about the house, and says that it must be owned by some Wall Street billionaire. She emerges and aims a shotgun at Bradley. Begging for his life, Bradley claims that he has changed and being alone on the island with her has taught him some valuable life lessons. He goes on to say that he now loves Linda and wants to stay with her on the island forever, before grabbing the shotgun, pointing it at her and pulling the trigger, twice, only to find it unloaded. A brief scuffle ensues, resulting in Linda beating him to death with a golf club.

A year later, and Linda has been rescued, and is a wealthy businesswoman after usurping control of the Preston family company. She is interviewed at a celebrity golf tournament about the upcoming film adaptation of her best-selling memoir, in which she claims to be the only survivor of the plane crash. Linda drives away with her pet cockatiel, singing along to Blondie's 'One Way or Another' - her favourite song of all time.

With 'Send Help' Director Sam Raimi has pulled out of his box of tricks a film that has his trademark thrills, jump scares, plenty of bloodletting and puking, emotion and wry humour to keep you entertained for this films 113 minute runtime. All the while, grounded by O'Brien's and McAdams performances of the shifting dynamic of ruthless boss and hapless employee, with the latter well and truly turning the tables on the former, and rising like a phoenix to claim what was rightfully hers in the first place - and then some! This film is a mix of 'The Office' and 'Castaway' with horror elements thrown in and thrills aplenty - you won't be disappointed!

'Send Help' merits four claps of the Odeon Online clapperboard from a possible five claps. 

-Steve, at Odeon Online-

What's new at Odeon's this week : Thursday 5th February 2026.

This years 55th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), is in full swing having opened on Thursday 29th January and running through until Sunday 8th February. This annual film festival is held at the end of January in various locations in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and is largely focused on independent and experimental films. Since its foundation in 1972, it has maintained a focus on independent and experimental filmmaking by showcasing emerging talents and established auteurs. The festival also places a focus on presenting cutting edge media art and arthouse film, with most of the participants in the short film programme identified as artists or experimental filmmakers. IFFR also hosts CineMart and BoostNL, for film Producers to seek funding.

The Opening Night feature film presentation this year, was 'Providence and the Guitar' from Portugal and is Co-Written and Directed by Joao Nicolau. Life's tough for traveling 19th Century performers Leon and Elvira. Between moody Police Officers, rival performers, and mischievous demons, they rely on newfound friends to keep faith in their art. The Closing Night film is 'Bazaar' from France and Directed by Remi Bezancon and centres on a crime writer and his film professor partner who are swept up in a real-life mystery when they begin to suspect their neighbour of murder. Both films are World Premiere screenings. 

IFFR’s trade mark competition - 'The Tiger Competition' celebrates the innovative and adventurous spirit of up-and-coming filmmakers from all over the world. The competition was founded in 1995 with the aim of discovering, raising the profile of and rewarding up-and-coming international film talent. The Tiger Award is accompanied by a €40K cash prize, to be shared between the Director and Producer of the winning film. Two Special Jury Awards worth €10K will also be presented for exceptional artistic achievement within the competition.

This years titles, competing for this prize, are as given briefly below :-
* 'La belle annee' - Directed by Angelica Ruffier and from Sweden and Norway.
* 'A Fading Man' - Directed by Welf Reinhart from Germany.

* 'The Gymnast' - Directed by Charlotte Glynn from the USA.
* 'A Messy Tribute to Motherly Love' - Directed by Dan Geesin and from the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium.
* 'My Semba' - Directed by Hugo Salvaterra from Angola.
* 'Nangong Cheng' - Directed by Shao Pan from China.
* 'O profeta' - Directed by Ique Langa and from Mozambique, South Africa and Qatar.
* 'Roid' - Directed by Mejbaur Rahman Sumon from Bangladesh.

* 'Supporting Role' - Directed by Ana Urushadze and from Georgia, Estonia, Turkey, Switzerland and the USA.
* 'Unerasable!' - Directed by Socrates Saint-Wulfstan Drakos from Belgium, Thailand and Sweden.
* 'Variations on a Theme' - Directed by Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar and from South Africa, Netherlands and Qatar.
* 'Yellow Cake' - Directed by Tiago Melo from Brazil.

For the full descriptors of the aforementioned films in the Tiger Competition, plus the other competitive strands being showcased, the full line of some 650 feature films and short films being screened and a whole bunch of other good stuff, you can go to the official website at : http://www.iffr.com/en/

And so looking ahead to this weeks seven new release movies coming to a big screen Odeon near you, we kick off with a Gothic romantic fantasy film which after his wife dies, a 15th century Prince renounces God and becomes a vampire, and centuries later in 19th century London, he sees a woman resembling his late wife and pursues her, sealing his own fate. This is followed by a comedy drama offering that tells the story of a marriage quietly imploding, and so the husband seeks new purpose in the New York comedy scene while the wife confronts the sacrifices she made for their family. Next we have an action thriller about a reclusive former assassin living on a remote island who must protect a young girl he rescues from a storm, drawing him into conflict with past enemies. Then we turn to the third and final chapter in horror franchise that see the only survivor from the previous films that has our protagonist squaring off against the masked killers one last time in a brutal, full-circle reckoning of survival and revenge. Following on we have a survival thriller film that after a catastrophic military disaster, the dead don't just rise, they hunt, and so a wife searches for her missing husband, but what she finds is far more terrifying. Up next is a sports film about the Republic of Ireland national football team and the eponymous Saipan incident between player and team Captain, and the Club Manager in the lead up to the 2002 FIFA World Cup; before closing out the week with a Japanese animated fantasy action film about the eponymous Princess who can cross time and space on a quest of vengeance after her father is murdered.

Whatever your taste in big screen film entertainment is this week - be it any of the seven latest release new films as Previewed below, or those doing the rounds currently on general release or as Reviewed and Previewed in previous Blog Posts here at Odeon Online, you are most welcome to share your movie going thoughts, opinions and observations by leaving your relevant, succinct and appropriate views in the Comments section below this or any other Post. We'd love to hear from you, and in the meantime, enjoy your big screen Odeon outing during the coming week.

'DRACULA' (Rated MA15+) - is an English language French Gothic romantic fantasy film based on Bram Stoker's 1897 novel 'Dracula'. This film is written for the screen and Directed by Luc Besson, whose previous feature film output takes in the likes of 'La Femme Nikita' in 1990, 'Leon : The Professional' in 1994, 'The Fifth Element' in 1997, 'The Messenger : The Story of Joan of Arc' in 1999, 'Lucy' in 2014, 'Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets' in 2017 and 'Dogman' in 2023. The film was released in France at the end of July last year, is released in the USA, Canada and here in Australia this week, has so far grossed US$6M and has generated mixed or average reviews. 

When a 15th-century Prince Vladimir of Wallachia (Caleb Landry Jones) witnesses the brutal murder of his wife Elisabeta (Zoe Bleu), he renounces God and damns Heaven itself. Cursed with eternal life, he is reborn as Dracula, an immortal warlord who defies fate in a blood-soaked crusade to wrench his lost love back from death, no matter the cost. On the verge of reuniting some four hundred years later with his reincarnated wife Mina Murray (Zoe Bleu) Dracula is hunted by a relentless priest (Christoph Waltz), sworn to end his immortal reign.

'IS THIS THING ON?' (Rated M) - this American comedy drama film is Co-Written for the screen, Co-Produced, Directed and stars Bradley Cooper in his third Directorial outing following 'A Star is Born' in 2018 and 'Maestro' in 2023, as well as his numerous acting and Producing credits. This film is based loosely on the life of English comedian John Bishop, who was given a story credit on the film, after he met Will Arnett and told him about the night he decided to become a stand-up comedian, and how ultimately it helped save his marriage. Here then, as their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while his wife Tess (Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family, forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form. Also starring Bradley Cooper, Andra Day, Sean Hayes and Ciaran Hinds. The film had its World Premiere as the closing film of the New York Film Festival on 10th October last year, was released in the US on 19th December, has so far grossed US$11M and has garnered generally positive critical reviews.

'SHELTER' (Rated M) - is a UK and USA Co-Produced action thriller film Directed by Ric Roman Waugh whose prior feature film output includes 'Felon' in 2008, 'Snitch' in 2013, 'Shot Caller' in 2017, 'Angel Has Fallen' in 2019, 'Greenland' in 2020, 'Kandahar' in 2023 and the yet to be released 'Greenland 2 : Migration' expected later this year. On a remote Scottish coastal island, a reclusive man, Mason (Jason Statham) rescues a young girl Jessie (Bodhi Rae Breathnach) from a deadly storm, drawing them both into danger. Forced out of isolation, he must confront his turbulent past while protecting her, sending them on a tense journey of survival and redemption. Also starring Bill Nighy and Naomi Ackie. The film had its World Premiere screening in London on 20th January and was released last week Stateside. 

'THE STRANGERS : CHAPTER 3' (Rated MA15+) - this American horror film is Directed by Renny Harlin whose previous feature film credits take in the more popular offerings including 'Die Hard 2' in 1990, 'Cliffhanger' in 1993, 'The Long Kiss Goodnight' in 1996, 'Deep Blue Sea' in 1999, 'Driven' in 2001, 'The Bricklayer' in 2023 and then 'The Strangers : Chapter 1' and 'The Strangers : Chapter 2' in 2024 and 2025 respectively. This film serves as the fifth instalment in 'The Strangers' film franchise and the final instalment in a new trilogy. Here, in this decisive and brutal conclusion to the trilogy, the survivors seeking rehabilitation from their past encounters with the masked strangers are thrust back into a fight for their survival. In their struggle, they uncover unsettling secrets that threaten to alter their fate, jeopardising their lives as the line between reality and peril blurs. Starring Madelaine Petsch as Maya the only survivor of the terrorising Strangers with Gabriel Basso, Ema Horvath and Richard Brake reprising their roles from the pervious instalment. The film premiered in Los Angeles in mid-January, and is released in the US this week too.

'WE BURY THE DEAD' (Rated MA15+) - is an Australian and US Co-Produced survival thriller film Written and Directed by Zak Hilditch, who made his feature film debut in 2003 with 'Waiting for Naval Base Lilly', and which he would follow up with his better known projects including 'These Final Hours' in 2013, '1922' in 2017 and 'Rattlesnake' in 2019. Here then, Ava Newman (Daisy Ridley), a desperate woman, searches for her husband in the aftermath of a catastrophic military experiment. Hoping to find him alive, Ava joins a 'body retrieval unit', but her search takes a chilling turn when the corpses she's burying start showing signs of life. Also starring Mark Coles Smith, Brenton Thwaites and Matt Whelan, the film had its World Premiere at SXSW in March last year, was released Stateside on 2nd January and here in Australia this week, has generated largely positive critical reviews, and has so far grossed US$4M. 

'SAIPAN' (Rated MA15+) - this sports film from Ireland is Directed by the husband and wife team of Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D'Sa in their joint fourth feature film offering following 'Cherrybomb' in 2009, 'Good Vibrations' in 2012 and 'Ordinary Love' in 2019. Set in 2002, shortly before the FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea, the Irish national football team arrives on the Pacific island of Saipan where they are to bond and train before moving to Japan. But the management’s relaxed approach does not match team captain Roy Keane’s (Eanna Hardwicke) expectations, and so he decides to forfeit his place in the squad after a heated disagreement with the Irish manager Mick McCarthy (Steve Coogan). The Manchester United star player is here after all, to win it. The film had its World Premiere screening at TIFF in September last year, was released in its native Ireland on 1st January, the UK on 23rd January and here in Australia this week having garnered generally positive critical reviews.

'SCARLET' (Rated M) - is a Japanese animated fantasy action film that is Written and Directed by Mamoru Hosoda whose previous animated films as Director include 'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time' in 2006, 'Wolf Children' in 2012, 'The Boy and the Beast' in 2015, 'Mirai' in 2018 and 'Belle' in 2021. Inspired by the Shakespearean tragedy 'Hamlet', Scarlet (voiced by Mana Ashida), a medieval-era, sword-fighting Princess is on a dangerous quest to avenge the death of her father. After failing in her mission and finding herself fatally injured in a surreal world, she encounters an idealistic young man from our present day who not only helps her to heal but shows her the possibility of a future free from bitterness and rage. When confronted once more by her father’s killer, Scarlet faces her most daunting battle - can she break the cycle of hatred and find meaning in life beyond revenge? The film had its Premiere out of competition at the Venice International Film Festival in early September last year, was released in Japan on 21st November, and here in Australia and the US from this week, having generated largely favourable reviews.

With seven new release movie offerings this week to tempt you out to your local Odeon, remember to share your movie going thoughts with your other like minded cinephile friends afterwards here at Odeon Online. In the meantime, I'll see you sometime somewhere at your local Odeon in the week ahead.

-Steve, at Odeon Online-