Ready or Not 2 Movie Review: Samara Weaving Returns for a Bloody, Hilarious Sequel

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Picking up immediately after the events of the first film, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come wastes no time putting Grace (Samara Weaving) back in mortal peril. There’s no reset, no “let’s catch you up” exposition — just pure momentum as the nightmare continues. The opening hospital sequence sees Grace recovering from her ordeal, only for her and her estranged sister Faith (Kathryn Newton) to be drugged and transported to the estate of a new, more dangerous cabal of wealthy families. This time, survival isn’t just about Grace; the sisters must navigate a high-stakes hunt where multiple families vie to land the killing blow and ascend to the top of a global power structure.

The plot leans hard into the absurdity of its own rules. While the stakes are higher and the scope broader, the narrative occasionally meanders, with new characters that don’t always land and subplots that feel more like padding than payoff. Yet when the story works — particularly in sequences where Grace and Faith improvise to stay alive — it’s thrilling, gory, and wickedly funny. The sibling dynamic provides a grounding element amid the chaos, though their on-again-off-again squabbles can sometimes feel repetitive.

Cast & Crew

Samara Weaving is the undeniable anchor of the series. She balances grit, dark humour, and physicality with effortless charm, making her a scream queen you genuinely want to root for. Kathryn Newton brings energy, sass, and a sense of fun to Faith, serving as a lively foil to Grace’s battle-hardened persona. The chemistry between the sisters carries the film through its more absurd stretches.

Elijah Wood’s turn as the new lawyer is a highlight, blending menace, wit, and an eerie composure that elevates every scene he’s in. Sarah Michelle Gellar makes a memorable impact in key moments, injecting tension and a sharp edge to the proceedings. Other standouts include David Cronenberg, Kevin Durand, Nestor Carbonell, and Shawn Hatosy, who bring gravitas and menace in varying degrees.

Director Justin Malen keeps the film visually dynamic, using a crimson-hued palette, angular camera work, and tightly choreographed action to give the sequel a comic-book-like sheen. Practical effects, CGI, and clever sound design elevate the gory set pieces, making every kill feel inventive and every explosion suitably over-the-top. The production retains the first film’s slick balance of horror and humour while expanding the world in ways that feel ambitious, if occasionally uneven.

Review

The genius of Ready or Not 2 is in its immediacy. By diving straight into Grace’s survival saga, the film keeps viewers on edge from start to finish. The sequel leans heavily into black comedy, with slapstick violence, clever wordplay, and vicious one-liners peppered throughout. At times, the humour even overshadows the horror, but it’s exactly the kind of audacious tonal juggling that made the original so memorable.

Action and survival sequences are highlights, with Grace and Faith improvising traps, escapes, and counterattacks that feel both clever and entertaining. The gore is unapologetically graphic, yet often played for laughs, giving the film a comic-book thrill that keeps it fresh. The sound design and cinematography complement this chaos beautifully, amplifying tension while accentuating the film’s playful absurdity.

However, the film isn’t without flaws. Expanding the mythology and introducing new families sometimes dilutes the suspense, and several of the new characters feel underdeveloped or irritating. The pacing drags in a few sequences, and the narrative occasionally veers into excess — hyper-aggressive language, over-the-top visuals, and farcical plot beats that never quite match the tight precision of the first movie. Where the original balanced horror and humour with surgical precision, the sequel occasionally tilts too far into spectacle.

Still, there’s plenty to enjoy. Grace remains an engaging, resilient protagonist, and the sisterly dynamic with Faith adds heart to the madness. Elijah Wood’s subtle menace and Sarah Michelle Gellar’s sharp presence make the ensemble cast feel invested, helping the film ride through its rougher patches. The comedy, from biting one-liners to absurd situational humour, lands more often than it misses, and the inventive kill sequences keep viewers entertained.

For fans of the original, the sequel offers everything you want: gore, humour, tension, and a fresh batch of deadly challenges. For newcomers, it may feel chaotic or overstuffed, but the film’s energy and visual flair make it a thoroughly watchable experience.

Verdict

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come is a fun, energetic, and visually inventive sequel that leans into the dark comedy and high-octane action the series is known for. While it doesn’t quite match the first film’s narrative tightness or suspense, it compensates with strong performances, inventive kills, and audacious humour. Grace and Faith’s survival story is as thrilling as it is grotesquely funny, making this a solid, if not essential, addition to the franchise.

Rating

★★★☆☆ (3/5)

A watchable, entertaining sequel with strong performances and inventive action, but one that occasionally tips too far into spectacle, over-the-top humour, and uneven pacing. Fans of the first film will enjoy the ride; newcomers may find it a little chaotic. Perfect for a night of bloody, hilarious fun in the cinema.

Cold Storage Movie Review: A Splattery, Darkly Comic Creature Feature With B-Movie Charm

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The premise behind Cold Storage is delightfully pulpy: what happens when a long-forgotten biological threat escapes the one place designed to keep it contained? The film opens with a fictionalised account of the 1979 crash of the space station Skylab, which brings with it an unexpected and dangerous passenger — a mutated parasitic fungus capable of infecting living organisms and spreading at terrifying speed.

Government operatives Robert Quinn and Trini Romano successfully contain the organism, sealing it inside a specialised vault within a secret facility in Kansas run by the Defence Threat Reduction Agency. The fungus is placed in cryogenic containment, effectively locked away from the world.

Fast-forward eighteen years and the once-secret government building has long since been abandoned, sold off and repurposed as a mundane self-storage facility. Its deadly secret remains hidden within the walls, largely forgotten by the authorities who once safeguarded it.

Working the quiet night shift are Travis “Teacake”, a parolee trying to stay out of trouble, and Naomi, a struggling single mum doing what she can to keep her life together. When the pair hear a strange rhythmic beeping echoing through the building’s structure, their curiosity leads them to investigate — and accidentally uncover the long-neglected containment vault.

With rising temperatures and failing infrastructure allowing the fungus to awaken, the organism begins spreading through the building and surrounding wildlife. Soon, the facility becomes ground zero for a rapidly escalating outbreak.

Alerted to the breach, former containment specialist Quinn rushes to Kansas to deal with the situation before it spirals into a full-blown disaster. What follows is a frantic race against time as Quinn, Teacake and Naomi attempt to contain an invisible and relentlessly growing threat before it escapes into the wider world.

Cast and Crew

Director Jonny Campbell approaches the material with a clear appreciation for genre cinema, leaning into the story’s B-movie DNA while keeping the performances grounded enough to sell the stakes.

The screenplay comes from David Koepp, who adapted the film from his own novel after originally conceiving the idea as a movie. Koepp’s career spans everything from blockbuster thrillers to pulpy sci-fi, and that experience shows in a script that balances high-concept horror with moments of dark humour.

Leading the cast are Joe Keery as the scrappy and slightly overwhelmed Travis “Teacake” and Georgina Campbell as Naomi, whose practical instincts help ground the increasingly chaotic situation.

Meanwhile Liam Neeson plays Robert Quinn, a veteran bioterrorism agent who returns to deal with a threat he thought had been permanently neutralised. Supporting turns from Lesley Manville, Sosie Bacon, and the legendary Vanessa Redgrave round out a cast that clearly understands the film’s slightly absurd tone.

Review

If Cold Storage proves anything, it’s that sometimes a simple premise — executed with confidence — is more than enough to carry a film.

This is unapologetically a B-movie creature feature, but one that knows exactly what it is. The film walks a delicate tonal tightrope between horror and comedy, blending body horror with moments of dry humour and outright absurdity. Think outbreak thriller meets splattery monster movie, with just enough camp to keep things lively.

The film’s biggest strength lies in its cast. Joe Keery and Georgina Campbell make for an engaging central duo, bringing charm and personality to characters who could easily have been generic genre archetypes. Their chemistry helps anchor the film’s more outlandish moments, particularly when confronted with increasingly grotesque fungal horrors.

Then there’s Liam Neeson, who appears to be having an absolute blast playing the straight-faced action veteran thrown into an increasingly ridiculous scenario. His complete commitment to the seriousness of the mission creates some of the film’s funniest moments without ever turning the character into a parody.

Visually, the film delivers a pleasing mixture of practical gore effects and digital work. The spreading fungus itself is often unsettling, producing some enjoyably grotesque imagery as it infects animals and humans alike. Not every effect lands perfectly — one particular CGI creature moment stands out for the wrong reasons — but overall the creature work is effective and suitably disgusting.

Tonally, the film occasionally feels like it’s holding itself back. There are moments where it seems poised to embrace full-blown cult-movie madness in the vein of Return of the Living Dead, only to pull back into safer territory. Had it pushed further into that chaotic energy, it might have elevated itself from entertaining genre fare into something genuinely memorable.

Pacing is another slight issue. The film rarely slows down, which keeps the action moving briskly but occasionally makes the final stretch feel a little rushed. At times it feels as though the story is sprinting towards the finish line without allowing enough space for tension to fully build.

Still, these are relatively minor quibbles. What Cold Storage lacks in originality it makes up for in sheer entertainment value. This is the kind of film that doesn’t demand deep analysis or narrative scrutiny. Instead, it offers an enjoyable mix of explosions, gooey horror, and dark humour.

Sometimes that’s exactly what you want from a trip to the cinema.

Verdict

Cold Storage may not reinvent the horror-comedy formula, but it delivers enough infectious energy, likeable characters and splattery fun to make for an entertaining ride. With a cast that clearly understands the assignment and a premise that embraces its B-movie roots, it’s an easy film to enjoy — just don’t think about it too hard.

Rating

⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

A gooey, tongue-in-cheek creature feature that delivers solid genre thrills, even if it never quite mutates into something truly unforgettable.

Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom – A Monstrously Fun Halloween Adventure

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Just in time for the September school holidays, Shaun the Sheep is back on the big screen with Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, promising a monstrously fun family adventure for fans of all ages. The latest cinematic outing sees Shaun and the gang facing a spooky, chaotic challenge that could only happen on Mossy Bottom Farm.

Synopsis

This time, the residents of Mossy Bottom Farm are eagerly preparing for Halloween. But their festive fun is threatened when the clumsy Farmer accidentally destroys the Flock’s prized pumpkin patch. Determined to save the day, Shaun dons the mantle of “mad scientist,” crafting wacky inventions to fix the mess.

Predictably, things don’t go quite according to plan. The Farmer goes missing, and a mysterious beast begins roaming the nearby woods of Mossingham, sending the farm into delightful chaos. With spooky thrills, hilarious hijinks, and a touch of Halloween mischief, The Beast of Mossy Bottom promises an adventure packed with laughs, scares, and heartwarming moments.

Cast and Crew

The voice cast brings the farm to life once again, with Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, and Kate Harbour returning to lend their voices to Shaun, the Farmer, and the rest of the beloved flock.

The film is directed by Steve Cox and Matthew Walker, who bring their signature eye for visual comedy and family-friendly storytelling to the project. The screenplay, written by Giles Pilbrow and Mark Burton, balances clever humour with spooky adventure, while producer Richard Beek ensures the film maintains the high production values fans have come to expect from Aardman Animation.

What to Expect

Fans of the Shaun the Sheep franchise can expect the same charming stop-motion animation, expressive characters, and clever visual gags that made previous outings such a hit. The Halloween setting adds an extra layer of fun, with pumpkins, spooky shadows, and a mysterious beast keeping audiences on their toes.

Children and adults alike will delight in Shaun’s inventive — and often hilarious — attempts to save the pumpkin patch, as well as the mayhem that ensues when the plan goes spectacularly wrong. The film’s combination of light horror, comedy, and heartfelt friendship makes it perfect for family viewing, especially during the school holidays.

Release Date: In cinemas during the September school holidays.

Cast: Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, Kate Harbour
Directed By: Steve Cox, Matthew Walker
Written By: Giles Pilbrow, Mark Burton
Produced By: Richard Beek

Seven Snipers: Radha Mitchell Leads a High-Stakes Australian Action Thriller

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A deadly game of cat and mouse unfolds in the upcoming Australian action-thriller Seven Snipers, which has just unveiled its first trailer ahead of its wide cinema release across Australia on April 30, 2026. Directed by Sandra Sciberras, the film promises a tense blend of sharp-shooting action, emotional stakes, and a formidable female lead pushed to her limits.

Sciberras, known for the dystopian sci-fi film The Dustwalker, shifts her focus to grounded, high-pressure action with a story that centres on survival, redemption, and the ghosts of a violent past.

At the heart of the film is Radha Mitchell as Kris Hendricks, a former elite sniper who has spent years living in obscurity, determined to leave her dangerous life behind. Mitchell, whose previous credits include Olympus Has Fallen and Rogue, takes on a character forced back into the world she tried to escape when a ruthless enemy resurfaces.

That enemy is a warlord known only as “The Dragon”, played by Tim Roth. The BAFTA-winning and Academy Award-nominated actor, best known for his roles in Pulp Fiction and The Incredible Hulk, brings a menacing presence to the role of a calculating villain who refuses to let Hendricks disappear quietly.

When Hendricks is tracked down and captured, she is forced to rely on the lethal skills that once made her one of the most feared snipers in the field. But this time, the stakes are deeply personal. The life she must protect is that of her daughter — someone she has raised far from the violence and chaos that once defined her existence.

The supporting cast adds further intrigue to the film’s ensemble dynamic. Ioan Gruffudd, known for his work in Harrow and Marvel’s Fantastic Four, joins the cast alongside Ryan Kwanten, who gained global recognition through True Blood and later appeared in Them.

Emerging talent Annabel Wolfe plays Hendricks’ daughter, the emotional anchor of the story, while AACTA Award winner Lee Tiger Halley appears as her boyfriend, who becomes entangled in the escalating danger surrounding Hendricks’ past.

The film’s title refers to a dangerous network of sharpshooters whose presence looms over the story. Completing the ensemble are Charles Cottier, Damien Ryan, Bianca Wallace, and Pacharo Mzembe — each playing a role in the deadly web surrounding Hendricks.

Behind the camera, the screenplay comes from Andrew O’Keefe, with producers including Tristan Barr, Sciberras, Grant Hardie, Ian Kirk, Phil Hunt and Compton Ross.

Seven Snipers also marks the first production from Monster Pictures Studios, created as part of a genre slate partnership with Head Gear Films. The project is designed to spotlight bold Australian genre filmmaking aimed at international audiences.

In Australia, the film will be distributed theatrically by (Yet) Another Monster Company — its first major cinema release — with additional support from independent distributor Monster Pictures, a company well known for championing horror and genre titles throughout Australia and New Zealand.

From the newly released trailer, Seven Snipers looks set to combine tense long-range combat with intimate character stakes. At its core, it’s the story of a woman forced to confront the life she thought she had escaped — and the lengths she’ll go to protect the person who means everything to her.

With an experienced cast, a fierce central performance from Mitchell, and a director leaning into high-tension action storytelling, Seven Snipers is shaping up to be a sharp addition to Australia’s growing catalogue of homegrown thrillers.

🎥 Seven Snipers opens in Australian cinemas on April 30, 2026.

Send Help Movie Review: Sam Raimi’s Send Help Turns Office Politics Into Survival Horror

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There’s a specific cinematic tightrope that few filmmakers can walk without falling into outright parody: the line between absurdity and sincerity. Sam Raimi has spent his career dancing along it, and Send Help might be his most controlled balancing act yet. A survival horror thriller that somehow doubles as a workplace satire, it pushes humour, dread, and psychological warfare to breaking point — then calmly steps back before it snaps.

At first glance, the setup sounds almost sitcom-simple. Linda Liddle (Rachel McAdams) is a brilliant financial strategist trapped in the corporate equivalent of quicksand: invisible in meetings, talked over by colleagues, and routinely robbed of credit for her work. Her newly promoted boss Bradley Preston (Dylan O’Brien) is the walking embodiment of boardroom confidence — charismatic, smug and catastrophically incompetent beneath the surface.

Then the plane crashes.

Stranded as the sole survivors on a remote island en route to Bangkok, the carefully constructed hierarchy of the office evaporates instantly. Titles don’t start fires. Confidence doesn’t clean wounds. And motivational leadership seminars are useless when dehydration is trying to kill you.

This is where Send Help reveals its true premise: not survival against nature, but survival against personality.

Bradley is helpless. Linda — a devoted survival reality show enthusiast who once tried to get onto Survivor — is not. She builds shelter, sources food, and keeps him alive. The power dynamic flips with ruthless efficiency. The man who controlled her livelihood now depends on her basic competence to keep breathing.

The brilliance of the film is that it never turns this reversal into a lecture. Instead, it becomes dark comedy. Bradley keeps trying to reclaim authority through corporate language—delegating, framing, and strategising —while Linda simply solves problems. Watching his leadership vocabulary collapse in real time becomes one of the year’s funniest running gags.

McAdams delivers a career-highlight performance. Linda isn’t a heroic archetype; she’s painfully awkward, socially misaligned, and occasionally a bit frightening once she realises she doesn’t need permission anymore. McAdams shifts between vulnerability, irritation, and barely contained mania within single scenes. It’s uncomfortable and hilarious, often simultaneously.

O’Brien, meanwhile, commits fearlessly to unlikeability. Bradley is not secretly noble. He’s not misunderstood. He’s a man whose identity was built entirely on an environment that rewarded confidence over ability. As the island strips that away, O’Brien lets the character unravel layer by layer — from smug authority to bargaining desperation to something almost childlike. It’s a risky performance that pays off spectacularly.

Writers Mark Swift and Damian Shannon craft dialogue that sounds like people actually talking rather than characters delivering exposition. Arguments escalate naturally, humour comes from behaviour rather than punchlines, and tension builds from personality clashes rather than plot contrivances. The screenplay’s smartest move is restraint: it trusts the situation to carry the message.

And yes, there is a message — but the film wisely never states it aloud. Strip away artificial hierarchies, and competence becomes obvious. Confidence without skill is just noise. The corporate “alpha” mentality doesn’t survive contact with reality.

Once the story settles onto the island, Raimi unleashes his signature visual language. The jungle isn’t a backdrop — it’s an antagonist. Rain becomes oppressive. Trees loom like witnesses. Shadows swallow characters whole. His frantic POV camera sweeps, familiar to fans of The Evil Dead, inject bursts of manic energy into scenes that might otherwise feel static.

Importantly, the horror never descends into gore-for-gore’s sake. The film is frightening without being trashy, heightened without losing believability. Raimi orchestrates chaos with precision: every moment that threatens to tip into ridiculousness pulls back just in time.

The pacing does take patience early on. The corporate setup lingers longer than expected, but in retrospect, it’s essential groundwork. By the time Linda undergoes her psychological shift—embracing capability rather than seeking approval—the second half lands with real impact. What follows is tense, funny, and increasingly unsettling as dependence turns into resentment and survival becomes psychological warfare.

What makes Send Help stand out isn’t simply that it blends genres — it’s that it understands why those genres work. The comedy comes from character truth. The horror comes from loss of control. The drama comes from identity collapse. Each element feeds the others rather than competing for attention.

Most importantly, it feels designed for a cinema audience. The atmosphere builds collectively; the laughs grow louder as discomfort increases; the tension becomes communal. Watching it alone on streaming would flatten its rhythm. This is a film that benefits from shared reactions — gasps, groans, and nervous laughter echoing across a theatre.

By the time the credits roll, Send Help has transformed from a survival thriller into something sharper: a story about status, competence, and who we become when the structures that define us disappear.

Funny, unnerving, and sneakily insightful, it’s Raimi operating with mischievous confidence — proving once again he can push right up to the edge of chaos without ever falling off.

Verdict: 4/5

A wildly entertaining genre mash-up elevated by fearless performances and razor-sharp direction — awkward, tense and wickedly funny in equal measure.

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Win Movie Passes to HOW TO MAKE A KILLING!

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FilmCentral Magazine is excited to offer fans a chance to win 5 movie passes to see the highly anticipated thriller, HOW TO MAKE A KILLING, starring Glen Powell!

How to Enter:

It’s simple:

  1. Watch the official trailer here

  2. Comment on the name of another cast member from the film on our Facebook page

  3. The first five people to comment correctly will win a movie pass!

About the Movie:

Disowned at birth by his extremely wealthy family, blue-collar Becket Redfellow is determined to reclaim his inheritance—by any means necessary. With family members standing in his way, nothing will stop him from his dark and twisted quest for power.

HOW TO MAKE A KILLING promises a thrilling, suspense-filled ride that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Movie Details:

  • 📅 In Cinemas: March 5

  • ⏱️ Duration: 105 minutes

  • 🔞 Classification: M | Mature themes, violence, and coarse language

Don’t miss your chance to see Glen Powell in this gripping thriller. Enter the giveaway now and be one of the lucky winners to experience the excitement on the big screen!

🎟️ 5 winners will receive movie passes!

Zendaya and Robert Pattinson Lead Star-Studded Cast in The Drama, Set for Australian Release in April 2026

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The first teaser trailer and official poster for THE DRAMA, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, have been released, signaling the arrival of one of 2026’s most anticipated romantic comedies. Directed by Kristoffer Borgli, whose previous work includes Dream Scenario, the film will debut in Australian cinemas on 2 April, 2026, positioning itself as a significant entry in the international box office calendar for the year.

The film explores the complexities of modern relationships through the story of a happily engaged couple whose wedding week spirals into unexpected chaos. While on the surface a romantic comedy, industry analysts note that THE DRAMA strategically combines humor, star power, and a tight release window to maximize audience engagement, particularly among younger demographics drawn to Zendaya and Pattinson’s growing cinematic influence.

For studio executives and investors, the film represents a calculated effort to blend talent-driven marketing with high-concept storytelling. Zendaya and Pattinson, both of whom boast substantial global followings and brand partnerships, are expected to amplify pre-release awareness, ensuring strong initial box office traction.

Kristoffer Borgli’s direction is also poised to elevate the project beyond conventional rom-com tropes, infusing it with a contemporary sensibility and visual flair. As such, THE DRAMA exemplifies the evolving approach of mid-budget, star-led productions that balance commercial appeal with critical storytelling.

With its April 2026 release, THE DRAMA is a film industry watchpoint, reflecting ongoing trends in celebrity-driven marketing, cross-platform promotion, and audience engagement strategies in the global entertainment sector.

Trailer for The Magic Faraway Tree Offers First Look at Enid Blyton Adaptation

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Ahead of its Australian cinema release on 26 March 2026, the official trailer for THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE has been unveiled, offering audiences a first glimpse into the enchanting world of the Enchanted Wood. Based on the beloved classic books by Enid Blyton, the film brings to life a magical adventure for a new generation.

The trailer introduces the modern family at the heart of the story: Polly and Tim, and their children Beth, Joe, and Fran, who relocate to the remote English countryside. It is there that the children discover the legendary magical tree and its eccentric residents, including Moonface, Silky, Dame Washalot, and Saucepan Man. From the top of the tree, the family is transported to fantastical lands, embarking on adventures that teach them the importance of family, connection, and imagination.

The film features an impressive ensemble cast including Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Nicola Coughlan, Nonso Anozie, Jessica Gunning, Rebecca Ferguson, Mark Heap, Oliver Chris, Jennifer Saunders, Sir Lenny Henry, Sir Michael Palin, and Sir Simon Russell Beale.

Written by Simon Farnaby (Wonka, Paddington 2, Ghosts) and directed by Ben Gregor (Britannia, Cuckoo, Black Ops), The Magic Faraway Tree is produced by Academy Award-nominee Pippa Harris (Empire of Light, 1917, Call the Midwife) and Nicolas Brown (Britannia, Informer, Penny Dreadful), alongside Danny Perkins (Greatest Days) and Jane Hooks (Golda, Living). Executive producers include Simon Williams, Joe Simpson, Jonathan Bross, and Tamara Birkemoe.

The trailer promises a vibrant, whimsical, and heartwarming adventure, capturing the timeless magic of Blyton’s stories while bringing a fresh, cinematic perspective for modern audiences.

Sydney Harbour Sets the Scene for the Australian Premiere of Addition

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Cast and crew of Addition at the Australian premiere | Photo supplied by NIXCO

Against the glittering backdrop of Sydney Harbour, Westpac OpenAir played host to the Australian premiere of Addition on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. The event welcomed a host of film industry figures, with lead actress Teresa Palmer, director Marcelle Lunam, and acclaimed author Toni Jordan stepping onto the red carpet to celebrate the film’s long-awaited debut.

Adapted from Toni Jordan’s bestselling novel, Addition is a romantic comedy with heart, humour, and emotional depth. The film centres on Grace Lisa Vandenburg, portrayed by Teresa Palmer, a woman who navigates life through numbers. Grace counts everything — from the letters in her name to the poppy seeds scattered across her orange cake — believing numbers provide structure and meaning in an unpredictable world. Palmer brings a nuanced charm to the role, capturing both Grace’s meticulous nature and the vulnerability that lies beneath her carefully ordered life.

Palmer, fresh from her recent screen successes including Mix Tape and The Fall Guy, was warmly received by fans and media alike. Her performance anchors the film, offering a character study that is both playful and deeply resonant. Grace’s rigid routine is challenged when she meets Seamus, played by Joe Dempsie, whose spontaneous nature disrupts her numerical certainty and forces her to reconsider what truly matters.

Director Marcelle Lunam, making a confident statement with this adaptation, spoke about the delicate balance of honouring the source material while embracing cinema’s visual storytelling. Lunam’s direction leans into the story’s intimacy, allowing moments of quiet reflection to sit comfortably alongside the film’s romantic and comedic beats.

For author Toni Jordan, the premiere marked a milestone moment. Watching her much-loved characters take shape on screen was both surreal and gratifying, as she joined the cast and creative team to celebrate the film’s journey from page to screen. Jordan’s novel has long resonated with readers for its exploration of difference, love, and self-acceptance, themes that remain at the heart of the film adaptation.

The open-air screening added an extra layer of magic to the evening, with audiences settling in beneath the stars as the harbour lights shimmered in the distance. The setting reflected the film’s tone — warm, inviting, and quietly enchanting.

Australian Premiere of Addition | Photo supplied by NIXCO

At its core, Addition is a story about learning to embrace imperfection and recognising that life’s most meaningful moments cannot always be measured or counted. It’s a gentle reminder that love, connection and self-acceptance often arrive when we least expect them.

The Australian premiere signalled a strong start for Addition, positioning it as a crowd-pleasing romcom with substance and soul. With its relatable characters, thoughtful storytelling, and standout performances, the film is poised to connect with audiences seeking both entertainment and emotional resonance as it rolls out across cinemas.

Madman Entertainment Unveils Trailer and Artwork for Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice

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Madman Entertainment has revealed the first trailer and official artwork for No Other Choice, the highly anticipated darkly comic thriller from BAFTA Award-winning director Park Chan-wook (The Handmaiden, Oldboy). The film is set for release in Australian cinemas on 15 January 2026.

Based on Donald E. Westlake’s novel The Ax, No Other Choice tells the story of Man-su, a middle-aged man who, after being unexpectedly fired from a paper company where he dedicated 25 years, embarks on a determined job hunt. “If there is no opening for me, I’ll just have to get hired by creating one. I have no other choice,” he declares, setting off a chain of events that is as darkly humorous as it is suspenseful.

The film stars Lee Byung-hun (I Saw the Devil) and Son Ye-jin (The Last Princess), supported by an ensemble cast including Park Hee-soon (My Name), Lee Sung-min (The Spy Gone North), Yeom Hye-ran (The Glory), Cha Seung-won (Believer), and Yoo Yeon-seok (Mr. Sunshine). The screenplay is a collaboration between Park Chan-wook, Lee Kyoung-mi, Don McKellar, and Jahye Lee.

Following its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, No Other Choice has already generated buzz for its sharp direction, dark humour, and tightly wound narrative. Fans of Park Chan-wook can expect a story that blends suspense, satire, and a piercing look at ambition and desperation in modern life.

No Other Choice arrives in Australian cinemas on 15 January 2026, promising audiences a thrilling and darkly comedic cinematic experience to start the new year.