Emergency (15)
Directed by Carey Williams
★★★★

AT FIRST glance this seems like your classic college comedy, but in fact it’s a smart and thought-provoking examination of racism, racial profiling and the police.

Taking place over the course of one night, two black college students find an unknown, drunk and semi-conscious white girl (Maddie Nichols) in their house.

Straight-A student heading for Princeton Kunle (Donald Elise) insists on calling the cops, but his streetwise childhood friend Sean (RJ Cyler) points out how it will look when they appear: two black men, one latino guy (their housemate Carlos) and an unconscious white woman. They will be considered prime suspects.

As they debate the pros and cons and time is passing, they decide to load her into Sean’s van, take her to a safe place and, instead of their fun-filled night of partying round the clock, an evening of angst, mayhem and disaster ensues as they are pursued by her worried sister (Sabrina Carpenter).

Directed by Carey Williams and written by KD Davila — developed from a short film they made together — this is as funny as it is truly disturbing and driven by standout performances. Whether or not to call the emergency services for fear of racial reprisals is the question at the heart of this comedy — it should never be a factor.

However, it is exceedingly sad but true and a wake-up call for Kunle — the idealist and good samaritan.

As the camera pans in on his face at the end of the film, his look of shock and awe says it all.

Maria Duarte
In cinemas

The Innocents (15)
Directed by Eskil Vogt
★★★★

THERE is nothing innocent about the young kids in this deliciously chilling supernatural thriller and awaited follow-up film from Oscar-nominated writer-director Eskil Vogt.

Set in Norway over the summer, it follows four youngsters, including two sisters (one severely autistic), on a housing estate as they develop mysterious powers which take a dark and violent turn, unbeknownst to the adults in their lives.

Vogt’s (The Worst Person in the World) slow-burning tale is brought home by the exceptional performances from his young cast — Rakel Lenora Flottum, Alva Brynsmo Ramstad, Sam Ashraf and Mina Yasmin Bremseth Asheim — in this refreshingly imaginative horror film.

It subverts our notion of the innocence of youth as two of the children, Ida (a mesmerising Flottum) and Ben (Ashraf), despite their sweet and innocent appearances are actually mean and vindictive — over the course of the film manifesting killer instincts as they turn from friends into enemies.

Somewhat reminiscent of Children of the Damned, these kids are just as creepy and frightening in their own way — one horror film that is not to be missed.

Maria Duarte
In cinemas

A-ha: The Movie (12A)
Directed by Thomas Robsahm
★★★★

IF YOU thought the 1980s Norwegian pop band A-ha was a two-hit wonder, then this eye-opening film will re-educate you about the band who have been together now for more than 35 years and sold over 50 million records.

It follows the band over four years, featuring new candid interviews with each of the three members and previously unreleased behind-the-scenes footage, combined with striking animation.

It is absolutely captivating and riveting viewing as writer-director Thomas Robsahm and director of photography and co-director Aslaug Holm take a deep and complex dive into the rise of this pop group and their ensuing creative conflicts.

There are no divas or villains, just three guys striving to make the best music they can — though they each travel to their gigs in separate cars and only meet on stage.

For me, one of the major highlights is their exquisite acoustic rendition of huge hit Take On Me.

It is an illuminating and uplifting ride which by the end gives you a greater appreciation of this much underrated band, set to tour the UK next week.

MD
In cinemas May 20

Murina (15)
Directed by Antoneta Alamat Kusijanovic
★★★

A TEENAGER finds herself trapped in a Croatian paradise island and controlled by her domineering chauvinistic father in this coming-of-age tale with a twist — an impressive debut feature by Antoneta Alamat Kusijanovic.

Julija (a phenomenal Gracija Filipovic) will do whatever it takes to escape her dad (Leon Lucev) and live life her own way. Her chance presents itself with the arrival of her parents’ wealthy foreign friend Javi (Cliff Curtis), who is there for a business deal and who seems to have feelings for her mother (Danica Curcic).

The film examines the tensions his arrival causes among the family and how he empowers Julija to fight against the sexism and chauvinism rampant on the island and to recognise her father for who he is: a violent bully.

It isn’t clear what Javi has done to her parents in the past or why her mum insists on standing by this brute of a husband and father, which proves frustrating. However, beautifully acted with stunning vistas, this is a compelling and skilfully crafted drama.

MD
On digital platforms May 23