Ron’s Gone Wrong (2021, dir. Sarah Smith & Jean-Philippe Vine, with Octavio E. Rodriguez)

A socially-awkward boy gets a robot companion, except it’s malfunctioning. Generally straightforward (there’s some interesting darker edges and jokes) CG animation E.T. variant, that’s well-made if not really distinctive enough to set it apart from the likes of Big Hero 6 or The Mitchells Vs The Machines.

Here’s the trailer.

The Favourite (2018, dir. Yorgos Lanthimos)

A young woman, new at court, works to undermine her cousin and become the favoured companion of Queen Anne. Smart drama with a darkly comic sensibility, flirting between arthouse and mainstream. Excellent performances throughout, even if it bears only a passing resemblance to the actual history.

Here’s the trailer.

Them That Follow (2019, dir. Britt Poulton & Dan Madison Savage)

An Appalachian pastor’s daughter hides her secret from her father. Excellent, unsentimental slow-burn drama with thriller elements. Slightly starry casting is initially distracting, but this is structured impressively, looks great, and works hard to not judge. Recommended.