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09 Jan 26
Happy new year, cinemagoers! Our 2025 was filled with great cinema and great writing thanks to our Fresh Takes scheme, where attendees from Picturehouse's U25 scheme put virtual pen to virtual paper and share their thoughts on all the best new releases.
To celebrate their work and look back on the year in film, we asked them to tell us their favourite films of the year and, in as many or as few words as they like, why it made the top spot. Needless to say, they've got great taste...
Why it's great: "Honestly, I could talk about my love and attachment to Sinners for hours, days, even years. I've genuinely never seen anything like it, and somehow it all comes together perfectly. Its representation of the Black American community is powerful, too: one of my absolute favourite moments is the dance sequence that moves through different eras of African-American music and culture. Every time I watch that scene, I get goosebumps. That moment alone is a masterpiece, but the film's whole story works as a beautifully layered allegory that sticks with you long after the film ends." Kadiatu, Clapham Picturehouse
Long story short: "What's better than one Michael B. Jordan? Two Michael B. Jordans." Katie, Clapham Picturehouse
Why it's great: "It's the perfect film for the chaotic times we live in. It might be nearly three hours long, but the time completely flies by. Fun, insightful and most of all, surprisingly heartwarming." Grace, City Screen Picturehouse
Long story short: "Need another PTA film immediately." Isaiah, The Ritzy
Why it's great: "I found Sorry, Baby's plot, and its message, really, really powerful. Eva Victor was able to create a moving yet humour-filled film that's also visually stunning, using ideas and images that aren't typical of this kind of story. I also found the acting great – Victor and Naomi Ackie did such a good job at bringing their characters to life." Matilda, Clapham Picturehouse
Long story short: "So much emotion conveyed through so much silence; heartbreaking yet invigorating." Hailey, Chester Picturehouse
Why it's great: "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is one of my favourite books, and while the 2025 adaptation makes many changes, the key themes and (most importantly) the soul remains. Jacob Elordi as the Creature is perhaps THE standout performance of the year for me; everything from his innocence and wonder to his destructive rage is phenomenal to watch. Also, everything looks and sounds lovely." Fresh Takes writer, Cinema City
Long story short: "Guillermo del Toro reached into his chest and compounded his dream project with every fibre of his bleeding, poetic heart." Bella, Greenwich Picturehouse
Why it's great: "More than any other film I saw this year, The Ballad of Wallis Island felt so heartfelt, like everyone who made it put so much love into it. Such a beautiful story – and one filled with amazing music!" Cora, The Cameo
Long story short: "It's FAB." Maisie, Duke's at Komedia
Want to write for Fresh Takes in 2026? Lucky enough to be aged 16-25? Sign up for Picturehouse U25 – our free scheme that brings you cheap tickets, chances to get creative, and all the latest film goodness. Find out more about Fresh Takes here, and sign up to U25 here.
