Alex B Cann film column - tales of love, loss, hope and redemption 20/02/26

If you saw Time, the Jimmy McGovern-penned prison drama starring Sean Bean, Wasteman certainly shares some of that show's DNA. It's an unflinching, gritty look at prison life, as we follow life behind bars for Taylor (David Jonsson) and Dee (Tom Blyth). Taylor is on the brink of release after serving thirteen years, and doing his best to keep his nose clean, but circumstances intervene to make this a whole lot more difficult. He's also desperate to reconnect with his son.

At times, the atmosphere is more tense than a certain infamous Newsnight interview, and I found myself rooting for Taylor to stay on the straight and narrow, and start the next chapter of his life. Some characters are fairly thinly drawn, but the main two whose cell we spent most of the time in are well written, as their relationship goes through a whole load of peaks and troughs in a matter of days. I was on the edge of my seat for much of the film. HMP Slade and Porridge have nothing on this.

Luther : Never Too Much (Sky) is a beautiful portrait of a soul legend gone too soon, which only made it to the big screen for one night in January 2025. He really was a shining star, and it's incredibly heartbreaking to see how much focus was put on his weight and sexuality in a succession of interviews over the years. There's a lot about his story I didn't know, including his appearances on Seasame Street and lifelong friendship with David Bowie, who played a big part in his early success. There are lovely recollections from the likes of Mariah Carey, Dionnne Warwick, Nile Rodgers and Roberta Flack. It's clear Luther's love for writing and singing music never waned, and Dance WIth My Father will be even more poignant to listen to after watching this lovely, wholesome tribute. As the man himself once sung, he really was So Amazing.

For Valentine's night, Sofia and I rewatched the 90s classic Sleepless In Seattle. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan fizz with chemistry, and the scene at the top of the Empire State Building hasn't lost any of its magic. It was back in cinemas last weekend, and remains a gem of the decade. The only thing that really gave its age away was the ancient computers in an office scene, and the fact there was a radio phone-in that didn't feature tiresome political ranting about small boats.

And if Jessie Buckley doesn't pick up the Oscar for Best Actress off the back of Hamnet, I'll be amazed, quite frankly. It's an astonishing performance. The film wasn't really my bag, but I appreciated how good it was. As my wife said afterwards, it makes Shakespear a lot more accessible to those who find it daunting. It's a gruelling watch, and explores how the tragic life and death of the Bard's son influenced Hamlet.

Next week, Goat, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die, and Crime 101 should all feature!