I am currently working on a project about Doctor Who and autism/neurodivergence. If this is a subject you have thoughts on/experience of, please do get in touch!

In the latest issue of @sightsoundmag.bsky.social, Sophie Monks Kaufman beautifully reviews The Stimming Pool. Alongside it I have written a short guide to three more films by neurodivergent filmmakers to celebrate the Stims Collective season Stimema: The Neurodiverse World On Screen.

I am delighted to have an essay in this book of the most esteemed film writers, exploring the childhoods of my grandparents in the wake of the Blitz through the lens of Ealing Studios and Powell & Pressburger. Order a copy now! we-love-cinema.com/big-smoke-bi...

The connection between Doctor Who and autism goes back to its very beginning. I had great fun teasing out the neurodiversity of the show for the latest issue of Doctor Who Magazine, available now.

It has been a truly horrendous year. Music is so often the only thing that keeps me stable, and I was heartbroken that my accident prevented me from attending the 2024 Proms. The greatest guiding light was this new recording of my favourite opera, Alcina, which I have listened to every day.

Another incredible concert from Caroline Shaw and Sō Percussion (featuring Ringdown) at the Barbican this evening. If you haven’t heard their cover of ‘Lay All Your Love on Me’ I highly recommend you do so.

The gorgeous 4K restoration of Watership Down is available to purchase now, featuring a book with a chapter I wrote on the books of Richard Adams. So pleased this is finally being published. shop.bfi.org.uk/watership-do...

It has to be Léger, always Léger. I think Suite for Barbara Loden is probably the only book one ever needs to read to be a film critic.

The Last Showgirl feels like a film from the 1970s, calling to mind Ash Wednesday, Ship of Fools, and Fedora. Pamela Anderson embodies her character completely, sensitively navigating the complexity of ageing in show business. An honour to hear her speak after the screening.

I’m gutted that I had to drop out of introducing Desert Hearts at the Garden Cinema this evening for medical reasons. I wanted to talk about @alpember.bsky.social’s wonderful season, and the inclusion of this remarkable film as a “trailblazer”.

Finally framed my Powell and Pressburger season poster. I cannot believe that was a year ago, just the best three months of cinema.

Had an emotional evening watching the new documentary about Merchant Ivory. Seeing the man who made some of the films that defined me still towering and eloquent at the age of 96 was extraordinary. I am reminded once again what a perfect film The Remains of the Day is.

Me successfully changing my Bluesky handle to my domain name.

I had an excellent day at the Technē student-led conference examining the intersections between academia and creative practice, ranging from Kathy Acker to LGBTQ+ Travellers. Wonderful to meet more of my cohort as well.

Watching You’ve Got Mail long-distance with my fiancée and it has never felt closer to home. PSA: I will be dressing like Meg Ryan in this film for the foreseeable future.

Never forget Nicholas Hardiment in Tamara Drewe.

I’m seeing a lot of disgruntlement about Emilia Pérez, a film I adored. A raucous contemporary opera, I found it as outrageous as it was delicate and moving. The stylisation, not least Zoe Saldaña’s YSL suit, and choreography are immaculate and modern. I wouldn’t take it too seriously.

I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the Royal Opera’s production of The Tales of Hoffmann all week. Such a giddy play with the material, with staging decisions ranging from giant stilts and mouse ballet to a roving eyeball and a smashed cello. It’s been a while since I felt so energised.