Tucked in amongst the biggest arts festival in the world, the latest edition of the Edinburgh International Film Festival is nearly upon us. Back with its Midnight Madness strand, amazing In Conversation events, retrospective screenings, and a host of world and UK premieres, the programme is brimming with promise and potential. I have perused the offering to select five films to keep an eye out for this August…
Her Private Hell
A decade has passed since the last feature from Danish auteur Nicolas Winding Refn, known for his divisive ultraviolent pictures shot with a neon-sleaze style. His latest is sci-fi psychological horror Her Private Hell starring Sophie Thatcher and Charles Melton. It premiered at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year and was met with a typical mix of walkouts and ovation.
Queen at Sea
The brilliant Tom Courtenay is no stranger to EIFF having appeared in Andrew Haigh’s stunning drama 45 Years at the festival. He stars alongside the iconic French actor Juliette Binoche in Queen at Sea, the sophomore effort from writer and director Lance Hammer which won the coveted Silver Bear award in Berlin this year.
The Incomer
A winner at Sundance Film Festival, the directorial debut from Edinburgh-based filmmaker Louis Paxton will be the Opening Gala film this year. The Incomer stars Domnhall Gleeson and centres around squabbling siblings on a remote Scottish island. Festival director Paul Ridd has described it as “a delightful and moving comedy about loneliness, connection and the unknown”.
The Rise of the Footsoldier: Retribution
Part of the 18 certificate rated Midnight Madness strand, Rise of the Footsoldier: Retribution is the seventh chapter in what has become a cult series of British gangster flicks. This ambitious instalment of the franchise is set in Ibiza and follows the vicious Pat Tate (Craig Fairbrass) on his mission to avenge the murder of his best friend.
My 2023 interview with Craig Fairbrass on Rise of the Footsoldier: Vengeance
Extra Geography
Based on Rose Tremain’s 2007 short story of the same name, coming-of-age comedy Extra Geography marks the debut of director Molly Manners. It stars Marni Duggan and Galaxie Clear as two best friends at a British boarding school. Festival Producer Emma Boa has described it as a “fresh, charming and original drama with distinct personality and tone”.
Tickets for EIFF 2026 are on sale now at edfilmfest.org
Cinema Perspective 