Učiteľka (The Teacher) (2016)
Dry, scathing humour permeates poisonous drama of teacher Zuzana Mauréry exploiting parents in return for promoting students' academic results. Elegant visuals conjure playful 80s aesthetic while strong performances revel in sharply drawn characters and political shadings reverberate.
Uglies (2024)
Future world mandate of forced beautification at sixteen unsurprisingly also means bland conformity to authoritarian rule, as eager Joey King discovers dystopian truths. Dramatic potential of social identity amid sci-fi action is undone by clunky exposition and awkward staging.
Uiroein (The Client) (2011)
Told with stylish, off-kilter visuals to propel twisting narrative revelations, confident lawyer Ha Jung-woo defends murder suspect Jang Hyuk against police coverup, until discovering his client was previously accused of being a serial killer. Solidly entertaining mystery thriller.
Umi yori mo Mada Fukaku (After The Storm) (2016)
The typhoon threatening to strike is a flavour that sees broken parents and their son spend the night with poignantly wise grandmother Kirin Kiti. Family dynamics, of life's imperfections and dreams, is expertly, affectingly captured.
Uncle Silas (1947)
Gorgeously mounted and designed production, with striking Robert Krasker photography, as innocent Jean Simmons is abused by malicious guardian Derrick de Marnay. Uneven tone veers from broad comedy to Gothic thriller. When it clicks together, enormous fun.
Under Capricorn (1949)
Strangely inert and uninvolving, despite the swooning camera and rich Technicolor. Individual scenes see Ingrid Bergman and Joseph Cotton struggle to bring humanity to stilted dialog while the pressures of suppressed secrets and desires never truly convinces.
Under My Skin (1950)
Suitably conflicted jockey John Garfield works European courses, always on the move with young son to outrun debts and gangsters. Plainly told, solidly produced melodrama benefits from spirited club owner chanteuse Micheline Presle and intense lead on way to tragic reach for redemption.
Under The Skin (2013)
Precise and coldly ambivalent, an irritant of a soundtrack aligns with edgy editing, as Scarlett Johansson's alien visitor seduces and consumes men. An isolated, unsettling experience, with striking images and impenetrable perspective, both intoxicating and perplexing.
Undercover Blues (1993)
Kathleen Turner and Dennis Quaid make for appealing spy partners in New Orleans, baby in tow, before being persuaded out of retirement to prevent manic Fiona Shaw dealing to terrorists. Brisk storytelling provides uncomplicated, uninspired gags, enjoyable in the moment though lacking bite.
Undertow (1949)
Swift and functional, crafted to persecute hero with innocent Scott Brady unable to escape criminal past and framed for murder. Finding only refuge on the run with supportive Peggy Dow, efficient rather than ambitious, urban paranoia feeds quest to uncover the truth.
Underwater (2020)
B-movie monster antics dressed up with gleaming modern cinematic production values which maintains interest but also highlights the emptiness. Action is unrelenting as Kristen Stewart attempts to escape a base miles beneath the surface. Enjoyable while it lasts.
Unfaithfully Yours (1948)
Renowned conductor Rex Harrison is suspicious of wife Linda Darnell's fidelity and fantasizes revenge during a concert, before his real-life plans go awry. A blackly dexterous blend of slapstick and sharp dialog, told with immaculate narrative design and aided by a fine cast.
Unforgettable (1996) Convoluted, goofy cop thriller sci-fi mashup, packed with enough action and suspense incident without quite building momentum to a cathartic conclusion. Obsessed Ray Liotta chases his wife's murderer, using anxious Linda Fiorentino's serum to enter victims' memories.
The Unforgivable (2021)
Distractingly worn and bruised Sandra Bullock provides the grim ballast for a tale of guilt, revenge and redemption, out of prison and attempting to reconnect with her younger sister. Strong cast struggles with narrative strains. Emotions build to moving conclusion.
The Uninvited (1944)
Carefully crafted atmosphere makes most of rugged clifftop location and haunted mansion's deep shadows as skeptical Ray Milland and sympathetic Ruth Hussey find new home's spooky presence is linked to young neighbor Gail Russell. As much mystery as nervy ghost story, tends to falter when more lighthearted.
The Union (2024)
Flatly staged action comedy imagines titular spy operation comprised of blue collar operatives with bemused Mark Wahlberg whisked from New Jersey to London by old sweetheart and international agent Halle Berry as new recruit. Critical lack of invention and unpersuasive characters undermine involvement.
The Unseen (1945)
Suitably shadowy images accentuate innocent governess Gail Russell's unsettling introduction to children of gruff Joel McCrea, who may be wife killer or whose home may be haunted. Despite solid cast, evocative production eventually loses focus and predictable outcome saps tension.
Unstoppable (2010)
Living up to title, fluid technique and propulsive rhythms ratchet up tension as seasoned engineer Denzel Washington and newbie Chris Pine chase after runaway freight train loaded with flammable cargo. Unsubtle politics and characterization carried by loud, gripping action.
Unstoppable (2024)
Rousing true life episode of one legged wrestler overcoming prejudice and family conflict with adopted father on way to be champion. Solidly told if unremarkably structured, personal triumphs elevated by lead Jharrel Jerome and honest emotion of Jennifer Lopez's struggling mother.
Untamed (1955)
Told with a sweeping, epic scale, production and visuals remain impressive. However, fragmented narrative and soggy period melodrama lack resonance despite unshakeable Susan Hayward and dauntless Tryone Power, as they seek land, independence and romance in South Africa.
Untraceable (2008)
Technically solid, fluidly told revenge thriller as killer creates increasingly popular website for public to view elaborate murders live. Gruesome effects muddy prescient social themes and story unravels towards end, despite persuasive Diane Lane's intense FBI agent.
Upgraded (2024)
Breezy comedy focuses on last chance for ambitious Camila Mendes to fulfill career in rarefied pretension and ruthlessness of art world. Supporting cast provides spark, though romantic confusion with wealthy Archie Renaux remains less certain amid bland London loctions.
The Upturned Glass (1947)
Bleak and cold-hearted tale of revenge and descent into madness, confidently if unimaginably made, which doesn't build tension until the end. James Mason's grim conviction peels away brutal layers with effective cruelty.
Ur spår (Off Track) (2022)
Struggling Katia Winter, on verge of losing child custody, is forced to move in with pedantic brother Fredrik Hallgren and finds redemptive purpose in long distance ski race. Amiable, plainly drawn characters deal with stress and personal flaws in smooth package that plays on light drama and appealing comedy.
Ute och cyklar (Off Track 2) (2025)
Wary Katia Winter faces commitment issues while exacting brother Fredrik Hallgren suffers marital tension with restless Rakel Wärmländer as they prepare for all day lakeside cycling race. Slavish, flat adherence to tone and character arcs from previous story provides diminishing returns.