My top picks of the 2015 New Zealand International Film Festival so far are '71 and Ex-Machina.
In '71, rising star Jack O'Connell plays a young British soldier posted to Belfast in 1971, a city where the streets are a blood-drenched warzone, the British are not welcome.
When the new recruit gets separated from the troops he finds himself injured and on the run as darkness falls, chased by a splinter group of young nationalists relentless in their mission to kill him.
Living among those who want him dead, he finds some brave enough to help him, but can he survive the night.
O'Connell's performance is yet more proof this actor is destined for truly great things, and this is an intensely assured first feature for French filmmaker Yann Demange. Gripping, terrifying, simple but complex, '71 is an excellent watch.
Alex Garland writes and directs Ex-Machina, an intimate exploration of what artificial intelligence could look like, sound like and behave like, against the very human backdrop of the emotional interaction between two men - one her creator; the other, his employee.
The balance of power between them, their relationship with the very beautiful A.I. Ava, and what she really represents, it all forms a heady, cerebral mix to contemplate, and I contemplate it still.
Although this pair are the best of the fest so far, there are of course plenty still on the menu to come.
More information on Ex Machina, '71 and all other films at the festival is available on the 2015 New Zealand Film Festival website.
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