Armageddon Time

Film-maker James Gray (Ad Astra) reflects on his adolescence for this thoughtful and moving coming-of-age drama. Taking its title from a song by the Clash, the film is set in 1980s New York, where 12-year-old Paul (Banks Repeta) has just begun sixth grade at a state school. Part of a Jewish-American family, Paul is close with his grandfather (Anthony Hopkins) but has a fractious relationship with his parents (Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong). That only worsens when he and his African-American classmate Johnny (Jaylin Webb) get into trouble at school, and Paul must learn hard lessons about race and class in 80s America. With the help of a strong script, young newcomers Webb and Repeta hold their own alongside Hathaway and Strong, with the latter giving a particularly committed performance. However, it's Hopkins who shines brightest, his emotive portrayal proving another late-career triumph. Despite the autobiographical story, Gray takes a tone that is more regretful than nostalgic, hammering home uncomfortable truths with intelligence and sensitivity.