In the world of cinema and theatre in 2023, numerous films have delivered captivating narratives. Some deeply touched the hearts and minds of viewers, while others explored the intricacies of the human psyche. A few sought to unravel historical events. Ranging from historical epics to journeys of self-discovery, these films offer a diverse tapestry of stories that connect with audiences on various levels. They’ve elicited laughter, tears, and, most significantly, introspection. Here is a round of the top 10 of the most promising films of the year that went by.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by Martin Scorsese, is a visual manifestation of the gripping nonfiction work, The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, penned by American journalist David Grann in 2017. Scorsese, known for his collaborative prowess, brings together the formidable duo of Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro to weave a new epic saga that unfolds against the backdrop of historical intrigue. It is available on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.
Oppenheimer
Oppenheimer, directed by the visionary Christopher Nolan, delves into the pages of World War II history. Lieutenant General Leslie Groves Jr. appointed physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer to contribute to the clandestine Manhattan Project, where years of dedicated effort culminated in the creation of the atomic bomb. The movie is set against the pivotal moment of July 16, 1945, when the world witnesses its first nuclear explosion. The film features Cillian Murphy in the titular role and an amazing appearance by Robert Downey Junior. It is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
Barbie
Greta Gerwig takes on the monumental challenge of bringing Barbie to the big screen, transcending expectations of a mere commercial venture. In a tongue-in-cheek exploration of self-realisation, the film plays as a saga filtered through both the spirit of free play and the sobering realisation that life is not all fun and games. Gerwig and her team, including producer and star Margot Robbie, deliver a narrative that navigates the complexities of existence. It is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
Origin
Ava Duvernay’s Origin marks her return to feature filmmaking after five years, presenting an adaptation of Isabel Wilkerson’s profound nonfiction study, Caste. The film seamlessly weaves historical mystery and memoir, making the writer, portrayed by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, the central protagonist. Duvernay’s ability to traverse historical events and anecdotes creates a powerful narrative that blurs the lines between an essay film and melodrama. You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video.
Past lives
In the poignant debut film Past Lives by writer-director Celine Song, a Korean immigrant navigates the intricate web of missed opportunities and the mournful beauty of life’s choices. The film reflects on the inevitability of roads not taken and explores the emotional terrain of yearning, acknowledging it as an integral part of the human experience. It is available on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.
All of Us Strangers
Andrew Haigh’s All of Us Strangers presents an extraordinary ode to memory, family, and the complexities of unfinished business. The narrative, centred around a writer played by Andrew Scott, explores the rocky terrain of reluctance to love, intertwining elements of family dynamics and personal history.
Return to Seoul
Return to Seoul introduces visual artist Park Ji-min in her debut acting role, portraying a young woman on a quest to uncover her past. Davy Chou’s identity crisis drama unfolds as Frédérique, a Korean-born, French-bred millennial, navigates the complexities of connecting with her birth parents while indulging in self-discovery. It is available on Amazon Prime Video.
Beau Is Afraid
Ari Aster returns with Beau Is Afraid, a dark comedy of the soul following Beau, played by Joaquin Phoenix, on a Freudian journey triggered by his mother’s death. The film traverses a fairy-tale world of grieving suburbanites, PTSD-suffering soldiers, and a monstrous maternal figure, offering a unique exploration of the human psyche. It is available on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube Movies.
Priscilla
Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, adapted from Priscilla Presley’s memoir, unfolds with infinite tenderness. Jacob Elordi portrays Elvis, a troubled artist, while Cailee Spaeny shines as Priscilla, guiding the audience through the extraordinary yet painful span of one woman’s life.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret provides a poignant coming-of-age narrative adapted from Judy Blume’s classic. Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, the film, featuring a stellar cast, explores the complexities of adolescence and subtly addresses the nuances of bidding farewell to youth as women embrace middle age. It is available to watch on Netflix.
Comments
0 comment