“Beau is Afraid” (2023) is a film by Ari Aster that presents itself as a touching and timely cinematic work, addressing the theme of self-other relationships (parents) with depth, ambiguity, horror undertones, and a constant sense of anxiety. The plot follows Beau as he grapples with his fears and inner demons, offering an inevitable and, at times, raw glimpse into human fragility. The direction, attentive to symbolism, and the emotionally charged performances of the cast, along with the narrative structure reminiscent of a tumultuous journey, make this film a work that stands out for its authenticity. Defined by some as a nightmare comedy, the film offers an intriguing perspective on the state of cinema in 2023, despite its disappointing box office performance.
Click here to discover where to watch it: JUSTWATCH. You can find the trailer at this link.
5. “Past Lives”
“Past Lives” marks the cinematic debut of Celine Song (director) and Greta Lee (actress). It’s an absolutely engaging film that delivers exceptional sequences, such as the taxi waiting scene. The plot on IMDb reads as follows: Nora and Hae Sung, two childhood friends deeply bonded, are separated when Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Twenty years later, they reunite for a fateful week as they confront concepts of love, destiny, and the choices that determine a life.
From Celine Song’s direction to the performances by Greta Lee and the other actors, the film is a gem of balance and delicacy that draws viewers into the story, bringing them close to the characters without ever indulging in judgments except in underlining the inevitability of certain dynamics, which are nonetheless dramatic.
Click here to discover where to watch it: JUSTWATCH. You can find the trailer at this link.
4. “Oppenheimer”
A majestic film like ‘Oppenheimer’ by Christopher Nolan takes the fourth place on this list. There’s not much to add about a film that has been talked about so much. The plot is well-known, fundamentally revolving around the figure of J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II. Crafted like a time bomb, the film delves into the depth of the character, his dilemmas, and the concept of ‘guilt’ associated with the use of technology and its effects, without ever becoming didactic, but rather supported by very interesting visual concepts and a few thunderous scenes.
‘Oppenheimer’ sees Nolan returning to a direction without intellectualistic embellishments (which seemed to be self-serving in some of his recent works), offering an intense narrative and a cast of actors, including Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr., at the peak of their splendor.
P.S.: It’s a film for the big screen that shines best in the grandeur of a cinema screen and with a powerful audio system like those found in contemporary theaters.
Click here to discover where to watch it: JUSTWATCH. You can find the trailer at this link.
And now, let’s move on to the top three of this list.
