I could go on and on about how "Past Lives" will destroy you in the best possible way. Celine Song’s semi-autobiographical directorial debut about two childhood friends separated by emigration from South Korea who reunite as adults in New York City is the most honest and raw portrayal of the immigrant experience I’ve ever seen in theaters.
“Justine Triet won the Palme d’Or at Cannes with this film, and it’s easy to see why. The courtroom drama, which follows a woman suspected of murdering her husband, is clever, artful, and downright thrilling, even in its cross-examination scenes. Triet makes you question what’s true (and what isn’t), down to the very last lines of dialogue.
“Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio teamed up once again to superb result in this adaptation of David Grann’s bestseller, which revolves around a string of murders targeting members of the Osage Nation in 1920s Oklahoma. But it’s actress Lily Gladstone who far and away draws Scorsese’s camera like a magnet, and it is the betrayal and slow-boiling agony between her and DiCaprio’s character that make the film’s 3-hour-and-26-minute runtime well worth the investment.
“Greta Gerwig’s "Barbie" exceeded all my expectations. Her take on the eponymous doll navigating feminism in the real world combined with a killer soundtrack and some comic relief from Ryan Gosling as Ken was the key to box office gold.
"Poor Things" is a feast for the senses. Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone, experiences the world for the first time as she’s reborn in another’s body. This subverted Frankenstein tale is both outright hysterical and politically loaded.
"A Thousand and One" features Teyana Taylor's standout performance as a recently incarcerated young woman in Harlem who kidnaps her son from the foster care system. It is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and excited for Taylor's future on the big screen.
"The Boy and the Heron" is director Hayao Miyazaki's partially autobiographical story that follows young Mahito as he journeys into a fantastical realm looking for his mother. It's a feast for the eyes and soul, serving as both a powerful comeback and a prescient final bow.
"Maestro" is Bradley Cooper's unique love story of iconic composer Leonard Bernstein and actress Felicia Montealegre. It captures the essence of Bernstein's legacy through the study of their marriage.
"Gracie" is a fictionalized take on a ’90s tabloid sensation. Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman shine in their roles, circling each other like hawks, while Charles Melton plays the grown-up student caught in their web of self-interest.
"All of Us Strangers" is a gutting tale of an unexpected romance and unforeseen encounters. Andrew Haigh's film is an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you calling your loved ones.
"Across the Spider-Verse" improves upon its predecessor in this animated sequel. The expanding cast of Spider-Pals makes the franchise feel delightfully fresh.
"All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt" is a captivating film that assembles its narrative puzzle pieces with care. It depicts family, tragedy, young romance, and renewal in rural Mississippi with conviction and beauty.
"The Color Purple" gets reimagined with a stellar cast, including Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, and Fantasia Barrino Taylor. It is bolder and brighter than the original.
"Oppenheimer" is an entrancing and tortured biopic that explores themes of ambition and toxic masculinity. The stellar cast, including Emily Blunt and Florence Pugh, delivers powerful performances.
"The Holdovers" is a raw and charming tale of unexpected bonds formed over a Christmas break. Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph give hilarious and heartfelt performances.
"Worst onscreen boyfriend of the year goes to Tomas in "An Unexpected Love." This dizzying film explores Tomas' bad decisions and delves into themes of love and self-interest.
"Through the Realms of Starlight" is a captivating film that tackles themes of ambition, gender dynamics, and toxic masculinity. It features a remarkable performance by Alden Ehrenreich.
"American Fiction" is a scathing satire of the publishing industry. Jeffrey Wright delivers an excellent performance in this clever and tender tale of the fictions we tell each other.
"Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret." is a joyous coming-of-age film that captures the everyday trials of puberty and girlhood. The stellar cast, including Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates, brings the story to life.
The star-studded cast in "The French Dispatch" delivers exceptional performances in this zany and cryptic tale. The film explores the power of storytelling and what lies beyond our reach.
