What a year for movies it has been! February and March are exciting months for Kevin and me. Every year, we get together to highlight and award some of our favorite movies and series from the past year. As the 4th year of our favorite tradition comes to a close, we decided to compile a list of our favorite movies of 2023 and share our reflections on how these movies impacted us in a personal way. And more importantly, we just want to share our love for these films with you, our followers.
Anatomy of a Fall
Anatomy of a Fall is a gripping and intricate drama centered around the complexities of marriage. Sandra Hüller delivers a mesmerizing performance as a German woman who lives with her husband and son in a remote town in the French Alps. When her husband is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Sandra becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation that exposes the secrets and lies of their marriage. Truly embodying her character, Hüller navigates her character’s layers, revealing vulnerability while maintaining ambiguity.
Director Justine Triet masterfully constructs a cinematic puzzle that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. This film is not your typical whodunit; instead, it’s a psychological drama delving into the depths of character motivations and emotions. Triet meticulously challenges the assumptions and prejudices of the legal system, the media, and society, especially when it comes to the role and representation of women. Anatomy of a Fall is a film that honors the truth, but also questions it, while never revealing it.
– Kevin
Barbie
“You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line. It’s too hard! It’s too contradictory and nobody gives you a medal or says thank you! And it turns out in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong, but also everything is your fault.”
Who can forget this scene? Gloria’s monologue (played by America Ferrera) is one of the most impactful scenes in Barbie. If you’ve seen the movie, then you know exactly what I’m talking about; an unforgettable moment, especially for women. I have to admit, watching this scene for the first time in theaters had me in tears. And then I was in tears again when I watched the clip. And then again when I re-read the monologue for this reflection! This monologue hit every nerve in my body, and I could feel it ricocheting through the movie theater as I shared this moment with the girls and women watching. This is exactly what it’s like to be a woman.
On the surface, Barbie can be seen as a simplistic movie with a digestible message about a plastic doll’s desire to be human. But it’s SO much more than that. Barbie is my favorite movie of 2023 not only because of its powerful message that anyone and everyone could understand and connect with but because of Greta Gerwig’s creative angle and execution, considering all the amazing details that went into making it a success (and there were millions of factors). This movie has depth. It takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. It’s funny. It’s entertaining. It’s compassionate. It’s bold. It’s human. When I ask myself, what is a movie I can watch over and over again? What is a movie I would want my future children to watch, a movie for future generations to re-watch? It’s Barbie.
– Jess
Oppenheimer
Oppenheimer, under the visionary direction of Christopher Nolan, is a cinematic masterpiece about the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb. Cillian Murphy delivers a tour-de-force performance, portraying Oppenheimer with nuanced and compelling depth as he wrestles with the moral and ethical implications of his invention. Supported by an outstanding ensemble cast, including Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, and Florence Pugh, the film skillfully weaves together the scientific, historical, and personal aspects of Oppenheimer’s story.
Beyond the film, Nolan’s brilliant script raises timely questions about the intersection of science, politics, and ethics, which reflects the global landscape of uncertainty and potential destruction that we currently face. As his most mature movie yet, Nolan employs his signature non-linear storytelling while maintaining an engrossing narrative with masterful direction. The film’s visual impact benefits from Nolan’s trademark use of practical effects and IMAX cameras, particularly during the breathtaking Trinity test. Oppenheimer is not only a fitting tribute to its titular character but also a thought-provoking exploration that challenges audiences to reflect critically and compassionately on the profound impact of his work.
– Kevin
Past Lives
Past Lives’ rise to the top of my “Favorites” list was completely unexpected. I don’t typically love this genre or style of film; I’m usually drawn to movies that are “loud” and action-packed, movies that have a complex plot line, and the stereotypical “bold” characters. But Past Lives is a subtle and quiet movie, one with immense emotional depth and intensity without it boiling over the top. Not to mention, Past Lives is just a beautiful-looking movie. From Seoul to New York City, the phenomenal cinematography captured the essence of time and space.
But the artistry of the movie shines through in the subtle yet heartfelt interaction between Nora, played by Greta Lee, and Hae Sung, played by Teo Yoo. Greta Lee’s performance was so powerful in that her character carried these emotions all the way through to the end, and as a viewer, I was on that journey with her without even knowing it. This movie had me fooled. I actually didn’t even know how I felt about the movie until the very end. I wasn’t expecting to cry, yet Nora’s emotional unraveling triggered something in me. I realized then, how profound is that? How a character can bring you so deep into their emotion that you are reminded of what those things felt like for you, in your own experience. After all, I think we can all relate to the idea of grieving a lost love whether you had closure or not, or all the “what ifs” and “what could’ve beens,” accepting what is, where our choices have led us, and where we are now.
– Jess
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse isn’t just another superhero movie; it’s a breathtaking journey of self-discovery wrapped in stunning animation. From the moment the vibrant colors burst onto the screen, I was enamored by the sheer beauty of the visuals. Every frame felt meticulously crafted, but beneath its visually striking surface lies a profound exploration of identity and belonging, the heart of this very human story. While the superhero elements are undeniably thrilling, it’s the heartfelt journey of self-discovery that truly resonates. Miles Morales’ quest to find his place in the world transcends the superhero genre, touching upon themes of self-doubt, growth, and acceptance.
What struck me most was the film’s portrayal of Miles’ relationship with his parents. In particular, the deep bond he shares with his mother and the complexities of their dynamic added layers of depth to the narrative. As someone who remembers what it’s like to be a teenager, I found myself deeply moved by Miles’ emotional journey. Miles’ struggles with self-doubt and uncertainty while navigating the complexities of adolescence felt incredibly authentic. It’s a reminder that, regardless of our circumstances, we all grapple with the challenges of growing up and finding our place in the world. But perhaps what sets this film apart is its innovative approach to the multiverse concept. The seamless blending of different dimensions and Spider-People felt both creative and cohesive, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already exhilarating storyline, not to mention the bomb-ass soundtrack I kept listening to on repeat!
– Jess
The Zone of Interest
The Zone of Interest emerges as the film that surprised me the most in 2023, offering a daring exploration of the Holocaust from the perspective of the perpetrators rather than the victims. Unlike any other Holocaust film, director Jonathan Glazer refrains from graphic and explicit depictions of this atrocity. Instead, he employs a subtle and suggestive approach using sounds, shadows, and glimpses that leave much to the imagination, creating a lingering sense of horror and suspense.
The Zone of Interest is a film that challenges and provokes us, as it questions our moral and historical assumptions, skillfully making us see ourselves in the ordinary individuals corrupted by a monstrous system. Glazer effectively dismantles the notion that the events of the Holocaust are distant, urging us to recognize the dark side of human nature within our own lives. One of the most unsettling truths that this film unmasks is that comfort itself can be a sin, and everybody is guilty of this on some level. We all find a rationale that permits us to enjoy the niceties of our little worlds even when there is horror around us. The Zone of Interest reminds us of the profitability of war, genocide, and chaos in contemporary society through a thought-provoking cinematic experience that will resonate long after the credits roll.
– Kevin
