Sentimental Value. Directed by Joachim Trier
Sentimental Value is not the movie you think it is. Based on its synopsis, you would expect it to be this loud, overtly dramatic take on the complexities of family relationships. However, as this is a Joachim Trier film, he takes his time, simmering us in this family drama, and once it finally reaches its boiling point, it hits you like a brick wall of emotions. Beautifully quiet and restrained, Sentimental Value is a moving look into the complexities of family and mental health. Led by Renate Reinsve, Stellen Skarsgard, Elle Fanning, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, who all give beautiful performances, Sentimental Value will rock you to your core.
Sirat. Directed by Oliver Laxe
Sirat is an experience, an experience that will shake you to your bones, literally and physically. While it does abandon its narrative about 30 minutes into the feature, there is no denying the vibes of this movie. From the pounding score to the existential dread of the end in a never ending desert, Sirat is an experience you won’t forget through the hellish landscape of the Sahara Desert, for better or for worse.
It Was Just an Accident. Directed by Jafar Panahi
After spending years in and out of prison in Iran for his supposed “crimes against the regime”, Iranian director Jafar Panahi lets his anger and hatred free with his Palme d’Or winning feature It Was Just an Accident. A rallying cry against the tyrannical Iranian regime, Panahi crafts a meticulously crafted and tightly knit thriller, deep in the depth of morality, vengeance, and asking the question “what would you do to the man who tortured you?”. Would you kill him? Would you torture him till he wishes he was never born? Or would you let your anger out on him, but set him free? This question is at the heart of It Was Just an Accident, and it will shake your soul as you see what the cruelty of humanity can do to a person. Sharp and boldly political, It Was Just an Accident is not only one of the best films of the year, but one of the most courageous.
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie. Directed by Matt Johnson
The less you know about Nirvanna the Band the Show The Movie, it will be for the better. Based off of the cult Canadian television series that I have never seen, Nirvanna is the perfect buddy movie. Ridiculous, silly, and laugh-out-loud funny, it is a perfect cinematic experience to watch with a sold out crowd, especially the notorious Midnight Madness Audience.
Motor City. Directed by Potsy Ponciroli.
While not as action packed as I expected, Motor City is the perfect dose of testosterone to have at a film festival. Violent, brutal, and the right amount of twisted fun, Motor City is a perfect homage to the macho man blockbusters of the 1970s and 80s. But in its own little twist, the entire movie is almost entirely free of dialogue, and instead relies on the performances from the ensemble cast, and needle drops of the greatest hits of the 70s and 80s. While a bit cheesy at points, it makes for a fun ride. And with Alan Richardson dominating the screen, it is hard not to have fun with your dad’s favorite new movie.
No Other Choice. Directed by Park Chan-wook
Leave it to Park Chan-wook to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience about how it really sucks to be alive sometimes. Dark, uncomfortable, and hilarious, No Other Choice throws us into the stresses of unemployment. Led by Lee Byung-hun, who delivers one of the best performances of the year, and Park’s masterful, stylized direction, delivers one of the best films of the year.
Steve. Directed by Tim Mielants
Despite a fantastic setting and brilliant performances from Cillian Murphy and Jay Lyncurgo, Steve gets lost in its own story. With only 90 minutes, the film never settles into a groove as there is simply too much story to cover in too little time. While it has its moments and is undoubtedly well made, Steve is just as lost as its main characters.
The Lost Bus. Directed by Paul Greengrass
Despite stalling for about 30 minutes, once The Lost Bus gets going it is one of the most unnerving cinematic experiences of the year. Harrowing, chilling, and outright terrifying, The Lost Bus is a survival thriller not for the weak as we follow a bus driver and a bus full of children escape a wildfire disaster. An immersive experience that throws you straight into the wildfires through impressive CGI and sound design that will have you on the edge of your seat, unable to sit still. Though a bit flawed, The Lost Bus is a cinematic experience you won’t forget.
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