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It’s December, which means award season is well and truly in motion. The weather is warm, and we’re ready to look back on the best movies 2023 — the ones that made us laugh, cry, and gasp. The ones that we’ll see win big at the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards and Oscars… and the ones we just had fun watching.
Much of this year’s film conversation has been dominated by Barbie and Oppenheimer — or Barbenheimer, if you prefer, but there are plenty of other incredible films that have been released this year that deserve attention, also.
From business drama Air to camp-classic M3GAN, and from Past Lives to Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, 2023 has delivered gripping drama, dazzling visuals, laughs, gasps, and more.
Without further ado, these are the best movies of 2023 so far.
The Best Movies of 2023 So Far
Air
Directed by: Ben Affleck
Written by: Alex Convery
Starring: Matt Damon, Jason Bateman, Ben Affleck
Synopsis: Follows the history of sports marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro, and how he led Nike in its pursuit of the greatest athlete in the history of basketball, Michael Jordan.
Where to watch: Streaming on Prime Video
The latest collaboration between longtime friends and collaborators Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, Air is a smartly directed drama that will keep your interest from start to finish. With great performances and a tight script, it’s an enjoyable watch that’s sure to be a crowdpleaser.
All of Us Strangers
Directed by: Andrew Haigh
Written by: Andrew Haigh, based on the novel by Taichi Yamada
Starring: Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Carter John Grout
Synopsis: A screenwriter drawn back to his childhood home enters into a fledgling relationship with a mysterious neighbour as he then discovers his parents appear to be living just as they were on the day they died, 30 years before.
Where to watch: In Australian cinemas January 18, 2024.
Adapted from Taichi Yamada’s Strangers, All of Us Strangers is a striking, haunting, and deeply moving film about love, grief, loneliness, and the nature of the human condition. Bring your tissues — when I caught this at the Adelaide Film Festival in October, the whole cinema was audibly sniffling.
All the Beauty and the Bloodshed
Directed by: Laura Poitras
Starring: Nan Goldin, David Velasco, Megan Kapler
Synopsis: Follows the life of artist Nan Goldin and the downfall of the Sackler family, the pharmaceutical dynasty who was greatly responsible for the opioid epidemic’s unfathomable death toll.
Where to watch: Streaming on Stan
If you liked Dopesick or Painkiller, then All the Beauty and the Bloodshed is an unmissable documentary to add to your watch-list. Nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 2023 Academy Awards, All the Beauty and the Bloodshed is an unflinching, unrelenting, and confronting look at the opioid crisis through the lens of Nan Goldin and her work.
Asteroid City
Directed by: Wes Anderson
Written by: Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola
Starring: Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks
Synopsis: Following a writer on his world famous fictional play about a grieving father who travels with his tech-obsessed family to small rural Asteroid City to compete in a junior stargazing event, only to have his world view disrupted forever.
Where to watch: Rent on Prime Video
Whether you respond well to Asteroid City or not will be largely dependent on your tolerance for Wes Anderson films in general, but if you’re a fan, then it will deliver. Asteroid City has all the eccentricities, style and of course, star-studded performances that we’ve come to expect from Anderson, and critics have been calling it his best film since Moonrise Kingdom.
Related: Ecological Grief and Uncontrollable Reality in Wes Anderson’s ‘Asteroid City’
Barbie
Directed by: Greta Gerwig
Written by: Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach
Starring: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera
Synopsis: Barbie suffers a crisis that leads her to question her world and her existence.
Where to watch: Rent on Prime Video
What can be said about Barbie that hasn’t already been said? The film is a certified phenomenon, and is on track to scoop up plenty of nominations when award season rolls around. From the pitch perfect performances, to the script that will make you laugh and cry, to the costumes, production design and the unbeatable soundtrack, there’s a reason Barbie has become a blockbuster.
Related: “An Extraordinary Blessing”: Greta Gerwig on the ‘Barbie’ Movie Hype
BlackBerry
Directed by: Matt Johnson
Written by: Matt Johnson and Matt Miller
Starring: Jay Baruchel, Glenn Howerton, Matt Johnson
Synopsis: The “true story” of the meteoric rise and catastrophic demise of the world’s first smartphone, BlackBerry is a whirlwind ride through a ruthlessly competitive Silicon Valley at breakneck speeds.
Where to watch: Rent on Prime Video
The BlackBerry was famously Kim Kardashian’s favourite phone for years, and now, there’s a film to document the journey of the iconic phone. BlackBerry is a smart, funny and fast-paced look at the both the company and the tech industry at the time.
With a great script and a highly praised performance from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia‘s Glenn Howerton, BlackBerry is an engaging, entertaining watch from start to finish.
Bottoms
Directed by: Emma Seligman
Written by: Emma Seligman and Rachel Sennott
Starring: Rachel Sennott, Ayo Edebiri, Ruby Cruz
Synopsis: Two unpopular queer high-school students start a fight club to have sex before graduation.
Where to watch: In cinemas now
A coming of age comedy that will have you laughing out loud from start to finish, Bottoms is destined to become a cult classic for Gen Z teens everywhere.
It’s the kind of film you can see being endlessly quoted in the same way that millennials had Superbad and Superstar back in the day, and it’s an incredibly worthy addition to the teen classics collection.
Cocaine Bear
Directed by: Elizabeth Banks
Written by: Jimmy Warden
Starring: Keri Russell, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson Jr.
Synopsis: An oddball group of cops, criminals, tourists and teens converge on a Georgia forest where a huge black bear goes on a murderous rampage after unintentionally ingesting cocaine.
Where to watch: Streaming on BINGE
Honestly, sometimes all the information that you need about a film is in the title — there’s really nothing else to add! The bear is on cocaine!
Creed III
Directed by: Michael B. Jordan
Written by: Keenan Coogler, Zach Baylin, Ryan Coogler
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors
Synopsis: Adonis has been thriving in both his career and family life, but when a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces, the face-off is more than just a fight.
Where to watch: Streaming on Prime Video
A solid addition to the Creed franchise that’s sure to engage fans, Creed III is also Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut. As a director, Jordan delivers a stylish film anchored with great performances (including his own) that pack an emotional punch.
Dumb Money
Directed by: Craig Gillespie
Written by: Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo, based on the book by Ben Mezrich
Starring: Paul Dano, Pete Davidson, Vincent D’Onofrio
Synopsis: David vs. Goliath tale about everyday people who flipped the script on Wall Street and got rich by turning GameStop (the video game store) into the world’s hottest company.
Where to watch: Rent on Prime Video
With its fast pace and funny script, Dumb Money hooks you in quickly and keeps you engaged throughout. Sure, the financial system may not have changed for good after the GameStop short squeeze, but this is an entertaining retelling of a historic moment where the little guy got to win for once.
Fast X
Directed by: Louis Leterrier
Written by: Dan Mazeau, Justin Lin, Zach Dean
Starring: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Statham
Synopsis: Dom Toretto and his family are targeted by the vengeful son of drug kingpin Hernan Reyes.
Where to watch: Rent on Prime Video
Is Fast X one of the BEST movies of the year? Look, probably not. But it made me scream with delight several times, usually in response to Jason Momoa’s camp, scenery-chewing performance as Dante. It may not be “the best”, but it’s a fun watch, especially with friends.
Related: ‘Fast X’ Is the Perfect Reminder That It’s Time for a Best Stunts Oscar
Full Time
Directed by: Eric Gravel
Written by: Eric Gravel
Starring: Laure Calamy, Anne Suarez, Geneviève Mnich
Synopsis: Just when Julie finally gets an interview for a job that will let her raise her children better, she runs into a national transit strike.
Where to watch: Streaming on BINGE
A tense ride from start to finish, Laure Calamy’s performance drives this relentless and realistic thriller through its 87 minute runtime with precision. If you’re in the mood to be locked into an anxiety-inducing story about just trying to stay afloat in these trying times, Full Time is the film for you.
Hot Potato: The Story of the Wiggles
Directed by: Sally Aitken
Written by: Sally Aitken
Starring: Anthony Field, Murray Cook, Jeff Fatt, Greg Page, Emma Watkins, Paul Paddick, Lachlan Gillespie
Synopsis: The incredible true story of early childhood teachers and friends, The Wiggles, who rock ‘n’ rolled their way into the hearts of millions around the globe in one of the greatest entertainment stories of all time
Where to watch: Streaming on Prime Video
A wholesome, heartwarming, and surprisingly emotional look at The Wiggles’ meteoric rise to global domination, Hot Potato: The Story of the Wiggles is bound to wiggle its way into your heart. Director Sally Aitken brings viewers behind the scenes as all the Wiggles, past and present, reflect on the journey of one of Australia’s biggest bands.
Huesera: The Bone Woman
Directed by: Michelle Garza Cervera
Written by: Michelle Garza Cervera, Abia Castillo
Starring: Natalia Solián, Alfonso Dosal, Mayra Batalla
Synopsis: Valeria has long dreamed about becoming a mother. After learning that she’s pregnant, she expects to feel happy, yet something’s off.
Where to watch: Streaming on Prime Video
Michelle Garza Cevera’s feature film debut Huesera: The Bone Woman is one that draws comparison with Rosemary’s Baby. It’s a terrifying body horror that will hook you in with its cinematography and gripping soundtrack, and leave you with shivers down your spine.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Directed by: James Mangold
Written by: Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, David Koepp
Starring: Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas
Synopsis: Archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary artefact that can change the course of history.
Where to watch: Streaming on Disney+
For fans of the Indiana Jones franchise, Dial of Destiny delivers everything one could ask for. Harrison Ford works his indisputable star power on the big screen with ease, and the film delivers a classic, old-school feeling action blockbuster with. It’s escapist fun dialled up to a 10, and who doesn’t enjoy that?
Infinity Pool
Directed by: Brandon Cronenberg
Written by: Brandon Cronenberg
Starring: Alexander Skarsgård, Mia Goth, Cleopatra Coleman
Synopsis: James and Em Foster are enjoying an all-inclusive beach vacation in the fictional island of La Tolqa, when a fatal accident exposes the resort’s perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism, reckless violence and surreal horrors.
Where to watch: Streaming on BINGE
There’s no denying that Mia Goth has become a horror movie It Girl in the last few years, and Infinity Pool is the latest example of that. She and Skarsgård deliver compelling performances in this surreal, gripping, violent and unrelenting horror film that tackles greed, hedonism, privilege and power.
John Wick: Chapter 4
Directed by: Chad Stahelski
Written by: Shay Hatten, Michael Finch, Derek Kolstad
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, George Georgiou
Synopsis: John Wick uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.
Where to watch: Streaming on BINGE
If you’re looking for action, look no further than John Wick: Chapter 4. Not only is it an entertaining, satisfying addition to the franchise, its perfectly structured set pieces and breathtaking action sequences will make sure that the John Wick franchise is remembered as one one of the greats of the franchise, along with Die Hard, the Terminator franchise, and the Mission: Impossible films.
Joy Ride
Directed by: Adele Lim
Written by: Cherry Chevapravatdumrong, Teresa Hsiao, Adele Lim
Starring: Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Stephanie Hsu
Synopsis: Follows four Asian American friends as they bond and discover the truth of what it means to know and love who you are, while they travel through China in search of one of their birth mothers.
Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on Prime Video
A wild ride from start to finish, Joy Ride is rude, crude and cringe-inducing in the best way. At the same time, it also offers moments of sincerity as the characters navigate emotional challenges that will have you welling up, sometimes moments after you’ve been laughing.
Killers of the Flower Moon
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Written by: Eric Roth and Martin Scorsese, based on the book by David Grann
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone
Synopsis: Members of the Osage tribe in the United States are murdered under mysterious circumstances in the 1920s, sparking a major F.B.I. investigation involving J. Edgar Hoover.
Where to watch: In cinemas now, available to rent on Prime Video
Martin Scorsese is back, and delivers a film of epic proportions in every sense of the word in Killers of the Flower Moon. Along for the ride are Scorsese’s two most frequent collaborators, Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio. They deliver stellar performances, along with relative newcomer Lily Gladstone, who’s set to be catapulted to the top of the A-list with her star-making performance. As with any Scorsese film, Killers of the Flower Moon will be one to watch this award season.
May December
Directed by: Todd Haynes
Written by: Alex Mechanik and Samy Burch
Starring: Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, Charles Melton
Synopsis: Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, a married couple buckles under pressure when an actress arrives to do research for a film about their past.
Where to watch: In Australian cinemas February 1, 2024.
Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore are firing on all cylinders in this film that’s so high-camp it’s close to diabolical. Where the topic is serious and often deeply unsettling, Haynes keeps the crowd hooked with expertly placed jokes, and the result is a multi-layered film that will be on your mind for days.
M3GAN
Directed by: Gerard Johnstone
Written by: Akela Cooper, James Wan
Starring: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ronny Chieng
Synopsis: A robotics engineer at a toy company builds a life-like doll that begins to take on a life of its own.
Where to watch: Streaming now on BINGE
From the moment the trailer for M3GAN dropped, the film was a viral sensation, and for good reason. Simply put? She slays! Whether she’s chasing a boy through the woods like a dog, dancing in a corridor, or singing a haunting rendition of Sia’s “Titanium”, M3GAN is the campy queen of horror we all needed.
Missing
Directed by: Nicholas D. Johnson, Will Merrick
Written by: Will Merrick, Nicholas D. Johnson, Sev Ohanian
Starring: Storm Reid, Tim Griffin, Ava Zaria Lee, Nia Long
Synopsis: After her mother goes missing, a young woman tries to find her from home, using tools available to her online.
Where to watch: Streaming now on Prime Video
Behind the deluge of “STOP SCROLLING, MY MOM IS MISSING!!!” ads that hit social media when Missing was released lies a fun, solid thriller that will hold your attention from start to finish. With plenty of twists and turns along the way, Missing will have you guessing from start to finish.
Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One
Directed by: Christopher McQuarrie
Written by: Bruce Geller, Erik Jendresen, Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames
Synopsis: Ethan Hunt and his IMF team must track down a dangerous weapon before it falls into the wrong hands.
Where to watch: Streaming now on Prime Video
Following the massive success of Top Gun: Maverick last year, Tom Cruise proved once again that he’s the king of the action box office with Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One this year. The film delivers everything you expect from Cruise and his longtime director, Christopher McQuarrie — meticulously planned action sequences that keep you on the edge of your seat for far longer than you’d expect, punctuated with jaw-dropping stunts that will make you gasp.
Related: How Hayley Atwell Developed Her ‘Mission: Impossible’ Character As They Went
Related: ‘Mission: Impossible’: Simon Pegg and Pom Klementieff on What Sets ‘Dead Reckoning’ Apart
Oppenheimer
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Written by: Christopher Nolan, Kai Bird, Martin Sherwin
Starring: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon
Synopsis: The story of American scientist, J. Robert Oppenheimer, and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.
Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on Prime Video
Part two of the Barbenheimer bonanza, Oppenheimer is currently leading the charge for the the 2024 Academy Awards, and for good reason. The three-hour epic is a technically stunning, gripping drama with Cillian Murphy’s haunted performance as its centrepiece. It’s Christopher Nolan at his best, and if the odds are anything to go by, it’s likely the Academy will reward his work next year.
Related: Will Christopher Nolan Hit Another Home Run? What We Know About ‘Oppenheimer’
Past Lives
Directed by: Celine Song
Written by: Celine Song
Starring: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro
Synopsis: Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrest apart after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Two decades later, they are reunited in New York for one fateful week as they confront notions of destiny, love, and the choices that make a life, in this heartrending modern romance.
Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on Apple TV
A minimalistic, slow burn romance that’s simultaneously gorgeous and stunning, Past Lives is a stellar debut from writer/director Celine Song. After getting rave reviews out of the 2023 Sundance Film Festival back in January, momentum for this meticulously curated romantic drama has remained steady over the year, so you can expect to see it pop up a lot during award season next year.
Related: ‘Past Lives’: Inyeon Is a Korean Philosophy of How Relationships Form Over Many Lifetimes
Polite Society
Directed by: Nida Manzoor
Written by: Nida Manzoor
Starring: Priya Kansara, Ritu Arya, Renu Brindle
Synopsis: Ria Khan believes she must save her older sister Lena from her impending marriage. After enlisting her friends’ help, she attempts to pull off the most ambitious of all wedding heists in the name of independence and sisterhood.
Where to watch: Streaming on BINGE
If you’re in the mood for chaos, look no further than Polite Society, a film that draws from many different genres and influences and dials them all up to an 11. The film is anchored by a solid script and great lead performances that keep you locked in as it moves through the story at a breakneck pace. It’s bold, absurd, and most of all, fun.
Poor Things
Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos
Written by: Tony McNamara, Alasdair Gray
Starring: Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe
Synopsis: The incredible tale about the fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter, a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter.
Where to watch: In Australian cinemas January 18, 2024
A dazzling mix of laugh-loud-loud moments, gasp-inducing body horror, and poignant drama, Poor Things truly has it all. When you add the impeccable costumes and otherworldly production design into the mix, it’s an unmissable masterpiece that deserves to be seen on the big screen.
Reality
Directed by: Tina Satter
Written by: Tina Satter
Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Josh Hamilton, Marchánt Davis
Synopsis: A former American intelligence specialist was given the longest sentence for the unauthorised release of government information to the media about Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections via an email operation.
Where to watch: Streaming on BINGE
Reality is a tense, uncomfortable, claustrophobic film driven by Sydney Sweeney’s powerhouse performance. At just 83 minutes, the film hooks you with its mix of mundane, everyday normalcies with blood-curdling, anxiety-inducing danger, and it doesn’t let you off until the end.
Return to Seoul
Directed by: Davy Chou
Written by: Laure Badufle, Davy Chou, Violette Garcia
Starring: Park Ji-min, Oh Kwang-rok, Guka Han
Synopsis: A 25-year-old French woman returns to Korea, the country she was born in before being adopted by a French couple, for the very first time. She decides to track down her biological parents, but her journey takes a surprising turn.
Where to watch: Streaming on BINGE
In her debut acting role, Park Ji-min knocks it out of the park in Return to Seoul, a story about identity and belonging. The film is a quietly compelling, constantly surprising and well-crafted story that will stay with you long after it’s finished.
The Royal Hotel
Directed by: Kitty Green
Written by: Kitty Green, Oscar Redding
Starring: Julia Garner, Jessica Henwick, Herbert Nordrum
Synopsis: US backpackers Hanna and Liv take a job in a remote Australian pub for some extra cash and are confronted with a bunch of unruly locals and a situation that grows rapidly out of their control.
Where to watch: In cinemas now, or streaming on BINGE
Based on the 2016 documentary Hotel Coolgardie, The Royal Hotel is a visceral, slow burn thriller that will have a knot forming in your stomach as you wait for the inevitable to unfold. Unnerving, tense, and endlessly claustrophobic, Kitty Green’s skillful direction and Julia Garner’s magnetic performance make The Royal Hotel a haunting, unmissable experience.
Related: Julia Garner-Fronted Aussie Thriller ‘The Royal Hotel’ Will Screen at SXSW Sydney
Rye Lane
Directed by: Raine Allen-Miller
Written by: Nathan Bryon, Tom Melia
Starring: David Jonsson, Vivian Oparah, Poppy Allen-Quarmby
Synopsis: Two youngsters reeling from bad breakups who connect over an eventful day in South-London.
Where to watch: Streaming on Disney+
The rom-comaissance is in full swing, and Rye Lane is sure to become a go-to feel good film. After all, what’s not to like? It delivers on the love and laughs you want, with the added bonus of being wonderfully colourful, warm, and cheerful.
Saltburn
Directed by: Emerald Fennell
Written by: Emerald Fennell
Starring: Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Archie Madekwe
Synopsis: A student at Oxford University finds himself drawn into the world of a charming and aristocratic classmate, who invites him to his eccentric family’s sprawling estate for a summer never to be forgotten.
Where to watch: In cinemas now, coming to Prime Video on December 22
Although Fennell takes a very loosey-goosey approach to the film’s 2006 setting — no, the 2007 film Superbad wasn’t available on DVD in 2006 — the mid-2000s vibes are sure to make any older millennial nostalgic. Perhaps one of the most divisive films of the year, Saltburn is a wild ride with a killer soundtrack that delivers laughs, gasps and more.
Scream VI
Directed by: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett
Written by: James Vanderbilt, Guy Busick, Kevin Williamson
Starring: Courteney Cox, Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega
Synopsis: In the next instalment, the survivors of the Ghostface killings leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter in New York City.
Where to watch: Streaming on Paramount+
Ghostface is back, and like Jason before him, he’s taking Manhattan. Scream VI is a chaotic bloodbath from start to finish, and perhaps the slasher franchise’s most brutal entry yet. With some clever twists, incredible set pieces, and another outstanding performance from Jenna Ortega in particular, Scream VI is a solid follow up to 2022’s “requel” Scream.
Shayda
Directed by: Noora Niasari
Written by: Noora Niasari
Starring: Zar Amir Ebrahimi, Leah Purcell, Lucinda Armstrong Hall
Synopsis: A young Iranian mother and her six-year-old daughter find refuge in an Australian women’s shelter during the two weeks of the Iranian New Year (Nowruz).
Where to watch: TBC
Based on writer/director Noora Nisari’s own childhood experiences growing up in an Australian women’s shelter in the ’90s, Shayda is a delicate balancing act of fear and hope, anxiety and joy. After premiering at the Sundance Film Festival back in January, Shayda was recently announced as Australia’s submission for Best International Feature at the 2024 Academy Awards.
Related: Strength, Hope, and Freedom: ‘Shayda’ Is a Love Letter to Mothers and Daughters
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Directed by: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson
Written by: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Dave Callaham
Starring: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry
Synopsis: Miles Morales catapults across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. When the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles must redefine what it means to be a hero.
Where to watch: Streaming on Prime Video
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse isn’t just visually dazzling, it’s also one of the rare sequels that truly lives up to its predecessor. With a script that’s grounded in genuine emotion and enough laughs to balance it out, you can expect to see Across the Spider-Verse reach beyond the Best Animated Feature category at the 2024 Academy Awards.
Suzume
Directed by: Makoto Shinkai
Written by: Makoto Shinkai
Starring: Nanoka Hara, Hokuto Matsumura, Eri Fukatsu
Synopsis: A modern action adventure road story where a 17-year-old girl named Suzume helps a mysterious young man close doors from the other side that are releasing disasters all over in Japan.
Where to watch: TBC
Another wonderfully complex and layered animated film, Suzume is a coming-of-age story that tackles themes of grief and trauma with a delicate, expert touch from writer/director Makota Shinkai. The animation is rich, the voice acting pitch perfect, and it’s sure to leave viewers delighted.
Talk to Me
Directed by: Danny Philippou, Michael Philippou
Written by: Danny Philippou, Bill Hinzman, Daley Pearson
Starring: Sophie Wilde, Joe Bird, Miranda Otto
Synopsis: When a group of friends discover how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand, they become hooked on the new thrill, until one of them goes too far and unleashes terrifying supernatural forces.
Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix
The debut feature from Adelaide-born twin brothers Danny and Michael Philippou — aka YouTube’s RackaRacka — Talk to Me was met with instant buzz after its January premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, and things haven’t slowed down since then.
The film was picked up by indie distributor A24, and soon dethroned Hereditary as A24’s top grossing horror film at the North American box office. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the sequel is already in the works.
Related: “We Can Text Ari Aster!”: Danny and Michael Philippou on ‘Talk to Me’ Success
Related: “Never Stop Making Stuff”: Danny and Michael Philippou’s Advice for Young Creatives
Tár
Directed by: Todd Field
Written by: Todd Field
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Noémie Merlant, Nina Hoss
Synopsis: Set in the international world of Western classical music, the film centers on Lydia Tár, widely considered one of the greatest living composer-conductors and the very first female director of a major German orchestra.
Where to watch: Streaming on BINGE
A expertly composed character study, Tár follows Lydia Tár, a brilliant, complicated and often selfish and cruel composer. Cate Blanchett’s performance is one of her best, and is bolstered by Todd Field’s script and direction.
Theater Camp
Directed by: Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman
Written by: Noah Galvin, Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman
Starring: Ben Platt, Molly Gordon, Noah Galvin
Synopsis: The eccentric staff of a rundown theatre camp in upstate New York must band together with the beloved founder’s bro-y son to keep the camp afloat.
Where to watch: Streaming on Disney+
A self-aware, self-deprecating comedy that delivers laughs throughout, Theater Camp manages to walk the line of satire without crossing into nastiness. There’s humour, heart, and although it’s sure to become a favourite for those who’ve lived in the world, it’s a film that anyone can enjoy.
They Cloned Tyrone
Directed by: Juel Taylor
Written by: Tony Rettenmaier, Juel Taylor
Starring: John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, Teyonah Parris
Synopsis: A series of eerie events thrusts an unlikely trio onto the trail of a nefarious government conspiracy in this pulpy mystery caper.
Where to watch: Streaming on Netflix
They Cloned Tyrone is a smart sci-fi satire with plenty of laughs and suspense along the way. With great performances to boot, They Cloned Tyrone will keep you guessing until the end, and its commentary will stay with you long after the film has ended.
You Hurt My Feelings
Directed by: Nicole Holofcener
Written by: Nicole Holofcener
Starring: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Tobias Menzies, Michaela Watkins
Synopsis: A novelist’s longstanding marriage is suddenly upended when she overhears her husband giving his honest reaction to her latest book.
Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on Prime Video
Smart, entertaining, and acerbic, You Hurt My Feelings is an honest and relatable look at the well-intentioned white lies we all tell to make life easier. Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ performance is outstanding and will effortlessly hold your attention from start to finish.
Want more entertainment news? Click here to read all our content, and check out the stories below:
- “It’s Just Inevitable”: A Mildly Terrifying Conversation About AI With Dr Catriona Wallace
- “We Can Text Ari Aster!”: Danny and Michael Philippou on ‘Talk to Me’ Success
- Australia at the Cinema: The Best Australian Films of 2023
- Retirement, Representation & Regrets: The Wiggles Reflect on 25 Years in the Spotlight
- Director Kitty Green Says That on Rewatch, ‘The Royal Hotel’ Is a Comedy
- “Football, Factories or Prison”: How ONEFOUR Is Shifting Australian Stories
- “The Glam and the Grit”: The Duality of Fame and Power in ‘Paper Dolls’
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