For the past twelve years in a row, I have dedicated the month of February to watching and ranking all of the films nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars. I am unsure as to how or why I started this silly little tradition, but it has become very near and dear to my heart.
My opinion of a film can be shaped by the bias of how my life is going when I watch it. Therefore, to be as objective as possible throughout the year, I avoid watching all of the films that receive praise from the critics or film community in general. Then, in late January or early February, the Academy releases the list and I begin my month-long film binge. When I have the time, I will watch the films in the Documentary Feature and International Feature categories. Being a 1L, it is safe to say I did not have the time this year!
Now by no means do I consider myself a film connoisseur; I am simply a person who enjoys watching a lot of movies for fun. While I might have some hot takes, please do not come up to me in the halls and slap me for my choices! Without any spoilers, here are my cheeky little reviews of the contenders for this year. A special shout out to Aftersun, The Menu, The Whale, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which did not make the nomination list.
10. Elvis
Someone always has to be last; in this case, it is Elvis. Although marketed as a biopic about the later singer’s life, it was actually a recount of Elvis Presley’s rise to fame through the lens of his dying manager Colonel Tom Parker. While I am one to appreciate a good fusion of the old and new (see: Bridgerton soundtrack), I could not understand how a Doja Cat song made its way into the soundtrack. The format and editing of the film was strange, but then again, it was directed by Baz Luhrmann, and I also did not like The Great Gatsby—maybe it is him. That said, I did appreciate the film’s nod to all the Black artists from whom Elvis stole his music to become famous and Austin Butler’s commitment to the character (please stop doing “the voice”).
9. Avatar: The Way of Water
I did not plan on watching Avatar: The Way of Water, but since it made its way onto the nomination list, here I am. The original Avatar was released in 2009, and although it has only been fourteen years, there has been a shift in society regarding cultural stereotypes and misrepresented tropes. James Cameron’s failure to acknowledge the white-saviour complex and exploitation of Indigenous history makes this film impossible to enjoy. I will give a shout-out to Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon, and Daniel Barrett in the Visual Effects category, as making this film was definitely not easy.
8. Top Gun: Maverick
Just some bros being dudes in the navy (with the addition of the token woman). Complete the mission, get the girl, and then back to business as usual. Every Oscar season needs a classic action film; as far as they go, this one was pretty good. Despite the room for emotional dialogue, it is cut to have extra time to fight in the sky. While I do not see it winning best picture, I would like to give my well wishes to Eddie Hamilton in the Editing category. The Lady Gaga song at the end is pretty good, which leaves me questioning why the best songs are always saved for the credits.
7. The Fabelmans
The Fabelmans is a semi-autobiographical film directed by Steven Spielberg about his childhood in the 50s/60s and how he developed an interest in creating movies. This film deserves a spot in the middle of the pack—it could rank anywhere from eighth to fifth on this list. As someone who has watched many of his films, it was nice to learn more about Spielberg. It is a bit long at two and a half hours and essentially ends when he finally gets to Hollywood. There are not many highs and lows within the plot, and most of them surround the tensions in his family. It was nice! I have no complaints.
6. The Banshees of Inisherin
What do you do when your best friend no longer wants to speak to you? Cut your finger off and throw it at his door? Seems a bit dramatic, leaving me with little to say about this film other than that it was a nice story with some dark comedy. The deeper meaning will go over the heads of most viewers, as The Banshees of Inisherin is also a commentary on the Irish Civil War reflected through the friendship of Pádraic and Colm. Men who were once brothers now find themselves at war, unsure why or how they got to this point of conflict in the first place. Film in Ireland, the scenery is outstanding, and the score by Carter Burwell is a strong contender for the Music (Original Score) category.
5. All Quiet on the Western Front
For another film about World War I, All Quiet on the Western Front offers a unique perspective as it follows seventeen-year-old Paul Bäumer and his friends after they enlist in the German Army. The film does not glorify the war, but tells its hard and emotional truths as these once young and energetic boys become hardened men on the front lines of the battlefields. Netflix has really upped its game in production, as the cinematography is immaculate, but if you dislike foreign-language films, this one is not for you. Fun fact: This is the third remake of the film based on the 1928 novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque, who wrote from his own experiences at war. The original 1930 film was nominated for Best Picture at the third Annual Oscars. *All Quiet on the Western Front is also nominated for International Feature*
4. Triangle of Sadness
Every year, I avoid movie trailers like the plague. Therefore, I had no idea what this film was about, nor could I expect the pure and utter chaos that it would bring. Triangle of Sadness (which is also the name for the area between your eyebrows and the very top of your nose bridge) is a sinking ship that is Titanic meets Captain Phillips sprinkled with Lord of the Flies, but in the weirdest combination. Halfway through the film, the main characters from the first half just disappear while sh*t literally hits the fan (and floor), all while the ship is sinking and being highjacked by pirates. Overall it is a good laugh with underlying commentary about capitalism and the super-rich.
3. Everything Everywhere All at Once
If you have not seen this film, you most likely lived under a rock without internet access last year. It has swept awards season, leaving absolutely no crumbs! This film would be ranked first for most, but I have it rounding off the top three. Hear me out: My qualms with the film are pretty specific—the beginning is confusing if you are not paying close attention, there was more of an action/sci-fi element than I anticipated (I am not a fan of action films), and you basically watch the same film twice. However, the underlying storyline is beautiful, and its representation is heartwarming. If it wins Best Picture, I will be far from upset; I am just biased and blinded by my preferred genre.
2. Tár
Taking first runner up, we have the slow-burning masterpiece that is Tár. Most of the plot is in the last thirty minutes of the film, in classic psychological drama fashion. While it sounds strange, I would do anything to relive the feeling of watching its ending for the first time. Cate Blanchett plays Lydia Tár, the first female chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, who holds problematic views and has troublesome interactions with her pupils. Who would have thought a film about an orchestra would be so entertaining?! I must say that Blanchett better have her acceptance speech ready in case Michelle Yeoh does not win Best Actress in a Leading Role.
1. Women Talking
This film was not on my radar at all—that being said, it is undoubtedly my top pick for Best Picture. Fair warning, it is a hard film to watch. The subject is heavy, and their world feels even heavier. Do nothing, stay and fight, or leave? Women Talking is a conversation between a group of women from an isolated religious colony as they discuss their future. The quality is breathtaking; it is as if the women allow us to witness their discussion as a fly on the wall. Just as the notetaker August, although we might have thoughts on their decision, it is not our place to dictate what they do. The film is a classic Frances McDormand: slow, mundane, and focused on the characters. Notably, the film only received one nomination. I will admit that it is not for everyone and most likely will not win Best Picture. That said, hats off to Sarah Polley for directing and writing the screenplay.