Awards season is often hit or miss. I’ve taken it upon myself to watch whatever hyped-up movies are already available to watch and I’ve compiled here three of the ones I’ve seen in the past few weeks, plus some recommendations for the months to follow. So, take some time of your busy schedule and go see a movie with your friends, your boyfriend/girlfriend or just with yourself. Remember: Pathé does student discounts, so there is no excuse not to go (you can look at the terms right here)!
Moonlight – 2016 (director: Barry Jenkins)
I have a hard time describing this movie to people who are not familiar with it, so I’ve found a description that serves me well:
“The tender, heartbreaking story of a young man’s struggle to find himself, told across three defining chapters in his life as he experiences the ecstasy, pain, and beauty of falling in love, while grappling with his own sexuality.”
Moonlight is the sort of movie that needs little dialogue, or even little monologue, to convey feelings so intensely. The story of this young man, going by a variety of names throughout the movie, is told with stunning visuals and spectacular acting. It’s the type of movie that is immersive and gripping and above all, human.
Lion – 2016 (director: Garth Davis)
An emotional tale, told through haunting tales of the past, the present and the future, Lion is based on the true story of Saroo Brierley. He got separated from his brother and ended up far away from home, not being able to make his way back. After being adopted, he was raised in Tasmania, but at a pivotal point in his life, he decided to use Google Earth to trace his path across India to find out where he was really from. Mind you, I’m very sentimental, but by the time that the credits rolled by, the tears that had threatened to spill over before were just running down my face. Also, Dev Patel is one handsome man. Sorry, not sorry.
T2 Trainspotting – 2017 (director: Danny Boyle)
Hear me out: this one’s in no way up for an Academy Award. It’s the ‘methadone substitute to its predecessor’s heavy dose of heroin’. That is, if I can believe this Letterboxd review. Having little emotional ties to the original, I found its sequel to be quite funny and a well-rounded finale. Apparently, upon writing this, this movie doesn’t come out until April, so I probably saw a preview. Eh. You can mentally prepare yourself if you choose to, I guess.
Keep an eye out for:
- Loving (23/02)
- Logan (02/03)
- Hidden Fences (17/03)