Discover, revisit and enjoy the best of 2023 in movies and series with our roundup…
From gripping dramas to heart-warming comedies, we’ve got you covered on the latest trends, standout performances, and must-watch releases that made this year unforgettable in entertainment. It has been an interesting year for film, from strikes to Barbenheimer to box office bombs. In 2023, film preferences shifted as audiences turned away from blockbuster franchises like Indiana Jones and the MCU, favouring unique stories such as Barbie and Oppenheimer. While 2023 may not be remembered for cinematic masterpieces, it boasts numerous brilliant documentaries and global instant classics. It proved to be a year of diverse and compelling storytelling. Let’s take a look at the standout movies and shows that left a lasting impression this year, be it on the screen of your devices or in theatres…
It takes the unique vision of director Greta Gerwig to transform the iconic doll into a feminist meta pop-culture phenomenon that resonates with everyone. In the whimsical world of Barbie Land gone awry, Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosling) venture into the Real World, navigating existential crises in a delightfully eccentric manner. This quirky and heartfelt comedy delves into themes of humanity, patriarchy, and the essence of life. It’s a call to be a bit less Ken and a whole lot more of the wonderfully weird Barbie.
Describing this true-life Western epic as one of the highlights in Martin Scorsese’s illustrious career is a significant statement. The latest creation from the Oscar-winning director unfolds a poignant love story between a World War I veteran (Leonardo DiCaprio) and a remarkable young woman (played brilliantly by Lily Gladstone) from Oklahoma’s affluent Osage Nation. Simultaneously, it transforms into a compelling murder mystery surrounding the deaths that haunted the Native American tribe in the 1920s. This masterfully acted and thought-provoking film delves into themes of white greed, corruptive power, and America’s complex history with its indigenous people.
Christopher Nolan’s latest film, ‘Oppenheimer,’ delves into the creation of the atomic bomb and the man, J. Robert Oppenheimer, played brilliantly by Cillian Murphy. The movie, standing alongside Nolan’s best works like ‘Memento’ and ‘Inception’, not only maintains his trademark visual style and intricate timelines but also marks his venture into biopics. In this cinematic exploration, Nolan captures the magnitude of the bomb and unravels the mystique surrounding Oppenheimer.
‘No Time to Die’ directed by Cary Fukunaga and starring Daniel Craig in his final James Bond role, is praised for delivering an exciting and emotional conclusion to the iconic spy’s story. The film balances action, suspense, and a touching storyline, leaving a lasting impact on audiences. Fukunaga’s direction and Craig’s performance contribute to the success, making it a fitting farewell to this era of James Bond films.
Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic, ‘Dune,’ is hailed as a visual masterpiece. The film showcases stunning cinematography and features a stellar ensemble cast, with notable performances from Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya. ‘Dune’ successfully brings the desert planet of Arrakis to life in a breath-taking manner, captivating audiences with its visual splendour and immersive storytelling. The combination of Villeneuve’s directorial vision, a talented cast, and the rich source material results in a cinematic experience that resonates with fans of the genre and introduces the world of ‘Dune’ to a new generation in a compelling and visually striking way.
This crime drama, starring Kate Winslet, garnered acclaim for its gripping narrative, complex characters, and Winslet’s outstanding performance as a small-town detective. The narrative, characterised by its gripping intensity, weaves a masterful murder mystery entangled with the intricacies of community dynamics. Each episode unfolds with meticulous precision, revealing layers of suspense that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The ensemble cast delivers compelling performances, breathing life into a cast of complex characters. The series not only succeeds as a crime drama but also serves as a poignant exploration of the human condition within the confines of a close-knit community. Winslet’s stellar performance, combined with the series’ meticulous storytelling and nuanced character development, solidify it as a must-watch, setting a high standard for the crime drama genre.
The fourth season of ‘You’ garnered a generally positive reception, as indicated by its high rating. While the London-set premise may show signs of wear and strain believability, Penn Badgley’s sardonic performance continues to be a standout element, helping to compensate for any lapses in logic. The mention of the hunter becoming the prey implies a shift in dynamics, potentially introducing new challenges and suspenseful elements to the series.
While the premise’s believability may be showing signs of strain, the series seems to maintain its intrigue and entertainment value, possibly relying on the strengths of its lead actor to keep audiences engaged. If you enjoyed previous seasons of ‘You’ or are a fan of suspenseful dramas with a hint of psychological thriller, this fourth season might be worth checking out.
While not exactly suitable for kids, the conclusion of Baba Yaga’s tale unfolds in John Wick: Chapter 4. This epic action movie, spanning an impressive two hours and 50 minutes, raises the question of how many headshots a viewer can endure before boredom sets in. Surprisingly, the answer remains elusive, as the fourth installment of Keanu Reeves’ series proves to be anything but dull. Introducing new villain Bill Skarsgård as a formidable opponent for John Wick, the film reaches a high point with Donnie Yen’s portrayal of the blind assassin Caine, an old friend of John’s. Such is life in the world of John Wick.
