If you’re wondering what movies you may have missed out on last year, then you’re in the right place! Below are some brief summaries of five of the best, as voted on by South students. There were 65 contributors to this vote, and these were the highest ranking.
- We Live in Time
We Live in Time tells the story of an unlikely love turned tragedy and everything that happens in between. Almut’s (Florence Pugh) and Tobias’ (Andrew Garfield) story is told through multiple timelines: the rocky beginning; the falling for each other; and the bittersweet ending, both being crushed under the weight of mortality. The film’s title further pushes the message of the story, which is that we often forget that our time with the things – or people – we love is not always under our control, but that the ways we value them are.
- Dune: Part Two
Although the Dune franchise began decades ago with author Frank Herbert, the success of Dune: Part Two suggests that the series is anything but archaic. This sequel to 2021’s Dune continues the story of Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), who contains power he isn’t quite sure how to utilize yet. All he knows is that to save those he loves he must learn how to control it. Through a unique sci-fi setting, a complex plot, and an extremely talented cast, Herbert’s story (directed by Denis Villeneuve) expresses intense themes of politics, family, and loss.
- I Saw the TV Glow
A24 film I Saw the TV Glow uses abstract concepts and storytelling to explore teenager Owen’s (Justice Smith) experience of his reality slowly fracturing after he befriends Maddy (Bridgette Lundy-Paine) and discovers a “parallel world.” This world is heavily interpreted as being representative of Owen’s identity as a queer person; it is separate from his real life, yet feels like home to him. This movie is definitely not everybody’s favorite, but is still celebrated and adored by many (it also has an amazing score).
- Deadpool and Wolverine
I bet you can’t guess who this movie is about… Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) join forces in this latest addition to the MCU to help save the multiverse from a threat which could bring its downfall. Deadpool and Wolverine includes everything Marvel fans know and love – with some new material thrown in that gave the MCU its first R-rated movie. Although the plot isn’t one of the stronger elements of this movie, there are a number of cameos and comic book references that have earned the movie its rating.
- A Complete Unknown
Based on Elijah Wald’s book Dylan Goes Electric!, A Complete Unknown grants insight onto one of the most prominent contributors to the folk era of the ‘60s. The film covers the beginnings of Bob Dylan’s (Timothée Chalamet) career, to the night at the Newport Folk Festival where he changed its course. We also see glimpses of his personal life, including his friendship with Pete Seeger (Edward Norton), and affair with fellow musician Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro). Many were skeptical of Chalamet’s performance as Dylan, but the movie’s success has proven him to be the right choice for the role.
Article by Abby Ketchum
The Axe 