This Week’s Must-Watch Movies According to Our Critics
As the cinematic landscape continues to evolve, film lovers are treated to a delightful array of new releases that cater to diverse tastes. This week, our critics have put together a captivating selection of movies that promise everything from whimsical fantasy to heart-wrenching drama. Here’s a taste of what these 11 films have to offer:
1. ‘Death of a Unicorn’
Directed by: Alex Scharfman
Starring: Paul Rudd
Elliot, played by Paul Rudd, has a run-in with a unicorn during a drive to his boss’s mansion, throwing him into a zany whirlwind of madcap misadventures.
“Death of a Unicorn" unabashedly entertains with its absurdity, offering moments that tug at your heartstrings while cleverly critiquing wealth and environmental issues. Despite its nonsensical narrative, it’s an outright goof-fest* that resonates with viewers.*
Read the full review*
2. ‘Holy Cow’
Directed by: Louise Courvoisier
Starring: Clément Faveau
Set against the backdrop of Jura’s rolling hills, this coming-of-age tale follows Totone as he learns life lessons while striving to create his own artisanal cheese.
"Holy Cow" is a subtle yet profound journey, expertly blending humor and regional sensitivity. It navigates a teenager’s evolution with dry-eyed pragmatism rather than melodramatic tears.
Read the full review
3. ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’
Directed by: James Griffiths
Starring: Tim Key, Carey Mulligan
When lottery winner Charles invites a folk band to perform on his private island, the result is a musical journey filled with quirky characters.
Critics describe it as a “damp dirge,” lamenting its unremarkable tunes and scenery. While mild amusement is found in Charles’s endearingly clueless nature, the film never quite escapes its sappiness.
Read the full review
4. ‘The Friend’
Directed by: Scott McGehee, David Siegel
Starring: Naomi Watts, Bill Murray
After the death of her mentor Walter, Iris inherits his beloved Great Dane.
The film adaptation of Sigrid Nunez’s novel navigates the complexities of friendship through gentle humor and deep emotional resonance. A balance is struck between sardonic wit and heartfelt connection as Iris finds her footing with her new canine companion.
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5. ‘Julie Keeps Quiet’
Directed by: Leonardo van Dijl
Starring: Tessa Van den Broeck
As whispers envelop her tennis coach’s suspension, Julie finds solace in her own quiet way.
Tessa’s performance is remarkably genuine, capturing the essence of a teenager grappling with her inner turmoil. The cinematography evokes the subdued atmosphere of her life, depicting a journey of personal revelation that unfolds in her own time.
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6. ‘Viet and Nam’
Directed by: Truong Minh Quy
Starring: Duy Bao Dinh Dao, Pham Thanh Hai
In the throes of war, coal miners Viet and Nam find a tender love amidst chaos.
This poignant love story unfolds with breathtaking tenderness, presenting intimate scenes that beautifully juxtapose the ferocity of their environment with the softness of their relationship.
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7. ‘Holland’
Directed by: Mimi Cave
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Matthew Macfadyen
Nancy suspects her husband of infidelity and recruits a friend to investigate.
Set in a picturesque town, "Holland" weaves a narrative filled with unresolved threads and surreal dream sequences, ultimately leaving audiences detached from a story that struggles for coherence.
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8. ‘Being Maria’
Directed by: Jessica Palud
Starring: Anamaria Vartolomei
This biopic delves into Maria Schneider’s life post-“Last Tango in Paris,” exploring her emotional turmoil and struggles.
Vartolomei’s layered performance vividly illustrates Schneider’s evolving trauma amidst her life’s highs and lows, capturing the internal battles she faced for years.
Read the full review
9. ‘Grand Tour’
Directed by: Miguel Gomes
Starring: Gonçalo Waddington, Crista Alfaiate
In Burma, a colonial official grapples with commitment and societal expectations as he flees from his fiancée.
Gomes blends narrative and documentary styles, creating an intricate tapestry of emotion and cultural reflection as the story unfolds against a backdrop of historical complexity.
Read the full review
10. ‘The Penguin Lessons’
Directed by: Peter Cattaneo
Starring: Steve Coogan
In Argentina, a British teacher forges a unique bond with a penguin while trying to inspire his students.
Coogan strikes a delicate balance between humor and heart, showcasing the transformative impact of friendship in unconventional forms. However, some musical choices felt less than fitting for such a charming narrative.
Read the full review
11. ‘A Working Man’
Directed by: David Ayer
Starring: Jason Statham
A construction worker must confront his violent past in a race against time to save his boss’s daughter from kidnappers.
With Ayer’s knack for action storytelling, the film delivers a visceral experience that stands out, especially with Statham’s dynamic performance driving the tension.
Read the full review
Conclusion
This week’s lineup offers an eclectic mix of storytelling—from whimsical escapades to profound dramas—ensuring there’s something for every film enthusiast. Dive into the stories that speak to you, and get ready for an adventure through the world of cinema!
