Let’s face it: You’re a film snob.
Wow, okay. So, when you say you love film, you mean you love film. Got it. You take this stuff seriously, and I respect that. You probably have a favorite local theater, maybe even a specific favorite seat. Talking to friends about movies always turns into more of a debate with you, and you might even have a letterboxd account that you take pride in weekly updating. You’re attracted to stories that have something to say. New stories. Different stories. Discussion-worthy stories. And most importantly, high-concept stories with exceptional writing. So, why don’t I stray from the list of classics you’ve probably already seen (more than once), and suggest a few thought-provokers that should keep you engaged and excited.
Here are three films we think you will love, personalized from your unique taste:
SHIVA BABY (2020)
Dir. Emma Seligman
This impressive debut film by Emma Seligman follows a young college student who attends a shiva (a Jewish memorial ritual), only to run into her sugar daddy...and her secret ex-girlfriend/high school best friend. Seligman does an incredible job capturing the awkwardness and claustrophobic nature of the encounter, and Rachel Sennott's performance as the titular sugar/shiva baby is laugh-out-loud funny. If somehow these women are not already on your radar, take note. And please, check out the film ASAP!!
Check this one out if you’re prepared for some utter chaos. You’ll love it if you also liked PALM SPRINGS or SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK.
LA CIÉNAGA (2001)
Dir. Lucrecia Martel (Argentina)
The director Lucrecia Martel creates an extremely unique mood that immediately sucks you in. The film is set in Argentina and transports you into the dark and hazy summer days spent by a group of families in La Cienega, which translates in English to “the swamp.” Although the story is heavy and bleak, Martel’s intensely beautiful cinematography provides an entrancing balance.
Check this one out if you’re looking to be transported into another universe with no warning. You’ll love it if you also liked AMERICAN HONEY or CALL ME BY YOUR NAME.
QUO VADIS, AIDA (2020)
Dir. Jasmila Žbanić (Bosnia)
QUO VADIS, AÏDA? tells the story of Aïda, a UN translator in Srebrenica during the Srebrenica massacre/genocide. While the film obviously (and beautifully) addresses identity, violence, and the politics attendant to access of information, it’s also a heart-wrenching story about family, morality, and truth. Although I sobbed through the vast majority of the movie, every time I think of it I’m reminded of the universality of storytelling and the power of art, and specifically of film, to convey humanity and elicit empathy.
Check this one out if you’re open to a different take on a war movie. You’ll love it if you also liked THE FATHER or LES MISÉRABLES (2019).
And, 35 more films our execs think you’ll love:
GOODFELLAS
Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN
SHITHOUSE
SHIVA BABY
WAVES
JULES AND JIM
NATURAL BORN KILLERS
UNDER THE SKIN
HIS GIRL FRIDAY
PRINCESS MONONOKE
SAFE (Todd Haynes)
JUDY AND PUNCH
BLOW THE MAN DOWN
MADELINE’S MADELINE
BLOOD SIMPLE
LEAN ON PETE
CABARET
FAREWELL MY CONCUBINE
BRAZIL
THE FATHER
SERPICO
MESRINE: KILLER INSTINCT
THE FLORIDA PROJECT
THE TREE OF LIFE
THE MASTER
MINARI
MOONLIGHT
EUROPA EUROPA
RASHOMON
FIGHT CLUB
REPULSION
WILD TALES
SILENCE OF THE LAMBS
SOUND OF METAL
THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO