What I watched this month: January 2023

I usually post these on the Instagram page but I had too much to say this month so it's migrated to the blog! Moving forward this year I think I will keep these on this page so I can get into as much detail I want without Zuckerberg telling me to shut up. So without further adue, here is a comprohensive account of my new year viewing history!

The Hitman’s Apprentice:

I kicked the year’s viewing off with a real poor effort here. This film has a great cast but a truly uninteresting, poorly developed story that not even the actors can save. The less said about this the better.

Not Okay:

An interesting story about a wannabe influencer faking being at a international tragedy to launch her career. This is an enjoyable film but it can’t seem to decide which angle to go for. The critique of performative activism is heavy handed and in the nose, and the story doesn’t quite go all the way in to the ridiculousness. Still, great performances and a unique concept makes the worth a watch.

White Noise:

The most recent effort from Noah Baumbach is a complicated one. By all accounts this story is incredibly difficult to adapt to film and I would say that Baumbach does a great job of this. However l, the complex nature of the source material seems to hinder the overall viewing experience. I feel like there’s an incredible film in here somewhere, but it’s lost in a very ambitious project. Nonetheless this is a good film and an incredible Adam Driver performance as usual.

The Menu:

This is a fantastic viewing experience, Ralph Feines plays the perfect evil genius and it’s just a great time all round. Would strongly recommend this if you’re looking for a good watch.

Ready or Not:

A fun addition to the slasher genre that takes the classic cat and mouse formula and gives it a fun twist. Samara Weaving solidifies her status as a lead in horror and I’m excited to see her next venture.

Get out:

Apparently I was in a mood to be scared this new year as this marks yet another horror film. This is easily the pick of the bunch though, what an incredible debut effort from Peele. His vision is so impressive, he has consistently crafted ambitious, conscious films that are still leaders in there field in terms of fear factor. The writing, story, direction and performances are incredible and I’m so glad the academy rightfully acknowledged Peele’s genius with this film… shame they couldn’t do the same for Nope.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire:

This is one of the most beautiful films I have ever watched. This such an intimate story and at times it feels like you’re intruding in the relationship. I struggle to think of a better representation of love, especially impossible love and true deep connections. The chemistry between the two and the representation of how you perceive those you love and how it reflects on yourself is remarkable. Those connections that are not fleeting and stay with you forever are hard to describe but this film portrays it perfectly. The colour grading and overall visuals are some of the most striking I have seen. The bonfire scene and those final few minutes are visuals that constantly stick out in my mind. This is a must watch, a truly magnificent film.

The Wrestler:

A tragic hero, handled with such care by Mickey Rourke. You can see the ending coming almost from the start but the journey there is well worth the ride. No one really does a breakdown like Aronofsky and this is one of his finest efforts.

All Quiet on The Western Front:

If you are looking for a film to truly capture the essence of war, look no further than this effort. This a truly harrowing film from start to finish that pulls absolutely no punches. The sense of dread is conveyed from all aspects, the visuals, story, performances and soundtrack are all laced with terror. A difficult but important watch.