Best Picture

The Brutalist

The Brutalist (2025.10, Provocative , Huge )

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The Brutalist is a long, ambitious film about a Hungarian architect, Laszlo Toth, and his struggles with life, love, and artistic vision. The film explores themes of courage, fortitude, immigration, love, architecture, and capitalism through the contrasting characters of Laszlo and his wealthy patron, Harrison Van Buren. Despite its length and complex narrative, the film deserves praise for its emotional depth and Laszlo’s resilience, though some may find the ending disappointing.

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Brazilian movie, I'm Still here

I’m Still Here (2025.9, Signs , Terrific )

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I’m Still Here is a powerful Brazilian docudrama that depicts the devastating impact of a military dictatorship on a family. The film, based on a true story, highlights the importance of individual agency in the face of government overreach, drawing parallels to current political events in the U.S. Fernanda Torres delivers a standout performance as Eunice Paiva, a mother who embodies strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

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Nickel Boys

Nickel Boys (2025.8, Unique , Stimulating )

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Nickel Boys uses cinematic techniques to evoke emotions about the injustices faced by Black people. The story follows Elwood, a wrongfully convicted teenager sent to a reform school, where he forms a bond with Turner, a cynical boy who helps him survive. The film, based on a true story, explores themes of friendship, survival, and the enduring impact of racial brutality. But is best seen for its remarkable cinematography and editing.

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Conclave

Conclave (2025.7, Terrific , Faith )

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The movie Conclave depicts the secretive process of electing a new Pope, highlighting the struggle between certainty, doubt, and faith among the cardinals. The film, based on a novel by Robert Harris, is praised for its attention to detail and powerful performances, particularly from Ralph Fiennes as the Dean of Cardinals. Through the characters’ interactions and monologues, the audience is drawn into the complexities of the decision-making process, making it a compelling and thought-provoking thriller.

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Wicked

Wicked (2025.6, Wicked , Good Fun)

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The movie Wicked focuses on character development, particularly the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, rather than delving deeply into complex themes like the nature of evil. While the film’s story and tone are heavily influenced by the Broadway musical and original novel, the director, Jon M. Chu, effectively brings the characters and musical numbers to life. The first part of the movie leaves viewers with more questions than answers, setting the stage for the second part due out in November.

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The Substance

The Substance (2025.5, Guts , Bad Ending)

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The Substance critiques Hollywood’s age and sex discrimination, highlighting the industry’s preference for young, attractive women. There is a way out of that problem, but it may take a bit more time. The film, through its exaggerated and absurd tone, effectively conveys the pressures women face to maintain their appearance, ultimately concluding in an excessive and disgusting display of blood and gore.

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A Complete Unknown

A Complete Unknown (2025.4, Off-the Record, Great Music)

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A Complete Unknown is a biopic about Bob Dylan’s early career, focusing on his relationships with women like Joan Baez and Sylvie Russo, and his musical influences like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Johnny Cash. The film takes creative liberties with historical accuracy, portraying Dylan as a complex and sometimes cruel character, prioritizing his musical creativity over his relationships. Ultimately, the movie is an artistic interpretation of Dylan’s life, not a documentary.

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Anora

Anora (2025.3, Full-On Sex , Very Good )

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Initially unimpressed with Sean Baker’s “Florida Project,” I find myself appreciating, even liking “Anora.” While the explicit content and language may deter some viewers, the film’s skillful tonal shifts and open-ended conclusion make it worth considering. Set in a marginal world, it deals with universal themes.

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Emilia Perez

Emilia Perez (2025.2, Mixed , Bold )

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Emilia Perez, a controversial film, received Oscar nominations for its unique story, music, and performances. However, its portrayal of Mexican culture, including the use of non-Mexican Spanish and insensitive themes, sparked outrage and led to its downfall. The film’s director, Jacques Audiard, is criticized for his lack of cultural understanding and respect.

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Dune: Part Two

Dune: Part Two (2025.1, Awesome , Big )

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Dune: Part Two, a science fiction film, explores the enduring human traits of power-seeking and religious fervor, highlighting their timelessness despite technological advancements. The movie’s themes of power, ideology, and environmental concerns resonate with contemporary issues, prompting reflection on the persistence of human nature.

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Past Lives

Past Lives (2024.7, Simple, Love)

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Past LIves tells the story of three characters in a whirlwind of fond memories, painful regrets, and doubts of self-worth. A simple and tightly emotional story, but not one you will long remember (3.5*)

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All Quiet on the Western Front

All Quiet on the Western Front – A Gut Punch Focus on War (4*)

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A German production, All Quiet on the Western Front re-adapts the 1928 novel of the same name, adding some distinctive scenes and commentary to the story of a young German man, and his friends, thrust onto the “Western Front” to fight the French in the final months of World War I. Accompanied by some stunning cinematography, dominating sound and music, and visceral visual effects, the film reaches new heights in presenting the horror of war. It also adds another, very important message about how events are felt differently depending on where you stand on the social ladder.

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Banshees of Inisherin

The Banshees of Inisherin – When Friendship Ends (4.5*)

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Set during the Irish Civil War in 1923, in a very small village on an isolated island (Inisherin) off the coast of Ireland, Padraic (Colin Farrell) finds his lifelong friendship is torn when his older best friend, Colm (Brendan Gleeson) suddenly, and without apparent reason, finds him “dull” and no longer wants to be with him. The change alters both men, and the entire village, both emotionally and physically. Martin McDonagh’s carefully written and directed script is executed by an Irish-born cast with seemingly perfect chemistry. A must-see film for any adult interested in how and why relationships, of any kind, change and, sometimes, end. (4.5*) The Banshees of Inisherin

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