The Conjuring revivedthe haunted house subgenrewith style, combining exquisite craftsmanship with blockbuster entertainment value.
The Warrens uncover a demonic force, and unexplained occurrences soon escalate into outright malevolence.
Then there are the jump scares, often a cheap gimmick but here elevated into a potent tool.
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Not for nothing,several scenes quickly became iconic, including the infamous clapping hands.
“Adele ExarchopoulosandLea Seydouxare the driving forces in this raw coming-of-age romance.
The film follows their passionate relationship over several years, exploring themes of love, identity, and self-discovery.
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Blue Is the Warmest Colormanages to beboth intimate and epic, clocking in at a full three hours.
The stars are impressively vulnerable and intense, practically carrying the whole film between the two of them.
They keep this careful balancing act from falling apart.
Their performances are so authentic that the movie feels more like a slice of life than fiction.
Not for nothing, the film took home the Palme d’Or.
Both performers are on top form here, and they play off one another well.
Every emotional beat is earned.
He also ably mixes together subgenres, borrowing elements of road movie and detective story.
For all these reasons,Philomenamanages to be both heartbreaking and entertaining.
Nebraskaworks thanks to its pitch-perfect balance of wry humor and quiet melancholy.
In particular, he uses the bleak Midwestern landscape to reflect the film’s themes of loneliness and nostalgia.
We are so important to some, but we are just passing through.
“Before Midnightis the perfect conclusion to one of cinemas most beloved romantic trilogies.
The magic of their early romance has given way to the realities of long-term commitment.
What follows is a brutally honest, deeply moving examination of loves evolution over time.
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Once again, it’s anchored by naturalistic dialogue and winning performances.
Their conversations crackle with authenticity, making their exchanges as captivating as ever.
Through their words, we piece together the trajectories their lives have taken.
The script is beautifully fluid and razor-sharp, occasionally veering into dark territory.
It’s amazing how organic and real these characters feel.
You are not a burden to me.
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“Short Term 12is a 96-minute indie drama that punches well above its weight.
They are served well by the naturalistic storytelling, including handheld camerawork that immerses the viewer in this environment.
It all adds up to a raw, unsentimental portrayal of trauma and resilience.
Heris a brilliant study of the human need for connection, as well as our changing relationships with technology.
Machines seem to be our only constant companions.
The film’s commentary only grows more relevant as AI grows in power.
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I want to live.”
The film is harrowing and unflinching, certainly not light entertainment.
At the heart of it all is Ejiofor’s remarkably restrained performance.
He uses just the smallest of gestures and expressions to convey so much.
DiCaprio is electrifying, portraying Belfort as both a charismatic con artist and an irredeemable hedonist.
Some critics complained that the film didn’t do enough to punish Belfort or make his existence look unglamorous.
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But this was precisely the point.
NEXT:10 Essential Robert Redford Movies, Ranked
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