1. The Shape of Water
“The Shape of Water” is partly a code-scrambled fairy tale, partly a genetically modified monster movie, and altogether wonderful,” famed movie critic A. O. Scott said. “The most welcome and notable thing about The Shape of Water is its generosity of spirit, which extends beyond the central couple.”
In Guillermo del Toro’s recent masterpiece, a mute and isolated woman named Elisa lives an average life as a cleaning lady at a top secret research facility. When a new research subject is brought in, she finds herself falling in love for the monster in the water.
Toro captivates the audience with a love story with a unique twist. He exposes the harsh nature of mankind and questions romantic roles. Toro creates an intriguing plot line while also visually and aesthetically creating a work of visual art that viewers will simply love watching.
2. Get Out
“Blending race-savvy satire with horror to especially potent effect, this bombshell social critique from first-time director Jordan Peele proves positively fearless,” film critic Peter Debruge said.
After dating for some time, Rose decides that it is time for her boyfriend Chris to meet her parents. Chris agrees, hoping that her family will be ok with the fact their daughter is dating an African American man. Chris attributes the family’s awkward behavior to sincerity, but he soon realizes that his girlfriend’s family is not who they say they are.
Peele comments on race issues in America through the psychological horror film of the year. The plot line throws curve balls at the audience throughout the whole film, hitting it home with an unnerving twist ending. You will be on the edge of your seat watching this movie, questioning what will happen next.
3. Lady Bird
“A striking directorial debut by Greta Gerwig, this tender, semi-autobiographical love letter to Gerwig’s hometown explores the gulf between childhood and adulthood with touching, witty humor” -Jeffrey M. Anderson
This indie depicts the colorful life of a high schooler who goes by the name of “Lady Bird.” Her mother is a strong-headed woman who pushes Lady Bird to be her best, but can sometimes come off as overbearing. As Lady Bird learns to juggle her home life and insane mother with her busy senior year, she realizes that her parents want her to be the best version of herself.
Lady Bird will make you laugh and cry at the same time. This movie accurately expresses what it is to bridge the gap between childhood and adulthood. The loss of innocence and growing up are two very essential themes to the film. Lady Bird struggles to come to terms with who she wants to be and what others want her to be throughout the hectic life she lives. Any teenager will love this movie and relate in one way or another.
4. Mother!
“A difficult film and one that’s likely to offend in some ways. But as an elliptical, dream-logic infused visual poem, it certainly leaves a searing impression” -Dan Jolin
A couple lives peacefully at home enjoying their secluded life until uninvited guests start to knock on their door. Out of the kindness of the couple’s heart they invite them in, but the guests challenge the rules of the house and make the couple wonder how much longer they can remain hospitable. Secrets are revealed as tension rises in the household.
Mother! Is most definitely, without a doubt not a movie for everyone. This film is a combination of a scary home invasion film and a dark rooted allegory for Mother Earth and humanity itself. This film does not hold back on details and is guaranteed to leave an audience absolutely speechless. Although it’s a hard movie to make it through, this film does a magnificent job serving as a metaphor for religion, God, Earth and human nature. Darren Aronofsky has made yet another shocking thriller.
5. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Martin McDonagh’s latest film is a darkly comic, chronically compelling story of a mother who walks through fire in the name of justice” -Joe Dziemianowicz
After the murder of Mildred Hayes’s daughter, a mother finds herself empty and decides to bring justice to her daughter’s death. Strong-headed Mildred purchases three billboard to put in her home city questioning why nothing has been done about her daughter’s sudden disappearance. A dark humored fight between mother and police unfolds.
This movie exemplifies the principal beliefs of motherhood. A stubborn yet powerful character like Mildred Hayes, played by Frances McDormand, shows the unspeakable fights that a mother will endure in order to protect her daughter. Although packed with darkly comical scenes, this movie offers all age groups something to relate to when it comes to fighting for someone you love.
The Rise of Indies Today
Within the past few years indie films have become increasingly popular. Indie is short for independent film and it is “a film that is not mainstream film financed by and/or produced by the major film production companies,” said Ralph Mazza, Computer Department Chair. Since these films often receive low funding and can be viewed as “low budget student-type” films, people do not always take indie films seriously. Luckily recently they have received much more recognition due to The Oscars, local independent film theatres such as the Enzian, and online streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. There are many movies that most would never think started out as independent films due to their extreme popularity. For example, the movie Get Out, directed by Jordan Peele, received amazing reviews yet it was a very low budget independent film. Most of the time, when people hear that a movie is an independent film, they automatically discard it assuming it will be amateur and a waste of money. But they must remember that all great directors once started off in the world of indies until they gained enough recognition. Thanks to local film theatres, we are combating this mentality. The Enzian is a small indie film theatre located in Winter Park, Florida that screens student films and hosts many film festivals.
“With today’s technology and the quality of even the smallest cameras anyone can become a filmmaker,” Mazza said. “There are more local film fests for people to enter their films and if they have talent—their work will be picked up.”
