You’re in a weird stretch of the semester now. You find yourself stressing about your grades, huge assignment deadlines, the last exam that can make or break the GPA while also gearing your excitement towards the fun and cozy holidays. Forget that you’re stressed and occupy your mind with some of the most anticipated films of the year. Allow yourself to take a break from your studies with a rich family whodunit mystery or a hot Henry Golding.
Here are the best of the best films to see as the decade—and the semester—comes to a close:
1. Parasite (October 11)
Everyone who hasn’t seen Parasite needs to see it, and everyone who has seen it needs to see it again. You can watch the South-Korean film with subtitles, but the thriller locks you in so quickly you forget it involves any reading. In my opinion, you should see this film completely blind to its storyline. Just know that it follows a wildly entertaining and shocking narrative about an impoverished family conning rich people. “Don’t bother sitting down because this film with have you beyond the edge of your seat. I wasn’t ready for this movie. You aren’t ready for it and I don’t think anyone ever will be ready for it. I legitimately screamed in the theater. Just go see it. You’re welcome,” said senior Madison Stuart. The rich, layered and satisfying storytelling will give you a one-of-a-kind movie viewing experience—trust me.
2. Last Christmas (November 8)
Inspired by the George Michael classic, Last Christmas is the holiday romantic comedy that we all need. Directed by Paul Feig, (Bridesmaids, A Simple Favor) the film stars Emelia Clarke and Henry Golding—that alone makes it worth seeing. Clarke plays an unlucky woman who takes a job as an elf at a department store for the holidays. When she meets Tom, they form a wonderful Christmas romance. “I’m excited for Last Christmas because Emilia Clarke needs another romantic vehicle like Me Before You and also Henry Goulding’s body is divine,” said junior Ben Mayhew. Last Christmas will surely bring warmth, charm and a mood for Christmas celebration.
3. Charlie’s Angels (November 15)
This movie works as the perfect study break film if I’ve ever seen one. The reboot of the beloved classic film stars Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott and Ella Balinska, with Elizabeth Banks directing. Like the ones that came before it, the film tracks the adventures of a female, crime-fighting trio. The brand new cast means that the storyline has a wholly original concept and doesn’t act as a continuation of the other stories. Elizabeth Banks aimed to pay homage to past films while doing something unique with them. Get ready for an action film that will surely be purely fun to watch, if not for the reason that women deserve everything. Give some love to women filmmakers!
4. A Beautiful Day in The Neighborhood (November 22)
Tom Hanks as Mr. Rodgers. Need I say more? Fred Rodgers had such an impact on our culture and he will forever influence the way we perceive kindness and understanding children. It’s no surprise his life has been adapted to film. In the film, when a journalist profiles Mr. Rogers, his life takes on a whole new meaning. It will surely be just as infectiously heartwarming as Fred Rodgers himself. I’ve watched the trailer several times and cried.
5. Frozen 2 (November 22)
Continuing the heart-warming train, Frozen returns. You’ve waited so long to see the sisters of Arendelle return, and now they actually get to go on an adventure together. We don’t know much about the plot, but the sisters fight new dark forces along with their adventure partners Kristoff, Olaf and Sven. The trailer looks like a marvelous epic and I’m sure the creators of the original won’t let us down. Plus, think of all the new songs.
6. Knives Out (November 27)
I’m mandating Knives Out as a required Thanksgiving family-viewing. It entails a whodunit mystery about the death of a patriarch on his 85th birthday with a star-studded cast (Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis) and the director of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Rian Johnson. The film clearly has a comedic edge to it from the trailer, and reviews claim Johnson has pulled off a masterful, purely entertaining murder mystery with thoughtful social commentary. Seems like the perfect movie to discuss over Thanksgiving dinner.
7. The Irishman (November 27)
Who says gangster films died? Martin Scorsese’s new crime-mob drama hits Netflix at the end of November with a limited theatrical release beforehand. If you like Scorsese or crime films, look no further than The Irishman. It utilizes de-aging digital effects for actors Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino through the flashback sequences. Though the film has a long runtime, critics have raved on every aspect of the film: cinematography, haunting storytelling, editing, effects, performances…etc. If you want to see a really good movie made by a really good filmmaker in the comfort of your own home, see this movie. If you need to take a break halfway through, I won’t judge (It’s three and a half hours long, but worth it).
8. Marriage Story (December 6)
The first Adam Driver film I am conspiring to get people to watch, Marriage Story tells the devastating but all-too-true story of divorce. It shows the intricacies of relationship dynamics and having to let go of someone that you love. Told through both perspectives of the divorce in a blend of heartfelt emotion and sadness, you have to see this sentimental yet comedic film. Written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Noah Baumbach, he loves to write about the struggles of adulthood, and this story appears no different. The film also stars Scarlett Johansson opposite Adam Driver. “I don’t know how I am so excited for a sad divorce movie? But I love Noah Baumbach and his films so much that I am ready to get in the theatre (or watch it on Netflix) and cry alongside Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver!” said junior Bethany Geltner. Get ready to feel the sadness of true and immense heartbreak that comes from realizing you can no longer understand the person you love.
9. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (December 20)
I don’t think I need to sell anyone on this one. The Rise of Skywalker concludes the epic Star Wars Trilogy and the hype for this film has reached insane levels. You’ve waited two years for this. If you haven’t caught up on the Star Wars films yet, you must now. “I’m excited about the new stars movie because I grew up watching all the old movies with my dad and my siblings. Ever since The Force Awakens came out my dad has made it a tradition over the holidays to take his kids to see the latest movie and I’m very excited for the culmination of the saga and to continue that tradition with my family,” said senior Eddy Denfeld. You can’t miss this cinematic event. How will Rey’s story end? Is Kylo Ren doomed to stay in the dark side forever? Will Kelly Marie Tran finally get the respect she deserves? So many questions and only one way to get the answers.
10. Little Women (December 25)
Greta Gerwig’s second film as a director adapts the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. Gerwig has already proved her chops as a filmmaker with her directorial debut Lady Bird, and Little Women feels like the perfect project for her to explore women living by their own rules. The story explores the lives of the four March sisters and how they navigate their passion-driven lives in the 19th century. “I’m looking forward to seeing Little Women. Not only because of the story, but because of those involved. I can’t wait to see how Greta Gerwig makes her version standout. Also, I love Timothée Chalamet and Saoirse Ronan. They’re all I need. Lady Bird 2.0,” said senior Ashlee Branyan. The film promises to be uplifting, inspiring and a compelling take on the beloved novel. I’m definitely the most excited about this one. I can’t wait for my family to find me missing on Christmas because I’m on my third Little Women viewing.
