"Waves" is a gripping drama film directed by Trey Edward Shults, released in 2019. The film follows the emotional journey of a Black suburban family in South Florida as they navigate love, loss, and reconciliation in the face of tragedy. With stunning visuals and a powerful soundtrack (Frank Ocean, Tame Impala, H.E.R.), "Waves" explores themes of identity, forgiveness, and the complexities of family dynamics, delivering a deeply moving cinematic experience. The film is packed with incredible performances by Sterling K Brown, Kelvin Harrison, Jr., and especially Taylor Russell,
This extremely heartfelt, gripping drama won the World Cinema Dramatic Award at Sundance Film Festival Winner.
Inspired by the writer/direct's real-life childhood experiences, the story follows an Iranian immigrant woman in Australia who is raising her young daughter as the two live in a , while also attempting to divorce from her abusive husband. It takes place during the (Persian New Year) holiday period, sometime in the 1990s
"Ex Machina" is a 2014 Oscar-winning sci-fi thriller directed by Alex Garland. Caleb, a young programmer, participates in an experiment with an advanced humanoid robot, Ava, conducted by the enigmatic CEO, Nathan. As Caleb delves deeper, he confronts ethical dilemmas and questions about consciousness and humanity.
The film's tense atmosphere, stunning visuals, and stellar performances by its cast, especially Alicia Vikander as Ava, make it a gripping exploration of AI and its implications. It's best to go into this one with little to no expectations.
Judas and the Black Messiah (2021) is a historical drama based on the true story of Fred Hampton, the leader of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party in the late 1960s. The film focuses on William O'Neal, an FBI informant who infiltrates the Black Panther Party and betrays Hampton. The movie explores themes of betrayal, systemic racism, and the fight for Black liberation. Daniel Kaluuya stars as Fred Hampton, with Lakeith Stanfield playing O'Neal. Kaluuya won an Oscar for his portrayal of Hampton.
20th Century Women (2016) is a coming-of-age drama set in 1979 California, focusing on a teenage boy, Jamie, as he navigates his adolescence. His mother, Dorothea (Annette Bening), a strong and free-spirited woman, seeks help from two women—Abbie (Greta Gerwig), a punk photographer, and Julie (Elle Fanning), a rebellious teen—to guide Jamie through life's complexities. The film explores themes of feminism, generational differences, love, and identity. It highlights how these women shape Jamie’s understanding of the world. Bening's performance as Dorothea earned critical acclaim and several award nominations.