I totally forgot three movies I absolutely loved. Instead of modifying my other list, I thought I would just add the three here. If I were to do it again, I would probably knock off Rebel Ridge, Taste of Things and Thelma from my top ten. But I did really enjoy those three.
Daughters, directed by Angela Patton and Chad Morris. An absolutely emotional documentary about a prison program in Washington D.C. that allows innates to reunite with their daughters for a Daddy-Daughter dance after they participate in a workshop to learn to be better fathers. I think the most powerful take away from the film was the way it humanizes the men. They are not monsters; they are not even criminals; they are loving fathers who long to spend moments with their daughters; they want to be better fathers and better men. If you are skeptical about the possibility of reform, watching this film will change your mind. Streaming on Netflix.
The Promised Land, directed by Nikolaj Arcel. A well-crafted and powerfully acted romantic drama starring Mads Mikkelsen that celebrates individual will and its ability to overcome almost all obstacles. It tells the story of a Danish captain living in the 18th century who wants to tame an untamed land called the heath. Fighting against the elements, the land itself, criminals who surround the land, and an evil wealthy landowner bent against any progress the captain makes, the captain stands strong and perseveres. He is stubborn in his fight for his rights and justice, and he almost wins. Ultimately, it's a love story and shows what the captain is willing to give up for love. Streaming on Hulu.
The Substance, directed by Coralie Fargeat. Not for the feint of heart or people easily grossed out by body horror, The Substance is an over-the-top and frankly disgusting examination of aging and the price some are willing to pay to maintain youth and beauty. There is no subtlety here whatsoever. I assume other people have mentioned this, but the movie clearly owes a lot to The Picture of Dorian Gray. An aging actress played by Demi Moore discovers a magic drug called The Substance that promises to make her young again. A new younger self is literally born out of her body and the older self rapidly ages and her body disgustingly corrodes. What I've written so far may not seem like an endorsement, and it was very difficult to watch, but I think the gross-outness of the movie was necessary to make its point about Hollywood, stardom and beauty. Streaming on Mubi.
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