by Rosa Parra
As 2024 comes to an end, I find myself catching up on films to nominate for the FILM critic groups I belong to, while also getting a sense of how the awards season is shaping up. Here is a list of the films I’ve watched in the past 48 hours, along with my quick thoughts and scores.
Emilia Perez
This musical drama follows Rita (Zoë Saldaña), a lawyer in an unusual position. She must help a cartel leader transition into becoming a woman, Emilia Perez (Karla Sofía Gascón). Currently streaming on Netflix, this film was intriguing, but some of its bold decisions didn’t resonate with me. The subject matter presents a compelling and serious conversation, but some of the musical numbers detracted from the film’s intended impact. While Saldaña and Gascón delivered strong performances, the rest of the cast left much to be desired. The songs were also not memorable. Overall, “Emilia Perez” tells a compelling story but does so in a less impactful manner.
Rating: 3/5
Blitz
This historical drama chronicles a mother and son in London during WWII. The pair must separate for the child’s safety, but complications arise when the mother learns that her son never reached his intended destination. Saoirse Ronan and Elliot Heffernan deliver strong performances, and the production design is stellar, with well-done costumes. However, the film suffers from pacing issues. While the story is compelling, it lacks a level of novelty and intrigue.
Rating: 3/5
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
I missed this film at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024, but I’ve finally caught up with it! This is one of the most inspirational documentaries I’ve seen in a long time. I knew Christopher Reeve’s story but only had superficial knowledge about it. The movie chronicles Reeve’s career in the film industry and how the role of Superman changed his life, including the moment when he lost his bodily functions. There is no denying that his legacy continues through his children, and his tireless work in making technological and medicinal advances for the disabled community is still felt today.
Rating: 4.5/5
Nightbitch
In this film, Amy Adams portrays a woman who has paused her career to become a stay-at-home mother. It offers an in-depth depiction of motherhood and the many sacrifices women make to raise children. The film effectively highlights the repetitive nature of daily routines and the frustrations that arise from a lack of support.
While its elements of mystical realism can sometimes detract from the impact, as a mother, I found it to be a metaphorical exploration of societal expectations placed on mothers, who often face criticism for any minor hurdle or when seeking help. This movie resonated with me, and it was refreshing to see a film that openly deromanticizes motherhood.
Rating: 4/5
Conclave
This drama can be likened to “Mean Girls” but featuring old men at the Vatican. It explores the political machinations, betrayals, gossip, and dynamics that occur during the conclave, where cardinals gather to elect a new pope. While the film is thrilling and engaging, it is somewhat slow-paced, and the soundtrack occasionally overshadows what is happening on screen. It may not be my cup of tea, but it wasn’t unenjoyable either.
Rating: 3/5