It is no secret that film lends from life and life from film. Yet, cinema has always been a gateway to worlds mythical, magical, mysterious, and magnificent. Through the power of storytelling, worlds have shifted, evolved, and ironically embraced reality in a way that seemed impossible not too long ago. When used powerfully, visual narratives are evocative and echo the voices of thousands, making them a necessity in society. With the accessibility of OTT platforms, these stories gain a chance to be seen, experienced, and lauded.
Platform brings a list of films that are a must-watch as we wrap up the year 2023. Each of these films offers a unique cinematic experience that can’t be ignored.
Joyland
This groundbreaking, Cannes-winning debut by Saim Sadiq is a bold and intimate exploration of love, family, and repression in Pakistan. Set against the background of a patriarchal family, the movie follows the seemingly banal life of each member. This life, however, underscores feelings of desire, confusion, and resistance for each. The youngest son joins an erotic dance troupe of an ambitious transgender woman, dipping his toes into a life he never imagined for himself. The women of the household stride the line of compliance and resistance, desperately seeking out an identity they can call their own. The head of the household, the wheelchair-ridden father, is bound by his own conventional ideas of right and wrong, unable to view the world through a different lens. Through each subtle act of a will for freedom, Saim Sadiq presents us with a narrative that cleverly bends, breaks, and reshapes the laden conventions of misogyny and transphobia. The film has been praised for its striking intimacy, nuanced character portrayals, and bold exploration of gender and sexuality. With its striking visuals and powerful storytelling, Joyland, available to stream on Mubi, is a must-watch for anyone looking to experience a transformative perspective on ordinary life.
Past Lives
Celine Song poignantly crafts a world of love, ambition, chance, and choice in Past Lives. The movie follows the story of two individuals whose lives collide repeatedly at 12, 24, and 36 — although from another perspective, perhaps their lives never diverged. Layered through memories, contemporary reality is palimpsest in the narrative of two friends. The film gently explores the shifting and growing self, the malleability of relationships over time, and the unseen impacts people have on each other's lives to create a mature love story that feels powerfully real. Wound up in the ‘what-ifs’, Song’s Past Lives is a heartbreaking tug at the paradoxical yet complimentary aspects of truth - that free will and predestination will always remain intertwined through the unending passage of time. Available to stream on Lionsgate Play, Past Lives is recommended for those looking for a heartfelt love story that slowly unravels itself and remains so without an end.
Cha Cha Real Smooth
Cha Cha Real Smooth is a light-hearted indie film written, directed, and starring Cooper Raiff. The film follows the story of a young man navigating unexpected relationships and personal growth, with a unique blend of humour and emotion. Confusion and uncertainty abound in the film, yet at no point does the viewer feel lost. What emerges is a strong sense of empathy for a young character navigating the course of his life, embracing each trial and error. The relationships forged in the film have much of a recall to real life, having been depicted as messily as they often appear. Yet the film highlights the importance of emotional healing, as the protagonist learns to cope with his past and move forward in his life, carrying joy and hope by his side. Cha Cha Real Smooth is a thought-provoking and engaging film streaming on Apple TV for anyone looking for a relatable and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
The Swimmers
The Swimmers is, above all, a story about resilience and the indestructible force of sisterhood. Based on a true story, sisters Yusra and Sarah Mardini, two teenage Syrian refugees, swim across the Aegean Sea in an attempt to reach safety as they flee from their country, leaving behind their home and family. The film follows their journey fraught with violence, grief, struggle, and unimaginable strength. Through all, their courage never wavers as they navigate their emotions, relationships, and personal growth to pursue their dream of competing in the Olympics as professional swimmers. The beauty of the film lies in the nuanced depiction of a sibling relationship — each becoming the other’s anchor, helping them combat fear and uncertainty. Grappling with heavy themes, the narrative still manages to interlace humour within it, creating a story that feels real, powerful, and inspirational. Available to stream on Netflix, The Swimmers is a must-watch.
Everything Everywhere All At Once
Everything Everywhere All At Once challenges what we know of ourselves and our universe and does so in a way that is miraculous yet simple. Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the movie follows the life of an immigrant mother who finds her life hanging by a thread, only to be confronted by versions of herself existing in multiple universes. Although mythical, the film forces the viewer to stretch their minds and question the meaning of life. In a moment, the protagonist, from being stuck in her mundane and monotonous life, is thrust into an otherworldly experience that forces her to reckon with her own strength. The sheer ambition of storytelling is gripping enough for the viewer to be spellbound. The movie has been described as an overwhelming and chaotic multiverse of honesty, love, and hurt, offering a blend of absurd comedy, kung fu action, and profound human drama. With its unique script, Everything Everywhere All At Once, now streaming on SonyLiv, is a visually daring and emotionally engaging film that will leave you wrought with questions about the meaning of life.
Words Devyani Verma
Date 19.12.2023