Happy Belated 2024!

 

 

I hope you had a fantastic end of the year and an even better start to the new one!

From my side, this New Year comes with plenty of life changes, including one more year living in the OZ and a new job, with an entirely different schedule (meant to make my life just a bit nicer than it was last year). 

On top of that, it is summer in Australia! I can’t get used to this largely different weather, but I have been enjoying the sun quite a bit, and I am planning on having some surf lessons again!

Aside from that, I have not spent nearly as much time as I liked writing, hence why I haven’t been posting anything…

As a way of compensation, I have been spending a lot of time watching movies, and we all know what that means…

It’s movie feedback time!

 

It’s been a hell of a long time since the last time I decided to write about movies. A lot of films have starred my late nights, but only a few ones have left a fingerprint in my memory. And I am excited to share some of those movies with you and even more excited to read your opinions about them. 

Let’s start with Drama Llamas!

 

Our number one on this list comes in a direct flight from real life itself!

May December

May December tells the story of a Hollywood actress who starts getting involved with a seemingly random family in order to learn more about the new character she will represent in her next movie. 

What dragged me into this tale (aside from the epic cast) was to discover that this movie is based on the true story of the Mary Kay Letourneau case.

Mary Kay was a teacher who began a sexual affair with her 12-year-old pupil in the 90s, thereafter having his kids and subsequently selling their story to the tabloid portraying it as a “forbidden love affair”.

The movie primarily focuses on the movie star (Natalie Portman) following, observing and imitating the ex-convicted teacher and the young husband closely while they prepare to send their kids to college. 

I wasn’t sure what to expect. I am yet to decide what my final opinion is on May December.

But it was a pretty interesting movie to watch and if you are curious about this case, you will probably enjoy watching the movie. 

 

Let’s continue with another rollercoaster of a drama/thriller.

 

Sundown

I feel like this is the most unexpected movie of the year. A family holiday ends up being pretty different after the protagonist of this story decides to stay in the holiday destinations instead of going back to his hometown in England. 

This film does an extraordinary job of leaving you to your assumptions and surprising you with later events. I didn’t know what to expect from this one, but it shocked me. 

The Royal Hotel

This was one of the most anticipated movies of the year, the excitingly awaited “The Royal Hotel” tells the story of two best friends who, in need of some extra cash during their sabbatical year, accept a bartender job in rural Australia.

As someone who came to the same country with a similar type of visa and expectations, I was already interested in the plot. Still, the 2 main actresses in this piece just made me count every week and day until I was able to finally watch this movie. 

And despite my high hopes, this movie surpassed all my expectations. It is incredibly well made. The tension was palpable, and I found myself completely absorbed in the suspenseful atmosphere.

 

Eileen

Another anticipated movie. Eileen is based on the book of the same name, written by Ottessa Moshfegh (author of “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” and “Lapvona”).

Eileen tells the story of a very conservative and grounded girl who lives with her alcoholic and abusive father and works at a prison centre, whilst daydreaming of stepping out of her life.

The arrival of a charismatic psychologist who befriends her has a cathartic effect on Eileen.

 

The Passenger

The life of a reserved and timid fast food worker changes when one of his colleagues shoots everyone in the workplace and kidnaps him.

I loved this movie. It was intriguing from beginning to end and I enjoyed every part of it. The tensions that follow every minute of it and the conversations the two guys have on this journey make this a fantastic psychological thriller that I will recommend in a heartbeat!

Let’s finish with a laugh.

 

 

Bottoms

I was hesitant about watching this movie. It came across as a basic American comedy trying to portray every typical stereotype of a high school in a satiric way. All this is under the synopsis of 2 lesbian friends who decide to create a fight club for girls to get their respective crush’s attention.

We started watching the movie late at night, and after 15 minutes we decided to drop it and go to sleep. 

The intention was not to completely abandon this movie. Nevertheless, one day later we realised that we didn’t have anything ‘’on the menu’’, and because some things don’t change, I still needed at least 20 minutes of movie/TV show before going to bed, so we decided to continue with Bottoms. And I am deeply grateful for that. 

I have noticed some movies resonate more with certain mental states. On the first day, we did not have that specific mental state. And for some reason, we did it on the second day, and we enjoyed every part of this comedy.

 

That’s my list for the day, I have a few more movies that I would like to recommend but I will prepare another list for those since I would like to get this published soon.

Have you watched any of those movies? Which is your favourite flick of 2023?