The Awards Season is almost over, and we have complaints. The 96th Academy Awards will be held on March 10th, and although the Oscar nominations this year featured lots of winning-worthy pictures – like Yorgos Lanthimos‘ Poor Things, Martin Scorsese‘s Killers Of The Flower Moon, Christopher Nolan‘s Oppenheimer and Justine Triet‘s Anatomy of A Fall – other interesting films were left out of the picture. Here are some of them – that are absolutely worth the watch:
the iron claw
This A24 production depicts the struggles of the Von Erich brothers, whose father, Fritz, owns a wrestling company. His sons, Kevin (Zac Efron), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), Lance (Maxwell Jacob Friedman), and David (Harris Dickinson) are forced to achieve the success their father groomed them for, from 1979 to the early 1990s. This is a heartbreaking and necessary view on families that push their dreams too hard on their kids.
Zac Efron’s emotional and diverse performance gives life and suffering to Sean Durkin‘s masterpiece. The lack of nominations for his acting and visuals – as he gained 7 kg of muscles for the role – is the definition of a real snub.
priscilla
Sofia Coppola‘s Priscilla is another A24 snub on this list. Starred by Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi, this picture time-travels us to the early sixties, when Priscilla and Elvis Presley meet. The movie follows the highs and lows of the complicated relationship from her perspective and emotions.
It featured precise cinematography, hair, makeup, and art design: even Priscilla’s wedding gown was custom-made by Chanel to be just like the real one. Elvis’ pieces of extravagant clothing and Priscilla’s signature looks should have won at least a nomination for Best Hair and Makeup or Costume Design.
ferrari
With brilliant acting from the lead couple, played by Penélope Cruz and Adam Driver, this biopic brings us closer to the life of the Italian founder of the world’s most famous cars. The veteran director Michael Mann hits the green light when he focuses on Enzo Ferrari’s fall instead of his rise.
The action scenes involving car accidents and races bring the public to the edge of their seats, deserving at least a spot in the Best Sound category. Cruz’s outstanding performance should have been acknowledged by the Academy as well.
may december
Based on a real case that filled tabloids 20 years ago, Todd Haynes’ May December tells the story of Gracie (Julianne Moore) and Joe (Charles Melton). Now married, with kids and living a boring life, the romance began in a very dark form: when Gracie was a school teacher, she started dating Joe at the age of 13. Their peace is shaken by Elizabeth (Natalie Portman), an actress who comes into their life to play Gracie’s part in a movie.
Nominated for Best Original Screenplay, this unsettling story should have been more valued for its cast in the Golden Globes this year, the three stars were nominated in their respective categories. Charles Melton outshines his veteran colleagues as he embraces his character’s insecurities and innocence.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
Directed and written by Kelly Fremon Craig, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is a coming-of-age film made the right way. The picture was based on the 1970 novel of the same name by Judy Blume and tells the story of eleven-year-old Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Fortson) after she and her parents Barbara (Rachel McAdams) and Herb (Benny Safdie) move from New York City to a New Jersey suburb.
As Margaret navigates sixth grade and new friend dynamics, she struggles to form a positive self-image about her changing body and starts exploring her religious beliefs. This uplifting drama features emotional mother-daughter dynamics, and sensitive acting from McAdams. The soulful message from the movie should have put the eternal Regina George between the names members of the Academy chose for Best Supporting Actress.
The article above was edited by Beatriz Oliveira.
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