Tag: oscars

I just want someone to tell me what to do. “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” (2025)

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directed by Mary Bronstein
© 2025 A24. All Rights Reserved.

Make children! Be parents! The world needs babies! Who will bring you a glass of water when you’re old?! Sounds familiar? Young adults are shamed for not reproducing, which either leads to their mental health problems or actually having a child… and then mental health problems. Either way, not very pleasant. Today’s film is A24’s quite unique reminder that being an adult is the most difficult job in the world and it’s okay if we perform the absolute minimum. Linda (Rose Byrne) is a psychotherapist, who seems to like helping people, but at the same time she’s slowly getting overwhelmed. In the end, they pay her for listening to complaints and dramas – it can be rather hard. Her husband is a ship captain, so he’s often away, leaving Linda with their daughter with special needs. The girl has a feeding disorder and must be fed through a tube, which means she needs constant assistance. At the beginning of the story, the ceiling in their flat collapses and the entire place gets flooded. That situation is just the prologue to Linda’s mental breakdown. Rose Byrne is highly praised for her performance here and I’m not surprised at all. She managed to understand her character and present it as a good-hearted, strong, yet sensitive woman, who is slowly losing control over her own life. As I said, being an adult is damn difficult. I hate seeing all those influencers pretending that every day they manage to do 120% of whatever they planned and still look fabulous, and have time for taking cringy photos for the background of even cringier quotations. No, the real adult wakes up and hopes to survive the day. Period. It’s okay to be angry with your partner. It’s okay to be tired of your job. It’s okay to be overwhelmed with extra responsibilities. It’s absolutely okay to be a damn human. Perhaps not all of you will like the character of Linda, but I appreciate showing the ugly truth of “normality”. Watch it, reflect and stop meeting other people’s expectations.

My rating: 7/10
S.

To live with our hearts open. “Hamnet” (2025)

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directed by Chloé Zhao
© 2025 Focus Features. All Rights Reserved.

Oscars are coming, but I do not really care. Because if “Hamnet” doesn’t win as the Best Picture, I don’t even want to hear about it. According to me, no film of the nominees is as good as “Hamnet”. Not even close. If you want to see a quality cinema with spectacular acting, amazing costumes and production design, engaging story full of real emotions – then that’s it. Chloé Zhao takes us back to the times of William Shakespeare, but, unlike in other films, the spotlight is put on his wife, Agnes Hathaway (Jessie Buckley). She’s said to be a forest witch’s daughter, which seems to attract William (Paul Mescal) even more. Well, he had a specific type, can’t lie. He’s fascinated by Agnes’ bravery and love for nature, while she’s mesmerised by William’s imagination and storytelling skills. Those two fall in love and have 3 children, which seems like a perfect life. Unfortunately, William spends a lot of time in London working on his plays, while Agnes misses his presence at home. The things get even more complicated when their only son, Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe), is suffering from a serious illness and Agnes’ healing skills seem to be insufficient. I don’t want to spoil more, because it’s really worth experiencing this story to the fullest. Since we know very little about Shakespeare’s family life, the screenplay is fictional, but there are several facts it’s based on. I feel like Chloé Zhao wanted to create the character of Agnes to show she’s more than just a famous writer’s wife. That she had to be a strong individual to go through the reality she was living in. It’s a story about how unusual love can be and how differently each person searches for ease in case of experiencing incredible pain. What Jessie Buckley does in this film is… out of this world. I had chills watching each scene and she made me forget it’s not real. But Jessie’s emotions were beyond being real. Thanks to her, the character of Agnes was complete. Also, she represents the uniqueness of women, which may show in numerous ways, far from common stereotypes. But at the same time, the film doesn’t make William the bad one. Instead, we get the message that those two needed to complement each other, even though they were different human beings with their own needs, values and weaknesses. To me, this film is also a lesson that a quality relation may flourish in unprecedented circumstances and it’s important to connect on a profound level. Anything shallow is of little importance. I believe each person may benefit from seeing “Hamnet” and get whatever they need from it at the moment. I did and I’m thankful. This is the best picture of 2025. Nothing more to add.

My rating: 9/10
S.

It was time to change it all. “Two People Exchanging Saliva” (“Deux personnes échangeant de la salive”, 2024)

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directed by Natalie Musteata & Alexandre Singh
© 2024 The New Yorker. All Rights Reserved.

Probably the best short film I’ve seen in years! Period. Now go and watch… You’re still here? Ugh, fine. So let me tell you shortly why you must see this one. It’s a dystopian story about a world where intimacy is a crime. Kissing another person is forbidden, so nobody brushes their teeth in order to discourage potential physical contact. In the same world, people don’t use money – instead, they are being slapped in the face. The more expensive the service, the bigger number of slaps. In case you’re confused, I’m a huge fan of dystopian productions, so to me it’s incredibly interesting! Anyway, we need a protagonist – and that’s Malaise (Luàna Bajrami), a young woman who’s just got a job at a fancy departement store. One day, she meets an important client, Angine (Zahra Amir Ebrahimi), a wealthy housewife that spends a lot of money on shopping there. Malaise approaches her quite directly, which surprises the cutomer, but at the same time catches her attention. From now on, Angine requests Malaise to be her personal assistant during shopping at the store. The connection they’re bulding doesn’t look that professional anymore and the chemistry is quite visible. But how to get intimate in the world deprived of it? Even though the idea for this story might seem ridiculous, I absolutely loved it. First, the value of money is presented as physical violence that people accept. To me, it’s a visualisation of how much we sacrifice to get the things we want. Perhaps we’re not being slapped in real life, but just think how much energy and effort you put into earning money that you later spend. Isn’t it some kind of self-violence as well? Second, we get a strange picture of forbidden attraction, which reminds us how ridiculous it is to restrict people from loving who they want. In this case, the two ladies cannot deepen their relation because of the silly kissing rule. It is aburd, isn’t it? So now, let’s return to our reality – isn’t it absurd to stop two people of the same sex to love each other? Do people of different sexual orientation than hetero must put on masks and pretend to be someone else? Do they need to “eat garlic” and “avoid toothpaste”? Can’t even describe how much food for thought this short film has given me and I really hope you will find a moment to see it. My absolute winner this year!

My rating: 9/10
S.

I am the reaper of death. Now say my name! “The Alabama Solution” (2025)

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directed by Andrew Jarecki & Charlotte Kaufman
© 2025 HBO. All Rights Reserved.

Is it okay to murder the murderer? Well… I won’t answer this question, but I invite you to another philosophy lesson on this blog, and all that because of “The Alabama Solution”. It’s a documentary that may really play with your mind and values. In 2019, the filmmakers, Andrew and Charlotte, visited one state prison to record some religious event taking place. As they were there, several prisoners approached them in secret to share that they’re being abused on a daily basis. Imagine, a person who committed a crime (even a murder) asks you for help because they’re in danger. What do you do? Andrew and Charlotte decide to investigate and, with the participation of the prisoners, they create this documentary to show the reality behind bars. What you will see is drastic and heart-breaking, but at the same time incredibly confusing. I believe no person should be allowed to torture or kill another one, without exceptions. However, it was difficult for me to sympathise with the prisoners, because they weren’t there without a reason. Once again, they should be punished for their crimes, but additional harming is definitely an example of power abuse. Unfortunately, I do imagine why people might ignore this problem – in the end, they would care about the criminals who had perhaps hurt their beloved ones. It is an extremely difficult topic and the documentary made me reflect on it for a long time. I wish it was a series, so we could dig deeper and try to create several answers to those complex questions. The film left me curious, but not fully informed, at least not as much as I’d like. Technically, it’s an average documentary, but the idea for it makes it outstanding. If you’re ready for such philosophical experience, I highly recommend it.

My rating: 6/10
S.

Who’s fighting? I’m racing. “F1” (2025)

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directed by Joseph Kosinski
© 2025 Warner Bros. Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

It took me a lot of time to sit down and watch this film. I couldn’t force myself to see it in the cinema… I mean, it’s a film about car racing… No offence, but I see absolutely nothing tempting about this activity. However, since so many people recommend it and it’s nominated to Oscars, I just had to make myself a big mug of coffee and watch it. And unfortunately, I still see no point in driving around the circle, but I do think this film looks entertaining and from the technical point of view – it is spectacular. So I’m taking you for a ride in F1! Put on the helmet, fasten the seatbelt and check your insurance. At the beginning we get to know Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), who used to be a very successful F1 driver in the 90s, but a horrible accident forced him to finish his career. One day, he’s offered to become a mentor for another driver and help him in winning the upcoming races. I mean, the story is as simple as tying sandals, so if you already have an idea how things will go – you’re probably right. And everything here is correct – the screenplay, the plot twists, the acting etc. So it is a complete production. Is it outstanding as a story? Not at all. But the work put into creating this film is enormous. The thing that fascinates me the most is how they managed to shoot the action from the inside of the car, where, as you know, there’s very little space. I guess it’s good that Apple produced “F1” because they were using iPhones in such scenes. Perhaps promoting the usage of their phones as professional video cameras was even the main point of making the film – who knows, just my hypothesis. So, to sum up – it’s a fun action/drama to watch if you appreciate great visual effects and you like cars. Then, you’ll have the time of your life. And even though I still don’t feel the enthusiasm about Formula 1, I try to be objective and point out the good sides. For sure I understand the nomination for the best editing, sound and visual effects, but the best picture… well, that’s questionable. Still, I cannot say it’s a bad production and I believe it truly deserves a recommendation. But risking your life for driving in a circle is something I’ll never support and this story hasn’t changed my mind.

My rating: 7/10
S.

How to make you cry in 13 minutes? “Forevergreen” (2025)

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directed by Nathan Engelhardt & Jeremy Spears
© 2025 Nathan Engelhardt & Jeremy Spears. All Rights Reserved.

Who would have thought that I would feel like crying while watching a short animation about a bear and a tree… Since it’s a short film, my post will be rather short as well, so I don’t spoil too much. It’s one of the animations nominated to Oscars and my personal favourite this year. It tells the story of a little orphaned bear that finds a friend in a big tree. They create a lovely bond and become a quite unusual family, I could say. However, one day the little bear is tempted by something strange in the forest that doesn’t belong there. The tree tries to stop the bear from following the unwelcome thing, but sometimes curiosity wins no matter what… I’m so impressed that the film crew managed to tell such a meaningful story in only 13 minutes. On the one hand, they presented the importance of keeping nature safe and not destroying its ecosystem by our silly human actions. On the other hand, it’s also a story about making mistakes, which are sometimes inevitable, and learning lessons that lead to positive changes in the future. Except the messages coming out of this film, I have to appreciate the beautiful and unique animation style. It took the film crew over 5 years to make it, which sounds incredibly impressive. Let me say – this production was worth all this time. It’s my winner this year for sure.

My rating: 7/10
S.

Please, come. “The Voice of Hind Rajab” (2025)

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directed by Kaouther Ben Hania
© 2025 The Party Film Sales. All Rights Reserved.

I really wish I didn’t have to see this film, but at the same time, I’m incredibly thankful to the film crew for making it. And if only everyone in the world saw it… maybe things would be different? I don’t know… but I know it’s an absolute must-see, whoever you are. Please, don’t watch any trailers – just go and watch this docudrama, because lack of knowledge will actually intensify the experience. I hadn’t heard of this case before seeing the film and I felt like one of the characters – wondering what happens next. We’re taken to 2024, January the 29th, and observe the work of the Palestinian Red Crescent. At some point, Omar (Motaz Malhees), answers probably the most terrifying call one can imagine. It’s a 6-year-old girl from Gaza, trapped in a car full of murdered family members, and she’s asking for help. What would you do if you got such call? Because I would pass out from stress. Luckily, Omar has the support of a more experienced colleague, Rana (Saja Kilani), who continues the conversation with the girl, but even she struggles with emotions. In the end, there’s an innocent child over there and all you can do is sit at your desk and hope for a miracle. And if you think the idea for this film is already heavy enough, better fasten your seatbelts. It is a fictional production, but it’s based on a real story and, what’s the most traumatising for me, you can hear the real recordings of the girl and volunteers from that day. They are mixed with the actors lines, but the fact that you can hear real people who went through this nightmare… it’s unbelievable. I was speechless. Because it’s not just a story that is supposed to manipulate our emotions – not at all. It happens right next to us. Children are left alone, scared, in danger, without their families. All that because some assholes want more money and power. This is the voice of Hind Rajab and I hope everyone will stop to listen to it. It’s one of the most devastating films I’ve ever seen.

My rating: 8/10
S.

That was her safe place. “All the Empty Rooms” (2025)

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directed by Joshua Seftel
© 2025 Netflix. All Rights Reserved.

Such documentaries are needed and it’s needed to talk about them. This year, one of the Oscars nominee is “All the Empty Rooms” – a short documentary that reminds us about what’s left after the tragedy. Steve Hartman, a journalist, and Lou Bopp, a photographer, decide to make a common project together – they visit empty rooms. But not just any empty rooms – they belonged to the children and teenagers who were killed during school shooting. The problem of such events is very big in the USA and we often hear the horrible news about yet another tragedy involving youth. When a school shooting takes place, the world stops for a moment to think about the victims. Then, life goes on. Unfortunately, for many families it’s impossible to deal with the loss and they decide to leave the victims bedrooms untouched. As if the child left it in the morning and was about to come back. Some of them don’t even wash the clothes or bedsheet not to forget the smell of their beloved one. Steve and Lou make sure to approach each family with respect and they wish to pay tribute to their late child. With each room you feel even more overwhelmed by the intensity of emotions, especially since you see all those toys and colourful decorations indicating how young its owner was. To me, it was difficult to watch, but sometimes I need such films. The idea to describe a person by the photos of their room is creative and it’s inspiring how this project may influence the victims’ families. Because even though they had to remind themselves of the tragedy, you can see gratidute in their eyes. That someone else remembers about their child. Make sure to put your phone away and focus on this short, but important documentary. Wishing them a win!

My rating: 8/10
S.

We’re here to become human again. “Sing Sing” (2023)

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directed by Greg Kwedar
© 2023 A24. All Rights Reserved.

Recently, I shared a post about a documentary which focuses on the power of art in our life, despite the circumstances we’re currently in. Let’s continue this message and talk about “Sing Sing”, which was also nominated for the Best Actor (Colman Domingo), Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Song (which was my personal favourite – I recommend you to listen to it while reading this post: “Like a Bird” by Abraham Alexander & Adrian Quesada). This film isn’t a documentary, but it’s based on a real-life program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison. So, you already know where everything takes place. We’re following Divine G (Colman Domingo), a prisoner who’s incredibly involved in Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. A group of incarcerated men form a theatre group, which is believed to help them express all kinds of emotions and use their time in prison in a more creative way. Besides being a fan of such activities, Divine G wishes to prove his innocence and get released earlier. Generally, this film shows a group of men with different personalities and backgrounds trying to cooperate, have fun and create something meaningful to them. We experience a true rollercoaster of emotions with the group, from excitement to anger, from frustration to grief, which seems to be therapeutical to the prisoners. It’s quite extraordinary to me – this whole concept of rehabilitation through art. Don’t get me wrong, I believe it’s amazing, yet using art, which is free and unlimited, while working with people in prison, often with no hope for leaving this place… those are two opposites that somehow match, at least in this story. I think the pace of the film could have been a bit different, but in the end I find it worth seeing. Watching all those characters who finally have some purpose and goal to achieve, who use art to speak about the things that are difficult to say – it’s somehow moving. Find a moment for “Sing Sing” and I hope you’ll also enjoy their main song as much as I did.

My rating: 6/10
S.

We’re ordinary people in an extraordinary situation. “Porcelain War” (2024)

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directed by Brendan Bellomo & Slava Leontyev
© 2024 Picturehouse. All Rights Reserved.

The Oscars have been given with a pinch of drama and controversy – as usual. I’m not going to comment much on the whole event, but I need to put a little spotlight on the Best Documentary Feature Film. The winner of this category is “No Other Land”, about which I’ll perhaps share a post in the future, because it is a very interesting documentary. However, today I have a huge need to tell you about “Porcelain War”, especially considering the current world situation. Is it another documentary about the war in Ukraine? Yes, but also no. I’m a big supporter of Ukraine and I really wish them a lot of strength to keep fighting for their country, but I have to admit that most films recently coming from them have started to blend, at least to me. I can’t judge it because if your life is mostly focused on surviving, then what other stories can you be telling through films, right? So I understand it, but also the idea of watching another film about the war wasn’t and isn’t tempting to me. First – I’ve already seen what they wanted to tell us, second – I’m too sensitive to keep watching such pictures. So before seeing “Porcelain War” I had incredible doubts. Yet, I’m here, telling you it was my favourite documentary nominated by the Academy this year. How is it possible? This film tells the story of ordinary people living in Ukraine right now. They got engaged in defending their country, but also haven’t stopped doing what they love the most – which is art. That is why, despite the circumstances, they create porcelain figurines as a symbol of resistance. To me – this is so beautiful and abstract at the same time. I can’t imagine myself in their position, scared of being killed or losing my beloved ones and still… doing art. I believe it’s some way to stay motivated, to relax and forget about the cruel reality for a moment. But also, to me this documentary shows how lovely Ukraine and their culture are. I had a chance to visit this country some years before this war and the film reminded me of what I experienced being there. That’s the Ukraine I miss and that’s the Ukraine the world should see. Besides, the filmmakers also point out how important art can be during conflicts. It may have an even bigger power than any kind of weapon, so let’s not forget about it. Marvellous documentary, so I hope this post will remind you to see it. Slava Ukaini!

My rating: 8/10
S.