Emmy Wenstrup

One of the best films of 2019 (in a bizarrely good year – Parasite, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, I mean wow). Whether you like war movies or not (I don't), this is one of the most well executed movies I've ever seen. The plot is almost secondary to the work of art this film is. Maybe this is a spoiler, but it simulates the one-shot (no cuts) thing. Here, it really adds. The film only works if you buy into the tension, and this style adds to that by making you conscious of the process at work – you are nervous not only for the characters, but also the actors and cameramen; one mumble, one trip, or one extra standing in the wrong spot could ruin the whole thing (or so the film leads you to believe). Worth a watch for sure, even if just a study of brilliant execution. You have to give credit to Sam Mendes, the cinematographers, and the editors here – really brilliantly made. Spoilers now. The first visible cut in the film takes place after William is presumably shot. After this cut, there is a definite tonal shift in the narrative – instead of haunting, eerie music that builds tension, we get more heroic, orchestral sounds. In addition, there's this odd little scene where William is hiding from the Germans who chase him through a ruined city and encounters a woman and a baby. It seemed out of place, and his behavior seemed unnatural, and the scene comes right after a dramatic chase, swelling with heroic music (a possible nod to the heroism at Osgiliath in Return of the King, but I digress), in which William is shot at maybe 20 times but is never hit. Altogether, I propose the second half of the movie (after the dramatic cut) is some sort of dream sequence that takes place after William's death. The first half of the movie focuses on the collective effort, while the second half focuses heavily on the individual heroism of William and begins to glorify the war. The tonal shift in the movie is punctuated by the cut – once again, the process of filmmaking complements the plot of the film. Anyway. Great movie.

This was a nearly perfect movie for me. It's one of those films that while you're watching it, you're like ok, this is a little weird, but I'll go on with it. And then after you're done with it, you literally cannot stop thinking about it. There's so much to sink your teeth into here. Has so much to say about both our society at large and the human psyche all while not being too heavy handed. Ari Aster is a sick genius. There are some graphic scenes, but for the most part they add to the impact. Part of the magic of this movie is that it's so beautiful to look at despite all the crazy stuff that's happening – you just can't take your eyes off it. Every little technical element adds to the broader picture – soundtrack, costumes, camerawork, set design, cinematography, etc. When a movie is as controversial as Midsommar is, you know there's something to it. Definitely worth a watch – though I'd recommend you watch during the daytime because it is pretty disturbing.

Definitely didn't love it, definitely was a little weird. Super creative, but felt a little over the top to me. I didn't love the camerawork that was so praised – sure, it was unique, but it didn't seem to go with the tone of the film I guess? The plot was decent enough and kept me guessing; the three part format actually worked here. The sex scenes felt gratuitous to me (with the exception of one that added to the film's message I think). While I do enjoy the mockery of perverted men, I didn't really like any of the characters and I didn't believe the love story they were trying to sell. It had its funny moments, but the rest did not resonate. I will add, though: the art and architecture and general setting of the movie is absolutely beautiful.

I think this is a great movie. I disagree strongly with the critics who say this film isn't about anything and has a male savior. I didn't see it that way. This is a movie about survival and life, and what it means to be alive. There aren't many films that I know of that explore this heavy topic with the levity that Les Combattants pulls off. While it's listed as a romantic comedy, don't be fooled – this isn't romance for the sake of romance, but for the sake of survival and the role it plays in our lives. Adele Haenel and Kevin Azais pull off a great philosophical discussion with humor and wit and grace. It's a super uplifting, happy, feel good movie that makes you think the longer you sit with it. I certainly got something from it and I think everyone can too. It's one of those rare films that makes you think without really knowing it. 10/10 recommend.

This is what HBO is all about – shows that push boundaries and make you think. This show has made me think more than any television show I have ever seen. The aesthetics in the first season are wonderful, and as the show progresses it delves deeper into the philosophy of who we are, what makes us human, and what constitutes free will. Truly a masterpiece of the golden age of television.

I would argue this is a phenomenal movie, contrary to what some critics are saying. It has the perfect balance of animated beauty and catchy songs that kids are sure to love, while still keeping some great content for adults watching as well. What's so unique about this film, however, is its more provocative statements on colonialism and its impacts on climate change that are sure to leave parents and grown-ups really thinking. While having this elevated political stance, which I did appreciate, it also ensured that any viewer was captivated by the absolutely stunning visuals and raw emotion in the film. Controversial opinion, but I would say this was far better than the (overrated) original Frozen.