In the midst of exams and projects that I have been dreading this week, I needed a break from all the canvas notifications reading “assignment graded.” I realized I have been so busy lately that I don’t take the time to do some of the things I love anymore. I miss watching movies and journalizing them in my Letterboxd account, leaving a very opinionated review as if I am the most esteemed movie critic in the world. What better time to stay in and watch movies than when it’s 40 degrees (Fahrenheit) outside anyway? So I cozied up in bed with my favorite ice cream and turned on the TV. These are the films I watched… (and you should too)!
Mystic River
I genuinely do not think I have ever watched a film like this. My perception of the theme of this film changed drastically with every twist and turn. The movie follows the lives of three boys who are now men with families. As adults, their pasts are slowly uncovered from a day in their childhood that impacted their lives forever. The weather and imagery are gloomy throughout the film, which sets the tone and mood perfectly. The film touches on subjects such as trauma, mental illness, family and friendship.
A Quiet Place
If this movie were a real-life occurrence, I don’t think I would be able to survive. Surprisingly, I just now got around to watching it for the first time. John Krasinski and his wife Emily Blunt play a tragedy-stricken couple trying to live life in a post-apocalyptic environment with their young family. In this somber and dark film, if you make a sound, you die. Emily Blunt’s emotional performance was very impressive.
The Invisible Man
Going into this movie, I had my assumptions of what it was going to be like. Most of my assumptions proved to be wrong, and I was pleasantly surprised. It was not as typical of a thriller film as it seemed to be. With a sci-fi twist, actress Elisabeth Moss takes the viewer on a wild journey filled with emotions.
Se7en
This film is terrifying yet captivating at the same time. I was eagerly anticipating what was going to happen next every second of the movie. Se7en stars Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt as their characters try to catch a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as an inspiration to murder his victims. This film is one of the darkest I have ever watched, with dreary imagery and gloomy shots of Los Angeles.
Shutter Island
I definitely saved the best for last. Shutter Island was an incredible watch that had me confused at some points, yet on my toes throughout the entire film. This psychological thriller took me on a rollercoaster of thoughts and ideas pertaining to what was happening to the main character, Teddy. U.S. Marshall Teddy Daniels is sent to an island in order to investigate the disappearance of a patient at a psych ward in the 1950s. If you’re looking for a movie that will rack your brain, this is a must-watch.
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