As we think about anything other than our upcoming finals and papers, our minds can wander to many, many places. Social media. Food. Romantic partners. Memes. Youtube videos. Food. For me, it’s motion picture season. Because these last few months before the Oscars are prime time for moviegoers and the last chance for filmmakers to bring their best work to the table, the holiday season is the best time to go to the movies. Historically, the films that premiere between the months of November and February win the biggest awards, such as Best Actor/Actress and even Best Picture.
If you’re not an avid moviegoer, I suggest trying something new and heading over to your local theater. Especially during the winter, cinema is a great outlet for those who become bored over the holiday season between gift-getting, gift-giving, and family traditions. It’s warm and requires almost no effort. Perfect for Americans. Below are some of the films that you can catch over break. Some of them are already reviewed and have a lot of potential to win awards at the 91st Academy Awards, held February 24th next year.
Mary Queen of Scots (December 7): A historical drama taking place in 1569 that is centered around two cousins, Saoirse Ronan, and Margot Robbie, who have conflicts between their countries. One Queen tries to overthrow the other.
Vox Lux (December 7): A drama, beginning in the year 1999, that tells the story of the evolving music career of a singer, Celeste, played by Natalie Portman. Over time, her scandal-ridden career and struggles bringing up her daughter, Raffey Cassidy, lead to major issues.
Ben is Back (December 7): A present-day drama following a mother, Julia Roberts, who attempts to help her son, Lucas Hedges, after he returns home from rehab for his drug addiction. He returns on Christmas Eve, bringing trouble with him.
If Beale Street Could Talk (December 14): A romantic drama taking place in Harlem, NY in the seventies. It tells the journey of a young African American woman, Kiki Lane, who desperately tries to get her wrongfully-accused husband, Stephan James, out of jail with the help of her family.
Welcome to Marwen (December 21): A drama about a victim of assault, Steve Carell, who creates a world of his own with various WWII figures and settings. Marwen is the name of his therapeutic outlet and it helps him recover from the traumatizing attack.
Vice (December 25): A biographical comedy/drama about Dick Cheney, played by Christian Bale. With the help of Donald Rumsfield, played by Steve Carell, and George W. Bush, played by Sam Rockwell, he becomes the most important VP in U.S. history.
On the Basis of Sex (December 25): A biographical legal drama that follows the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, played by Felicity Jones. The story focuses on her involvement in the Moriz v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue case that changes the treatment of women forever.
Destroyer (December 25): A crime thriller about an LAPD detective, Erin, played by Nicole Kidman, and the struggles she encounters to reach closure. She works with another detective, played by Sebastian Stan, to once again go undercover in a California gang.
Other films that already came out and are worthy of possible nominations: Beautiful Boy, A Star is Born, BlacKkKlansman, Bohemian Rhapsody, Black Panther, A Quiet Place, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Isle of Dogs, Sorry to Bother You, Green Book, Boy Erased, Mid90s, Wildlife, Chappaquiddick, Annihilation, Tully, First Man, The Favourite, Eighth Grade