Watch Recommendations from a Film Major!
By: Nancy Aguilar Sanchez ‘22
Perfect Blue (1997)
Dir. Satoshi Kon
Perfect Blue explores the limits of what a psychological film can be. From the first sequence, the audience is thrown for a loop because it starts off showing Power Ranger characters getting ready for battle and then it’s revealed that they are just performers at a theme park. This film continuously leaves you wondering what is real and what is not. I tend to be more drawn to films that are character driven, but this one is more thematically driven and does it well. It touches on themes of mental health, idol culture in Japan, fame, and consumer culture. It’s an exploration and scrutiny of audience consumption, so as a viewer, you find yourself questioning why you’re watching this film and the ethics behind what you consume.
Do Revenge (2022)
Dir. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
I watched this film over Thanksgiving break, and if you’re a fan of teen movies, you’ll love the refreshing plot this offers. I thought it was very relevant about today’s difficulties with getting into college, fitting in at school, and women dealing with the male gaze. It may seem a little cheesy at times, but I had a lot of fun with it. If you’re a fan of Game Of Thrones, you’re in for a treat with Sophie Turner’s appearance in a very different role. I rarely laugh out loud during films, but I did with this one. It’s also directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson and I love her other film, Someone Great (2019), which I also recommend for its refreshing take on love!
Promising Young Woman (2020)
Director: Emerald Fennell
Promising Young Woman is such an empowering and cathartic film. Given the MeToo movement and history of sexual assault across the workplaces and in college, I really enjoyed watching Carey Mulligan’s character exact her revenge on the men that assaulted her friend. It’s not only thrilling, it’s funny, goofy, charming and it breaks your heart. Bo Burnham was one of my favorite parts of the film. I recommend his Netflix film, Inside (2021), which he shot by himself during Covid if you haven't seen that.
Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)
Dir. Kyle Balda
This movie is hilarious. It’s one of the only times I’ve laughed out loud consistently in a movie theater. If you’re a fan of Despicable Me, this is a deeper dive into that world. The story takes place in San Francisco. I recently went on a trip there for the first time, and it was cool to recognize so many places from the film, even though it’s animated. It also has a lot of references to iconic films and figures like Bruce Lee and Shark Tank. If you’re in a lighthearted mood, I cannot recommend this film enough.
It Follows (2014)
Dir. David Robert Mitchell
This is a cult classic film, and I absolutely adore the tonal shift and the masterful directing. The acting is spectacular and it’s a new take on the horror/thriller genre. Highly recommended watching this with a group of friends, it’ll make the experience so much better.
Villains (2019)
Dir. Dan Berk & Robert Olsen
If you’re into the Bonnie and Clyde dynamic, Villains is a wonderful twist on the genre. It’s the perfect balance of suspense and comedy. The two leads have great chemistry, and it bends the line of antagonist/protagonist, posing the question of who is an actual villain.
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