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one of the most overwhelming and thought-provoking movies you'll ever watch

I'm Thinking of Ending Things

(2020), dir. Charlie Kaufman

Grade10+

Psychologicalthriller,drama

CW: mature language, dark themes

Charlie Kaufman’s I’m Thinking of Ending Things (based off of the book by Ian Reid) is packed with confusing scenes that you might not be able to interpret at first… I had to watch a couple youtube videos to just start to understand the plot. The film follows a young woman (Jessie Buckley), on a road trip with her boyfriend, Jake (Jesse Plemons), to his parents’ farmhouse in the winter as she thinks about breaking up with him. It discusses popular media and its effects on your thoughts and behaviour, how it can take over your mind and warp your perspectives. Kaufman is known for confusing movies that take a while to comprehend, and this time he outdid himself. With misleading dialogue that at first seems random, and unclear statements and scenes whose meanings aren’t explicitly revealed at all, the movie definitely feels likeafeverdream.

That being said, the way it delivers its themes and messages is artistic and evokes more emotion than clear understanding. The way it deals with truth, expectations and aging all seem real and true. It definitely doesn’t seem like they held back with their intentions for the film. Once you uncover the meaning of the movie and start to realize the meaning behind each scene and each line of dialogue, it truly starts to feel personal. As specific and incomprehensible as it seems, the messages aren’t at all distant from the lives we live. The performances are astounding; every character feels real and alive as if they existed in your own real life, and the song The Dream Ballet from one of the final scenes is amazing. I encourage you to watch this movieifyou’recomfortablewithdiscomfort.

--NoelleQ.(12)

Jojo Rabbit (2019), dir. Taika Waititi

Grade9+

Darkcomedy, drama

CW: Imagery of nazism, war, hanging

--JacquelineW.(11)

JojoRabbitis an anti-war film which includes satire of Hitler. From a young German boy's perspective, it shows how he is able to maintain a lighthearted childhood despite the world around him struggling to maintain structure. Jojo Betzler's imaginary friend Hitler continues to tell him to be loyal to the Nazi youth, while his mother tries to convince him that war is terrible and Jewish people are no different. As Jojo is in continuous denial, he discovers that his mother has been hiding a Jewish girl in the walls of their house.

Inspired by the book Caging Skies, Taika Waititi has created this film to bring light on how adults have such a strong influence on children and can take advantage of that in negative ways. It's heartwarming as well as heartbreaking with strong messages throughout, and throughout the film you can't help but realise how much influence adults can have, and how that affects someone's childhood.

"Wakey-wakey, souls of the danged! It’s your Scream Faire Daddy! Say my name!"

Wendell & Wild

(2021), dir. Henry Selick

Grade5+

Stop-motionanimation,thriller

CW:dark themes

Wendell & Wild follows the story of Kat, a teenage punk-rocker who returned to her hometown for the first time since her parents' death. The audiences watch as Kat deals with her inner demons in a literal sense, alongside discovering her own identity - what makes her unique, and how to cope with the events that happened in her past. Not only this but Wendell & Wild has some of the best representation in film I've seen in a hot minute.

They not only depict characters from numerous cultural backgrounds, but also representation of queer people (eg. Raúl, who is heavily implied to be trans). I would say this phenomenal film has a similar energy to films created by LAIKA Studios; who produced both Coraline (2009) and Paranorman (2012). The sheer amount of dedication and care put behind this piece of art created by Monkeypaw Productions is insane, and I would highly recommend it for people of all ages!

--PoppyP.(11)

The Dirt

(2019), dir. Jeff Tremaine

Grade10+ Biopic,comedy

CW:substance abuse, mature language & themes

Following the band's commercial success throughout the 80s and 90s, TheDirtdepicts Mötley Crüe's destructive rise to fame. Taking place across L.A's infamous "Sunset Strip", audiences follow Nikki Sixx (bass), alongside Tommy Lee (drums), as they build the band from scratch; discovering Mick Mars' undeniable talent on the guitar, and Vince Neil's piercing vocals along the way. This film covers 20+ years of the band's career, with the production of the film itself being guided by the actual band; depicting the band during their "glory days", if you would consider being a rockstar touring constantly glorious. The wild side can be a little too wild for some.

After we saw Mötley Crüe this summer on their stadium tour, it's clear that the band doesn't possess the same glam they once did, but the film put it into perspective how far they've come and grown as people - acting as a time capsule to an era difficult for each of the four members (Tommy Lee, however, most likely has no regrets). We give this movie 10/$800-leather-pants, and would highly recommend giving it a watch. If you're into rock, sparkles, and all things boy bands, this movie is for you!

An easy to love period piece. Rosaline (2022), dir. Karen Maine Grade8+ Romanticcomedy

CW: slightly suggestive material, mature language

Rosaline, follows (Kaitlyn Dever) Romeo’s ex named Rosaline as she tries to win him back from Juliet and her father trying to marry her off to someone else. It's a reimagining of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, taking the source material and slightly turning it on its head. While multiple elements of the film aren’t particularly special, specifically the cinematography and editing which are just there to get the job done, the stunning costumes and set pieces make up for it alongside the wonderful performances of many of the film’s cast members. The typical rivals-to-lovers format is incredibly effective throughout the film and is only made better by the film's leads, despite the fact that it covers well-trod territory. Ultimately Rosaline is a wonderful addition to the romcom genre, and the collection of period pieces out there, which will no doubt make your day just a little brighter.

--AlyssaF.(12)