With the start of the semester finally here many of us will once again have to navigate the treacherous task of picking a film the whole flat will enjoy. No one wants to be the one that suggests something people don’t like so Brig is here to save the day. Here are our picks for your next flat film night.
Hamilton (Disney+)
Musicals aren’t for everyone, but Hamilton is special. The way it uses hip-hop to tell a historical story makes it not only fun but incredibly interesting. Nothing about it feels like a normal musical meaning even those who hate Mamma Mia (if there is any of you out there) will like it.
It is also one of the most diverse musicals ever despite being about a group of majority white men and women.
Creator, and member of the original cast, Lin Manuel Miranda’s deep knowledge and understanding of music is felt in every single second of the almost three-hour-long performance.
Charlie’s Angels (Prime)
There are two main types of action films – really good ones and stupidly fun ones. Charlie’s Angels falls closer to stupidly fun. In this genre, it is hard to find female-led films that are good but this one ticks almost all the boxes.
The fight scenes are completely unrealistic but extremely well done and it is a welcome break from the high intensity, gun heavy action sequences we normally see.
Although some see it as an over-sexualised male fantasy film, I, like many others, see it as women embracing their sexuality and kicking ass (plus it is just ridiculously enjoyable).
Us (Now TV)
On its most basic level, Us can be watched as just a great film with good acting and a suitably scary plot but, when you dig deeper you can find a maze of symbolism and subtext. It is multi-layered unlike any other horror out there and deserves all the praise it has gotten, and more (we’re looking at you Academy Awards).
Director Jordan Peele has only directed 2 films (Get Out was his first) and yet he has already solidified a reputation for quality and complex filmmaking all wrapped up in endlessly watchable content.
Knives Out (Prime)
Full to the brim of fantastic actors, drama and comedy Knives Out is most definitely something that everyone can enjoy.
Following the format of Murder Mystery, this film perfectly balances wit and drama to form an undeniably good film. Unlike a lot of films that have attempted the same thing it doesn’t overdo the cheese and manages to genuinely surprise you.
Easy A (Netflix)
A girl faking sex work (Emma Watson), a hot love interest (Penn Badgley) and an uber-religious nemesis (Amanda Bynes) all set to the backdrop of an average high-school. Need I say more?
With its fast-paced plot, original story and tasteful sprinkle of clichés, Easy A is quite possibly one of the best teen rom-coms of the early 2000s. It is a really easy watch and is guaranteed to be something that you watch over and over again.
Plus you get the added bonus of Stanley Tucci, and who doesn’t want him!
Three Identical Strangers (Netflix)
This documentary tells the exceptional and perpetually mind-blowing story of triplets separated at birth. Starting as a joyful story of brothers reuniting it quickly turns into a bizarre and dark investigation of why and how it all happened. There is not a moment where you will be able to pick your jaw up off the floor.
Every emotion will course through you at one point or another and for days after you’ll be wondering what on earth went down.
The Truman Show (Netflix)
The Truman Show is great in many ways but what makes it a must-watch is the perfect execution of it all. From the acting to the writing to the small little details that cover every inch of the film there is no doubt that this could be considered a masterpiece in its own right.
Jim Carey plays Tuman Burbank, an insurance salesman who slowly begins to realise his whole life isn’t real.
At the time of the release, reality TV wasn’t a big thing but now, over 20 years later, it serves as a different kind of commentary on the obsession society has with watching other people’s lives.
It is a film that everyone should watch at least once in their life.
Featured image credit: consequences of sound
3rd year Journalism student | Film and Television Editor @ Brig Newspaper
You must log in to post a comment.