December has rolled around, along with this year’s batch of films vying for their spots in the upcoming awards season. The timing is certainly interesting, as the dark underbelly of Hollywood sex abuse seems to be exposed more and more the nearer awards season approaches. The public now watch these films made behind a black curtain with new, open eyes.
But amidst this controversy, there is a clear consensus that 2017 has crafted many beautiful future classics. Fresh off their respective film festivals, here are some of the most prominent titles in the world of alternative film.
Call Me by Your Name
With the success of Moonlight both critically and commercially, representation of gay characters in cinema is slowly losing its risky connotation. Call Me by Your Name chronicles the romance between a 17 year-old Italian-American and his father’s older assistant during the 1980s in an intimate and tender light. With a soundtrack composed by Sufjan Stevens and critically acclaimed performances from the lead actors, this film has already been making waves since its premiere at Sundance.
Currently being shown in the IFI and other Dublin cinemas
The Shape of Water
It’s the movie about a fish romance. By Guillermo del Toro. If you haven’t heard of it already, it’s made… waves.
Set in a Cold War-era laboratory, the film centres on a mute cleaner (Sally Hawkins) and her forbidden connection with a fish-man, inspired by Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954). Boasting Octavia Spencer and Doug Jones, it promises to be visually and emotionally stunning — and if the poster art is anything to go by, they aren’t lying. It’s already picked up the Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival.
Release date is February 2018
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Considering its cumbersome title, Three Billboards surprisingly has the most tips for an Oscar out of any films on this list. Winning the top honour of the Toronto Film Festival, Three Billboards is a dark comedy centring on a mother taking matters into her own hands after local law enforcement fail to resolve her daughter’s murder case. Its main selling point is its masterful balance between tragedy and black humour, achieved with a stellar cast including Woody Harrelson and Frances McDormand.
Release date is January 2018
The Disaster Artist
Although the comedic masterpiece that is The Room is not to everyone’s taste, the story behind the ‘the best worst movie ever made’ is so ridiculously bizarre and fascinating that almost anyone will likely enjoy the film adaptation of The Disaster Artist. Based off the memoirs written by Greg Sestero, Tommy Wiseau’s costar and off-screen friend, the film focuses on their relationship and the troubled production of The Room. James Franco seems to have nailed Wiseau’s idiosyncrasies, and the film’s critical acclaim is an assurance to fans hoping to see a faithful and well-made adaptation of “oh hai Mark”.
Currently showing in all major cinema chains
