I appreciate the feeling when you leave a theater after watching an exceptional film and everything seems more vivid. Then, you look up the cast and crew, eagerly discuss the movie with anyone who has seen it, and find yourself mulling it over weeks afterward. Here’s a film from this year that really resonated with me…
Sorry, Baby completely amazed me. Eva Victor’s directorial debut, which they both wrote and starred in, depicts Agnes over several non-linear years of her life. There’s “The Year With The Baby” and “The Year With The Really Good Sandwich,” as well as “The Year With The Bad Thing.” When Eva posted the movie poster on Instagram, they assured fans that “nothing bad happens to the cat.”
Instead, it’s Agnes who experiences the bad thing. “I created this film because there’s a segment of my trauma experience that I haven’t frequently seen portrayed: the confusion that accompanies it,” Eva mentioned in a Sundance interview. “I spent years in limbo, just attempting to come to terms with a bad experience.” The film “honors those lost years,” as they express it. To craft the script, Eva secluded themselves in Maine one winter with their cat and numerous cans of split pea soup.
The deep friendship between Agnes and Lydie (Naomi Ackie) serves as the main love story that drives the film. However, as Lydie’s journey takes her away from the small town where they met during graduate school, Agnes feels trapped. Accepting a prestigious teaching position at the university means remaining in a location haunted by a traumatic experience from her student days. “Bad thing” is a euphemism, yet it also, with its childlike simplicity, captures the essence perfectly.
Presenting a profoundly moving depiction of trauma’s effects and one person’s healing journey, Sorry, Baby is also very humorous. In the theater, I laughed frequently and shed a few tears. I adored Agnes and would have happily spent a century with her. Regarding the movie’s reception, Eva recently shared with the L.A. Times, “I keep hearing, ‘Oh, Agnes is so awkward.’ I’m like, ‘What’s going on?’ I’m truly honored by how people perceive her peculiarities because I’m thinking: ‘Well, I thought she was just being genuinely normal, but alright.’”
What has been your favorite movie so far this year? If you’ve watched Sorry, Baby, I would love to hear your thoughts.
P.S. What are your top three films of all time, and which movie can you rewatch endlessly?
(Movie stills and poster from A24. Gif from Tumblr.)
**Choosing the Best Film of the Year Thus Far: An In-Depth Overview**
As we journey through the cinematic realm of 2023, the endeavor to pinpoint the best film of the year so far becomes a captivating quest. With an array of films across diverse genres and styles, the task calls for a thorough analysis of critical recognition, audience feedback, and cultural significance. Here’s an overview to aid you in identifying which film could claim the title of the finest movie of the year so far.
**1. Critical Recognition: The Cornerstone of Quality**
One of the key indicators of a film’s merit is its critical reception. Films achieving high ratings on sites like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic often exhibit a mix of strong narratives, engaging performances, and technical excellence. Seek out films that have earned widespread acclaim and have been highlighted at film festivals. These works typically set the standard for cinematic quality.
**2. Audience Feedback: The Public’s Perspective**
While critical recognition holds importance, audience feedback offers a broader view of a film’s significance. Box office figures, audience ratings, and social media chatter can provide insights into a film’s resonance with the general public. A film that enjoys both critical and commercial success usually indicates a well-rounded appeal.
**3. Cultural Significance: Beyond Entertainment**
A film’s impact on culture and society can elevate it beyond mere enjoyment. Reflect on movies that ignite discussions, motivate movements, or mirror societal issues. Such films frequently leave an enduring mark and become part of the cultural consciousness, making them strong candidates for the best film of the year.
**4. Creativity and Originality: Expanding Limits**
In a landscape filled with sequels and reboots, originality shines. Films that present new narratives, innovative techniques, or distinct viewpoints can engage audiences and critics simultaneously. Seek out films that defy norms and expand the horizons of conventional filmmaking.
**5. Accolades and Recognition: The Industry’s Affirmation**
While awards season typically peaks in the early months of the subsequent year, early accolades from esteemed organizations such as the Cannes Film Festival, Sundance, or the Venice Film Festival can signal a film’s potential to be the year’s standout. Stay vigilant for films that are nominated and win in significant categories.
**6. Personal Resonance: The Subjective Factor**
Ultimately, the best film of the year can be an intensely personal selection. Reflect on what connects with you emotionally or intellectually. A film that resonates with your experiences, alters your perspectives, or simply entertains you in a memorable way can become your personal favorite for the best movie of the year.
**Conclusion**
Determining the best film of the year so far is a multifaceted undertaking that requires balancing critical acclaim, audience reception, cultural significance, creativity, and personal connection. As the year unfolds, new challengers may rise, but by weighing these factors, you can arrive at a well-informed conclusion about which film merits the distinguished title. Whether it’s an innovative indie film or a major blockbuster, the best film of the year is one that makes a lasting impression and withstands the test of time.
