Here are some things we watched in May 2024, that we think you should watch too.
These monthly roundups will include more mainstream titles than our usual lists, as our goal here is to document anything good we watched in the past month.
It can be hard to keep up with regular movie-watching when so many other things are happening in the world, so we do this to remember first, share second, and uplift third.
komal’s picks
Prebet Sapu (2020)
(international title: Hail, Driver!), written and directed by Muzzamer Rahman
Submitted for consideration to the Academy Awards, this movie goes where few Malaysians want to. Prebet Sapu follows Aman through his day-to-day in gritty noir Kuala Lumpur, eventually finding a kindred connection in Bella. This film is not without its criticism - it talks about most things on a rather surface level, but I found it deeply interesting despite that, and am upset that its chatter died out so soon after its release.
Available on: Netflix
nothing, except everything. (2023)
written and directed by Wesley Wang
The film that landed emails saying “Will you drop out of Harvard?” from big-shot filmmakers into Wesley Wang’s inbox. This short flick has garnered millions of views in the 7 months since its release, and to be honest, I watched this because I wanted to understand why and how it garnered so much hype. To be even more honest, I wasn’t all that moved by its content. It's the technical quality of the filming that is the impressive bit - being able to shoot and edit something of this calibre at Wesley’s age - but theme-wise it fell flat for me. I still recommend watching it though, cause I believe we are witnessing the birth of a future cinema wavemaker.
Available on: YouTube
Burl. (2023)
directed by Jonah Sublette, featuring Burl Norville
I know I’ve already talked about this with the all-time favourite short films roundup, but I will continue to talk about it, because it has truly stuck with me! Burl. is a 9-minute documentary following Burl Norville’s journey, navigating being an artist through volatile life changes. It is shot and scored in the most compelling way, and Burl has the most incredible charisma! Not to mention, his art is absolutely fantastic. It’s a quick watch, so fit it in on your next commute, with earphones in.
Available on: Vimeo
Challengers (2024)
directed by Luca Guadagnino
I’m a sucker for Luca Guadagnino's projects. Let this be known. I allow myself the occasional mainstream recommendation for filmmakers like him - and Challengers truly deserves its buzz. From its electric soundtrack to its phenomenal performances, I deeply enjoyed this, and have been going on and on about it to anyone who will hear me out. I'm still surprised by its mixed bag of reviews.
Available on: Blu-Ray, and for rent on Prime Video
danis’s picks
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
directed by George Miller
V8 engines blaring through your ears, a bunch of wackos trying to rob a truck, and a badass protagonist trying to make sense of the world they’re in. George Miller has done it again with his brilliant ingenuity for the franchise that he started all the way back in 1979. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is one of the greatest prequels that I have ever seen to an action franchise. The ferocious editing, innovative stunts, beautiful blend of practical and visual effects, and compelling story that ties Furiosa’s backstory to Mad Max: Fury Road - this movie is phenomenal in every sense of the word and once again I’m still blown away by how a 79-year-old man is creating action flicks that are so refreshing while still innovating on the world that he created decades ago. Do not miss this one in the cinema folks, your ears and eyes will be blessed by the wonderful cinematography and sound design. WHAT A LOVELY DAY!
Available: IN A CINEMA NEAR YOU!
Green Room (2015)
written and directed by Jeremy Saulnier
If the premise of a punk rock band trapped in a neo-nazi’s privately owned bar where Patrick Stewart is the leader of this neo-nazi group interests you, well this is the movie for you. Green Room directed by Jeremy Saulnier is one of the films that’s part of his “cluster fuck” trilogy, in which the colour chosen for the film has a continuous presence throughout. This film stars the late Anton Yelchin, in which he gives a stellar performance that reminds us of why he was considered as a truly great up-and-coming talent. This movie is not for the faint of heart, due to its incredibly realistic gore and violence, claustrophobic setting and nazis being nazis, but if you can stomach all of this, you will be appreciating a horror film that has successfully disguised itself as a thriller.
Available on: Hulu
Babylon (2022)
written and directed by Damien Chazelle
Ah the infamous Babylon - Damien Chazelle’s most polarizing film to date, and understandably so. Babylon follows 4 characters throughout the silent film era, and their intertwined stories as they try to progress through the industry and make a name for themselves. Right off the bat, the movie informs you of the chaotic, explicit and hedonistic nature that it will portray while also recognizing the dark undertones of it. This movie is a pretty in-depth exploration of a once-forgotten era in Hollywood, and we see the rise and fall of this era once the invention of sound came into play. Babylon is exotic and melancholic, triumphant and tragic, explosive and heartfelt all at the same time. Justin Hurwitz’s score powers all of the emotions in this film through the use of mainly big-band jazz, and the costume and set designers deserve huge praise for creating a believable silent film era atmosphere. Although the three hour runtime will put off some folks, if you’re not put off by that, do give this a watch and your mind will be provoked in the coolest way possible. You’re probably gonna rewatch this in the way one rewatches Nolan films.
Available on: Apple TV to rent/ buy from RM 12.90
sophia’s picks
The Menu (2022)
directed by Mark Mylod
This dark comedy horror directed by Mark Mylod follows a young couple who visit an exclusive restaurant on a remote island. The restaurant is headed by the enigmatic Chef Slowik, who has prepared a lavish multi-course meal with unexpected and increasingly disturbing surprises. This film cleverly satirizes the pretentiousness of the culinary world while providing a sharp social commentary on class and privilege. With its blend of suspense, dark humour, and biting critique, the film kept me on edge from start to finish.
Available on: Blu-Ray
TW: strong/ disturbing violent content, language throughout and some sexual references
Schindler’s List (1993)
directed by Steven Spielberg
This historical drama is based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Polish Jews during the Holocaust. Schindler's List is notable for its stark, black-and-white cinematography, with only a few moments of colour, such as the iconic scene featuring the girl in the red coat. I found myself speechless at the film’s unflinching portrayal of the atrocities of the Holocaust and its exploration of the complexity of human morality.
Available on: Prime Video
TW: language, some sexuality and actuality violence
I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)
written and directed by Charlie Kaufman
I'm Thinking of Ending Things is a psychological thriller directed by Charlie Kaufman, based on Iain Reid's novel. It follows a young woman who contemplates ending her relationship while travelling with her boyfriend to his parents' remote farm. The film portrays a haunting exploration of the human condition, the complexities of relationships and self-perception. The non-linear nature of the film had me questioning reality but it was an enjoyable and intriguing watch. Let me share with everyone the divine wisdom that this movie imparted on me: never follow your partner on a trip or meet their parents if you’re planning on breaking up with them.
Available on: Netflix
TW: language including some sexual references
shekinah’s picks
Portrait of God (2023)
written and directed by Dylan Clark
To say I was spooked would be an understatement. Although the short film itself perhaps only introduces 2 major happenings, you will find yourself at the edge of your seat with each second. As any person who grew up with a religious background will (probably) tell you, there is a lot of faith that one holds in the unknown. This short film explores this notion in a way that is immensely suspenseful — it executes the feeling of horror without the need for jumpscares and sudden looming bass effects.
Available on: Youtube
To Have and To Hold (2024)
directed by Javo Aguirre
An uncomfortable watch, but a necessary one. This short film explores the holding of a grudge, perhaps even challenging the “ever-patient wife” trope that has been largely portrayed through decades of POC cinema. Its satisfying ending, though, makes the discomfort felt throughout the film sufficiently worthwhile.
Available on: Youtube
TW: Rape/ Assault/ Murder
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023)
directed by Karan Johar
I solemnly swore to my sister that I would not enjoy this, and – to her satisfaction – I could not have been more wrong. Defying every possible stereotype that has existed within Bollywood, this movie presents a clueless-but-lovable Himbo man from a religious family who begins to fancy an insanely smart, go-getter feminist who works as a controversial liberal newscaster. As their story unfolds and they realise they have more in common than they had originally thought, the pair eventually have to find a way to make their families get used to the other side of the conservative-progressive spectrum. Please do yourself a favour and enjoy this humorous, quick-witted film that will leave you sobbing for a multitude of reasons after.
Available on: Prime Video
That's the end of this round-up! Tell us what you think of our picks, and then tell us yours!
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