Wicker 

Wicker is an odd film, but in a very good way. While it came out last week it fully expanded this week, and so I chose to focus on it now. I went in with a lot of expectations of what could happen, and it was actually quite simple, a romantic love story with feminism at its core.

The screenplay was very well done! It blended humor and romance very well. The message of the film was quite spelled out but I think it works for the type of story it is.

The standout topic of this film though is the hair and makeup. I’m in awe at how they were able to pull off the makeup of the wicker man, and make it look realistic. The dedication of the makeup down to the eyelashes is outstanding to me.

The editing of the film helps it flow effortlessly as well while keeping it very fresh.

The main concern I had going into the film was that it would be far too raunchy, and I don’t want to downplay the adult nature of this film. This is absolutely an adult only film, but it had way more substance than I expected.

An acting performance that really stood out to me was Peter Dinklage. He was just effortlessly funny with a lot of heart that added so much to the film. Of course, our leads Alexander Skarsgård and Olivia Coleman do incredible as well, but he was my standout.

Overall, it is a cute romance, but absolutely not for everyone. I did find this quite entertaining though!

La Bola Negra

I am entirely flabbergasted by how incredible this film is. From the opening scene alone you the audience are thrown headfirst into chaos. It immediately had me connecting with characters I had not even met. It had beautiful cinematography filled to the brim with symbolism, and that’s just the first few minutes.

This screenplay follows three stories and somehow, they are all equally fascinating. I kept wanting to know more about all three men that the story followed. I also want to shine a light on how brilliant the writing is. This screenplay is based upon three stories as well: an unfinished play La Bola Negra, another play La Piedra Oscura, and the real life of the screenwriter. It’s shocking to me that these stories are not just made to be put together.

The cinematography is absolutely stunning throughout the entire film. So many shots look like a painting with how well composed they are.

The editing plays such an important role in this film, and while it’s not flashy it connects these three stories so perfectly from the beginning. This is also a rather long film being two hours and 40 minutes, and the editing makes it feel as though it is not long at all.

The acting is all spectacular throughout this film as well, which is extra impressive with multiple leads, this being their first acting role. I was shocked to find that out because everyone plays their roles effortlessly.

There are two acting roles getting award buzz for this film Penélope Cruz who has a small but crucial and impactful role, and first-time actor Guitarricadelafuente who plays one of the three leads. I really loved both of their performances, but Guitarricadelafuente really stood out which is so impressive with this immensely talented cast.

I know the barriers for a lot of people with this film is that it is long and, in a language, you do not know, and currently for Galveston County you’ll have to drive all the way to downtown Houston to see it in a theater. Luckily though this film is being distributed by Netflix, so on December 2^nd it will become available to all Netflix users, with subtitles of course.

Conclusion

This has been a great year for film for me, so I do not say this lightly when I say this is the best film of the year. I have adored so many releases, and look forward to many more coming out, this is a very special film. This is quite possibly one of the best films of all time, and I truly think everyone needs to witness. For those keeping up with the Oscars do not be shocked if this wins best picture or even sweeps the awards. It is that incredible.