From ‘Roma’ to ‘A Sun’: Five critically acclaimed films to watch on Netflix
Critical acclaim often defines a film‘s success since it is praise from experts in the field. Yet the general public sometimes feels intimidated by such movies, thinking them to be beyond their cultural understanding or worldview. Projects with critical acclaim are often considered too artsy or indie for the mass majority.
This, in turn, labels the creators a notch above the rest, which is not always a good thing. It renders them into a realm that the public feels is out of their simple reach, as they are seen as not made with the intention of wider public consumption. However, a movie needs an audience to become a part of the cultural landscape. For these films to be produced, auteurs and studios need to gauge their relevance, which can only be understood through viewership.
The audience should also indulge in these pieces to understand the intricacies of the field, appreciate the hard work and realise why these films are gaining wide recognition from critics. When such movies are overlooked by the public, they may be considered a commercial flop. This can be detrimental for such filmmakers, as it then becomes harder for them to validate their subsequent visions.
If the audience does not experiment with the cinema they consume, it may lead to a dearth in the freedom of creative expression. It’ll be driven by the intent of increasing consumption and not widening the scope of cinema. The viewer should push their consumption limits beyond the content that they are comfortable with, and they can start easily, in the comfort of their homes, by simply tuning in to Netflix.
Five critically acclaimed films to watch on Netflix
5. Roma (Alfonso Cuarón , 2018)
The Mexican drama Roma is set in the early 1970s and is based on the journey of a domestic worker working for a wealthy family, the many trials she faces, and the decisions she must make amidst deep political chaos and the chasm of class she encounters. The raw storytelling earned Alfonso Cuarón much acclaim and accolades from esteemed platforms such as the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards and the Baftas.
The visual aesthetics balance the grit of the story in a well-thought-out manner. The moving story features key aspects of Cuarón’s own life, adding a personal touch and making the film even more intimate, especially as it shows an ordinary life being lived.
4. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (George C Wolfe, 2020)
This 2020 drama directed by George C Wolfe is adapted from a play of the same name by August Wilson, which follows the story of Ma Rainey, an impactful blues singer, on one day in 1972. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom won awards across acclaimed platforms such as the Academy Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Golden Globes. It was also the last excellent on-screen performance of the late actor Chadwick Boseman.
The film is powered by its incredible performances, detailed cinematography and engaging storytelling, presented as layers of racial tension keep building and unfolding simultaneously. The electric performances dictate the rhythm of the movie, while pushing the audience to face the interplay between race, power, and music, making it an essential watch.
3. All Quiet on the Western Front (Edward Berger, 2022)
This German anti-war film is an adaptation of a novel of the same title by Erich Maria Remarque. All Quiet on the Western Front follows a German soldier who finds himself face-to-face with the gruesome realities of war. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, it has won accolades at the Academy Awards, British Academy Film Awards, and German Film Awards.
The movie’s raw recounting of the brutalities of war shatters stereotypes that romanticise them. The powerful story unfolds, going deep into the psyche of soldiers and the devastating destruction caused by war, which is never just limited to the surroundings but becomes internal, too. The visuals are not overwhelming for the audience, but it is an honest tale that leaves its mark and pushes you into a state of contemplation.
2. A Sun (Chung Mong-Hong, 2019)
This Taiwanese film is a coming-of-age story that follows a teenager as he re-enters society after being freed from jail, facing the suicide of his accomplished brother and an estranged father. It has earned many accolades at the Golden Horse Awards and Asian Film Awards and was shortlisted for an Academy Award nomination.
Dealing with sensitive issues like juvenile delinquency and suicide, the visually jarring film refrains from romantic portrayals. It presents the realities of the socioeconomic inequalities in Taiwan with nuance, delivering a compelling narrative. The visual metaphors in A Sun involved a creative use of the cinematography, enhancing the narrative.
This intense and well-paced story explores the themes in depth with special focus on familial relationships and the impact of being an ex-convict in society. Regardless of the cultural context, the universality of the themes allows a wide range of viewers to connect to the movie.
1. Divines (Houda Benyamina, 2016)
This French crime drama is a captivating story of two best friends who become involved in a web of crime. It has won the prestigious Caméra d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and also received national recognition through accolades from the Munich Film Festival and Lumières Awards.
The film’s vibrant energy and setting keep the audience enthralled throughout the runtime. Divines is a feminist, French coming-of-age film, with women taking on assertive characters. It comes alive with the outstanding performances of the actors who carry a certain zeal for the lives they bring to the screen.
The characters bring conviction to the gender-flipped narrative of the film, where the reality of the socio-cultural context in which it is set is not dismissed. It strikes the perfect balance between not being preachy and steeping itself in aesthetics. The themes may seem context-specific, but the emotions they evoke are universal in nature.