Hereditary Fire Scene

From Damien Chazelle, starring Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist, Paul Reiser
Rated R

Whiplash is a 2014 drama film written and directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Miles Teller and J. K. Simmons. The film follows a young jazz drummer, Andrew Neiman (Teller), as he attends an elite conservatory and struggles to realize his potential under the demanding mentorship of Terence Fletcher (Simmons). The story explores the psychological and emotional tolls that ambition can take, as Fletcher pushes Neiman to excel at any cost. The film is noted for its intense musical sequences, and its exploration of the relationship between teacher and student. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Simmons.

From Bong Joon Ho, starring Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-sik
Rated R

Parasite is a darkly humorous South Korean drama film directed by Bong Joon-ho and co-written by Bong and Han Jin-won. It follows a poor family, the Kims, who exploit a wealthy family, the Parks, by infiltrating their home and posing as unrelated, highly qualified individuals. The Kims gradually manipulate the Parks into making them their personal servants, while the Parks remain oblivious to the deceptions. The film follows the Kims as they navigate their newfound wealth and power, while also dealing with the consequences of their deception. It also explores themes of class division, poverty, and human nature. The film was highly acclaimed upon its release, becoming the first South Korean film to win the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and went on to become the most profitable foreign-language film of all time.

From Directors: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, starring Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Hailee Steinfeld, Mahershala Ali
Rated PG

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a 2018 American computer-animated superhero film featuring the Marvel Comics character Miles Morales. When a super-collider threatens New York City, Morales teams up with alternate versions of Spider-Man from various dimensions to save the city. The film follows Morales as he learns the responsibilities that come with being a superhero, while also dealing with the complexities of teenage life. The villains in the movie are Wilson Fisk, Kingpin; the Prowler; and the Green Goblin. It features a variety of other characters from the Marvel Comics universe including Spider-Gwen, Spider-Noir, Spider-Ham, Peni Parker and Spider-Man 2099. The film was produced by Sony Pictures Animation, with Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman directing, and Phil Lord and Christopher Miller serving as producers. The film was praised for its visuals, voice acting and its unique approach to the traditional Spider-Man mythos, and was a commercial success, grossing $375 million worldwide.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington
Rated R

Django Unchained is a 2012 American Western film written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. The film stars Jamie Foxx as Django, a freed slave who teams up with a German bounty hunter to rescue his wife from a cruel plantation owner. Set in the antebellum South, the film follows Django and the bounty hunter as they travel across the American South on a mission to free Django’s wife and exact revenge on those who enslaved her. Along the way, they confront racism, violence, and the power of the plantation owners. The film was a commercial and critical success, earning multiple Academy Award nominations, including nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman
Rated PG-13

The Dark Knight Rises is a 2012 superhero film directed, co-produced and co-written by Christopher Nolan. The plot follows Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) as he returns to Gotham City after eight years of being in self-imposed exile. The city is now in danger from the terrorist Bane (Tom Hardy) who seeks to destroy Gotham. Wayne must re-emerge as Batman to protect his beloved city and those he loves. As he struggles to fight the forces of evil, Wayne is also forced to confront the demons of his past. Along the journey, he receives help from his loyal butler Alfred (Michael Caine) and tech genius Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), as well as a mysterious cat burglar named Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway). The film also features Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Marion Cotillard. In the end, Batman and his allies must battle Bane's army and save the city.

From Directors: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina, starring Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach
Rated PG

Coco is a 2017 animated adventure film produced by Pixar and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, the movie follows the story of a young Mexican boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming a musician, despite his family's generations-old ban on music. When Miguel accidentally enters the Land of the Dead, he embarks on an extraordinary journey alongside his deceased relatives and a trickster called Hector. Along the way, he discovers the importance of family, tradition, and his own heritage. The film is a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture and customs, and has won numerous awards including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

From Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans
Rated PG-13

Avengers: Infinity War is a 2018 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, it is the sequel to 2012's Marvel's The Avengers and 2015's Avengers: Age of Ultron and the nineteenth installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film features an ensemble cast including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Don Cheadle, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldana, Josh Brolin, and Chris Pratt. In the film, the Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe. After the devastating events of Avengers: Age of Ultron, the collective reassemble to confront Thanos as he attempts to use the Infinity Stones to inflict his twisted will on reality. As the fate of the Earth and the universe hang in the balance, the Avengers must join forces with the Guardians of the Galaxy to confront Thanos

From Lee Unkrich, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty
Rated G

Toy Story 3 is a 2010 American computer-animated comedy-drama film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Lee Unkrich, it is the third installment in the Toy Story franchise and the sequel to 1999's Toy Story 2. The film follows the toys as they seek to stop their owner, Andy, from taking them to a daycare center as he prepares to leave for college. The film stars Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Estelle Harris, John Morris, Laurie Metcalf, Jodi Benson, and R. Lee Ermey in his final feature film role. The plot focuses on the toys confronting the prospect of being left behind by their owner, only to find a new purpose in their lives by helping a group of toddlers at a daycare center. The film was well received by critics and audiences alike, grossing over $1 billion worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2010 and the second highest-grossing animated film ever. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Song, winning the Academy Award for Best

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey
Rated R

The Wolf of Wall Street is a 2013 black comedy biographical film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort. The film follows Belfort as he rises from penny-stockbroker in the late 1980s to a wealthy, corrupt stockbroker living the high life in the 1990s. Belfort and his cronies engage in stock manipulation, securities fraud, and insider trading in order to make their fortunes. Along the way, Belfort and his partners become ensnared in an FBI investigation and Belfort has to adjust to his new reality. The film follows Belfort's rise to wealth and power, and his eventual downfall as he struggles to maintain control over his life and business.

From Directors: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen, starring Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling
Rated PG

Inside Out is a 2015 American computer-animated comedy-drama film from Pixar and Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Pete Docter and Ronnie Del Carmen, and written by Docter, Meg LeFauve, and Josh Cooley, the film is set in the mind of a young girl named Riley Andersen, where five personified emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—try to lead her through life. Riley's family moves to San Francisco, and the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, new house, and new school. Eventually, Joy and Sadness are dragged into the far reaches of Riley's mind, and the other emotions must work together to rediscover the Joy in Riley's life. Along the way, the audience learns how and why Riley's mind works the way it does. Through clever puns, memorable characters, and classic Pixar wit, Inside Out proves to be an enjoyable and educational experience.

From Peter Farrelly, starring Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini, Sebastian Maniscalco
Rated PG-13

Green Book is a 2018 American biographical comedy-drama written by Peter Farrelly, Nick Vallelonga, and Brian Hayes Currie, and directed by Peter Farrelly. The film stars Viggo Mortensen as Tony "Lip" Vallelonga and Mahershala Ali as Dr. Don Shirley, two men who form an unlikely friendship as Tony is hired to be Don's driver and bodyguard on a tour of the Deep South in 1962. Along the way, they must rely on The Negro Motorist Green Book, a guidebook for black drivers designed to help them find motels, restaurants, and other services that were safe for African-Americans during the era of Jim Crow segregation. The film follows the pair as they encounter racism and danger while navigating their way through the Deep South. Green Book received critical acclaim, winning three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film also received numerous awards and nominations from various organizations, including the Golden Globes and BAFTA.

From Gavin O'Connor, starring Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Morrison
Rated PG-13

"Warrior" is an emotionally powerful sports drama about two estranged brothers, Tommy (Tom Hardy) and Brendan (Joel Edgerton), who, against all odds, face each other in the octagon in a winner-takes-all MMA tournament. Both brothers are struggling with personal issues, as Brendan is a former Marine who is struggling to support his family, while Tommy is an alcoholic ex-con who is searching for redemption. With the help of their father (Nick Nolte), the brothers rediscover their bond and decide to take part in the tournament to reclaim their self-esteem. Along the way, they each face their own demons, while learning to reconnect with one another and ultimately finding their way back to each other.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo
Rated R

Prisoners is a 2013 psychological thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. The story follows two families whose lives are shattered when their beloved young daughters are kidnapped. Keller Dover (Jackman) is a desperate father willing to go to any lengths to find his daughter, and Detective Loki (Gyllenhaal) is the police officer assigned to the case. As Loki struggles to find the missing girls, Dover takes matters into his own hands, spiraling out of control in a desperate search for answers. As the two men work together to uncover the mystery, they discover a much darker, sinister truth than either of them could have imagined.

From Tom McCarthy, starring Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber
Rated R

Spotlight is a 2015 American drama film directed by Tom McCarthy and written by McCarthy and Josh Singer. The film follows The Boston Globe's "Spotlight" team, a group of journalists investigating cases of widespread and systemic child sex abuse in the Boston area by numerous Roman Catholic priests. The team's investigation ultimately reveals a cover-up by Church officials and leads to the resignation of Cardinal Bernard Law and the indictment of numerous priests. The film stars an ensemble cast including Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci, Brian d'Arcy James, Liev Schreiber, and Billy Crudup. Spotlight won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture, making it the first film from Open Road Films to win an Oscar. The film was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Ruffalo), Best Supporting Actress (McAdams), and Best Film Editing.

From George Miller, starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoë Kravitz
Rated R

Mad Max: Fury Road is a post-apocalyptic action film directed by George Miller and starring Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron. In a world where gasoline and water are scarce, a tyrannical warlord named Immortan Joe enslaves the inhabitants of a post-apocalyptic desert. When his five wives rebel and flee, Imperator Furiosa (Theron) leads them on a dangerous journey in search of freedom. Max (Hardy), a fugitive, joins the group in their escape and helps them fight off Joe's forces. Along the way, they discover new allies, new threats, and a new hope for a better future. With incredible visuals and a pulse-pounding soundtrack, Mad Max: Fury Road is an action-packed thrill ride that redefines the post-apocalyptic genre.

From Lenny Abrahamson, starring Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers, Wendy Crewson
Rated R

Room is a 2015 drama film directed by Lenny Abrahamson and written by Emma Donoghue, based on her 2010 novel of the same name. The film stars Brie Larson as a young mother held captive for years in a small room with her 5-year-old son, Jack (Jacob Tremblay). The film follows the story of Ma (Brie Larson) and Jack (Jacob Tremblay) who are kept in a small room by a man known only as Old Nick (Sean Bridgers). Ma is desperate to protect Jack from the harsh realities of their captivity and works hard to create a happy world for him within the confines of their room. As Jack grows older, Ma realizes that she must escape in order to give him a chance at a better life. With the help of her resourcefulness and courage, Ma and Jack find a way to freedom, allowing Jack to experience the world for the first time. The film is an emotional exploration of the human capacity for resilience and courage in the face of adversity. It is a powerful story about the bond between a mother and her child, and how love and faith can be used to survive even the most dire circumstances.

From Steve McQueen, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Kenneth Williams, Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt
Rated R

12 Years a Slave is a 2013 historical drama film directed by Steve McQueen and based upon the 1853 autobiography of the same name by Solomon Northup. The film depicts the story of a free African-American man, Solomon Northup, who is kidnapped in Washington, D.C. in 1841 and sold into slavery. Over the course of 12 years, he struggles to survive and maintain his dignity while enduring horrific abuse and inhuman treatment at the hands of his slave owners. Eventually, with the help of a kind Canadian, he is able to regain his freedom. The film portrays the atrocities of the American slave industry, while providing a powerful and emotional story of one man's fight for freedom.

From Mel Gibson, starring Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer
Rated R

Hacksaw Ridge is a 2016 American war drama directed by Mel Gibson and starring Andrew Garfield, Teresa Palmer, Vince Vaughn, Sam Worthington, and Luke Bracey. The film follows the true story of Desmond Doss, an American pacifist combat medic who served in World War II with the United States Army's 307th Infantry Regiment. Despite his strong religious beliefs, Doss refused to carry a weapon and still managed to save the lives of 75 wounded soldiers on the battlefield of Okinawa, Japan, while under heavy enemy fire. This incredible act of courage earned him the Medal of Honor, making him the first conscientious objector ever to receive that honor. The film follows Doss's journey from his childhood in Lynchburg, Virginia to his days in training and the battlefields of Okinawa, and it shows the personal struggles and courage of those who, like Doss, served in World War II.

From Wes Anderson, starring Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Adrien Brody
Rated R

The Grand Budapest Hotel is a 2014 comedy-drama film written and directed by Wes Anderson. The film follows the adventures of Gustave H., a legendary concierge (Ralph Fiennes) at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his friend and protege. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting, the battle for a fabulous family fortune, and the slow and then sudden upheavals that transformed Europe during the first half of the 20th century. Along the way, the characters encounter an array of quirky characters, including a dandified aristocrat, a femme fatale and a vicious gang of crooks. The film is shot in a highly stylized, almost whimsical manner that pays homage to the 1930s and 1940s period features of Anderson's childhood. Through its witty dialogue, colorful visuals, and zany performances, The Grand Budapest Hotel ultimately celebrates the joys of friendship, the power of loyalty, and the essential human need for connection.

From Directors: Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, starring Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Jimmy Chin, Cheyne Lempe
Rated PG-13

Free Solo (2018) is a documentary film directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi about the life and daring ascent of rock climber Alex Honnold. The film follows Honnold as he prepares to climb Yosemite's iconic 3,000-foot El Capitan without any safety equipment or ropes, a feat that has never been done before. As Alex attempts to mentally and physically prepare himself for the climb, the film shows the struggles and sacrifices he must make in order to succeed, revealing the innermost thoughts and feelings of an athlete pushing himself to the limit. The film culminates with Alex’s successful climb, a feat that has been hailed as one of the greatest athletic achievements of all time.

From Céline Sciamma, starring Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel, Luàna Bajrami, Valeria Golino
Rated R

Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a French-language romantic drama film written and directed by Céline Sciamma. Set in France in the late eighteenth century, it tells the story of a young painter, Marianne, who is commissioned to paint a secret portrait of a young woman, Héloïse, who is preparing to be married off to a Milanese nobleman. As Marianne observes Héloïse and paints her portrait, the two women develop a deep and passionate romance. At the same time, they must find a way to keep their love hidden from Héloïse's family, who will never accept such a relationship. Throughout their time together, the two women construct a powerful bond that transcends their circumstances and ultimately triumphs over societal conventions.

From Denis Villeneuve, starring Harrison Ford, Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, Dave Bautista
Rated R

Blade Runner 2049 is a 2017 science fiction thriller directed by Denis Villeneuve. Thirty years after the events of the first Blade Runner movie, a new Blade Runner, Officer K (Ryan Gosling), uncovers a long-buried secret that could plunge what’s left of society into chaos. His discovery leads him on a quest to find Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former Blade Runner who has been missing for 30 years. This quest leads Officer K to stunning revelations about the secrets of the past and the future of the human race. Along the way, K must confront his own identity and the difficult choices that come with it. With the help of a mysterious and powerful ally, K must save the future of the human race before time runs out.

From Spike Jonze, starring Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson, Rooney Mara
Rated R

Her is a 2013 American romantic science-fiction drama film written, directed, and produced by Spike Jonze. The film follows Theodore Twombly, a lonely, introverted man who develops a relationship with a female operating system named Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). As Theodore and Samantha's friendship and relationship deepens, the film explores the complexities of human relationships in a world of advanced technology and artificial intelligence. The film also explores themes such as loneliness, self-discovery, and the need for connection. The film was critically acclaimed, being nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From Tim Miller, starring Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Ed Skrein
Rated R

Deadpool is a 2016 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. It is the eighth installment in the X-Men film series. Directed by Tim Miller and written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, the film stars Ryan Reynolds in the title role alongside Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T. J. Miller, Gina Carano, and Brianna Hildebrand in supporting roles. The film follows Wade Wilson, a former Special Forces operative who is subjected to an experimental procedure that leaves him with new abilities. With the help of his mentor, Weasel, Wilson hunts down the men who subjected him to the procedure. Deadpool was met with critical and commercial success, grossing over $783 million against a production budget of $58 million. It earned numerous awards and nominations, including two Critics' Choice Movie Awards for Best Comedy and Best Actor for Reynolds. The film also received two Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy and Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Reynolds.

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Winona Ryder
Rated R

Black Swan is a psychological horror-thriller film directed by Darren Aronofsky, starring Natalie Portman as Nina, a ballerina in a New York City ballet company. She is cast as the Swan Queen in a production of Swan Lake and pushed to her psychological and physical limits in order to perfect her performance. As Nina strives to maintain her perfectionism and vulnerability, she begins to be haunted by a dark presence and a doppelganger. The film follows her journey as she delves further into her darkest fears and desires, struggling to maintain her sanity as her competition for the lead role and her suppressed sexuality take a toll on her. In the end, Nina is forced to confront the demon within in order to become the perfect swan and ultimately let go of her insecurities.