you have to watch these films
handpicked selection by yours truly
The biggest misconception, albeit logical, people have about me is that I’m a huge reader. It makes sense: writers read, readers write. Sure, every now and then a book or an author will change my life: Dostoevsky and Murakami in high school, Sontag and Beauvoir in post-frontal lobe development years. But, unfortunately, I hate to break it, I’m a cinephile first, everything else second. Film and I are not on casual terms — it’s my longest, most meaningful affair.
The things I watch directly impact every corner of my life, my thinking process, and my writing — and sharing is caring, plus I’m trying to be less of a gatekeeper these days. So, I’ve compiled a list of eight thought-provoking, underrated gems you should watch preferably at this time of the year. When the sun sets before 5 PM and nothing is certain or satisfying, a good film can be so healing… (except if you’re in the other hemisphere, hello to you & I’m jealous!).
I also guarantee no matter how deep into Letterboxd and MUBI you are, there’s at least a couple on this list you haven’t seen yet. If you have, we’re just gonna have to kiss…
Fremont (2023)
My favorite thing I’ve seen this year, though it was on a date and we never went out again — I guess the movie was too perfect, my date didn’t stand a chance. The story follows Donya, an Afghan refugee in California trying to rebuild her life from zero. She works at a family-run fortune cookie shop, struggling to make ends meet. Donya is reticent and in her head a lot, equally witty and homesick. From the perfectly written scenes of Donya’s therapy sessions with incredible dialogue to the stunning black-and-white visual narration, everything about this story lingers. It’s hauntingly human, beautiful, sharp and hilarious, and it’s also a love story. What more do you need? Bonus points: Jeremy Allen White plays the love interest and, contrary to his typical roles, he’s a sweetheart in this. Who needs the lookalike contest when we have the real thing at home…
Watch when: missing home, feeling lost, or going through a rough patch.
Paris, 13th District (2021)
I watched this because I’m a sucker for anything set in Paris — maybe it’s because I miss living there, maybe cause I don’t. But this was ten times better than I’d anticipated. And when the credits started rolling, I realized why: Céline Sciamma, who I adore, co-wrote it. Though I should’ve guessed because Noémie Merlant is in it. It’s a tangled, uncompromising narrative with so much realistic love, realistic sex, realistic Paris (!), and realistic heartbreak. The main character is almost as flawed as me on a bad day, and that says something. It’s very queer and very straight at the same time, which is relatable in and of itself. Bisexual heaven lore.
Watch when: stuck in a situationship, very single, or exploring your queerness.
Petite Maman (2021)
I’m not done talking about Céline Sciamma just yet. This is probably my favorite thing she’s ever made, and kinda eats Portrait of a Lady on Fire (sorry!). It starts as a simple cottagecore-esque setting with two very talented young actors playing newfound friends. The story touches on grief, sisterly love, complicated mother-daughter dynamics... But that’s not it. It turns full sci-fi while still preserving that quiet simplicity — yeah, I’m confused too, I don’t know how she did it. A Letterboxd review that I’m not taking credit for said Petite Maman achieves with 1/10 of the budget what Nolan tried to tell with Interstellar, and, while that’s a bit harsh on poor Christopher, I agree. It’s just the perfect autumn film. If you only have time or energy for one movie from this list and you’re not against shedding a tear or two, please watch Petite Maman. If you watch it with your mom, even better!
Watch when: need to reconnect with your inner child.
