At Freely we are soooooo here for the films! After watching the Oscar’s and the BAFTA’s, why not delve a bit more into why some films are just THAT good. We’re talking sound effects, VFX and, of course, the classics like screenwriting and cinematography. From the 4-time BAFTA winner Conclave to the 4-time Oscar award-winner The Shape of Water, let's dive in!
The Shape of Water
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 🍅92%
Set in the Cold War era, The Shape of Water follows Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a mute cleaner who discovers an amphibious creature, trapped in the depths of the top-secret government lab where she works! As she forms a deep and unspoken bond with him, their connection blooms into a love so strong it defies logic, science, and even humanity itself! (We’re not crying, you are!) When ruthless agents threaten the creature, Elisa decides to risk everything—all in the name of loveeeee!
Review:
The Shape of Water is a beautifully crafted blend of fantasy and romance, it’s no wonder this film has won several Oscars! Guillermo del Toro’s vision brought a unique and otherworldly story to life exploring themes of isolation and acceptance in a visually beautiful way showing how love transcends boundaries. This film is as magical as it is meaningful!
1917
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 🍅88%
Step back in time with 1917, a war drama that throws you straight into the action. When young soldiers Tom Blake (George MacKay) and William Schofield (Dean-Charles Chapman) are tasked with a mission that could save many lives, they must race against time, crossing enemy lines to deliver a message. With danger around every corner, and Blake’s brother's battalion unknowingly marching towards a deadly trap, failure is not an option!
Review: With mind-blowing execution and masterful camera work, the film draws you in with long uncut takes, that make every moment feel raw and immersive. You’re not just watching the story unfold, you’re living every detail in a way that feels fresh, organic, and just so real. A rarity in modern cinema, this approach makes the film’s impact all the more powerful.
We Need to Talk about Kevin
We Need to Talk About Kevin is a psychological drama that gets under your skin and stays there… The story follows Eva (Tilda Swinton), a mother struggling with the aftermath of a horrific tragedy as she tries to piece together where it all went wrong with her son Kevin (Ezra Miller) From his unsettling childhood, to the shocking act that shatters their lives, the film flicks between past and present. What sets this movie apart from others is how it delves into the psyche of the characters, portraying the raw and hard-to-swallow truth.
Now you will need tissues because this movie is dark, but equally eye-opening.
Review: What makes this film so powerful is its stunning cinematography, featuring unexpected angles like Dutch tilts—where the camera is rotated—creating an unsettling atmosphere and sense of unease. Shooting on old-fashioned film adds an eerie contrast not found in digital, creating a warm look and feel you'd normally associate with a happier film. Finally, there’s the colour palette—strong reds against a muted beige world, forcing you to feel the pain, the suffering, and the lasting scars of one devastating act. From the very first scene to the end credits, this film grips you and never let's go.
Conclave
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 🍅93%
Following the death of an unnamed pope, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) gathers the College of Cardinals into a locked conclave to choose the new pope. But what begins as a sacred duty soon spirals into a whirlwind of secrets, betrayal and shocking revelations that could shake the very foundation of the Roman Catholic Church. As the walls close in and tensions rise, Lawrence finds himself in a battle where faith, loyalty and truth are all put to the test.
Review: From the first second, you can’t help but be immediately captivated by the incredible sound design; using subtle audio cues to heighten the tension and immerse you in the high-stakes the cardinals face. The soft murmurs of the cardinals, the almost over powerful creak of the old doors and the faint echoes in the grand chamber all add to the film’s sense of secrecy. The careful balance of silence and sound, combined with a haunting score, creates an atmosphere that makes every whispered conversation feel significant. Conclave is the perfect example of how sound can draw you deeper into the drama.
Dune: Part II
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 🍅92%
After the brutal massacre of House Atreides, Paul (Timothée Chalamet ) and his mother Lady Jessica (Rebecca Furguson) ally with the Fremen to reclaim Paul’s birthright and avenge his family. As he rises in power, he’s torn between the love for the women he’s destined to be with and the future of the universe itself, forced to make a choice that could prevent a devastating fate only he can see.
Review: What made Dune: Part II stand out was its stunning visual storytelling, combined with its compelling world-building. Director Denis Villeneuve took the already vast universe of Frank Herbert’s novel and expanded it with breath-taking landscapes and intense action sequences—beautifully combined with incredible performances from Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya. The way it balanced mind-blowing visuals with themes of power, destiny and survival makes it not just a sci-fi, but a cinematic masterpiece for the ages!
We have plenty of great film recommendations, so grab the popcorn! And don’t forget to sign up to the Freely newsletter so you don’t miss anyyyyy of the latest film scoops!
