With the Oscars 2023 taking place on March 12, it’s time to look at the films nominated for Best Picture. This year’s nominations are a mix of genres and styles, with something for everyone. From action-adventure to drama, comedy to tragedy, these films are all vying for the ultimate prize.

Elvis

Directed by Baz Luhrmann, it tells the story of the iconic rock ‘n’ roll star. However, while the film boasts extravagant visuals and editing, it lacks the depth needed to fully explore Elvis’s story. Actor Austin Butler gives a stirring performance, but it’s not enough to save the film from feeling trite.

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Avatar: The Way of the Water

A science fiction epic that features trailblazing visual effects. While the film expands upon the world of its predecessor, it falls short in its attempt to be profound. Instead, it feels like the story is secondary to the technology on display.

All Quiet on the Western Front

A retelling of the classic novel in German, which immerses viewers in the horrors of trench warfare. While the film’s technical aspects are impressive, it falls short in its discussions of nationalism and humanism. The film revels in the inferno of war, instead of offering a deeper examination of its themes.

The Fabelmans

Steven Spielberg tells the story of his youth and his love for filmmaking. While the film captures the dynamics of family life, it feels sterile at times, trying to touch on too many coming-of-age aspects. However, the film’s underlying message about the power of cinema is conveyed gracefully.

Triangle of Sadness

Ruben Ostlund’s, Triangle of Sadness is a comedy satire that explores gender roles and privilege through the relationship between two models. While the film has some entertaining moments, it loses its edge as more characters are added. However, the film’s visual gags and character interactions are entertaining.

Women Talking

Sarah Polley’s Women Talking is a timely drama that follows a Mennonite community and the sexual violence inflicted upon them. While some scenes feel artificial, the film is confident and thought-provoking. The discourse in the film triumphs as a think piece.

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Top Gun: Maverick

This movie pays homage to its predecessor in every element, and outdoes the original in every way. The legacy sequel is a crowd-pleaser, with something for everyone, from action to romance. The film’s dedication to camerawork and craft allows for some galvanizing action set pieces.

The Banshees of Inisherin

It is a tragicomedy about the fallout between two friends. Writer-director Martin McDonagh’s crude humor shifts into misfortune, with Colin Farrell delivering a dopey yet heartbreaking performance. The film’s interplay is weighty and memorable.

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Absurdism at it’s best portrayal. It is a brainchild of Daniels that combines action, adventure, drama, comedy, and science fiction. The film never loses sight of its centerpiece, the Wang family, led by Michelle Yeoh in a faultless performance. The film remains existentially profound, even as it juggles multiple genres.

TAR

Finally, Tár is a masterfully crafted character deconstruction that features a career-high performance from Cate Blanchett. Director Todd Field offers viewers a puzzle box of an individual, revealing information from the top down. The film’s nuanced conversations and performances make it a standout in this year’s nominees.

In conclusion, this year’s Best Picture nominees are a diverse mix of genres and styles, with something for everyone. While some films fall short in their attempts to be profound or explore their themes fully, others offer thought-provoking discourse and memorable performances. It remains to be seen which film will take home the ultimate prize on Oscar night.