Every Film I’ve Watched in 2023: September
Greetings friends! This is a record of every film I’ve watched in 2023, including rewatches, repeats and first viewings. Each film is accompanied by how / where I watched it, and my thoughts in 100 words or less. Welcome to part 9: September.
128. Batman Begins (2005)
Where? - Blu Ray [rewatch]
Thoughts? - I have many fond memories of this film, and I love that I still feel a sense of magic when I watch it. It’s a simple Batman origin story re-imagined through the lens of Christopher Nolan. It’s a big, bold blockbuster mixed with a delicate arthouse film and it’s glorious. The action sequences are fresh and exciting, and Wally Pfister’s cinematography captures some truly spectacular shots. Christian Bale makes a great younger Batman, Cillian Murphy shines as Scarecrow, and supporting performances from Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman provide heart and humour. It’s easily one of the best Batman films.
129. The Descent (2005)
Where? - Blu Ray [rewatch]
Thoughts? - The Descent is a great example of how to make a fantastic horror film on a small budget. It’s proof that with the right creator(s) at the helm, anything is possible. This film is simple, well-written, brilliantly crafted, and absolutely terrifying. The way they capture such a claustrophobic and authentic setting is a testament to how impressive the production design and lighting are. Having watched this multiple times previously, the impact is still huge. I can’t shake the intense feeling of fear this film draws out, and every time I watch it feels like the first time.
130. The Wicker Man (1973)
Where? - Blu Ray [first viewing]
Thoughts? - I was absolutely swept away. From the opening minutes there’s a tense atmosphere, which piqued my curiosity and made me feel uneasy. As events unfold, the looming sense of dread builds, before reaching a thunderous crescendo. The film’s success comes from the fact it gradually leads the audience further down the rabbit hole, and asks huge questions along the way. There’s something terrifying about a horror film which plays out during daytime in an idyllic setting. I thought it was terrific, and I’m happy to admit there’s no adequate way for me to describe just how fantastic it is.
131. Eighth Grade (2018)
Where? - Amazon Prime [rewatch]
Thoughts? - Eighth Grade hits me in the chest every time I watch it. It’s fantastically written, capturing authentic teenage struggles with a sympathetic heart and a playful sense of humour. What elevates the film even further is poignant commentary on social media, particularly in relation to teenagers. The film is absolutely aware of the time its living in, and it approaches topics and characters with a profound sense of compassion. Eighth Grade is just wonderful. It’s funny yet heart-breaking, and for me it’s the most truthful and accurate depiction of adolescence, whilst also being the most sympathetic.
132. The Evil Dead (1981)
Where? - Blu Ray [rewatch]
Thoughts? - I’m a fan of Sam Raimi, so I’m perhaps viewing this through rose-tinted glasses, but I had a great time rewatching The Evil Dead. There’s something about the signature blend of horror and campiness which works really well. The film shows signs of age, but that’s to its benefit. To know this was an early film for Raimi and they achieved so much with a small budget adds to the experience. The use of practical effects is creative, and the camera work creates a skewed, jagged tension. It’s weird and creepy, but it holds up well.
133. Evil Dead II (1987)
Where? - Blu Ray [rewatch]
Thoughts? - I’m aware this is potentially the more popular film, but I personally prefer The Evil Dead. Evil Dead II is still a good time, and it’s clear a lot of passion went into it, but it’s as confusing as it is entertaining. Is it a sequel? Is it a remake? Is it a comedy? Is it a horror? Is it all of the above? In a way, I quite like that it can’t easily be pinned down. The best way to enjoy this film is to stop trying to understand it.
134. Alice, Darling (2022)
Where? - Amazon Prime [first viewing]
Thoughts? - I knew nothing about this film, and I watched it on a whim with fairly low expectations. To my surprise, it stuck with me for days after. It explores incredibly difficult subjects, but doesn’t attempt to give anything the Hollywood treatment. It isn’t reliant on forced drama or hyperbole, and it doesn’t turn abuse into a spectacle. The true success of this film comes from its subtlety. It feels realistic and sensitive. Anything which looks to promote an understanding of what abusive relationships look like should be listened to, regardless of how dramatic it is. Also, Anna Kendrick is amazing.
135. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
Where? - Blu Ray [rewatch]
Thoughts? - It’s no exaggeration to say this is the best Batman film ever made. The animation is gorgeous, as should be expected for the era it was released, and the voice talents are spectacular. The key strength of this film is the writing. It features many iconic Batman characters, and offers a new villain who is intriguing and layered. I’d argue this film potentially understands Batman better than any other film. It can ask big questions because it has the conviction to find answers. It’s not often a Batman film is this personal, and it still pays off thirty years later.
136. A Quiet Place (2018)
Where? - Blu Ray [rewatch]
Thoughts? - Without a doubt, one of the best horror films from recent years. It’s a wonderfully unique idea, which makes the entire nature of the film stand out. I’ve never seen a film where noise was such an important factor, both internally to the story and externally for the audience. Emily Blunt’s performance is outstanding, the cinematography is gorgeous, and the meticulous sound editing is beyond impressive. However, the biggest strength is the writing. This is a story about family, grief, and survival against overwhelming odds. It’s scary and heart-breaking, but with a tiny glow of hope in the distance.
137. A Quiet Place Part II (2020)
Where? - Blu Ray [first viewing]
Thoughts? - I was nervous to watch this, given how much I love the original film, but thankfully it didn’t disappoint. It feels like a natural progression from the first film, and switching focus to the daughter was a fantastic choice. The two central performances by Cillian Murphy and Millicent Simmonds absolutely drive the film. It does have a bit of a sequel feel to it, because it’s bigger and less delicate than the original, and some of the plot points become predictable. However, it was still a very good film, and it made me experience a cocktail of emotions.
138. Suspiria (1977)
Where? - Amazon Prime [rewatch]
Thoughts? - Suspiria is like an old wooden cuckoo clock; it’s intricately designed, has various moving parts which work in harmony, it’s incredibly creepy, and it’s clearly been constructed to last. Nothing in this film is wasted. The use of colours and music, the beautiful set design, the rabbit hole nature of the story, the way tension builds gradually and the audience are left feeling uncomfortable for the duration - it’s just fantastic. It’s the type of horror where you’re absolutely in safe hands, from the opening shot right through to the terrifying final 10 minutes. It’s dark, offbeat, disturbing, but totally engrossing.
139. The Fog (1980)
Where? - Blu Ray [first viewing]
Thoughts? - Back in school, I had a teacher who didn’t like overindulgent guitar solos. He liked guitar solos by The Kinks or The Rolling Stones, because he wanted to experience something simple but polished to perfection, rather than something long, rambling and ultimately disappointing. In horror terms, The Fog is a classic Keith Richards guitar solo. It’s a simple but well-crafted horror, which doesn’t need to be more than what it is. Crucially, it has some signature John Carpenter features. Fantastic writing, engaging characters, an eerie musical accompaniment, and great practical effects.
140. Don’t Look Now (1973)
Where? - Blu Ray [first viewing]
Thoughts? - I watched this knowing it’s regarded as the best horror film of all time. And yet, I was still underprepared for how brilliant it is. It’s graceful and tragic, with an overwhelming sense of discomfort. It doesn’t rely on cheap tricks, but instead builds tension organically as events play out. It works so well because the centre of the film is raw emotion. The two central characters feel like real people who are processing their grief as it twists their relationship out of shape. It’s expertly crafted, inspires deep thought, and the ending is thoroughly disturbing. It’s a masterpiece.
Favourite new film of the month
The Wicker Man and Don’t Look Now
Thank you for checking out part 9, hopefully you’ll find yourself back here soon for part 10! If you’ve enjoyed this article, please check out my other recent articles:
