Riley Podlewski

Metropolis is a landmark sci-fi film exploring the tensions between technology and humanity in a dystopian future. It focuses on a sharply divided society, where the workers live underground while the elite enjoy luxury above. The film is notable for its expressionist style and visionary depiction of industrialization’s impact on society.

Science fiction challenges viewers to imagine possible futures shaped by technology, provoking thought about ethics, progress, and human nature.

A Scandal in Paris is a melodrama filled with heightened emotions, romance, and intrigue. It explores personal and societal conflicts with strong moral overtones. The film uses exaggerated characters and situations to evoke empathy and emotional involvement.

Melodrama is essential for highlighting intense human emotions and moral struggles, often reflecting social norms and tensions.

Megan Leavey tells the true story of a young Marine and her combat dog, highlighting themes of loyalty, bravery, and the struggles of war. The film portrays both the physical dangers and emotional costs faced by soldiers.

Combat films honor the realities of military life, exploring sacrifice, camaraderie, and the psychological effects of war on individuals and communities.

We Need to Talk about Kevin is a psychological thriller centered on a mother dealing with her son’s violent actions. The film explores themes of guilt, nature vs. nurture, and the complexity of parent-child relationships. Its tense atmosphere and nonlinear narrative build unease and suspense.

Thrillers probe fears and ethical dilemmas, engaging audiences through suspense and deep character exploration.

Just Mercy focuses on the fight against racial injustice and wrongful imprisonment in the American legal system. The film highlights the perseverance of advocates working to bring fairness to those marginalized by systemic bias.

Social justice films raise awareness and inspire empathy, prompting critical conversations about equality and human rights.

Double Indemnity is a classic film noir about greed, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. It features a cynical, fatalistic tone and iconic stylistic elements such as stark shadows and complex characters whose flaws lead to their downfall.

Noir explores the darker facets of human nature and society through morally complex stories and innovative visuals.

The Illusionist blends romance, magic, and intrigue in a tale of love and deception set in early 20th-century Vienna. The story unravels with twists that challenge perceptions of reality.

Mystery films captivate audiences by engaging curiosity and uncovering hidden truths beneath the surface.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a heartwarming comedy-adventure about a rebellious boy and his foster uncle surviving in the New Zealand wilderness. It combines humor, action, and emotional depth, highlighting themes of family and identity.

Comedy/adventure entertains while often imparting life lessons about resilience, friendship, and self-discovery.

Sarafina! is a powerful musical about black South African students resisting apartheid. It uses music and dance to express hope, resistance, and cultural identity amid oppression. The school setting symbolizes the future of black South Africans under apartheid.

Musical/political dramas combine art with activism, giving voice to social struggles and inspiring change through emotional storytelling.

Breathless is an avant-garde gangster film following a criminal on the run. It breaks cinematic conventions with jump cuts and disjointed narrative, reflecting the chaotic lifestyle of the protagonist. Themes of rebellion and alienation run throughout.

Gangster films explore crime, power, and anti-authoritarian themes, often focusing on flawed antiheroes and social critique.

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night is a black-and-white horror film featuring a female vampire who targets immoral men in a fictional Iranian ghost town. The film challenges typical horror tropes by making the female lead both villain and protector, blending social commentary with eerie atmosphere.

Horror confronts fears and societal taboos, often amplifying marginalized voices through metaphor and suspense.