Hopefully your summer isn’t swamped with tasks and assignments. Even if you don’t have a chance to spend a day at the beach or take a weekend road trip, you can find a couple hours to go to the movies. We mean going to an actual cinema, not staying in front of your laptop or tablet. Going to the cinema is a great way to relax and stay up to speed on what’s happening in pop culture. Fashion School Daily recommends five films everyone is talking about this summer, including a controversial drama, a poignant comedy, and a very brave documentary. Let us know on social media what you think of these films once you’ve seen them.
The Beguiled
Director: Sofia Coppola
One-line plot: A girls-only school in Virginia during the Civil War is rocked when a wounded Union soldier is taken in.
Why you should see it: Beyond the controversy over race relations in the film, there are exquisite costumes, and Nicole Kidman is in her creepiest role since The Others. You will want to form your own opinion about this movie since it is likely to stay relevant through the awards season.
Dunkirk
Director: Christopher Nolan
One-line plot: A historical World War II drama about the evacuation of allied soldiers stranded on the beaches of Dunkirk surrounded and outnumbered by Nazi forces.
Why you should see it: Not since Saving Private Ryan has American cinema dealt with this topic in such a powerful way; epic battle scenes with stunning scenery and a cast that includes Harry Styles, Tom Hardy, and Cilian Murphy!
The Big Sick
Director: Michael Showalter
One-line plot: A young couple’s quest to sort through cultural differences is confounded by well-intended “help” from non-supportive families and a medically induced coma.
Why you should see it: a) there is nothing better than a good old rom-com; b) unless it’s a politically (in)correct rom-com that challenges our preconceived notions of romance in the 21st century; c) real-life partners Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gordon look ridiculously cute together!
City of Ghosts
Director: Matthew Heineman
One-line plot: A brave documentary following a group of media activists in Raqqa, the infamous capital of ISIS, as they risk everything to share stories of their struggle with the world at large.
Why you should see it: This Oscar-nominated director boldly chronicles one of the greatest tragedies in human history with heartbreaking honesty. It is our responsibility to bear witness.
The Midwife
Director: Martin Provost
One-line plot: A strong-willed midwife forms an unlikely friendship with her late father’s estranged mistress.
Why you should see it: Two of French cinema’s biggest stars (Catherine Deneuve and Catherine Frot) weave a complex tale of human longing to belong and connect. Already a major hit throughout Europe, the film is charming audiences worldwide. Which Catherine do you root for?
Recommendations by Justice McNeil (BA Fashion Journalism)
