Saltburn (2023)

An Oxford student is drawn to the fascinating world of modern aristocrats through the lens of his colleague's family.

'Saltburn' is a slightly satirized drama about the highly favored human desire for more: more money, more appeal, more popularity. It seems inspired by the story of Tom Ripley, but with more comedy/satire, less depth and more scandalous content. The film has many intelligent moments, generally enriched by the secondary characters, but the rule seems to be script laziness which tries to overcompensate with shock scenes.

Director:  Emerald Fennell   

With: Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant

Rating: 7/10

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Two lifelong friends go through a problematic episode when one of them decides that he no longer wants to be friends with the other.

'The Banshees of Inisherin' is a tragic-comedy film by Martin McDonagh. The elements of comedy are present to a good extent, based on simple dialogue, and the expressivity and Irish-ness of the actors, but the drama gradually increases, taking on considerable dimensions towards the end. The film touches on many themes, but loneliness and human selfishness (intentional or incidental) are primary, showing the consequences of isolation and lack of social options. The film starts with seemingly superficial intentions, but the foreshadowing is obvious from the beginning (the policeman's news, the old woman with banshee traits) as a warning.

Director:  Martin McDonagh   

With: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon, Pat Shortt, Barry Keoghan

Rating: 10/10