Welcome back to our Best Movies of the month segment. This October gave us tons of variety with storytelling. But the films that reflected something about society or hit us in the feels were at the top of my list. So, without further ado, here’s the best movies of October:
JOKER
Director: Todd Phillips
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Zazie Beetz & Robert De Niro
Cinematographer: Lawrence Sher
Release Date: October 4, 2019
Official synopsis via IMDb: In Gotham City, mentally-troubled comedian Arthur Fleck is disregarded and mistreated by society. He then embarks on a downward spiral of revolution and bloody crime. This path brings him face-to-face with his alter-ego: “The Joker”.
Despite the surge of negative media deeming the film one for the incels, Joker became a hit among fans and cleaned up at the box office. Given Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the clown prince, it’s not difficult to imagine why. His performance and Phillips’ take on the Joker’s background was close to perfection. So, when I say don’t miss this in theaters, I’m certainly not joking.
Rating: ★★★★½
Greener Grass
Directors: Jocelyn DeBoer & Dawn Luebbe
Starring: Jocelyn DeBoer, Dawn Luebbe
Cinematographer: Lowell A. Meyer
Release Date: October 18, 2019 (limited)
Official synopsis via IMDb: Suburban soccer moms find themselves constantly competing against each other in their personal lives as their kids settle their differences on the field.
DeBoer and Luebbe’s directorial debut may be the quirkiest film you’ll see this year, but every minute is worth it. This satirical take on suburban culture is not just laughs and eccentricities, it reveals what happens when we try to find happiness in pleasing others. Simply put, Greener Grass should be on your radar for its content, humor and messages.
Rating: ★★★★½
Parasite
Director: Bong-Jo Hoon
Starring: Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong. Choi Woo-shik, & Park So-dam
Cinematographer: Hong Kyung-pyo
Release Date: October 11, 2019
Official synopsis via IMDb: All unemployed, Ki-taek’s family takes peculiar interest in the wealthy and glamorous Parks for their livelihood until they get entangled in an unexpected incident.
The Bong hive won’t be surprised with Parasite making this list and for good reason. Director Bong-Jo Hoon created a masterpiece of epic grandeur. This story is self-contained until it isn’t, but that’s why it’s truly magical. Many people have said to go into this one blind, and I agree. But go soon… because something tells me Parasite will be frequently talked about come awards season.
Rating: ★★★★★
Little Monsters
Director: Abe Forsythe
Starring: Lupita Nyong’o, Josh Gad & Alexander England
Cinematographer: Lachlan Milne
Release Date: October 8, 2019 (limited)
Official synopsis via IMDb: A washed-up musician teams up with a teacher and a kids show personality to protect young children from a sudden outbreak of zombies.
Little Monsters premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, and it’s still some of the most fun I’ve had with a film all year. The story follows washed-up musician Dave (Alexander England) as he pines after kindergarten teacher, Miss Caroline (Lupita Nyong’o). Problem is, there’s a herd of zombies looking to pick apart their brains and kindergarteners they must protect. It’s silly, gory and downright fun, and it’s highly recommended. Little Monsters is available to stream on Hulu now!
Rating: ★★★★
The Lighthouse
Director: Robert Eggers
Starring: Robert Pattinson & Willem Dafoe
Cinematographer: Jarin Blaschke
Release Date: October 18, 2019
Official synopsis via A24: From Robert Eggers, the visionary filmmaker behind modern horror masterpiece The Witch, comes this hypnotic and hallucinatory tale of two lighthouse keepers on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s.
No other film blurred the lines between reality and imagination quite like Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse. It’s a visceral experience that teeters with regret and obsession, leading to a viewing experience like no other. Also, Robert Pattinson & Willem Dafoe’s on-screen chemistry in the film is one for the ages. So, I cannot recommend this enough. Don’t be surprised if their names come up frequently during awards season. The Lighthouse is still in theaters now!
Rating: ★★★★
Thanks for tuning in to another month of our Best Movies countdown. Tweet us @ PopCultureRevs and tell us which films made your best of the month list!
