2023 was a year to remember, especially for the entertainment world. From a revolutionary strike to the phenomenon called Barbenheimer, a memorable year indeed. However, movies nowadays aren’t always about the theaters; OTT is also building its library of original films.
This year, OTT isn’t the only platform for new directors; some big names also tested the waters of OTT. Yet again, OTT managed to keep a hold of its free spirit and experimental nature as we dive deep into the world of foreign original films streaming on several OTT platforms.
Streaming Platform- Netflix
A Fincher film; this luxury was enough to propel it out of the charts. And so it did, becoming one of Netflix’s best originals. However, the greatness was confined to statistics and manners. Speaking about the substance, it could have performed much better.
Even in terms of the psychological aspect, it fell short, and in some places, the film itself seemed a bit distracting from its original content. But, with a good color palette and a sensational BGM, “The Killer” gives you an injection of experience like nothing else.
Streaming Platform- Netflix
The question of its genre arises, but when discussing greatness, it is barely contested. Speaking of highs and lows and focusing on good character development, this qualifies as good cinema, for sure.
However, it has its shortcomings when you set aside the amazing shots, moments, and music. It could have explored the psychological aspect more, sharing a similar problem with The Killer. Still, American Symphony manages to build a good balance between the professional and personal sides.
Streaming Platform- Netflix
If you’re a sucker for experimental and eye-popping cinema, there can’t be a better director than Wes Anderson.
He came up with four short films on Netflix this year, out of which “The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar” stands out as the liveliest. The beautiful visuals, astounding presentation, and sheer newness are worth a watch.
Streaming Platform- Netflix
Adam Sandler’s “Leo” charms with a heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship and self-discovery. Sandler effortlessly voices the titular dinosaur, Leo, infusing him with endearing naivety and gentle humor.
However, “Leo” isn’t without its shortcomings. The animation, while cute, lacks the polish of its big-budget peers. Humor leans heavily on silly slapstick, potentially dividing audiences. Musically, while catchy, some numbers feel disjointed, disrupting the narrative flow.
Streaming Platform- Prime Video
Ben Affleck’s “AIR” soars on the unlikely partnership between a young Michael Jordan and Nike. Matt Damon shines as Sonny Vaccaro, the underdog exec pitching MJ, while Viola Davis is fiercely captivating as Jordan’s mom.
“AIR” stumbles with a blend of fact and fiction, creating unnecessary historical liberties. While a crowd-pleaser with heart and hustle, the film struggles to maintain traction, leaving room for improvement.
Streaming Platform- Netflix
Every list has some controversial picks and for this list, an Apocalyptic will just the job as we enter the top half.
Esmail’s “Leave the World Behind” grips with chilling suspense as a vacation spirals into chaos for two families. With great acting and pairing it with good bgm and visuals, you are definitely in for a treat.
But the slow burn lingers, occasionally meandering through philosophical discourse. Character detachment, while intentional, can leave viewers cold. The ambiguous ending, while thought-provoking, also may frustrate those seeking resolution.
Streaming Platform- Netflix
Welcome to this year’s Lydia Tar as Bradley Cooper excels in a musical drama or call it a biopic.
Cooper’s “Maestro” symphonizes passion and turmoil in the life of musical titan Leonard Bernstein (played with fiery intensity by Cooper himself). Carey Mulligan glows as his fiercely independent wife, weaving a love story as complex as his compositions. Bernstein’s brilliance bursts from the screen, amplified by immersive orchestral moments.
Yet, Maestro stumbles on uneven tempo. Decades span in rushed crescendos, while others linger on personal shadows. The film delves deep into Bernstein’s inner demons, which, while enriching his artistry, can leave audiences emotionally drained.
Streaming Platform- Netflix
Underrated, creative, witty and Sci-fi, indeed has all the formulae to be a successful Original film.
In Atlanta’s neon labyrinth, “They Cloned Tyrone” throws John Boyega’s disillusioned hustler face-to-face with his own doppelganger, sparking a wild journey through sci-fi mystery, Blaxploitation vibes, and sharp social commentary.
But this groovy gumbo gets a little chunky. The ambitious juggling of sci-fi, humor, and satire leads to uneven pacing and tonal whiplash. Jokes wobble between witty and expository, while the narrative stretches thin, losing grip on some themes.
Streaming Platform- Apple TV
Biopics have literally became a whole lot better in the past two years. And Napoleon is indeed one of the best in the genre. Especially with a director like Ridley Scott and a face like Joaquin Phoenix, this is definitely a formula of success.
Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” paints a sprawling epic of the French Emperor’s rise and fall, with Joaquin Phoenix commanding the screen as the volatile genius. Scope and ambition abound, with opulent visuals and intricate character dynamics capturing the complexities of power and ambition.
However, “Napoleon” stumbles under its own weight. The three-hour runtime feels bloated, dragging with uneven pacing and an overambitious narrative. Historical liberties occasionally jar, and the focus on Napoleon’s inner demons can overwhelm the emotional core. While impressive technically, the film occasionally forgets to breathe, leaving viewers yearning for a tighter focus and deeper emotional resonance.
Streaming Platform- Apple TV
Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone and Robert De Niro, that’s it. Some artworks decay if you spare words on them, it devalues the craft. This film is precisely the same case.