Movies with a Twist 📺🎬
1. Parasite, 2019
⭐️8.5/10
– I can't remember the last time I saw a movie that contained as many genres as
'Parasite'. The movie starts out almost like an 'Ocean's Eleven' heist film and then expands into a comedy, mystery, thriller, drama, romance, crime and even horror film. It really did have everything and it was strikingly good at all of them too. I love a film that respects its audience. There are so many details in this movie that are crucially important and yet the film trusts its audience to notice them and acknowledge them without ramming them down our throats. There are a lot of layers to this film and I suspect for this reason its rewatch-ability factor will be very high.
The film was incredibly entertaining too. I can't think of a boring scene in this movie and yet on the surface for large parts of the film you would say not a lot is happening, at least in terms of action. Fascinating characters and brilliant dialogue are what create this. I had a great time with 'Parasite' and I think most that give it a chance will too.
2. Get Out, 2017
⭐️7.8/10
– I decided to see this film at the theater after hearing some of the hype (which was basically that it is an excellent horror film that is told from the perspective of a black man).
Well, I can see this would be truly the worst nightmare of a black man (and really the worst nightmare for us all). This is NOT a film that tries to make the viewer feel "sorry" for black people, nor is it at all preachy, but it is just a good old fashioned horror film with a fresh new setting. I'm an old white guy by the way.
The acting is wonderful, and directing is amazing. The film, while mostly horror, is actually completely hilarious in some parts, making it the funniest AND scariest movie I have seen in ages (no easy feat). It is a shame that the film will likely not be regarded in the company of Academy Award potential nominees, because the directing and acting is honestly Oscar worthy. Again, no small feat for a horror movie that is also funny.
In summary, this is a MUST SEE at the theater and one of the best films of the year. It is a fun ride that is very well done!
3. Arrival, 2016
⭐️7.9/10
– This is a very, very well made film, which is thought provoking, measured, engaging, and thoroughly well made.
There is nothing brash, or heavy handed about it, the story is superbly told, with well grounded characters. The story is of course sci fi, and hugely creative, but it's never silly, it is incredibly intelligent. Awesome special effects, I loved the design of the alien race, and their language, quite incredible. A story of hope, which I loved.
4. Atonement, 2007
⭐️7.8/10
– I saw a preview of this film yesterday and felt privileged to be one of the first people to see the film. It was also a pleasure to see a film before reading any other critical review or opinion. I am a great fan of Ian Mcewan and was concerned that it would not be possible to capture the subtleties and nuances of Mcewan's writing but I needn't have had any worries. The director, Joe Wright and screenplay writer Christopher Hampton have done a superb job and the complexities of the novel are superbly captured with real imagination. The story is set in three main areas, an English country house in 1935, war torn France 1940 and London 1940. The atmosphere in of all three are wonderfully captured by the director, cinematographer, costume design and score and I am sure that there are going to be some Oscar nominations for these. James McAvoy as lead man gives a tremendous performance of a restrained but passionate man. I was not as convinced by Keira Knightley's performance and am not sure that her acting has the mature edge to capture the social nuances of the times that McAvoy did so successfully.
Do not see this film if you like fast paced films and rapid plot development! This is not a film for the pop video generation. If however you like character development and a plot that unravels at a pace that allows you to be immersed in the atmosphere of the film then I can highly recommend Atonement as one of the best films that I have seen this year.
5. Fracture, 2007
⭐️7.2/10
– Moody, quirky, witty, the film tries to duplicate the atmosphere of a b&w film noir in color with striking sets, lighting and camera angles. The witty, intelligent script gives Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling much to work with and they work well with it. But the directions is a bit heavy-handed and at times so studied that the film seems to plod along. The music, while striking, is overbearing. This is a filmmakers and a film lovers film -- it is not trying to imitate reality but to exploit all elements of film as an art form. It works for me and left me with some strong impressions. Plus, it is the first time I actually enjoyed watching Ryan Gosling.
Did you watch this movie? What do you like about it? Let me know in the comments!
After diving into these incredible films with jaw-dropping twists, I often find myself thinking about what makes a twist truly unforgettable. It's not just the sudden surprise; it's how cleverly the movie builds up to it, often right under our noses! These aren't jump scares; they're narrative seismic shifts that make you re-evaluate everything you've just watched. Take 'Parasite,' for instance. The original review mentioned its genius, but let's talk about that iconic Parasite family poster – the one with the black bars over eyes. When I first saw it, it looked intriguing, hinting at a mystery. But after watching the film, its symbolism hit me hard. Those black bars aren't just a design choice; they brilliantly hint at hidden identities, secrets, and the obscured truth of the families involved. It’s a powerful visual metaphor for the class divide and the unspoken realities that govern their lives. It shows how much thought goes into every aspect of a great film, even the marketing. It’s like the movie is daring you to look closer, knowing you won't fully understand until the credits roll. This kind of nuanced visual storytelling is what elevates a good film to a masterpiece. This got me thinking about how other twist-heavy films manage to pull off their surprises and how characters grapple with hidden truths. In a movie like 'Get Out,' the twist isn't just a sudden reveal; it's a slow burn of unsettling truths and psychological manipulation. You might feel a character is being 'gagged' by their circumstances, unable to voice the escalating horror around them, much like how the black bars in 'Parasite' visually silence the characters. The terror comes from being disbelieved or unable to escape a predetermined fate. It's that feeling of being trapped, misunderstood, or having your reality questioned that makes these films so potent. Similarly, in 'Arrival,' the twist isn't a shocking villain but a profound shift in perception about time and communication, making you rethink human connection itself. Another aspect I adore about films with twists is their immense rewatchability. Once you know the big reveal, you can go back and pick up on all the breadcrumbs the director left behind. It's like a whole new movie! You notice subtle glances, foreshadowing lines, or visual metaphors you completely missed the first time. 'Fracture,' for example, thrives on its clever dialogue and psychological games between Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling, making a second viewing incredibly rewarding as you piece together the masterful deception that was laid out from the very beginning. Even 'Atonement,' with its heartbreaking narrative, gains new layers when you rewatch it, understanding the full weight of a child's imagination and its consequences. These movies aren't just about shocking you; they challenge your perceptions and make you think long after the credits roll. They're a masterclass in storytelling, using every tool in their arsenal—from a character's dialogue to a symbolic movie poster—to deliver an experience that stays with you. So next time you watch a film promising a twist, pay extra attention to those little details. You might be surprised at what you uncover before the big reveal, and how much deeper the story truly goes!
