By Nadia Ranaputri

Greetings! Welcome to my mid year book freak out tag. I made a video on this tag that you can check out on the link at the end of the post, but I figured that I would also make a written version of it for fun, so without further ado, let's get into them.

1. Best Book You've Read So Far 

Image credit: Amazon

- Vicious by V.E. Schwab
This is a book I've re-read multiple times, and it still holds up to this day. I talked about this book more in depth in my top ten favorite books list, but in short, it is a compelling take on the hero vs villains story with alluring morally gray characters that really know how to sink their teeth into their readers and hold on to them, even long after you've finished the book. A great, great read.

Image credit: Amazon

- Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
This book was what got me back into the Shadowhunters series again, since the last book I read from the series was Queen of Air and Darkness three years ago (which I've since re-read again). Essentially, this is the first book in The Last Hours series and the latest entry in The Shadowhunter Chronicles. Reading this book was like meeting an old friend who you were once fond of, and this reunion reminds you exactly why you're so fond of this particular friend. I loved all the characters in this book, and I was 100 percent down for the budding romance between Cordelia and James. One of the best parts about this series is that Cassandra Clare always brings an array of interesting characters that make an ensemble worth reading for. Also, James Herondale is the only man EVER. Full stop. 

2. Best Sequel

Image credit: Goodreads

- We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal
As a sequel to one of my favorite reads of 2019, We Hunt the Flame, this book is such a vast improvement from the first one. It's one that I would consider as one of the best sequels. Hafsah Faizal had a firmer grip on her world and the world-building is incredibly rich, with a plate of diverse characters. Everything she established in the first novel is dialed up to eleven, and I loved every single second of it. The writing in this book is immaculate, and I feel as if I could truly escape to the entrancing world of Arawiya for just a few hours. The story is engaging, the characters are compelling, and it's one heck of a roller-coaster ride, think Universal Studios' The Mummy ride kind of experience. For me, this is what Crooked Kingdom is to Six of Crows, a sequel that really paid off and as miles better than its predecessor. Also, Zafira and Nasir own my entire heart. Highly recommended. 

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- Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare
This book wrecked me in the best and worst way. So. Much. Emotions. I didn't think that Cassandra Clare would mess with my feelings again after Chain of Gold, but this.....this is a whole new level of PAIN. I literally had to talk to a friend who knew absolutely nothing about the Shadowhunters books because I had no one else to pour all my emotions to (bestie, you know exactly who you are and I want to thank you for listening to my endless commentary of this book). Nearly everyone in this book (except the precious being that is Christopher Lightwood, who's just vibing for the entirety of the book) are oblivious idiots and masters of miscommunication, but they're also my idiots, so I'll accept it. Overall, what a sequel. I'm both scared and excited for what Chain of Thorns will bring to the table, and I know that the worse is yet to come. I am not ready.

3. New Release that you haven't read, but want to

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- Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I've been a huge fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid as an author, so it was inevitable that I would be clamoring for her latest novel. While contemporary reads aren't usually a genre I tend to read, there's something intriguing about Taylor Jenkins Reid's books. Her previous novel, Daisy Jones and The Six, even made it in my top ten list of favorite books, and I adored The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, so that's saying something. This, as I've heard, follows in the same veins as Daisy Jones and Evelyn Hugo, so that's a sure way of convincing me to grab this book as soon as possible.

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4. Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year

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- Cytonic by Brandon Sanderson
This one is a no brainer for me. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the trilogy, particularly Skyward. Though, I will admit, Starsight was more of a repeat of the first book and suffered the middle book syndrome for me. But in all, it is a very fun sci-fi novel that has an surprising amount of depth and intrigue. The characters feel real and genuine, while one person views the other in disdain, there's a good reason behind their behavior, which I appreciate, since it means that you're not given a black and white view of the situation. Plus, there is a real sense of camaraderie between the main character and her squad of young pilots. Hopefully this third book in the series can bring back the magic of the first book and close the overall series in a flourish.  

Image credit: cassandraclare.com

- Chain of Thorns by Cassandra Clare
I'm going to cheat on this a little, apologies for that, so I will mention a book that is releasing next year instead of the second half of the year, and this is that book. It's no surprise, really. I've mentioned the first book and the second, so it's only fair that I bring the final book to the table. As this is the third and final book in The Last Hours series, I am both excited and scared, because who knows what Cassandra Clare has lined up for her characters? She brought the spice, the tea, and the drama in Chain of Iron to the max, so how would I expect to survive once Chain of Thorns comes around? But despite that, I am willing to suffer for the sake of knowing how it all ends.

5. Biggest Disappointment

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- Lore by Alexandra Bracken
Let me get this out of the way first, I love stories about Greek mythology. I owe some big love to the Percy Jackson books that kick-started my interest in them. But with Lore.....honestly, I was so disappointed. The book is enjoyable, but I expected so much more. The characters are just flat and uninteresting, Lore doesn't have much of a personality, and I wasn't invested in the relationship between her and Castor at all, this is coming from someone who's a sucker for the friends to lovers trope. The only few ones I actually like are the side characters: Miles and Evander. In addition, the third act felt very dense and rushed, it felt like there was no point to everything that happened before. If you like more fast paced stories, you may enjoy this. For me though, I just wasn't as fully invested in the book as I'd hoped.

Image credit: Goodreads

6. Biggest Surprise

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7. New Author (Debut or New to You)

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8. Newest Fictional Crush

Image credit: Charlie Bowater, The Shadowhunters' Wiki

9. New Favorite Character 

Image credit: Charlie Bowater, The Shadowhunters' Wiki

10. Book that Made You Cry

Image credit: Goodreads

11. Book that Made You Happy

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12. Most Beautiful Book You Bought (or Received) this year

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13. Favorite Book to Film/TV Adaptation

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14. Books that You Need to Read by the end of the year

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There you have it, my Mid Year Book Freak Out Tag! What were your favorite and least favorite reads of this year?

You can also check out my video on the tag:

By Nadia Ranaputri

Image credit: We Rave You

I may talk a lot about film, but books will always be my first love. It was my gateway to literature, and the reason why I wanted to study it. Books were also vital in helping me learn English, and they were the piece of escapism I needed, even to this day. And honestly, I have a lot more favorite books than just the ones on this list. I'll keep it brief though, so I chose ten. I'm sure this list will change from time to time, but for now, here are my top ten favorite books. Let's get started.

 10.  This is How You Lose The Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

“Books are letters in bottles, cast into the waves of time, from one person trying to save the world to another.” 

I must admit, I'm not the biggest fan of romances, even when there's a bigger plot surrounding it, but this novel.... I'll make an exception for it. This novel is a romance that takes place in the middle of a time war, where two time-traveling agents from opposing sides communicate through letters and start to develop deeper feelings for one another over the course of their interactions. That plot was enough to get me hooked, but the book itself was a revelation. First of all, the writing style is immaculate, and reading the lyrical style is just as much of an experience as the story itself. Sometimes it feels like a fever dream, then a memoir, and the next, it wraps itself around you like a warm blanket and a cozy fireplace, which is not the description you'd expect from a science-fiction novel, but that's exactly how I feel about it. That being said, it definitely won't cater to everyone. This doesn't read like a typical novel, but more in a form of letters, with poetic and dense writing style, so it's something to keep in mind if you're looking to delve into it. I love it though, it's one of the few romances that doesn't feel cheesy or forced, just very genuine. There is a larger story at the forefront, which is the time war itself, but the romance here also takes center stage, and I find myself truly and utterly invested.

9. The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

“If this isn’t hell, the devil is surely taking notes.”

Oh boy, where to begin? The concept of reliving the same day over and over again is not new, especially when recent films like Edge of Tomorrow and Palm Springs incorporated the same plot, but there's always a lot of creativity in the execution of this concept. This is yet another Groundhog Day type of story done right, and in Stuart Turton's novel, it's all about solving a murder mystery. This novel is a lot of fun and keeps you guessing throughout. For me personally, this book felt like it was taking you along with the characters. You're not just sitting on the sidelines waiting for the reveals, you're also involved in solving it. There's also a tad bit of supernatural/science-fiction element to it, which makes the story even more alluring. However, it is a very slow book, it takes a while for things to really unravel, so this won't be for everyone. I, on the other hand, was very immersed in the mystery as well as the slow nature of it, and I even read it for a second time to really soak in every little detail that I missed. If you're looking for a more fast-paced mystery read, this may not be the book for you. But if you like mysteries that take their time, and don't mind overstaying your welcome at the Hardcastle estate, it's an absolute must-read.

8. Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

“I would have come for you. And if I couldn't walk, I'd crawl to you, and no matter how broken we were, we'd fight our way out together- knives drawn, pistols blazing.”

There are some cases where the sequel is better than its predecessor. While those cases can certainly pop up in films, it's also present in books. Crooked Kingdom, the sequel to Bardugo's Six of Crows, is one fine example of a sequel that has proven to be far better than its first entry, which is saying a lot because I adored the first book to bits. Six of Crows already worked as a standalone, but Crooked Kingdom takes it to a whole other level. Both books are heavily character driven than plot driven, yet it's in the sequel where the characterization is at its best. There's wild twists and turns, as well as impeccable character development. The Crows are incredibly fleshed out here than they ever were in the first book, and there's so many standout scenes that still linger in my head to this day. I don't know how Leigh Bardugo was able to create such intricate and complex characters, then turns them into some of the best characters I've ever read in a YA fantasy, but she pulled it off beautifully. Even after you've finished the book, you feel as if you've just taken an all-expenses-paid trip to the Ketterdam, and you're left eager to give this world another visit.
 

7.  Vicious by V.E Schwab

“Plenty of humans were monstrous, and plenty of monsters knew how to play at being human.”

6.  Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

“I had absolutely no interest in being somebody else's muse. I am not a muse. I am the somebody. End of fucking story.”

Let me start by saying this: I love Fleetwood Mac, their songs are my jam and I could stay all day listening to them. So when I discovered that Taylor Jenkins Reid's novel was partly inspired by them and the rock bands of that era, I put my ear to the door and listened intently. In other words, it grabbed my full attention. What it ended up being was a roller-coaster ride filled with scandals, romance, and a heavy dose of rock and roll. Similar to This is How You Lose the Time War, Daisy Jones and The Six doesn't follow the usual novel format. Instead, it plays out in transcripts from interviews of the characters. Each member, including the enigma that is Daisy Jones, gets their own perspective, but the interesting thing is that it can play coy and turn the unreliable narrator card against you, so everyone has a different take for each of the events that happen in the book. Furthermore, Reid's writing gives the characters a unique and genuine voice. Daisy Jones feels like a real person, as do the Six, and it's as if you're reading a memoir of an actual band, that's how immersive her writing is. I highly recommend reading it with a Fleetwood Mac playlist.

5.  The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller 

“I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell; I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world.”

  

This was a novel that I picked up due to the immense hype and praise, and I have to say, it definitely lived up to my expectations. Essentially, it's a retelling of Homer's Iliad, but with a twist to it. While Miller is paying homage to the iconic story of the Greek hero, The Song of Achilles is strong enough to stand on its own. Miller's writing is truly something else, it's poetic and charming, it draws you to the story and the characters. The novel is told from the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles' close friend and comrade. Having the story told from the viewpoint of someone who was originally a supporting character provides a whole new insight and perspective on how he sees Achilles. Everything about this book is beautiful, from the story to the writing, and the characters themselves. If you're already familiar with the story of Iliad itself, be prepared for devastation and heartbreak. Even saying that it's emotional and ruinous is an understatement. Imagine someone stabbing you in the back, and while you endure all that pain, that person whispers sweet nothings to distract you from the agony they caused just seconds ago. That is how I would describe reading this book, it's a deadly mix of sweetened tragedy. The fact that this was Madeline Miller's debut novel is even more impressive, I've yet to find a single flaw in it, but I haven't, and I'm sure I'll find very little.

4. Circe by Madeline Miller  

“It is a common saying that women are delicate creatures, flowers, eggs, anything that may be crushed in a moment’s carelessness. If I had ever believed it, I no longer did.”

 

Yes, you heard that right. Madeline Miller makes another appearance on this list. There's something about Miller's writing that is unlike anything I've read, and I'm fairly certain that there hasn't been any other modern author whose writing has come close to what she can do. Just when I thought that Miller couldn't outdo herself after The Song of Achilles, Circe proved me wrong. Like her debut novel before it, Circe is another Greek retelling, this time with a minor goddess who is well versed in potions and herbs. Though Circe is known for transforming her guests as well as those that reject her or pose as an obstacle in her life into animals, Miller's book delves more into her story and takes more of a sympathetic route towards her character whilst retaining the original characteristics and mythology that made her into who she is. Reading Circe is an experience synonymous with floating on a cloud, or taking the warmest bath you've had in a while. This is a gorgeously written novel that plays like a lyrical prose. It's as if it's written and read by a Greek goddess, perhaps even Circe herself, given the first person point of view. That sounds exaggerated, but how else would I put it? It's just wonderful, I finished this novel in the span of two days, because I was so immersed in the world and the story, that it was near impossible to put down.

3. Lovely War by Julie Berry

“I envy the mortals. It's because they're weak and damaged that they can love.”

 

I'm a sucker for historical fiction, and Julie Berry's novel is one hell of an emotional ride. For someone who tends to stray away from romances, this is the kind of story that I'll admit, brought tears to my eyes. I don't know what it is about romance stories that take place during a historical era, but they tend to pack a lot more punch than the ones from other genres, and this book specifically takes place in World War I. If I were to describe Lovely War in a nutshell: it's the equivalent of falling in love and getting your heart broken at the same time. There's a twist to it though, because the story is narrated by Greek gods and goddesses, watching over fellow mortals as they wage into war. Each of their narrations makes for a very interesting read, especially with their distinct voices, but in the end, it's the mortal characters that struck a chord with me. They're flawed and complex, and they have so much depth, it's as if you really got the chance to not only be acquainted with them, but also to be a part of their journey. And the romance isn't the sole element of the story, there are other aspects that I thought were very well conveyed, particularly with topics such as the treatment of African-American soldiers during the War. It's lovely (pun intended), layered, profound, poignant, and basically every single word in the dictionary in relation to the word amazing.

2. All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

“You know the greatest lesson of history? It’s that history is whatever the victors say it is. That’s the lesson. Whoever wins, that’s who decides the history.”

I picked this book up on whim because of the gorgeous cover, but I did not expect the emotional toll it would put on me. This is yet another historical fiction book told in two main perspectives: A blind girl who's forced to flee with her uncle in Paris, and a radio expert who joins the army in Germany. This was one of those books that I deliberately read slowly to really take the time to explore and immerse myself in the story and the characters. I think it would have been obvious by now that I love character-driven books, I tend to gravitate towards stories that focus a lot on character, and this book is one of them. The two main characters especially, are so interesting to read, and just delightful, that I wanted more than anything in the world to spend more time with them as soon as I reached the last page. Having two perspectives also helps to see the war on different sides of the spectrum: from the civilian side to the military side. And just like Lovely War, this book is gut-wrenching yet poignant, it takes your heart in the palm of its hand and crushes it while reassuring you that everything is going to be fine. Doerr really took his time building the characters and the world, it feels almost cinematic, as if you could make an entire Oscar-winning film out of it. His descriptions on how Marie sees the world as a blind person are detailed and sweet, such as how he describes Marie's ability to navigate her way around town by the number of steps and the various turns, all with the assistance of her father. Not going to say anything more, because it's truly a book that you have to experience for yourself. It is a slow book once again, but the buildup is splendid, the payoff is absolutely remarkable, and I cried at least twice reading this book.

1. The Shadow of The Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

“A story is a letter that the author writes to himself, to tell himself things that he would be unable to discover otherwise.” 

 
And here it is, my favorite book of all-time. Just like The Song of Achilles before it, this was another book that I picked up due to the overwhelming praise and hype. It's clear from there that it lived up to the hype for me. This has all the elements I love in a story: historical setting, noir atmosphere, and intriguing mystery. Most of all, it's a story about a book, something I'm always drawn to. But the book surprised me with just how much it was able to make me care for the characters. And as for the characters themselves....don't even get me started on them, they're just so....memorable. They linger on the back of your mind like a long-lost memory waiting to be discovered again and again. I have a certain weakness for books that are written like a prose, they're simply lyrical and beautiful, this book is no exception. Zafón's writing is rich, it's descriptive. There's a heavy atmospheric tone to it that makes you feel as if you've transported into another world. Even his descriptions of Barcelona, the city that the book takes place in, is so vivid, I could have sworn that I was in Barcelona myself, despite never having been there. It's enchanting, it lures you in, and you may never find the will to leave the world, the narrative, and the characters that Zafón had so meticulously crafted. But again, it is a very slow book, so those who are looking for a quick or fast-paced read, it's best not to pick this one up. For me personally, it was perfect. I flew through this book with a flourish, and once I finished it, I was eager to read it again, perhaps more than any other book I've read. 

There you have it, that's my list. What are some of your favorite books? I would love to know!

By Nadia Ranaputri

Image credit: IMDB

It's that time of the year again. The Oscar nominations have just been announced yesterday, and the biggest category out of the bunch had an impressive selection of films. 2020 was an unexpected ride, and many big films like Black Widow and Dune have been pushed back. But that doesn't mean that the year lacked good films. In fact, there's plenty of incredible entries, ranging from stunning independent films and directors that truly got their time to shine, to impressive entries from well-known directors. It was as much of a feast for good films as it is in the prior year. From Lee Isaac Chung's heartfelt film about the struggles of an immigrant family, to David Fincher's glamorous portrayal of 1930s Hollywood, I've re-capped my thoughts on each of the Best Picture nominees (with the exception of Florian Zeller's The Father) Full reviews for these films are also available to read. Let's get into them, shall we?

1. Nomadland

Image credit: Deadline

Director: Chloé Zhao
Cast: Frances McDormand, David Straithairn, Linda May, Swankie, Peter Spears, Bob Wells, Derek Endres.

Nomadland is a simplistic but dreamlike feature from Chloé Zhao. It shows an everyday life in the world that many may not even know, and it's a refreshing take on the portrayal of the American life. McDormand is a powerhouse in the lead role as Fern, as she carries the role with a gravitas. Her performance is filled with repressed emotions that slowly unravel throughout the film, and McDormand conveys this beautifully. There are scenes where Fern remains silent, but her eyes convey something else entirely. Much of the film consists of McDormand's Fern going on the road, but it's the things she finds along the way that fill in the gaps between and give the film its substance. It's these moments that give the film a breath of fresh air, adding a sense of levity and warmth. The people she meets, the lands she discovers, they all bring a slice of life into the film that prevent it from being too somber. The cinematography by Joshua James Richards is stellar, creating a minimal yet immersive atmosphere that almost makes us feel as if we're tagging along on the journey, whilst Ludovico Einaudi's score accompanies it perfectly in the background. Beneath all that, it's a film about self-discovery, and in a way, it's like a cathartic experience. Throughout her journey, Fern begins to adapt and open up to the life on the road, and eventually to the nomads she encounters. It's a quiet film, and there's something almost poetic about it, too. Nomadland is certainly not going to be for everyone, but for me personally, it's a stunner, and it makes me all the more excited to see what Zhao has in store for her next big feature, particularly that of Marvel Studios' The Eternals. 

Stars: 4.6/5

You can read my full review of Nomadland here

2. Minari

Image credit: IMDB

Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Cast: Steven Yeun, Han Ye-ri, Yuh-Jung Youn, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, Will Patton.

Stars: 5/5

You can read my full review of Minari here

3. Sound of Metal

Image credit: The Pit

Director: Darius Marder
Cast: Riz Ahmed, Olivia Cooke, Paul Raci, Lauren Ridloff, Matthieu Amalric.

Sound of Metal is no doubt one of the standout films of 2020. It's a film that's driven by the strong performances and visual execution. Riz Ahmed is a revelation in this role, able to convey Ruben's conflicting emotions and slow process to acceptance without making it feel like an over exaggeration. Olivia Cooke is just as impressive, and despite her limited screen-time, she becomes the very heart that grounds Ruben at his most vulnerable. The sound design is also worth mentioning, as it becomes a significant part of the storytelling. Once Ruben loses his hearing, we get to experience it along with him. It makes the film much more visceral and entertaining. Sound of Metal may not sound like the most appealing film at the surface, but its execution is what makes it worth watching. It never treats deafness as a negative, rather as a means for moving forward. And even then, the film isn't solely about deafness itself, there's so much more to that. It's a film about recovery, about learning to accept everything that has happened, regardless of how one reacts to it. Yet the presentation is also fairly simple without being underwhelming. It doesn't make the subject matter complex, nor does it underestimate the situation. In the end, Sound of Metal is able to execute such a simple story and turn it into something impactful and poignant.

Stars: 4.4/5

You can read my full review of Sound of Metal here 

4. Judas and the Black Messiah

Image credit: IMDB

Director: Shaka King
Cast: Lakeith Stanfield, Daniel Kaluuya, Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Darrell Britt-Gibson, Martin Sheen. 

Judas and the Black Messiah is a strong second debut from director Shaka King, bringing the ever compelling story of  Fred Hampton and the person responsible for his downfall to the screen in an engrossing way. Lakeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya deliver perhaps the best performances of their careers as William O'Neal and Fred Hampton, respectively. Kaluuya especially, is spectacular. While he lacks physical similarities with the real Fred Hampton, he certainly makes up for it in his performance, which is nothing short of electrifying and demands every bit of your attention. Stanfield, on the other hand, brings a more stoic and quiet performance, but it's one that's eventually unraveled with depth and nuance. The sharp and thought-provoking execution is what makes the film the maestro that it is, though it also isn't short of heartfelt and grounded moments, particularly through Dominique Fishback's Deborah Johnson. Its deliberately slow place makes for a brutal third act that took the film to its very peak. However, it isn't without its flaws. Though O'Neal's perspective is interesting enough, I couldn't help but feel like Hampton should have been the main focal point as opposed to O'Neal, but I consider this as more of a minor flaw. Overall, Judas and the Black Messiah is an engrossing outlook on a story that is more significant than ever. It is really one hell of an captivating film, and how it plays its cards is simply masterful.

Stars: 4.6/5

You can read my full review of Judas and the Black Messiah here

5. Promising Young Woman 

Image credit: IMDB

Director: Emerald Fennel
Cast: Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, Alfred Molina, Alison Brie, Jennifer Coolidge, Clancy Brown, Laverne Cox, Chris Lowell.

Promising Young Woman is a stellar directorial debut from Emerald Fennel. Carey Mulligan brings another outstanding performance as the film's lead Cassandra, showcasing the many layers of Cassandra's character in impressive fashion, from menacing, lively, and even a little comedic. Bo Burnham was also a surprise favorite, giving a charming performance that grounds the film a little. The first thing you'd probably notice going into Promising Young Woman is the visuals. The film has its fun with striking cinematography and vibrant candy colors. But the themes that it discusses contrasts those visuals. It is a film that touches on serious subject matters regarding sexual assault, and it conveys its message in a very compelling way. It's direct in saying what it wants to say without ever feeling like it's being shoved down your throat. Fennel's script imbues these themes and messages in a thought-provoking and engrossing way, whilst also able to juggle various genres in its run-time. It first starts off as a revenge thriller, then it switches into a dark comedy, and even a drama at times; yet it's so swift in balancing these genres that you don't feel like you're watching several different movies at once. Moreover, Fennel is able to create a story that borders the line between stylistically entertaining and compelling, whilst giving it a reasonable amount of depth, making Promising Young Woman as more than just a typical revenge story. 

Stars: 4.4/5

You can read my full review of Promising Young Woman here 

6. MANK

Image credit: IMDB

Director: David Fincher
Cast: Gary Oldman, Amanda Seyfried, Lily Collins, Tom Burke, Sam Troughton, Tom Pelphrey, Charles Dance, Tuppence Middleton

Mank might feel like a bit of a gamble, because there's a chance that a general audience who is unfamiliar with Citizen Kane won't connect to it.  Moreover, even if you have seen Citizen Kane and want to know how the creation of the film came to be, Mank doesn't delve too deep into it. It instead focuses on mere glimpses of stories and figures that became the inspiration for the characters and arcs of Citizen Kane. It isn't a bad thing in it of itself, as Fincher manages to address these plot lines in a cohesive way, but doesn't fully emphasize on how Citizen Kane was actually made, or came to be. Depending on how you see it, this might be either a good thing or a bad thing. For me, it didn't bother me too much, but I did wish that the film would delve in more to the creative process of a film that is considered one of the greats. Despite that, Mank is still able to present its ideas in intriguing fashion, particularly about the politics and mechanics of 1930s Hollywood, whilst also paying homage to the time period. From its stunning cinematography by Erik Messerschmidt, who previously collaborated with Fincher in the brilliant Netflix show Mindhunter (if you haven't seen that show, please do, it is fantastic), to the lively score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Fincher is able to transport us into this whimsical world of the 1930s. Mank is a welcome addition to David Fincher's already impressive filmography. Though it isn't my personal favorite film of his (The Social Network and Gone Girl still hold those titles), it is still a remarkable entry from Fincher.

Stars: 4/5 

You can read my full review of Mank here

7. The Trial of the Chicago 7

Image credit: HITC

Director: Aaron Sorkin
Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mark Rylance, Jeremy Strong, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Frank Langella, Alex Sharp, John Carroll Lynch, Noah Robbins, Daniel Flaherty, Michael Keaton.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is yet another impressive entry from Aaron Sorkin, especially on his second directorial piece. The film boasts an incredible cast, and there are many standout performances that it's hard to pick just one. It's Eddie Redmayne and Sacha Baron-Cohen whose characters take center stage, and both with incredible performances that demand your attention. The rest of the cast in the likes of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mark Rylance, Jeremy Strong, and Frank Langella; all bring their A-game and complete the cast in stunning fashion. When it comes to the humor, it is definitely more noticeable in Chicago 7 compared to Sorkin's prior projects, a slightly unusual departure from a standard Sorkin script, but a very welcome one, since it rarely ever takes you out of the film. Still, it's able to raise the stakes very well. The timing of Chicago 7 is ever the more relevant, especially in a time of divisiveness. Once it opens, we're immediately tossed into the chaos that ensued and its harrowing aftermath. From there, it tells its story effectively and tells enough to engage us in these characters and the stakes that are held in place. In its two hour runtime, it is able to tell an engaging and powerful story, with tension-filled scenes that will linger with you long after the film ends. Overall, The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a brilliant film with an equally brilliant execution, made all the better by the performances, as well as Sorkin's gripping screenplay and ace direction. 

Stars: 4.4/5

You can read my full review of The Trial of the Chicago 7  here

There you have it, the big contenders of the main prize. Which of these films do you think will win Best Picture?

You can also read my re-cap of last year's nominees for Best Picture here