Watchlist: 2017 Favorites

Since it’s Golden Globes night, I thought it would be the perfect time to briefly mention my Favorite Movies and TV of 2017.

Movies:

The Big Sick

This romantic comedy is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. The Big Sick is a testament to the fact that real life is often more interesting than fiction, and that diversity in storytelling is both vital and profitable. I hope Hollywood takes note and makes more movies in a similar vein to this gem.

Wonder Woman

I’m not super into comic book movies, but I was super into Wonder Woman. It really was the perfect movie for 2017, and I am beyond thrilled that it slayed at the Box Office.

Get Out

Get Out is unnerving and political; dark and satirical. It’s a brilliant horror film for our time that is both entertaining and eye-opening. The ending didn’t take the horrific turn I was expecting, which only made it more powerful.

Dunkirk

This wartime movie is gripping, devastating, and ultimately uplifting. I think my favorite thing about Nolan’s film is the compelling use of silence (or at least the absence of dialogue) throughout. The horrors of war do not always need to be depicted with loud explosions and shouted speeches. The quiet itself holds a real terror. Dunkirk masterfully captures the bravery of the ordinary boys and men who got caught up in an extraordinary event.

TV:

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Perhaps the most delightful show I’ve seen in ages, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel was everything I didn’t know I needed. A 1950’s period piece about a Jewish housewife turned comedienne in NYC, this series is all kinds of fabulous. The characters are so well-developed, flawed, and lovable; the dialogue is sharp, crackling, and witty beyond belief; and the sets, atmosphere, and costumes are all to die for. Season 2 cannot come soon enough.

The Handmaid’s Tale

The Handmaid’s Tale was at times harrowing, but always impactful. I’m so glad this popular series is shining a spotlight on Margaret Atwood’s feminist novel. I only wish the Republic of Gilead seemed more like a far-fetched impossibility and less like a plausible future…

Harlots

This is a show written, produced, and directed by women-a fact that is obvious in every frame and in every piece of dialogue. I couldn’t get enough of this gritty yet playful period drama, and am so looking forward to  Season 2.

Howards End

I talked a bit about my obsession with this miniseries here, and I’m still just as in love with it. I adored the cinematography, the quick dialogue, and the acting. I plan to re-watch the adaptation when it airs on Starz in the spring.

The Good Place

This show is unbelievably charming and intelligent. It’s a rare network sitcom that doesn’t look down on its audience and consistently delivers laughs and surprises. I’ve fallen hard for every single character and cannot wait to see what twists will be thrown at us next. (PS. If you already know the Season 1 twist, do yourself a favor and look up the video of the cast members learning about it for the first time).

Big Little Lies

I didn’t have very high expectations for this series, but I ended up being blown away by it. The acting is exceptional, the sets and locations stunning, and the themes incredibly relevant. The music is pretty amazing too. That said, I’m not convinced this story needs another season, but I’m ready to be proven wrong yet again.

 

What where your favorite shows and movies from 2017?