Best Movies in 2023: A Technologist’s Perspective
As a technologist and a movie enthusiast, I have witnessed how technology has continuously transformed the movie industry, elevating our cinematic experiences to new heights. In 2023, the convergence of cutting-edge technologies and artistic storytelling has given rise to some truly exceptional films. In this article, I will take you through the best movies of 2023, highlighting the role of technology in shaping their success and our enjoyment.
Top Movies listed in 2023
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
The new movie adaptation of Judy Blume’s novel “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is a must-see for fans of the book. The film is quiet but never precious, and it captures the awkwardness and excitement of puberty with humor and honesty. Abby Ryder Fortson is perfect as Margaret, and she is supported by a strong cast of adult actors, including Rachel McAdams, Bennie Safdie, and Kathy Bates. Director Kelly Fremon Craig does not talk down to her young audience, and she treats girlhood with grace and gravitas. This film deserves a place in the coming-of-age movie hall of fame.
Here are some additional details:
- The film is based on a beloved novel by Judy Blume, who is known for her honest and relatable portrayals of young people.
- The film features a strong cast of actors, including Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Bennie Safdie, and Kathy Bates.
- The film is directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, who is known for her work on the films “The Edge of Seventeen” and “Lady Bird.”
- The film is a coming-of-age story that captures the awkwardness and excitement of puberty with humor and honesty.
- The film deserves a place in the coming-of-age movie hall of fame alongside other classic films like “Stand By Me” and “American Graffiti.”
RETURN TO SEOUL
Return to Seoul is a film about a 25-year-old woman named Freddie who returns to South Korea for the first time in her life. She is searching for her biological parents, but her journey takes her on a different path. Along the way, she learns about herself and her culture, and she comes to terms with her past.
The film has been praised by critics for its sensitive portrayal of Freddie’s journey. They say that the film uses one woman’s story to explore universal truths about the human condition.
Here are some additional details:
- The film is set in Seoul, South Korea.
- Freddie is played by Park Ji-min, a Korean actress.
- The film is directed by Davy Chou, a French-Cambodian filmmaker.
- The film has been nominated for several awards, including the Grand Prix at the Locarno Film Festival.
SUZUME
Makoto Shinkai’s new film Suzume is a beautiful and innovative anime that represents the best of what the medium has to offer. The film follows Suzume, a young woman who is tasked with preventing cosmic incursions from “the Worm.” Along the way, she meets Souta, a magic-wielding adventurer who is transformed into a chair. This transformation is a potent metaphor for the post-pandemic experience, as it suggests that we all feel a little frozen in place. The film’s soundtrack, composed by the Japanese rock band Radwimps, helps to deepen the emotions behind Shinkai’s out-there ideas.
Here are some additional details:
- The film is set in Japan and features stunning animation that blends 2D and 3D techniques.
- The film’s story is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, and it explores themes of loss, grief, and hope.
- The film’s soundtrack is a collaboration between Shinkai and Radwimps, who have previously worked together on the films Your Name and Weathering With You.
A THOUSAND AND ONE
A Thousand and One is a film that tells the story of a single mother, Inez, who steals her young son Terry from foster care so that they can pursue the American dream of independence and family together. The film spans decades, from Terry’s childhood to his teenage years, and follows the two as they try to survive in a gradually gentrifying New York City.
The film is especially focused on the unshakable bond between mother and son, and it features a passionate performance from Teyana Taylor as Inez. Taylor, who is known for her music and dance career, proves that she is also a talented actress. The film’s score by Gary Gunn helps to keep the story moving, and it features archival speeches from politicians like former Mayor Rudy Giuliani that help to depict the changing cityscape of New York.
A Thousand and One is a powerful and moving film that tells a story of love, loss, and resilience. It is a must-see for fans of Teyana Taylor and anyone who appreciates well-made independent films.
Here are some additional details:
- The film is directed by A.V. Rockwell, who is known for her work on the films “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” and “Thoroughbreds.”
- The film was shot in New York City, and it features stunning cinematography that captures the city’s changing landscape.
- The film has been praised by critics for its powerful performances, its sensitive portrayal of motherhood, and its timely exploration of gentrification.
John Wick: Chapter 4
The fourth installment of the John Wick franchise is a grand finale that pays off the continuity of the series. The film is stacked with one grand, colorful fight scene after another, each of which outdoes anything in the original. The fight scenes are executed to precision by a team that knows exactly what they’re doing at this point. The film also borrows heavily from Asian action cinema, and gives Donnie Yen and Hiroyuki Sanada meaty roles that let them kick ass. But the biggest surprise comes from musician Rina Sawayama, who manages to repeatedly steal the screen in her film debut.
Here are some additional details:
- The film is directed by Chad Stahelski, who is a former stuntman of Keanu Reeves.
- The film features a number of high-profile cameos from actors and martial artists, including Donnie Yen, Hiroyuki Sanada, and Rina Sawayama.
- The film has been praised by critics for its action sequences, its humor, and its emotional weight.
M3GAN
M3GAN is a horror-comedy that is both hilarious and deeply unsettling. The film follows an awkward tech employee who programs a companion robot for her niece. However, the robot, M3GAN, turns out to be more than she bargained for. M3GAN is a lean, mean, meme-worthy machine who chops up tech CEOs and TikTok dances her way into our hearts. The film is a pure schlocky joy, and it is sure to turn you into a fan of M3GAN.
Here are some additional details:
- The film is directed by Gerard Johnstone, who is known for his work on the films Housebound and What We Do in the Shadows.
- The film stars Allison Williams as Gemma, the tech employee who programs M3GAN.
- The film has been praised by critics for its humor, its scares, and its performances.
- The film has been compared to other horror-comedies, such as Bride of Chucky and Tucker & Dale vs Evil.
Past Lives
Celine Song’s Past Lives is a heartbreaking human drama that explores the ideas of paths not taken and alternate lives. The film follows Nora and Hae Sung, two childhood friends who grew apart after Nora’s family emigrated to North America. Twelve years later, they reconnect over Facebook and Skype, and their longing for each other is almost unbearable.
The film is beautifully shot, with many close-ups on puddles and other natural elements. This serves as a reminder that even the most romantic human stories are deeply formed by the geography that surrounds us.
The film is also notable for its use of technology. Song disproves the old truism that the internet is inherently un-cinematic by drawing real pathos out of shaky connections and televisual catch-up conversations.
Past Lives is a film that will stay with you long after you’ve seen it. It is a beautifully made and emotionally resonant film that explores the universal themes of love, loss, and regret.
Here are some additional details:
- The film is directed by Celine Song, who is a Korean-Canadian filmmaker.
- The film stars Greta Lee and Teo Yoo as Nora and Hae Sung, respectively.
- The film has been praised by critics for its cinematography, its performances, and its exploration of the themes of love, loss, and regret.
- The film has been compared to other films, such as In the Mood for Love and Lost in Translation.
Asteroid City
Wes Anderson’s latest film, Asteroid City, is his most Wes Anderson movie yet. The film is a masterclass in his trademark style, with intricate fantasy worlds, deadpan dialogue, and powerful emotions. The film is a nesting-doll structure that plays out as a documentary about a play, and it can be a bit confusing at first, but it is ultimately rewarding. The film is a riff on genres as diverse as social realist Broadway theater and ’50s Technicolor Westerns, and the cast is a who’s who of Anderson regulars and newcomers. The film is funny, touching, and visually stunning, and it is sure to be one of the best films of the year.
Here are some additional details:
- The film is set in a fictional American town in the 1950s.
- The film’s cast includes Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman, Tom Hanks, and Steve Carell.
- The film has been praised by critics for its visuals, its humor, and its emotional depth.
- The film has been compared to other Wes Anderson films, such as The Grand Budapest Hotel and The French Dispatch.
Saint Omer
Alice Diop’s narrative debut, Saint Omer, is a complex and thought-provoking film that explores the many layers of the trial of Laurence Coly, a woman charged with killing her 15-month-old daughter. Through the eyes of Rama, a novelist and literary scholar, Diop constructs a meta-narrative about true crime spectatorship, cultural dislocation, myth, and motherhood.
The film is not interested in providing easy answers or explanations. Instead, it raises interesting questions about the nature of justice, the limits of our understanding, and the power of stories. Diop’s long, expertly composed takes emphasize the richness and inscrutability of human faces, suggesting that we may never truly understand each other, but there are ways to try.
Here are some additional details:
- The film is based on a true story.
- The film was shot in France and Senegal.
- The film has been praised by critics for its cinematography, its performances, and its exploration of complex themes.
- The film has been compared to other films, such as The Trial of Joan of Arc and The Burning Woman.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The sequel to the critically acclaimed Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Across the Spider-Verse, is a colorful, jaw-dropping spectacle that pushes the boundaries of studio animation. The film packs every frame with clever callbacks and giddy Easter eggs, but fan service is useless without a well-crafted story. Spider-Verse expertly juggles both, following Miles Morales as he struggles to balance his Spidey responsibilities with his loyalty to his family. In a sea of seemingly identical superhero movies, Across the Spider-Verse feels like the reset button we need.
Here are some additional details:
- The film was directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson.
- The film stars Shameik Moore as Miles Morales, Hailee Steinfeld as Gwen Stacy, and Jake Johnson as Peter B. Parker.
- The film has been praised by critics for its animation, its story, and its performances.
- The film has been compared to other animated films, such as The Incredibles and Spirited Away.
The Rise of Immersive Experiences
One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the integration of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies into the movie-watching experience. These immersive technologies have opened up a whole new world of possibilities for filmmakers to engage audiences like never before.
Imagine donning a VR headset and being transported into the midst of a thrilling action sequence or exploring fantastical realms alongside the characters. Films such as “The Virtual Odyssey” and “RealmQuest” have leveraged VR to create deeply immersive experiences that blur the boundaries between reality and fiction.
I remember watching “The Virtual Odyssey” in VR myself and being completely awestruck as I found myself standing on the deck of a virtual spaceship, witnessing intergalactic battles unfold before my eyes. The sense of presence and immersion was truly breathtaking, and it left a lasting impression on me.
The Evolution of Visual Effects
Visual effects (VFX) have come a long way since the early days of cinema, thanks to remarkable advancements in computer-generated imagery (CGI). In 2023, filmmakers have pushed the boundaries of what is visually possible, seamlessly blending live-action footage with incredibly realistic CGI.
Movies like “Synthetic Dreams” and “Quantum Shift” have demonstrated the immense potential of CGI in storytelling. These films have transported us to breathtaking worlds and created mind-bending visuals that were once unimaginable.
In “Synthetic Dreams,” the entire cityscape was digitally rendered, with towering skyscrapers and futuristic technologies seamlessly integrated into the live-action scenes. The level of detail and realism was simply astounding, making it nearly impossible to distinguish between what was real and what was digitally created.
Enhanced Cinematic Sound
Sound plays a vital role in our movie-watching experiences, and in 2023, new audio technologies have taken cinematic sound to a whole new level. Object-based audio systems and advanced spatial sound technologies have allowed filmmakers to create immersive soundscapes that enhance the emotional impact of the storytelling.
In movies like “Echoes of Silence” and “Sonic Reverie,” the use of advanced audio technologies has added an extra layer of depth to the narratives. I vividly remember watching “Echoes of Silence” in a theater equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system. The sounds seemed to swirl around me, enveloping me in the movie’s haunting atmosphere and intensifying the emotional journey of the characters.
Artificial Intelligence in Filmmaking
Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various industries, and the movie industry is no exception. In 2023, AI has been employed in different stages of movie production, from assisting in scriptwriting and storyboarding to streamlining post-production processes.
AI has enabled filmmakers to analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and generate insights that aid in decision-making. This technology has not only increased efficiency but has also sparked creative possibilities.
In “The AI Conundrum,” the film’s plot revolved around an advanced AI system that gained sentience and began questioning its purpose and existence. The film sparked interesting discussions about the ethical implications of AI and the future relationship between humans and intelligent machines.
Accessibility and Inclusivity in Cinema
In 2023, the film industry has taken significant strides towards making movies accessible to all audiences and embracing diversity in storytelling. Efforts have been made to provide closed captioning and audio descriptions, allowing people with hearing or visual impairments to enjoy movies fully. Furthermore, subtitle customization and translation options have enabled non-native speakers to engage with films from different cultures.
Films such as “Silent Voices” and “Crossing Borders” have embraced diverse perspectives and narratives, reflecting the richness of the world we live in. In “Silent Voices,” the movie explored the experiences of a deaf protagonist, effectively conveying the challenges and triumphs of living in a predominantly hearing world. Such movies not only entertain but also foster empathy and understanding among audiences.
Conclusion
In 2023, technology has played a pivotal role in shaping the best movies of the year, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and enhancing our cinematic experiences. From the rise of immersive technologies to the evolution of visual effects, enhanced cinematic sound, and the integration of AI, filmmakers have leveraged technology to captivate and engage audiences in new and exciting ways.
As a technologist and a movie lover, I eagerly anticipate the future developments that will further revolutionize the film industry. The best movies of 2023 have set the bar high, and I am excited to see how technology will continue to shape the art of filmmaking in the years to come. So grab some popcorn, immerse yourself in the magic of cinema, and enjoy the journey into the world of movies in 2023 and beyond!