Amazeballs

Released in 2019 under the direction of Fernando Meirelles, The Two Popes presents an intimate portrayal of two of the most influential figures within the Catholic Church—Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis—played masterfully by Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, respectively. Based on Anthony McCarten’s theatrical adaptation, the film ventures into the nuanced psychological and theological terrains of these towering personalities, set against the backdrop of the Vatican during a period of upheaval. As someone interested in the intricacies of faith, doctrine, and leadership, I approached The Two Popes with anticipation, eager to see how it would balance historical authenticity with dramatic storytelling.

When I first learned about Adolescence, a four-episode British miniseries released by Netflix on March 13, 2025, I anticipated a serious examination of contemporary youth issues, particularly those surrounding toxic masculinity, incel culture, and social media influence. With a talented creative team led by co-creators Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham—who also stars—the series promised an intense, immersive viewing experience. The compelling premise of following a teenage boy accused of murder, filmed entirely in single continuous takes, heightened my expectations regarding technical mastery and emotional depth. Knowing Graham’s previous work in Boiling Point, I was prepared for a raw, visceral journey that would challenge and disturb but also enlighten.

In the realm of financial dramas, The Big Short stands as a unique entry, seamlessly blending humor with the grim reality of the 2008 financial collapse. Directed by Adam McKay and adapted from Michael Lewis's profound book, this film is not merely a retelling of historical events but a critical, darkly comedic examination of greed, corruption, and human folly. Released in December 2015, it takes viewers deep into the intricate web of the financial industry, presenting a narrative that is as entertaining as it is enlightening.

In the riveting independent biographical drama The Apprentice, directed by Ali Abbasi and co-distributed by Briarcliff Entertainment, viewers are drawn into a meticulous examination of Donald Trump's early career as a real estate mogul in 1970s New York City. This film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and is a co-production across multiple countries, explores Trump’s complex relationship with the notorious attorney Roy Cohn. By shining a spotlight on their morally ambiguous partnership, The Apprentice delves into themes of ambition, morality, and the very fabric of success, prompting audiences to ponder over the integrity behind the American dream.

September 5 bursts forth as a poignant historical drama that delves into the tragic events of the Munich massacre during the 1972 Summer Olympics. Directed by Tim Fehlbaum, this gripping film chronicles the chaotic coverage by the ABC Sports crew as they navigate the grim realities of a terrorist attack. With solid performances from a strong cast, this film invites viewers into a thrilling reenactment wrapped in ethical conundrums and moral exploration while compellingly examining the intersection of media, politics, and human tragedy.

Last Breath, directed by Alex Parkinson, immerses viewers in the perilous realm of deep-sea saturation divers, skillfully striking a balance between survival thriller and poignant human drama. Released in theaters on February 28, 2025, this film adapts a true story—remaking the 2019 documentary co-directed by Parkinson—bringing to life the frantic race against time to rescue a stranded diver amid the unforgiving North Sea. With a solid cast, including Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, and Finn Cole, the film attempts to offer an exploration of resilience and sacrifice set against a backdrop as thrilling as it is terrifying.