Film & TV Highlights from 2023
Below is a curated list of TV shows, shorts, and films I've enjoyed watching this year. I'll be updating it throughout the end of 2023. The titles are linked to JustWatch, where you can discover viewing options and add items to a watchlist. Anything with a 👑 is highly recommended.
Shows
A documentary about the proposed European Super League, a breakaway league that would have pitted the continent's biggest clubs against each other. The miniseries chronicles the events leading up to the announcement of the Super League, the immediate backlash from fans and politicians, and the eventual collapse of the project.
A murder mystery starring Natasha Lyonne as Charlie Cale, a casino worker with an innate ability to detect lies. When a close friend of hers is murdered, Charlie sets out to find the killer, using her skills to read people's tells. Along the way, she encounters a variety of colorful characters and solves several other homicides.
A dark British comedy about a hyper-religious family navigating modern life. The patriarch, David, is determined to prepare his family for the apocalypse, while his wife Fiona yearns for a more normal life. Their daughter Rachel is starting to question her faith, and their son Aaron is becoming increasingly extreme in his beliefs. As the family faces various challenges, they must come to terms with their own beliefs and what it means to be a family.
A comedy-drama about a grieving therapist who starts to break the rules by telling his clients exactly what he thinks. Exceptional performances by Jessica Williams and Harrison Ford.
A British crime drama about the aftermath of the 1983 Brink's-Mat robbery, in which £26 million worth of gold bullion was stolen from a security depot near London's Heathrow Airport. The series follows the investigation into the robbery, as well as the lives of the people who were involved, including the thieves, the police, and the families of the victims.
A British political thriller about a government minister who is involved in a fatal car accident. The minister, Peter Laurence, is a charismatic and ambitious politician who is on the verge of becoming Prime Minister. However, the accident threatens to derail his career and expose his dark secrets.
A mystery thriller about a woman who must forge a relationship with her teenage stepdaughter in order to find the truth about why her husband has mysteriously disappeared. The woman, Hannah, is a woodturner who is newly married to Owen, a tech CEO. When Owen disappears, he leaves Hannah a note with the words "Protect her." Hannah must team up with Owen's daughter, Bailey, to find out what happened to him.
A political drama about a young woman who is thrust into the world of international diplomacy after her husband is appointed ambassador to the United Kingdom. The woman, Katherine Wyler, is a former journalist who is not prepared for the challenges of her new role. She must navigate the complex world of politics and diplomacy, while also dealing with her own personal demons.
A crime drama based on the true story of Candy Montgomery, a Texas housewife who murdered her friend Betty Gore with an ax in 1980. Created by David E. Kelley and featuring Elizabeth Olsen as Candy, Lily Rabe as Betty and Jesse Plemons as her husband Allan.
A late-night talk show hosted by Eric Andre, who is known for his wild antics and his willingness to make his guests uncomfortable. Each of Season 7's 13-minute episodes push the boundaries of good taste so beware going in.
A multilingual drama about a young woman who must compete against a brilliant oenologist to claim her inheritance, a collection of the world's greatest wines. The woman, Camille, is the estranged daughter of a famous wine critic. She has no knowledge of wine, but she is determined to win the competition and learn about her father's legacy.
A dark comedy-drama about a quietly tormented housewife in 1980s San Diego who discovers aerobics and finds empowerment, success, and a new identity through it. Sheila Rubin is a housewife who is struggling with her weight, her marriage, and her self-image. She finds solace in aerobics and begins to teach classes. She soon becomes a successful entrepreneur and finds her voice in the aerobics world.
A British drama about the infamous 2001 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? cheating scandal. The miniseries tells the story of Charles Ingram, a former British Army major who was accused of cheating on the show by using his wife Diana and friend Tecwen Whittock to help him win.
Season two picks up immediately after the events of season one, as the Lakers have defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in the Finals to win their first NBA title. The season explores the challenges of maintaining success, as the Lakers face new rivals and internal conflicts. Excellent performances by folks like Adrian Brody as Pat Riley and John C. Reilly as Jerry Buss.
A romantic comedy about two single-ish people who are brought together by an injured dog. Ashley is a marketing manager who is struggling to find love. Gordon is an accountant who is content with his single life. When Gordon is distracted driving by Ashley he accidentally hits Colin, a stray dog, with his car. She and Gordon must work together to care for him. As they spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for each other.
A crime thriller about a botched kidnapping that uncovers long-standing secrets connecting multiple characters and cultures in present-day New York City. The kidnapping of a young boy sets off a chain of events that reveals hidden truths about the people involved, including a corrupt police officer, a wealthy businessman, and a family with a dark past.
After solving two murders in their apartment building, Charles, Oliver, and Mabel are back to investigate the death of Ben Glenroy, the lead actor in Oliver's Broadway play. The trio must contend with a cast of suspicious characters, including a struggling actress played by Meryl Streep, as they try to find the killer.
A British comedy-drama television series about a young Irish woman, Áine, who is recovering from a nervous breakdown. She tries to get her life back on track, but it's not easy, especially with her overprotective sister, Shona, always looking out for her.
Season 3 of this dark comedic thriller plunges deeper into the "Footprint" conspiracy, with Slough House misfits facing MI5's deadliest power struggle yet. As old ghosts resurface and loyalties blur, River Cartwright faces his past, the team confronts their most ruthless foe yet, and the very heart of British intelligence hangs in the balance.
Shorts
A short documentary film about the polar bears who draw tourists to Churchill, Manitoba. The film follows a polar bear as it migrates across the town, and it explores the challenges that the bears face as they share their habitat with humans.
A short Spanish film about the revolution within industrial agriculture.
Movies
A documentary film about the life and career of Jeff Beck, one of the most influential guitarists in history. The film traces Beck's journey from his early days in the Yardbirds to his solo career, and it features interviews with Beck himself, as well as his collaborators and peers. It also features rare footage of Beck's performances, and it provides a fascinating insight into the creative mind of one of the most innovative guitarists of all time.
A film about a 17-year-old cartoonist who leaves home after the death of his mentor to forge his own path. The film follows Robert as he moves to a basement apartment in Trenton, New Jersey, and meets Wallace, a possibly unstable former cartoonist.
A documentary about freeports which are special economic zones that offer tax breaks and other incentives to businesses that operate within them. They are often located in areas that are struggling economically, and they are intended to attract investment and create jobs. This explores the use of freeports to store tax-free art collections.
A neo-noir thriller about a professional grifter who takes on a wealthy Manhattan art dealer as her mark.
A documentary by David Letterman about the friendship between Bono and The Edge, of the band U2. It follows the two friends as they return to Dublin, Ireland, where they first met, to perform a special concert and hangout with friends.
A profile of John Monteleone, a master instrument maker often dubbed the modern-day Stradivari of guitars. His creations don't just make sounds—they make statements, earning a permanent spot at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. His archtop guitars, coveted for their sound quality and innovative aesthetics, have fans ranging from jazz musicians to rock legends like Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler.
A drama about a middle-aged man who is diagnosed with terminal cancer and given one year to live. The film follows the man as he tries to make the most of his remaining time. Bill Nighy delivers an amazing performance.
A biographical thriller based on true events around the race to license and patent the video game Tetris from Russia in the late 1980s during the Cold War.
A Ukrainian comedy film about two twin brothers who go on a road trip to find their father, who is rumored to be dying in Luxembourg.
A Mexican comedy about a former pop star, now a stay-at-home dad, who struggles to fit in with his middle-class suburban society. His new neighbor is shocked to recognize her teen boy-band crush living across the street.
A drama set in Rome in the 1970s. It tells the story of a dysfunctional family, with a focus on the eldest child, Adriana, who experiences gender dysphoria and rejects girlhood. The film explores themes of gender identity, family relationships, and the search for belonging.
A Canadian biographical comedy-drama film about the creation of the BlackBerry line of mobile phones by co-founders Douglas Fregin and Mike Lazaridis, and investor Jim Balsillie. The film is loosely adapted from Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff's book Losing the Signal: The Untold Story Behind the Extraordinary Rise and Spectacular Fall of BlackBerry.
A biographical drama film about the lives of brothers Donnie and Joe Emerson. It follows their journey from their early days as self-taught musicians to the rediscovery of their 1979 debut album "Dreamin' Wild" three decades later.
A romantic drama film about two childhood friends who are wrest apart after one's family emigrates from South Korea. Decades later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront destiny, love and the choices that make a life.
A comedic documentary about Nick Prueher and Joe Pickett, friends since childhood and now comedians, who dupe morning news shows with their faux-strongman act. When their antics go viral, they find themselves in a legal battle with an unforgiving media giant. The strain of the lawsuit and the need to keep up their pranks jeopardize both their careers and their enduring friendship.
A documentary film about the life and career of the legendary rock and roll pioneer Little Richard. It explores his early years as a gospel singer, his rise to fame as a rock and roll star, and his later career as a minister.
A comedy about Audrey's work trip to Asia which derails. She ropes in her lifelong bestie, an old college pal, and her quirky cousin. Their adventure turns into an epic journey of bonding, friendship, belonging, and wild debauchery.
A comedy-drama film about the rise and fall of the Beanie Baby craze in the 1990s.
A documentary about the iconic album art design studio Hipgnosis, responsible for some of the most recognizable album covers of all time, including Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon." The film is directed by Anton Corbijn, who was also a photographer for Hipgnosis. It features interviews with Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey "Po" Powell, the two co-founders of Hipgnosis, as well as with many musicians, artists, and designers who worked with the studio.
A comedy about a 32-year-old Uber driver who answers an ad to date a shy 19-year-old called Percy in order to boost his confidence prior to college.
A documentary film about the New York City music scene of the early 2000s. The film explores the rise of bands like The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Interpol, as well as the impact of 9/11 on the city's culture.
A Swedish comedy-drama that follows Christian, the curator of a contemporary art museum in Stockholm, as he tries to set up a controversial new exhibit called "The Square." The exhibit is intended to be a sanctuary of trust and caring, but it quickly becomes a source of chaos and conflict.
A documentary film about the cast of the 1995 cult classic film "Kids". The film explores the lives of the cast members in the years since the film was released, and it examines the impact the film had on their lives including feeling exploited by Larry Clark.
A British romantic comedy film about two young people who connect after breakups, starting with a chance encounter in a bathroom.
A biographical drama film about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the scientist who led the Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb.
A 2018 Italian documentary film directed by Nanni Moretti. The film recounts the 1973 coup d'état in Chile, which put an end to Salvador Allende's democratic government. The film follows the efforts of the Italian Embassy in Santiago to save and relocate citizens targeted by the fascist regime. It is told through the testimonies of those who were there, and it is a chilling depiction of living under junta rule and an ultimately inspiring expression of hope amidst dire circumstances.
A comedy-drama about a young Korean American filmmaker who struggles to find his place in the world as he navigates his career, relationships, and cultural identity. When his girlfriend moves to New York for an internship, he is left to his own devices and begins to explore what he really wants.
A psychological thriller about a young couple whose relationship unravels after the wife is unexpectedly promoted at their cutthroat hedge fund firm. As the husband's resentment grows, he becomes increasingly manipulative and abusive, leading to a dark and suspenseful climax.
A documentary about jazz guitarist John Scofield, offering a look at his life on the road.
A documentary about the legendary drummer, bandleader, and activist Max Roach. The film explores Roach's complex life, including his groundbreaking music, his outspoken activism, and his tumultuous relationships.
Errol Morris' documentary about the life and career of John le Carré, one of the most celebrated espionage novelists of all time. The film features le Carré's final interview, as well as rare archival footage and dramatized vignettes that explore his extraordinary journey and the paper-thin membrane between fact and fiction.
A courtroom drama thriller centered on a wife charged with her husband's fatal fall from their home's window. Their visually impaired son, the only witness, grapples with ethical choices. The movie delves into the disintegration of a family and questions the essence of truth and perspective.
A French romantic drama that explores the complexities of love and fidelity within a gay couple's marriage as it faces a tumultuous period. One of the partners starts an affair with a young woman, leading to an exploration of their relationship and sexuality.
A dramatic sci-fi narrative unfolds as Anna's relationship with Ryan is deemed authentic by a groundbreaking love-determining machine, but her certainty wavers. Working at the Love Institute and crossing paths with Amir, she starts to unravel her feelings and the nature of love itself.
An action thriller directed by David Fincher and starring Michael Fassbender as a cold, methodical assassin who battles his employers and himself on an international manhunt after a hit goes wrong. The film is based on the French graphic novel series of the same name by Alexis "Matz" Nolent and Luc Jacamon.
A documentary about the life and career of comedian Albert Brooks and his influence on other comedians. Directed by Rob Reiner, the film features interviews with Brooks, his family, friends, and colleagues, along with clips from his stand-up routines, films, and television shows. It explores Brooks's unique brand of humor, often characterized as dark, neurotic, and self-deprecating.
A German-Israeli film about a young German baker named Thomas who travels to Jerusalem after the death of his lover, an Israeli man named Oren. There, he meets Anat, Oren's widow, and begins working at her cafe. As he bakes his cakes for Anat and her family, he begins to learn about Oren's life and the secret relationship they shared.
A heartwarming documentary about Anne Innis Dagg, a renowned Canadian zoologist and conservationist, who has made significant contributions to the study of giraffes. Widely regarded as the world's first giraffologist, Dagg pioneered groundbreaking research on giraffe behavior and social dynamics, challenging long-held misconceptions about these gentle giants.
A blend of dark comedy and drama as past and present collide. It explores the fallout of a May-December romance two decades later. As a young actress prepares to portray the older woman, secrets resurface, threatening the couple's carefully constructed life and forcing them to confront their past transgressions.
A dramatic comedy about a grumpy teacher and a troubled student who get snowed in at their elite prep school over Christmas, forging an unlikely bond as they navigate holiday mishaps and discover the courage to rewrite their futures. Heartwarming.
A crime drama set in 1920s Oklahoma where the Osage Nation's oil wealth fuels greed and murder. As members are systematically eliminated for their riches, a young FBI agent confronts a web of corruption and justice denied, unraveling a dark chapter in American history. It's a captivating Western noir about a true story featuring numerous stellar performances.
A sci-fi film about a family vacation that spirals into uncertainty when strangers claiming ownership of their rental house arrive amidst a mysterious blackout. As the world outside crumbles, both families grapple with trust, survival, and the unknown in this unsettling and thought-provoking drama.
A drama about a teenage girl who falls for Elvis Presley during his military stint in Germany. Trapped in his gilded cage of fame, their whirlwind romance blossoms into a complex marriage, navigating stardom, isolation, and a yearning for independence amidst the shimmering world of Graceland.
A dark comedic thriller about an Oxford scholarship student, lured by a charming aristocrat, who gets caught in a twisted web of desire and manipulation at a sprawling, eccentric family estate.