Three Movies That Deserve a Second Look At Oscar Season
-Britain Miethe

What was your favorite movie of 2017?

For some, exploring the social implications of the Sunken Place in Get Out was the key cultural moment among 2017’s cinematic offerings. Others thrived on the soaring comedic highs and heart-wrenching emotional lows of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Still more viewers reacquainted themselves with the enchantment which escapism offers, choosing to leave their worries at the door and create memories with such films as Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Thor: Ragnarok, or, God forbid, The Boss Baby.

This week’s Oscar nominations have brought last year’s films back into the spotlight, and we want to take this opportunity to illuminate a few movies that we think deserve a second look.

The Florida Project - Nominated for Actor in a Supporting Role (Willem Dafoe)

One of Chad and Daniel’s most loved movies of 2017, The Florida Project is a movie which highlights the difficulties and devastation that accompany poverty, but never forgets to showcase the hope and joy still found in life’s smallest moments.

Anchored by equally brilliant performances from Willem Dafoe and seven-year-old actress Brooklynn Prince, The Florida Project doesn’t attempt to preach at its viewers about the shadow economy or the material, and at times moral, sacrifices that are made in order to make rent or put food on the table, but what it does is allow you insight into the world of its characters, and hope that you may walk away with a new perspective and greater understanding.

Coco - Nominated for Animated Feature Film, Original Song

I’m not crying; you’re crying.

Nope, I’m still crying. If you’ve seen Coco, chances are that you are as well.

Coco didn’t exactly fly under the radar, earning upwards of 621 million dollars at the worldwide box office, but it still has to fight against the inherent bias that informs viewers’ opinions of animated features.

Any other film with a 97% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, almost universally-positive word of mouth and a proven studio behind it would certainly be in the best picture conversation, if not near the top of the leaderboard. However, Coco was barely an afterthought when it came to many year-end lists.

If you’re looking for an emotionally intelligent movie, complete with relatable characters, an incredibly authentic, diverse cultural tone and a masterful balance of laughter and tears, Coco is the movie for you.

Mudbound - Four Oscar Nominations

From the studio that brings you the worst marketing plans in the history of the film industry comes Mudbound, a period drama that deals with race relations, family tensions and the psychological effects of war on the human psyche.

Mudbound is as well shot as it is poignant, earning Rachel Morrison a nomination for best cinematography, making her the first woman ever to be nominated for that particular award. All you have to do is take one listen to Mary J. Blige’s nominated song “Mighty River” to understand the vibrancy and importance that Mudbound brings to the table.

What Did We Miss?

At The Screeners Podcast, we love to hear from you! What other Oscar movies do you think went under the radar? Which movies were snubs? Can you explain how on earth The Boss Baby is an Oscar-nominated film?

Sound off in the comments, and share this article with your friends.

Most of all, we hope that you have an incredible time at the movies!