Warning: Some spoilers may lie ahead. Don’t fall victim to one of the classic blunders.
Vintage Nostalgia is a series created by Taylor Pendleton that discusses film, music, art, and more. This week, Vintage Nostalgia shall highlight five films and what truly makes them memorable or a must-watch.
Promising Young Woman (2020)
“It’s every man’s worst nightmare, getting accused like that,” he painfully cries. With both hands secured firmly to the metallic bed frame, he thrashes and desperately pleads. Without hesitation, she hauntingly responds, “Can you guess what every woman’s worst nightmare is?”
The debut of writer-director Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman” is a deeply compelling exploration of rape culture, examining the institutions and beliefs that perpetuate [here]. Told through chapters, “Promising Young Woman” surrounds Cassandra (Cassie) Thomas. Reeling from the untimely death of beloved childhood friend Nina, Thomas seeks vengeance against men like Nina’s assailant that target and abuse vulnerable women.
“Promising Young Woman” remarkably diverts and redefines the female revenge trope. Foremost, the film features distinctly feminine elements, ranging from the film’s color palette to hair, makeup, and costume. Likewise, “Promising Young Woman” paints grief as a destructive entity that ultimately leads to Thomas’ downfall.
Since its release, “Promising Young Woman” has garnered acclaim, achieving distinguished accolades, such as best feature at the 31st Independent Spirit Awards.
Captain Fantastic (2016)
Released in July 2016, “Captain Fantastic” surrounds a closely-knit family that resides within the deep wilderness of the Pacific Northwest. Here, Ben Cash, as portrayed by Viggo Mortensen, firmly raises his six children, educating them about survival and encouraging original thought. However, tragedy strikes once the family learns that Leslie, beloved mother, and wife, has committed suicide. Hereon, the family must undergo a strenuous process of retrieving Leslie, so that they could carry out her final wishes: to be cremated and flushed down a toilet. During this excursion, the children begin to witness life beyond the forest and learn to cope with death.
Memorably, “Captain Fantastic” is filled with much spirit and heart. Likewise, the film profoundly tackles themes of death and grief. “Captain Fantastic” is available for streaming on Netflix.
The Mitchells vs. The Machines (2021)
Katie Mitchell is an aspiring filmmaker. Passionate and diligent, she has spent innumerable years honing her craft and creating beloved series, like “Dog Cop,” with her little brother, the dinosaur-obsessed Aaron, and Monchie. However, Katie’s father, Rick, is fearful that her creative pursuits aren’t realistic. In turn, this creates a schism between father and daughter, prompting Katie to find community in her Californian film school. Wishing to mend their relationship, however, Rick decides to take his family on a road trip on the cusp of catastrophe.
Despite all else, the greatest obstacle that the Mitchells must face is robotic armageddon. Concocted at the (metaphoric) hands of a malignant smartphone, PAL, the apocalypse wishes to eradicate the entire human species and establish society anew.
Released in April 2021, “The Mitchells vs. The Machines” has garnered critical acclaim, achieving 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. “The Mitchells vs. The Machines” is the product of writer, director, and voice actor MIcMichaelanda and dons a star-studded cast, featuring Abbi Jacobson (Broadcity and Disenchantment), Maya Rudolph (Saturday Night Live), Eric Andre (The Eric Andre Show and Bad Trip), Olivia Colman (The Crown and Fleabag), and more.
“The Mitchells vs. The Machines” finds comfort in imperfection and is, in essence, an ode to creativity, oozing with vibrance and humor, music and color. Above all, “The Mitchells vs. The Machines” is a heart-warming film that emphasizes the importance of family.
Complete with killer appliances and a Furby uprising, “The Mitchells vs. The Machines” is available for streaming on Netflix.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
Alike “The Mitchells vs. The Machines,” Alfonso Gomez-Rejon’s “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” pivots on creativity. Based on the novel by Jesse Andrews, “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” surrounds Greg, a socially awkward, yet charming high-school senior. In order to “survive,” Greg, by his mother’s request, rekindles a friendship with childhood friend Rachel shortly after she is diagnosed with Luekemia. During the film, Greg undergoes a dramatic change, learning to overcome his crippling self-doubt and embrace the warmth of others.
Released in 2015, “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” is available for streaming on Amazon Video.
The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2015)
Based on the graphic novel by Phoebe Gloeckner, “The Diary of a Teenage Girl” centers Minnie Gloeckner (Bel Powley), an aspiring artist and introspective young woman. Set against 1970s San Francisco, Minnie pursues an affair with her mother’s (Kristen Wig) boyfriend, Monroe (Alexander Skarsgard). This, in turn, ignites a journey of sexual exploration and self-liberation. Audiences are delightfully exposed to Minnie’s internal, colorful monologues. Since its release, “The Diary of a Teenage Girl” has received recognition and acclaim, receiving the best feature at the 31st Film Independent Spirit Awards and 98% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Memorably, “The Diary of a Teenage Girl” is a coming-of-age film that explores female sexuality without exploiting its protagonist.
Carrie Pilby (2016)
Also starring Bel Powley, “Carrie Pilby” follows its titular title character, a highly intelligent 19-year old woman, as she spitefully completes a list created by her therapist. Notably, Powley’s character struggles with vulnerability, often isolating herself and finding solace in literature. Notably, following her mother’s passing, Pilby reserves a strained relationship with her father who resides in London. Once he secures Pilby with a proofreading position, Pibly begins to expand her horizons, meeting new friends and lovers.
The glittering landscape, in which, “Carrie Pilby” is set against–New York City in the Winter–creates a warm and charming atmosphere.
“Carrie Pilby” is available for streaming on Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Vudu, Sling TV, Google TV, and YouTube.
Taylor Pendleton
Contributing Writer