Wim Wenders’ “Perfect Days” is a surprisingly overlooked cinematic gem of 2024. This intimate character study follows a Tokyo toilet cleaner, offering a nuanced and beautiful portrayal of the ordinary. Featuring a stellar performance and a resonant soundtrack, the film is a moving exploration of empathy, purpose, and the beauty found in daily life.
Jane Schoenbrun’s evocative indie film ‘I Saw the TV Glow’ captures the essence of late-20th-century fandom through the lens of a lonely suburban teenager obsessed with a fictional TV show and its accompanying episode guide. The film explores the transformative power of pop culture and the personal, often queer relationships we forge with our media obsessions. Set in the late 1990s, it depicts the last gasp of analog fandom as the internet began to take hold. Schoenbrun uses the film to delve into the themes of gender dysphoria, coming of age, and the liminal space between different identities and eras.
Daisy Ridley has long been typecast as Rey in the ‘Star Wars’ sequels, but her performance in ‘Sometimes I Think About Dying’ proves she has the range and talent to move beyond that iconic role. In this indie drama, Ridley plays Fran, a lonely introvert who struggles with social anxiety. It’s a transformative role that showcases Ridley’s ability to convey vulnerability and depth without uttering a word. The film balances humor and pathos as Fran navigates her inner struggles and builds an unlikely connection with a new colleague. While Ridley’s return to ‘Star Wars’ has raised concerns about her career trajectory, ‘Sometimes I Think About Dying’ suggests she has the potential to break free from the ‘Star Wars’ curse and establish herself as a versatile and acclaimed actress.
