How to binge the Oscars 2020 efficiently
Feel like your free time has become a never-ending list of culture homework? Here’s a round-up of all the films that deserve an award (and your precious attention)
JOKER
The story of how the villainous Joker came to be, well, so villainous. Verdict:
It has its failings, but it’s also a clever Trojan-horse commentary on the combination of poverty and untreated mental illness.
JOJO RABBIT
A boy whose imaginary friend is Adolf Hitler finds his mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a young Jewish girl in their attic. Verdict: Takes you through a more turbulent range of emotions than a £6 bottle of Pinot. You’ll laugh, cry and ask why ScarJo and Stephen Merchant haven’t been paired up before.
BOMBSHELL
Based on the true story of whistleblowers Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) and Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron), who accused Fox News CEO Roger Ailes of sexual harassment, alongside the fictional character of associate producer Kayla Pospisil (played by Margot Robbie). Verdict:
Prepare to get angry at this slick depiction of ingrained sexism within the media. It’s also an empowering homage to those women who have campaigned for change.
JUDY
The film depicts a struggling Judy Garland (Renée Zellweger), as she moves to London for a series of concerts after her fame dwindles in America, in the year before her death aged 47. Verdict: Brutal, brilliant and heartbreaking. Avoid during Sunday blues, hormonal turbulence or if you have cried within the last 72 hours.
THE GOOD LIAR
Seasoned conman Roy (Ian McKellen) meets millionaire widow Betty (Helen Mirren) and hatches a plan to swindle her out of all her riches but, as ever, things aren’t always what you expect. Verdict: A juicy little tale of scandal and thrill with the sexiest pensioners in Hollywood.
PARASITE
The Kim family social-climb their way into jobs with the wealthy Parks family, but things begin to unravel. Verdict: It’s like that friendlylooking gym class you booked – it begins with comedy and ends with something sinister.
THE IRISHMAN
Decade-hopping US mob epic starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci and Al Pacino. Verdict: There’s just two things you need to know about Martin Scorsese’s stunning drama: the leading trio’s acting is so extraordinary you may never feel fully satisfied by another film again; and it’s really long – threeand-a-half hours. Thank god it was on Netflix.
US
Adelaide and Gabe Wilson (Lupita Nyong’o and Winston Duke) are terrorised by their doppelgangers while on holiday with their kids. Verdict: So deeply unsettling that you will need Kath & Kim on repeat for about two weeks afterwards.
LITTLE WOMEN
Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster retelling of the 1860s novel, with Saoirse Ronan and Emma Watson. Verdict:
Perfect pairings in life: jelly and ice cream; a pint and a bag of crisps; Saoirse Ronan and Greta Gerwig. Need we say more?
ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD
Actor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) grapple with their fading careers and murder attempts by the Manson Family. Verdict: An enjoyable watch, but strip back the top layer of Hollywood elite and it’s a near-three-hour stint with no obvious loo breaks and unnecessary violence against women. Not ideal.