August 2021 Review: The Best Movies I Saw Last Month
Originally published September 3, 2021
August is always a rough month for me due to work. In the limited time that I did have to watch movies, I was pleasantly surprised by the offerings August gave me. Overall, I saw way more films that were good and great than I saw of bad ones, which is always welcomed! I even saw the best first time watch I’ve logged in years. Read to the end to find out which move it is and why I love it! Anyway, I saw 29 total films in August and without any extra fanfare here are the best of them all.
BEST #3) Candyman (2021); Director: Nia DaCosta; Canada/United States
Please check out the full review here.
Overall Score? 9/10
BEST #2) The Night House (2021); Director: David Bruckner; United Kingdom/United States
Please check out the full review here.
Overall Score? 9/10
BEST #1) Dead Calm (1989); Director: Phillip Noyce; Australia
After the traumatic death of their son, John and Rae decide to take an extended vacation out at sea on their boat. Shortly into their trip they meet a frazzled man who has abandoned a sinking ship claiming that everyone on board is dead from food poisoning. After John goes to investigate, he discovers quickly that the man’s story isn’t adding up and a tense game of psychological warfare wages amongst the three to get out alive. This movie absolutely rocks, and I had no expectations going into it, which makes it even sweeter. From the get-go Dead Calm is an uncomfortably tense film with strong characters and exciting set pieces. The plot never drags during its meaty 96-minute runtime, with every scene feeling important and director Phillip Noyce maximizing every ounce of dread one can get from the terrifying scenario. What makes this film so special to me is how resourceful and intelligent every character is throughout the film. There is no clear imbalance which makes it truly unpredictable at times. Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill, and Billy Zane all give incredible performances and bring their characters to life in unique ways. If you’re looking for something to get under your skin, go with Dead Calm.
Overall Score? 9/10
