50

Inside Llewyn Davis

2013 | 1h 44m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore80.655 / 100

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"I thought I just needed a night's sleep but it's more than that."

DIRECTORS: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

WRITERS: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Bruno Delbonnel

STARRING: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, Justin Timberlake, Garrett Hedlund

GENRE: Music, Drama, Period Drama

In Greenwich Village in the early 1960s, gifted but volatile folk musician Llewyn Davis struggles with money, relationships, and his uncertain future.

Inside Llewyn Davis stands as a remarkable exploration of the 1960s folk scene, offering a vivid portrayal of a struggling musician’s journey. The Coen Brothers’ direction and Oscar Isaac’s performance converge to create an authentic and haunting tale of artistic persistence.

49

Prisoners

2013 | 2h 33m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore80.775 / 100

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"Pray for the best, but prepare for the worst."

DIRECTOR: Denis Villeneuve

WRITERS: Aaron Guzikowski

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Roger Deakins

STARRING: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Paul Dano, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo

GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Drama, Crime, Police Procedural

When Keller Dover’s daughter and her friend go missing, he takes matters into his own hands as the police pursue multiple leads and the pressure mounts. But just how far will this desperate father go to protect his family?

Prisoners skillfully weaves a dark, intense narrative, led by powerhouse performances from Jackman and Gyllenhaal. Villeneuve’s meticulous attention to detail and Deakins’ cinematography offer a hauntingly atmospheric experience, making it a standout in the thriller genre.

48

Winter Sleep

'Kis Uykusu'

2014 | 3h 16m | TURKEY, FRA & GER | TURKISH

Top10nerScore80.861 / 100

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"Justice doesn't even exist in nature, why should it exist here?"

DIRECTOR: Nuri Bilge Ceylan

WRITERS: Nuri Bilge Ceylan, Ebru Ceylan

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gökhan Tiryaki

STARRING: Haluk Bilginer, Melisa Sözen, Demet Akbağ, Serhat Mustafa Kiliç

GENRE: Drama

Aydin, a retired actor, owns a small hotel in central Anatolia with his young wife Nihal and his sister Necla, who is coping with her recent divorce. During the winter, snow covers the ground and boredom brings the return of old memories, pushing Aydin to flee…

Winter Sleep enthralls with its deeply introspective characters, skillful performances, and Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s patient storytelling. Its cinematography and Anatolian setting enrich the narrative, offering a must-see film for those craving a thoughtful, cinematic journey.

47

Before Midnight

2013 | 1h 49m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore80.927 / 100

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"It's not perfect, but it's real."

DIRECTOR: Richard Linklater

WRITERS: Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Christos Voudouris

STARRING: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick

GENRE: Romance, Drama, Slice of Life

We meet Jesse and Celine nine years on in Greece. Almost two decades have passed since their first meeting on that train bound for Vienna.

Before Midnight brilliantly continues the captivating story of Jesse and Céline, skillfully blending authentic, emotionally resonant dialogue and chemistry. Linklater’s intimate direction and the well-crafted script offer a compelling exploration of the complexities of love and relationships.

46

Manchester
by the Sea

2016 | 2h 18m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore80.998 / 100

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"I can't beat it. I can't beat it. I'm sorry."

DIRECTOR: Kenneth Lonergan

WRITERS: Kenneth Lonergan

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jody Lee Lipes

STARRING: Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Lucas Hedges, Kyle Chandler

GENRE: Drama, Family Drama

After his older brother passes away, Lee Chandler is forced to return home to care for his 16-year-old nephew. There he is compelled to deal with a tragic past that separated him from his family and the community where he was born and raised.

Manchester by the Sea is an emotionally resonant portrayal of grief and redemption. Lonergan’s storytelling prowess, along with Affleck’s raw, nuanced performance and Williams’ moving portrayal, make this film an unforgettable exploration of human resilience and family bonds.

45

Once Upon a Time
in Anatolia

'Bir Zamanlar Anadolu'da'

2011 | 2h 37m | TURKEY & BIH | TURKISH

Top10nerScore81.162 / 100

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"Darkness and cold will enfold my weary soul."

DIRECTOR: Nuri Bilge Ceylan

WRITERS: Nuri Bilge Ceylan, Ercan Kesal, Ebru Ceylan

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gökhan Tiryaki

STARRING: Muhammet Uzuner, Yılmaz Erdoğan, Taner Birsel, Fırat Tanış

GENRE: Crime, Drama

In the rural area around the Anatolian town of Keskin, the local prosecutor, police commissar, and doctor lead a search for a victim of a murder to whom a suspect named Kenan and his mentally challenged brother confessed. However, the search is proving more difficult than expected as Kenan is fuzzy as to the body’s exact location.

Once Upon a Time in Anatolia mesmerizes with its haunting cinematography, weaving a tapestry of profound human emotions against the vast Anatolian landscape. A masterclass in storytelling, it navigates the depths of the human psyche with poetic finesse.

44

La La Land

2016 | 2h 09m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore81.304 / 100

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"People love what other people are passionate about."

DIRECTOR: Damien Chazelle

WRITERS: Damien Chazelle

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Linus Sandgren

STARRING: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend

GENRE: Musical, Romance

Mia, an aspiring actress, serves lattes to movie stars in between auditions and Sebastian, a jazz musician, scrapes by playing cocktail party gigs in dingy bars, but as success mounts they are faced with decisions that begin to fray the fragile fabric of their love affair, and the dreams they worked so hard to maintain in each other threaten to rip them apart.

La La Land beautifully captures the spirit of old-school Hollywood through its enchanting dance sequences and spellbinding visuals. Gosling and Stone’s magnetic performances, coupled with a delightful score, make this musical a nostalgic and heartwarming journey.

43

The Great Beauty

'La grande bellezza'

2013 | 2h 22m | ITALY & FRA | ITALIAN

Top10nerScore81.461 / 100

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"We're all on the brink of despair."

DIRECTOR: Paolo Sorrentino

WRITERS: Paolo Sorrentino, Umberto Contarello

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Luca Bigazzi

STARRING: Toni Servillo, Carlo Verdone, Sabrina Ferilli, Carlo Buccirosso

GENRE: Drama, Satire

Jep Gambardella has seduced his way through the lavish nightlife of Rome for decades, but after his 65th birthday and a shock from the past, Jep looks past the nightclubs and parties to find a timeless landscape of absurd, exquisite beauty.

The Great Beauty captivates with its intoxicating blend of sumptuous visuals, profound storytelling, and poignant introspection. A mesmerizing ode to life’s complexities, it’s a cinematic feast for the soul, leaving audiences spellbound and enriched.

42

Drive

2011 | 1h 40m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore81.467 / 100

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"You know the story about the scorpion and the frog?"

DIRECTOR: Nicolas Winding Refn

WRITERS: Hossein Amini

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Newton Thomas Sigel

STARRING: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks

GENRE: Crime, Thriller, Neo-Noir

Driver is a skilled Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver for criminals. Though he projects an icy exterior, lately he’s been warming up to a pretty neighbor named Irene and her young son, Benicio. When Irene’s husband gets out of jail, he enlists Driver’s help in a million-dollar heist. The job goes horribly wrong, and Driver must risk his life to protect Irene and Benicio from the vengeful masterminds behind the robbery.

Drive expertly blends neo-noir visuals with a pulsating soundtrack, elevating a standard crime thriller. Refn’s directorial finesse, coupled with Gosling’s enigmatic performance, creates a stylish and gripping cinematic experience that captivates both critics and audiences.

41

Moonrise Kingdom

2012 | 1h 34m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore81.556 / 100

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"Jiminy cricket, he flew the coop!"

DIRECTOR: Wes Anderson

WRITERS: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Robert D. Yeoman

STARRING: Jared Gilman, Kara Hayward, Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Frances McDormand, Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman

GENRE: Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Comedy

Set on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, Moonrise Kingdom tells the story of two twelve-year-olds who fall in love, make a secret pact, and run away together into the wilderness. As various authorities try to hunt them down, a violent storm is brewing off-shore – and the peaceful island community is turned upside down in more ways than anyone can handle.

Moonrise Kingdom captivates with its whimsical storytelling and visually stunning cinematography, expertly crafted by Anderson. The ensemble cast delivers impeccable performances, seamlessly bringing to life a charming tale of young love amidst quirky, yet endearing, characters.

40

Black Swan

2010 | 1h 48m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore81.861 / 100

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"I felt it. Perfect. It was perfect."

DIRECTOR: Darren Aronofsky

WRITERS: Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz, John J. McLaughlin

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Matthew Libatique

STARRING: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder

GENRE: Psychological Thriller, Psychological Drama

A journey through the psyche of a young ballerina whose starring role as the duplicitous swan queen turns out to be a part for which she becomes frighteningly perfect.

Black Swan captivates with its haunting portrayal of the pursuit of perfection in ballet, skillfully weaving psychological depth with stunning visuals. Portman’s mesmerizing performance and Aronofsky’s bold direction create a visceral experience that transcends genre conventions.

39

The Wolf of
Wall Street

2013 | 3h 00m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore81.876 / 100

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"Sell me this pen."

DIRECTOR: Martin Scorsese

WRITERS: Terence Winter

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Rodrigo Prieto

STARRING: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Kyle Chandler, Matthew McConaughey, Rob Reiner

GENRE: Biopic, Black Comedy, Crime

A New York stockbroker refuses to cooperate in a large securities fraud case involving corruption on Wall Street, corporate banking world and mob infiltration. Based on Jordan Belfort’s autobiography.

The Wolf of Wall Street is a kinetic and audacious portrayal of excess, fueled by Scorsese’s dynamic direction and DiCaprio’s magnetic performance. Thoroughly researched and flawlessly executed, it captures the era’s debauchery with unapologetic energy and sharp wit.

38

Mommy

2014 | 2h 18m | CANADA | FRENCH

Top10nerScore81.905 / 100

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"That's what we're best at, buddy."

DIRECTOR: Xavier Dolan

WRITERS: Xavier Dolan

CINEMATOGRAPHY: André Turpin

STARRING: Anne Dorval, Antoine-Olivier Pilon, Suzanne Clément, Alexandre Goyette

GENRE: Drama, Family Drama

A peculiar neighbor offers hope to a recent widow who is struggling to raise a teenager who is unpredictable and, sometimes, violent.

Mommy mesmerizes with its raw emotional depth, navigating complex themes of motherhood and adolescence with unflinching honesty. Dolan’s visionary direction and powerful performances elevate this film to a profound exploration of love, sacrifice, and resilience.

37

Gone Girl

2014 | 2h 29m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore81.998 / 100

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"You. Fucking. Bitch."

DIRECTOR: David Fincher

WRITERS: Gillian Flynn

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jeff Cronenweth

STARRING: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Carrie Coon, Neil Patrick Harris, Kim Dickens, Tyler Perry, Patrick Fugit

GENRE: Mystery, Psychological Drama, Crime, Psychological Thriller

With his wife’s disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it’s suspected that he may not be innocent.

A riveting rollercoaster of deception and intrigue, Gone Girl captivates with its stellar performances and Hitchcockian twists. Fincher’s meticulous direction turns Gillian Flynn’s novel into a haunting exploration of love, betrayal, and the dark depths of the human psyche.

36

Blade Runner 2049

2017 | 2h 44m | USA & UK | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore82.009 / 100

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"Pain reminds you the joy you felt was real."

DIRECTOR: Denis Villeneuve

WRITERS: Hampton Fancher, Michael Green

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Roger Deakins

STARRING: Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Robin Wright

GENRE: Cyberpunk, Tech-Noir, Dystopian, Mystery, Artificial Intelligence

Thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K, unearths a long-buried secret that has the potential to plunge what’s left of society into chaos. K’s discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard, a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years.

Blade Runner 2049 expertly extends the dystopian universe envisioned by Ridley Scott. Deakins’ precision, with Hans Zimmer’s haunting score, enriches the film’s complexity, offering an immersive experience that captivates audiences and expands upon its iconic predecessor.

35

The Turin Horse

'A torinói ló'

2011 | 2h 35m | HUN, FRA, GER & SUI | HUNGARIAN

Top10nerScore82.014 / 100

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"We do not know what happened to the horse."

DIRECTOR: Béla Tarr

WRITERS: Béla Tarr, László Krasznahorkai

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Fred Kelemen

STARRING: János Derzsi, Erika Bók, Mihály Kormos, Ricsi

GENRE: Drama, Slow Cinema

A monumental windstorm and an abused horse’s refusal to work or eat signal the beginning of the end for a poor farmer and his daughter.

The Turin Horse captivates with its stark beauty, a cinematic poem of existential weight. Tarkovsky-esque in its meditative pace, it’s a profound reflection on the human condition, leaving an indelible imprint on the soul. Truly a haunting masterpiece of minimalism.

34

Boyhood

2014 | 2h 46m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore82.185 / 100

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"I just thought there would be more."

DIRECTOR: Richard Linklater

WRITERS: Richard Linklater

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lee Daniel, Shane F. Kelly

STARRING: Ellar Coltrane, Patricia Arquette, Ethan Hawke, Lorelei Linklater

GENRE: Coming-of-Age, Drama, Slice of Life, Family Drama

The film tells a story of a divorced couple trying to raise their young son. The story follows the boy for twelve years, from first grade at age 6 through 12th grade at age 17-18, and examines his relationship with his parents as he grows.

Boyhood authentically portrays adolescence through a groundbreaking 12-year filming process. Richard Linklater’s meticulous planning results in a compelling coming-of-age narrative, offering a rare, immersive glimpse into genuine character growth.

33

The Social Network

2010 | 2h 01m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore82.237 / 100

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"It'll be because you're an asshole."

DIRECTOR: David Fincher

WRITERS: Aaron Sorkin

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Jeff Cronenweth

STARRING: Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella, Rooney Mara, Josh Pence

GENRE: Biopic, Legal Drama

On a fall night in 2003, Harvard undergrad and computer programming genius Mark Zuckerberg sits down at his computer and heatedly begins working on a new idea. In a fury of blogging and programming, what begins in his dorm room as a small site among friends soon becomes a global social network and a revolution in communication. A mere six years and 500 million friends later, Mark Zuckerberg is the youngest billionaire in history… but for this entrepreneur, success leads to both personal and legal complications.

The Social Network adeptly portrays Facebook’s inception, blending Sorkin’s sharp script with Fincher’s dynamic direction. It transcends its tech origins, resonating with timeless themes of ambition and betrayal, crafting a compelling narrative on modern entrepreneurship.

32

An Elephant
Sitting Still

'Da xiang xidi erzuo'

2018 | 3h 54m | CHINA | MANDARIN

Top10nerScore82.461 / 100

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"No one truly knows about existence."

DIRECTOR: Hu Bo

WRITERS: Hu Bo

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Fan Chao

STARRING: Peng Yuchang, Zhang Yu, Liu Congxi, Wang Yuwen

GENRE: Drama, Hyperlink Cinema, Slow Cinema

In the northern Chinese city of Manzhouli, they say there is an elephant that simply sits and ignores the world. Manzhouli becomes an obsession for the protagonists of this film, a longed-for escape from the downward spiral in which they find themselves.

An Elephant Sitting Still is a quietly intense exploration of human despair and connection. Its long takes and deliberate pacing provide an immersive experience, allowing viewers to reflect on the characters’ intricacies and the societal struggles they represent.

31

Inside Out

2015 | 1h 35m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore82.473 / 100

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"Take her to the moon for me. Okay?"

DIRECTOR: Pete Docter

WRITERS: Pete Docter, Josh Cooley, Meg LeFauve

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Patrick Lin

STARRING: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling

GENRE: Computer Animation, Family, Coming-of-Age, Adventure, Comedy

Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Riley’s guiding emotions— Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness—live in Headquarters, the control centre inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life and tries to keep things positive, but the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.

Inside Out is a kaleidoscope of emotions masterfully woven into a heartwarming narrative. Its ingenious premise and stunning animation blend seamlessly, offering an insightful exploration of the human psyche. A touching, humorous, and visually captivating journey for all ages.

30

Her

2013 | 2h 06m | USA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore82.579 / 100

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"Just lesser versions of what I've already felt."

DIRECTOR: Spike Jonze

WRITERS: Spike Jonze

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hoyte van Hoytema

STARRING: Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara

GENRE: Romance, Science Fiction, Drama, Artificial Intelligence

In the not so distant future, Theodore, a lonely writer purchases a newly developed operating system designed to meet the user’s every needs. To Theodore’s surprise, a romantic relationship develops between him and his operating system. This unconventional love story blends science fiction and romance in a sweet tale that explores the nature of love and the ways that technology isolates and connects us all.

Her skillfully navigates the complexities of love and technology, offering a poignant exploration of human connection in the digital age. Jonze’s vision and Phoenix’s nuanced performance elevate this futuristic tale into a compelling and relevant reflection on modern relationships.

29

Burning

'Beoning'

2018 | 2h 28m | SOUTH KOREA | KOREAN

Top10nerScore82.744 / 100

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"It will explode like a bomb."

DIRECTOR: Lee Chang-dong

WRITERS: Lee Chang-dong, Oh Jung-mi

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Hong Kyung-pyo

STARRING: Yoo Ah-in, Steven Yeun, Jeon Jong-seo

GENRE: Mystery, Psychological Drama, Drama

Deliveryman Jongsu is out on a job when he runs into Haemi, a girl who once lived in his neighborhood. She asks if he’d mind looking after her cat while she’s away on a trip to Africa. On her return she introduces to Jongsu an enigmatic young man named Ben, who she met during her trip. And one day Ben tells Jongsu about his most unusual hobby…

Burning captivates with its enigmatic narrative, masterful direction, and mesmerizing performances. With a haunting atmosphere and thought-provoking themes, it ignites a cinematic fire that lingers long after the credits roll. A must-watch for aficionados of psychological dramas.

28

Call Me by
Your Name

'Chiamami col tuo nome'

2017 | 2h 12m | ITALY, FRA, USA & BRA | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore82.756 / 100

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"I remember everything."

DIRECTOR: Luca Guadagnino

WRITERS: James Ivory

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sayombhu Mukdeeprom

STARRING: Timothée Chalamet, Armie Hammer, Michael Stuhlbarg

GENRE: Romance, Coming-of-Age, Drama, LGBTQ+

In 1980s Italy, a relationship begins between seventeen-year-old teenage Elio and the older adult man hired as his father’s research assistant.

Call Me by Your Name exhibits a rare emotional resonance, capturing the nuances of desire and discovery. Guadagnino’s direction, coupled with Chalamet and Hammer’s chemistry, achieves an authentic portrayal of love and longing against the stunning backdrop of 1980s Italy.

27

Paddington 2

2017 | 1h 44m | UK | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore82.780 / 100

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"If we're kind and polite, the world will be right."

DIRECTOR: Paul King

WRITERS: Paul King, Simon Farnaby

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Erik Wilson

STARRING: Ben Whishaw, Hugh Grant, Sally Hawkins, Brendan Gleeson, Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent

GENRE: Family, Comedy, Fable

Paddington, now happily settled with the Browns, picks up a series of odd jobs to buy the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy, but it is stolen.

Paddington 2 delights audiences with its charming narrative, impeccable performances, and stunning visuals. King’s keen eye for detail and the film’s heartfelt message of kindness make it a standout family-friendly adventure, earning widespread acclaim and numerous accolades.

26

Phantom Thread

2017 | 2h 10m | USA & UK | ENGLISH

Top10nerScore82.857 / 100

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"Kiss me, my girl, before I'm sick."

DIRECTOR: Paul Thomas Anderson

WRITERS: Paul Thomas Anderson

CINEMATOGRAPHY: Paul Thomas Anderson

STARRING: Daniel Day-Lewis, Vicky Krieps, Lesley Manville

GENRE: Romance, Period Drama

Renowned British dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock comes across Alma, a young, strong-willed woman, who soon becomes a fixture in his life as his muse and lover.

Phantom Thread mesmerizes with its intricate narrative stitches, woven seamlessly with exquisite performances and sumptuous visuals. A delicate dance of power and passion, leaving audiences enraptured and longing for more. A true tapestry of cinematic elegance.

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