We are just halfway through 2022, but it has already been a great year for cinema. The films that were in production and films that were not released during the pandemic have all made 2022 a feast for movie lovers. Coupled with the popularity of streaming services, a new normal during the pandemic has made theatrical exclusives rare incidents. Movies are directly premiering in popular streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu and in theaters simultaneously. So far, 2022 has delivered astonishing works from acclaimed filmmakers and made a remarkable entrance for some new talent. Here are the most popular movies that 2022 has gifted us so far:
Elvis:
One of the most notable movies of this year is Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis. The movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and told the story of the American music icon Elvis Presley and his complex relationship with his manager Colonel Tom Parker. The movie catapulted Austin Butler (who plays Elvis Presley) into international stardom. The movie was three years in the making, partially due to the pandemic. The movie received plenty of praise for the enviable performance of Austin Butler and its musical sequences. One of the notable scenes in the movie is Elvis’s first performance on stage in a pink suit which can be aptly described in Hank’s words, ‘I watched that skinny boy transformed into a superhero.’ The movie also explores Elvis’s relationship with his mother and the whirlwind romance with Priscilla.
RRR
One of the most incredible works to emerge this year from India, Director SS Rajamouli, had a great impact with this film on an international level. The movie depicts the story of a young girl abducted in British-ruled India and her brother’s ordeals to save her. The storyline perfectly captured the emotions and motivations behind each character and evoked feelings of anger, friendship, betrayal, and love. One of the notable scenes of the movie is when Ram, the disguised police officer betrays his best friend Bheem in an attempt to save the abducted girl in an insane fight scene involving tigers, fire, and water. Another beautiful scene in the movie is the dance battle that is perfectly packaged in synchronized steps. The movie undoubtedly brings forth feelings of patriotism and bravery in the viewers.
Turning Red:
Directed by Domee Shi, Turning Red is a coming-of-the-age movie mixed with a bit of fantasy. The movie teaches the viewers the importance of honoring their calling no matter what others say. One of the touching quotes from the movie is, ‘Honoring your parents sounds great, but if you take it too far, well, you might forget to honor yourself,’ an emotion all Asians can relate to. We are continuously torn between decisions that question our own personal integrity. The main character Mei teaches us that it is always better to honor our voice and be what we want to be instead of what others expect us to be. The movie depicts the overbearing nature of Asian parents and the pressure of being successful. Although the Pixar animated film imparted great knowledge on the right way to live life, it wasn’t devoid of any controversies. The movie had a scene in which Mei was shown to be having a period, which many parents complained was inappropriate to show in a kid’s movies.
