APRIL RECOMMENDATIONS

Calling Challengers a "romance" seems odd because the most apparent love interest in the movie is tennis...

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Through the competitive and fast-paced world of tennis, Challengers explores the love-triangle dynamic between characters Tashi, Art, and Patrick. With a complex and intriguing timeline, the movie makes the most of something as simple as a tennis match between old friends, or rather, rivals. The more the match progresses, the more we learn about the characters and their motivations which builds up to a thrilling finale.

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The fast-moving plot is emphasized through the dynamic and zippy scores, truly a shame that Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor's beautiful compositions were overlooked for the Oscar nomination.

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If you want a movie full of complex character dynamics that keeps you on your toes and gives you goosebumps, I believe Challengers is the perfect movie for you.

If you want to watch The Monkey, you should adjust your expectations first.

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Another recent release from Osgood Perkins, the director of Longlegs, The Monkey has been heavily advertised all throughout February and March. Something I was surprised about after viewing the film in theaters was how different I had planned it in my head.

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As I have seen Longlegs and as I am very familiar with Stephen King's works, I expected The Monkey to be a gory but fun movie that, and here's the important part, has a conclusion with a message or at least some clarity. Turns out, The Monkey is more supposed to be about the gore, the impressive technical aspect behind the kills, and the comedic relief between them. Had I went into the theater expecting this, I believe I would have enjoyed the movie more than I did while expecting some sort of message at the end.

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The only Stephen King movie adaptation that Stephen King has said he approves, The Monkey is a funny and care-free movie perfect for those who just want to watch a horror movie for the thrill.

Bear with me as this is a mini series and not a movie, but Philip Barantini's Adolescence is worth this mention.

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The story centers on a teenage boy navigating the chaos of his world: family tension, complicated friendships, and the kind of love that feels equal parts thrilling and devastating. What makes Adolescence special is how real it all feels. The show doesn't rely on clichés or easy resolutions. Instead, it leans into vulnerability, showing how adolescence can be both beautiful and brutal.

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Visually, it's stunning. The cinematography captures the mood of each moment perfectly, and the soundtrack weaves seamlessly into the narrative, amplifying every emotional beat. The performances feel honest and grounded, drawing you into the characters' internal struggles without ever feeling forced. Also, did I mention that each episode is filmed in a single continuous shot?

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If you're into stories that feel personal and emotionally charged, as well as visually impressive, Adolescence is worth the watch.

Directed by Alexander Payne, The Holdovers takes viewers on a journey where unexpected bonds form during a winter break. With a nostalgic 70s atmosphere, this character-driven film balances humor and melancholy in a way that sticks with you.

 

The story is set in a New England school, where a grumpy and unpopular teacher stays on campus during the holidays to supervise students who have nowhere else to go. He forms an unlikely connection with a brainy troublemaker named Paul and the school’s cook, who had recently lost her son in the Vietnam War.

 

Melancholic, funny, and tender. Think of it as Dead Poets Society meets A Christmas Carol, but more grounded and less sentimental, truly a film worth watching.