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Living in the era of social media, it’s evident that almost everything has become political. As we approach the end of 2023, the year has been marked by intense polarization, exacerbated by the politicization of tragic events. Social media’s influence, with its focus on viral content, continuously bombards us with major events, infiltrating every aspect of our lives, including cinema and television.
In this climate, where politics seeps into almost every facet of our daily experiences, it can become tiresome. Regardless of one’s political stance, there are moments when all we desire is a classic, non-political movie. We long for a film that doesn’t preach, divide, or attempt to impose its political beliefs on us, but rather provides the escapism that movies are traditionally cherished for.
For those, like many others, seeking a break from political themes in films, here’s a compilation of recent movies from 2023 that steer clear of politics, offering a refreshing dose of pure entertainment.
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10 Great Recent Movies With Zero Political Agendas
Silent Night
John Woo, once a prominent action director with hits like “Face/Off” and “Mission: Impossible 2,” seemingly disappeared from mainstream cinema for years after facing setbacks with some flops. However, he made a notable return to Hollywood with “Silent Night.” The film, starring Joel Kinnaman, follows a father seeking revenge against a gang responsible for his son’s death in a drive-by shooting.
“Silent Night” is a back-to-basics action flick executed well, lacking deeper themes but delivering intense action. A unique aspect is the absence of dialogue, a novelty that doesn’t detract from the film; instead, it allows Woo to showcase his directorial brilliance. The movie’s strong plot, combined with the lack of unnecessary political themes and Kinnaman’s portrayal of a resilient hero, contributes to its greatness.
The Velveteen Rabbit
Derived from a timeless children’s book, The Velveteen Rabbit transforms into a live-action animated film featuring young actor Phoenix Laroche, complemented by the voices of Alex Lawther and Helena Bonham Carter. The narrative revolves around seven-year-old William, who, as a Christmas gift, receives a plush rabbit embarking on a poignant journey to understand the essence of being real and loved.
This heartwarming children’s tale stays true to its original source, demonstrating that a classic can retain its charm without unnecessary modernization driven by socio-cultural or political motives. The film’s adherence to the quaint setting and adept storytelling ensures it captures the enchantment that made the original story a beloved classic. Free from controversies or political entanglements, the movie offers a pure and timeless experience for audiences to enjoy.
Cocaine Bear
Cocaine Bear, though seemingly far-fetched, is loosely inspired by a true story. The plot revolves around a black bear stumbling upon a massive stash of cocaine dropped from a cartel plane. The pilot, affected by the drug, crashes. The bear ingests the cocaine, leading to a drug-induced rampage in a Georgia national park, endangering various characters. Directed by Elizabeth Banks, the film combines humor and gore, embracing its absurdity. Banks skillfully delivers an entertaining experience, and the ensemble cast, along with the exaggerated storyline, makes Cocaine Bear an enjoyable watch without the need for deep analysis.
Saw X
The highly awaited Saw X brought back the beloved character John “Jigsaw” Kramer, portrayed by Tobin Bell, in a surprising twist. Previously believed to be dead, Jigsaw resurfaces as he seeks an experimental cancer treatment. Despite his initial optimism, the narrative takes a dark turn, leading him down a vengeful path with twisted methods.
This latest installment reinvigorates the horror franchise by returning to its core elements, making John Kramer the central figure once again. With new and intense traps, the storyline manages to humanize Kramer, showcasing his complexities despite his gruesome methods. The film successfully revitalizes the series, staying true to its origins and avoiding unnecessary elements to attract a wider audience.
Reptile
In the gripping Netflix original, “Reptile,” Benicio Del Toro takes on the role of a seasoned detective in a compelling murder mystery. The story unfolds as he investigates the killing of a young real estate agent, creating a tense and captivating whodunnit with unexpected twists.
Noteworthy for Benicio Del Toro’s stellar performance, the film also features familiar faces like Alicia Silverstone and Justin Timberlake in supporting roles. “Reptile” keeps audiences guessing while skillfully developing the narrative at a satisfying pace. Instead of a straightforward murder mystery, the film introduces a unique element by delving into a finale that unveils a nest of vipers.
While addressing cop culture, “Reptile” manages to stay focused on its own plot without veering into political agendas that could have easily been introduced but wisely weren’t.
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Plane
In the realm of suspenseful action films that stay clear of controversial political themes, “Plane” stands out as a prime example, showcasing Gerard Butler’s reliable star power. The plot centers around Butler’s character, Brodie Torrance, a commercial pilot compelled to navigate through perilous weather and eventually crash-landing on a hostile island. The twist unfolds as the island is under the control of a militant group, turning their struggle for survival into a new battleground.
The initial concept alone could have made for a compelling film, but the narrative takes an additional turn by introducing co-star Mike Colter, portraying an ex-French Foreign Legion soldier facing extradition for murder. Now free on the island, Brodie faces the dilemma of whether to trust Colter to aid in ensuring everyone’s safety and salvaging the plane. Despite moments of tension, the duo emerges as classic rugged heroes, stepping up as leaders when the group desperately needs them.
Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One
This enduring film series, originally inspired by a classic TV show, has become closely associated with Tom Cruise in modern times. The seventh installment, Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One, is particularly noteworthy as it delves into a plot involving a sentient AI program. The film has received widespread critical acclaim, boasting a 96% rating.
Tom Cruise’s involvement is synonymous with jaw-dropping stunts. Despite addressing a timely concept related to the risks of AI, the movie takes a humanistic approach. Instead of being mired in political complexities, it focuses on the fundamental threat to humanity. The film’s exceptional story takes precedence, with the incredible stunts and well-executed action sequences serving as added bonuses.
Transfusion
In Transfusion, Sam Worthington takes on the role of Ryan Logan, a former special forces soldier entangled in the criminal underworld to protect his son from being taken away. Struggling with the loss of his wife, Logan, determined to safeguard his only remaining family, reluctantly employs his combat skills. This action-packed film, where Worthington convincingly portrays an Australian hero, doesn’t shy away from intense sequences and features an unreserved script. Despite its relentless action, Transfusion skillfully integrates a heartfelt theme of family without unnecessary additions, making it a powerful and emotionally charged experience.
No One Will Save You
No One Will Save You is a riveting science-fiction movie that skillfully incorporates horror elements into its storyline. The plot revolves around a socially isolated young woman grappling with severe anxiety in a small town. Her solitary existence takes a terrifying turn when a menacing alien entity appears, relentlessly hunting her down.
The film has been lauded as an exceptional piece of cinema, with standout features including Kaitlyn Dever’s outstanding lead performance, chilling cinematography, and impeccable pacing that expertly builds tension. Noteworthy is the film’s ability to deliver effective scares while relying on emotive storytelling, a remarkable achievement given its minimal dialogue.
Forbes, in declaring it the best horror film of 2023, specifically praised Kaitlyn Dever’s performance. Her portrayal of panic, confusion, terror, and rage is described as remarkably authentic, conveying a wide range of complex emotions, from profound loss to instinctive fight-or-flight reactions. Despite having minimal dialogue throughout the film, Dever’s performance is hailed as one of the finest in recent memory, solidifying her crucial role in the success of the horror genre.
The Killer
“The Killer” is a captivating film adapted from a French comic book series and features the talented Michael Fassbender, alongside excellent casting choices like Tilda Swinton. The story revolves around a meticulous assassin who, after committing his only mistake by missing a target, embarks on a vengeful mission. Widely regarded as the best film of the year, it excels on multiple levels.
Directed by the brilliant David Fincher, known for his immersive storytelling, the film skillfully explores its lead character’s complexities and contemplative tones. It follows the plot closely, engaging the audience in thought-provoking moments while subtly incorporating deeper themes that resonate on a human level, transcending specific political perspectives.
“The Killer” is a stylishly violent modern noir masterpiece, with Fassbender showcasing his exceptional talent. He skillfully transforms what could be a conventional villain into a morally ambiguous anti-hero, adding another layer of depth to the film.
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