Reviewed: How our critics rated the Oscar best picture nominees
From Wicked to A Complete Unknown and Anora, here are our critics’ takes on the nominated films already released in Australia.
★★★★
Crazy, stupid love: Anora takes you somewhere quite unexpected
The Cannes Palme d’Or winner about a stripper and her wealthy Russian suitor features a cast so spirited that anything seems possible.
- by Sandra Hall
★★★★½
Despite all the awards buzz, is The Brutalist actually any good?
In an industry which ranks familiarity as its favourite selling point how do you peddle a script so original that it defies comparison?
- by Sandra Hall
★★★★
Timothee Chalamet ditches the cuteness and produces an electric Bob Dylan
A Complete Unknown is the actor’s most impressive performance to date: not merely an imitation of the young Dylan, but an interpretation of his body of work.
- by Jake Wilson
★★★
Heaven help us! Conclave’s divine drama at times defies belief
This adaptation of Robert Harris’ thriller has all the hallmarks of a classic palace intrigue but stretches credibility to breaking point.
- by Jake Wilson
★★★
Does the crazy epic Dune sequel live up to the hype?
Starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya, the film is set to be one of the biggest at the box office this year.
- by Jake Wilson
★★½
This bonkers Oscars fave might be the most divisive film of the year
Emilia Perez is a Spanish musical about a trans Mexican drug lord who has a social justice awakening. Yes, that old tale.
- by Robert Moran
★★★½
Demi Moore’s audacious body horror dives beneath the surface
The Substance is a morbid satire on Hollywood, the beauty industry and the dream of eternal youth.
- by Jake Wilson
★★★★
Perfectly cast, Wicked is made bigger and better on screen
Director Jon M. Chu has taken a successfully radical approach to the beloved Broadway musical, smoothing out the kinks in the narrative.
- by Sandra Hall
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