PEAKLIFE

By Kratika Agarwal

The 81st Golden Globe nominations have been unveiled with anticipated contenders like ‘Barbie’, ‘Oppenheimer’, and ‘Taylor’s Eras Tour’. Amidst the list of box office titans, there’s a host of overlooked gems cherished by true cinema fanatics, which are deserving of a spotlight for their underrated brilliance. If you are planning a quiet weekend with your loved ones, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 underrated films and television series that have received Golden Globe nominations. Happy binge watching!

1. Maestro

‘Maestro’ is a portrait of the artist as a conflicted man.The film follows the long relationship between Bernstein and his wife, actress Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan), and how their love and marriage was tested by the legendary composer/conductor’s homosexual dalliances and insecurities. It’s a solid biopic that struggles to find a focus and feels somewhat incomplete, though is boosted by a sturdy performance from Mulligan and a sensational, Oscar-ready turn from Cooper.

2. Anatomy of a Fall

‘Anatomy of a Fall’ is a cinematic tapestry woven with suspense, heartbreak, and the enduring power of human connection.The movie plunges you into the whirlwind of suspicion surrounding Sandra Hüller’s character, a writer accused of her husband’s murder. As the layers of their relationship peel back, the film transcends into a poignant analysis of a different kind of fall.

3. The Crown

Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ delves deep into the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, tracing her journey from a young princess to a seasoned monarch. Spanning six seasons, the series masterfully blends historical accuracy with captivating drama, offering a window into the complex realities of British royalty. We witness Queen Elizabeth’s coronation, navigate political turmoil alongside iconic figures like Winston Churchill, and grapple with the personal challenges that come with wearing the crown. The series evolves with each decade, introducing new players like Princess Margaret, Prince Charles, and Diana Spencer, keeping the narrative fresh and ever-engaging.

4. All the Light We Cannot See

Netflix’s ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ weaves a poignant web of wartime destinies. Blind Marie-Laure navigates occupied France with her father, their bond shielding them from the darkness. Meanwhile, German soldier Werner hones his radio skills, yearning for connection amidst the chaos.Their paths collide in a symphony of courage and hope, reminding us that light can flicker even in the bleakest of times. The limited series was released on November 2, 2023.

5. Past Lives

In ‘Past Lives’, childhood sweethearts Na Young and Hae Sung (Greta Lee and Teo Yoo) share a Korean playground paradise, their young hearts overflowing with unspoken promises. But fate pulls them apart, sending Na Young (renamed Nora) to America and leaving Hae Sung in Seoul. The movie showcases how the 24 years span was filled with missed connections and silent yearnings.

6. Poor Things

The 2023 film ‘Poor Things’ is a romantic science fantasy and black comedy. Starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo, Willem Dafoe, Ramy Youssef, Christopher Abbott, and Jerrod Carmichael, it adapts Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel. The plot follows Bella Baxter, a Victorian woman resurrected after suicide, who, with a debauched lawyer, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and sexual liberation. A darkly humorous odyssey unfolds in this intriguing exploration of life, death, and identity.

7. May December

Directed by Todd Haynes, the 2023 dark comedy ‘May December’ features Natalie Portman as an actress studying the controversial life of Julianne Moore’s character in Savannah, Georgia. Loosely inspired by Mary Kay Letourneau, the film explores the infamous 23-year relationship between Moore’s character and her husband (Charles Melton), which began when he was just 13. A unique take on dark humour and complex relationships unfolds in this intriguing cinematic narrative.

8. 1923

Premiered on December 18, 2022, on Paramount, ‘1923’ is an American Western drama which delves into the challenges faced by the Dutton family in 1923 Montana. Amid the Prohibition, drought, and the looming Great Depression, the show explores a generation’s struggles against a backdrop of historical hardships. Renewed in February 2023, it spans eight episodes in its second season.

9. Fellow Travelers

Adapted from Thomas Mallon’s 2007 novel, ‘Fellow Travelers’ is an American miniseries blending the genres of historical romance and political thriller. Starring Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey, the show unfolds the enduring romance between two men against the backdrop of McCarthyism in the 1950s. The series delves into the complexities of love during a politically charged era.

10. Beef

In Netflix’s gripping TV show ‘Beef’, two individuals weary of taking the high road collide in Los Angeles. The series skillfully intertwines the lives of characters from disparate circles, leveraging the pervasive discontent in the nation. The narrative kicks off with a series of unfortunate decisions when Danny (Steven Yeun) faces frustration while attempting to return items to a big-box store. The result is a compelling exploration of simmering anger and its consequences.