Nope (2022)

Its pacing feels sluggish throughout, and when you combine that with a script that has more subtext than plot points, it makes it difficult to get into the unique sci-fi thrills despite great turns, visuals, and sound design. Still, the rich and fascinating themes (Hollywood spectacle and its connections to money-making, animal treatment, and the Black experience) and many fun details of the UFO-B-movie/creature feature/neo-western vibes keep it flying around in your head well after the credits.

6

Hustlers (2019)

The film slow-motion walks in high heels the fine dramatic lines of morally iffy but thrilling crimes and flawed but engaging characters with few missteps (the interview framework felt unnecessary). Fantastic performances (Lopez as the intoxicating matriarch Ramona and Wu as the volatile Destiny especially), great style (the constant music is perfect) and countless deftly crafted, naturalistic scenes (see first day at the club; rooftop in fur; laughs in the dressing room; lavish Christmas).

8