Welcome to Film Friday’s special edition! Here’s a curated list of the top seven films and TV series of 2023. From mind-bending thrillers to heartwarming dramas, these captivating stories and performances have taken the industry by storm. Grab your popcorn and join us on this unforgettable journey through the best of 2023’s film and television.

Barbie

Barbie is a 2023 American live-action comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig and written by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach. The film stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, and follows Barbie as she leaves her perfect life in Barbieland to explore the real world.

The film has been praised for its humor, visuals, and performances, with many critics calling it a “surprisingly subversive” and “thought-provoking” take on the Barbie franchise. Robbie and Gosling are both said to be excellent in their roles, and the film’s supporting cast is also well-rounded.

While some critics have found the film’s message to be a bit heavy-handed, overall Barbie has been met with positive reviews. It is a fun, heartwarming, and thought-provoking film that is sure to please fans of the Barbie franchise and newcomers alike.

Oppenheimer

Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is a sweeping epic that tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who led the Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb. The film is a complex and nuanced portrait of a man who was both brilliant and flawed, and who struggled to come to terms with the consequences of his actions.

Cillian Murphy gives a tour-de-force performance as Oppenheimer, bringing to life the scientist’s intelligence, charisma, and inner turmoil. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, and Florence Pugh all giving memorable turns.

Nolan’s direction is masterful, as he brings the story of Oppenheimer to life with stunning visuals and a propulsive sense of narrative drive. The film is long (running at three hours), but it never feels slow or boring. Oppenheimer is a challenging and thought-provoking film, but it is also a powerful and moving one. It a must-see for anyone interested in history, science, or the human condition.

Bawaal

Bawaal, a romantic drama film directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor. The film follows the story of a troubled couple who go on a trip to Europe to try to save their marriage. However, their journey takes a turn when they forced to confront the horrors of World War II.

The film is well-made and features strong performances from the cast. However, the plot is somewhat predictable and the film’s message about the power of love is a bit heavy-handed. Overall, Bawaal is an enjoyable film, but it is not a groundbreaking one.

Bird Box Barcelona

Bird Box Barcelona, a 2023 Spanish post-apocalyptic horror thriller film directed and written by Álex and David Pastor. A spin-off sequel to the 2018 film Bird Box, adapted from Josh Malerman’s 2014 novel of the same name, it released on Netflix on July 14, 2023 to mixed reviews.

The film follows Sebastian and his young daughter Anna as they navigate their own journey of survival through the desolate streets of Barcelona. After a mysterious force decimates the world’s population by causing all who see it to take their lives, Sebastian and Anna must band together with other survivors in order to find a safe haven. The film well-acted and the special effects impressive. However, the plot is somewhat predictable and the pacing is uneven. Overall, Bird Box Barcelona is an entertaining but ultimately forgettable film.

Tarla

Tarla is a biographical drama series about the life of Tarla Dalal, one of India’s most famous food writers and chefs. The series follows Tarla’s journey from a housewife to a successful entrepreneur, and it explores the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry.

The series well-acted, with Huma Qureshi giving a particularly strong performance as Tarla. The writing is also good, and the series does a good job of balancing Tarla’s personal life with her professional career. However, the series is not without its flaws. The pacing can be a bit slow at times, and the series could have done a better job of exploring the social and cultural context of Tarla’s life. Overall, Tarla is a well-made and engaging series that tells the story of a remarkable woman. It is a must-watch for fans of Indian food and biographies.

Good Omens

Good Omens is a fantasy comedy series based on the book of the same name by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. The series follows the unlikely duo of Aziraphale, an angel, and Crowley, a demon, who have become fond of life on Earth and must team up to prevent the impending Armageddon.

The series is a delight from start to finish, with sharp humor, witty dialogue, and a charming cast led by David Tennant and Michael Sheen. The story is both funny and heartwarming, and it offers a unique and thought-provoking take on the end of the world.

If you’re looking for a light-hearted and entertaining show with a touch of the supernatural, then Good Omens is definitely worth checking out.

Survival of the Thickest

Survival of the Thickest, a Netflix comedy series created by and starring Michelle Buteau. The show follows Mavis Beaumont, a plus-size fashion stylist who is newly single after her boyfriend of 10 years leaves her for a thinner woman. Mavis must now navigate the dating world as a plus-size woman, while also dealing with her own insecurities and self-doubt.

The show is funny, heartwarming, and empowering. Buteau is a charismatic and relatable lead, and the supporting cast is also excellent. The show does a great job of depicting the challenges and joys of being a plus-size woman, and it is sure to resonate with viewers of all sizes.

Overall, Survival of the Thickest is a refreshing and entertaining comedy that is sure to leave you feeling inspired. I highly recommend it.