Welcome to Film Friday’s special edition! Here’s a curated list of the top seven films and TV series of August 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.

Heart of Stone

Heart of Stone is a slick but uninspired spy thriller that stars Gal Gadot as Rachel Stone, a member of a secret peacekeeping operation called the Charter. The film follows Stone as she is tasked with protecting a mysterious artificial intelligence system known as “The Heart.” The plot is predictable and the characters are one-dimensional, but Gadot is charismatic and the action sequences are well-choreographed. Overall, Heart of Stone is a serviceable but forgettable entry in the spy genre.

Akelli

Akelli is an action thriller film about a young woman named Jyoti who gets trapped in a war-torn Iraq. She must use all of her strength and courage to survive and escape. The film is well-made and suspenseful, with strong performances from Nushrratt Bharucha and Akshay Oberoi. However, the plot is somewhat predictable and the ending is a bit anticlimactic. Overall, Akeli is an entertaining film that is worth a watch for fans of the genre.

Talk to Me

Talk to Me is a 2023 horror film about a group of friends who discover how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand. They become hooked on the new thrill, until one of them unleashes terrifying supernatural forces.

The film is well-made and suspenseful, with some genuinely scary moments. The performances are also strong, and the characters are relatable and sympathetic. However, the film’s ending is somewhat ambiguous, which may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied. Overall, Talk to Me is a solid horror film that is sure to please fans of the genre. It is not without its flaws, but it is still a worthwhile watch.

Blue Beetle

Blue Beetle is a fun and heartwarming superhero movie that introduces a new and exciting character to the DC Extended Universe. Xolo Maridueña is excellent as Jaime Reyes, a young Latino who discovers an alien artifact that gives him superpowers. The film is full of action, humor, and heart, and it does a great job of balancing the personal and the superheroic. Blue Beetle is a must-see for fans of superhero movies and anyone who loves a good coming-of-age story.

Shelter

Shelter is a YA thriller series based on the novel of the same name by Harlan Coben. The show follows Mickey Bolitar, a 16-year-old who moves to a new town after his father’s death. Mickey soon finds himself caught up in a mystery involving a missing girl and a group of dangerous criminals.

The show has been praised for its likable characters, suspenseful plot, and twists and turns. However, some critics have found the show to be too predictable and formulaic.Overall, Shelter is a solid YA thriller that is sure to keep viewers entertained. It is not the most groundbreaking show on television, but it is a fun and engaging watch.

The Chosen One

The Chosen One is a Mexican supernatural drama series that follows a young man who is believed to be the second coming of Christ. The show is beautifully shot and features a talented young cast, but it takes a while to get going. The supernatural elements are slow to develop, and the show’s focus on religious themes may not be to everyone’s taste. However, the show does find its footing in the second half of the season, and it ultimately delivers a satisfying conclusion. Overall, The Chosen One is a well-made show with some interesting ideas, but it may not be for everyone.

The Winter King

The Winter King is a bold and bloody retelling of the Arthurian legends. The series follows Derfel, a former warrior sworn to Arthur, as he recounts the story of how Arthur became a warlord in Dark Age Britain despite illegitimacy to the throne. The show is beautifully shot and features strong performances from its cast, but it is not without its flaws. The pacing can be slow at times, and the show’s take on the Arthurian legends may not be to everyone’s taste. Overall, The Winter King is a worthwhile watch for fans of historical drama and fantasy.