Favorite Films: Unseen and Unseeing

A new favorites list! It has been a while since I have returned to this blog topic that is supposed to be reoccurring. There are just so many fascinating things all of the time that I absolutely have to talk about.

When I was looking at my list of 5/5s on Letterboxd, I felt that these films all go together, even if it doesn't quite make sense at first. I know this title is incredibly vague, but it will make sense in due time.

Image from Children on Men.

1. Unseen: Children on Men directed by Alfonso Cuarón

The issue seems to be majorly fixed now and for some reason I can't find a video on it, but for a while this film was just not available to watch anywhere. You can now by buying it online, but for a while from what I know that wasn't even the case. The licensing created many issues from what I know/remember.

It has been a while since I have seen it, but this film is needed now more than ever. This is such an important piece and for it to be kept from the general public is incredibly disappointing. Society is growing more and more hateful of immigrants. This film naturally hits close to home because of my gender and immigrant background. It is has so many strong actors, Chiwetel Ejiofor is always wonderful. (I hope you can tell I'm a big fan based on these recent posts.) The cinematography is insane. It is so important to watch and it is beneficial to the people in power for us not to watch it. Art is powerful and can be incredibly political. This piece is a great example of that.

One day I was in Walmart and saw this film in a four films in one type DVD (much cheaper in person than the link) and I just bought it. I didn't want to risk not being able to have this film even if that means I have to own the controversial Waterworld.

Image from Frankenstein.

2. Unseen: Frankenstein directed by Guillermo del Toro

I know this film is wildly popular and straight up won Oscars, that is not the point. I was lucky and I got to see this gorgeous film in a theater with my friend Lucy Gamblin '26. (And we still had to travel 20-30 minutes). That was the place it was meant to be seen.

Netflix's limited releases in only select theaters, especially for such a gorgeous film, is depressing. People in more rural areas won't have a chance to see this film the way it is meant to be seen. This disproportionately impacts poorer people. People of all economic statuses should be able to watch a film they want to see in theaters. Many people have been discussing the ethics of IMAX with The Odyssey, but I couldn't care less. Seeing 10% more of the sky, or an actor's head in comparison to this is nothing. Just because someone doesn't want an entire Netflix account doesn't mean they aren't entitled to art like this. Netflix makes sure they release their films for some Oscars, but not for viewers.

Jacob Elordi did a wonderful job (and I definitely preferred him over Sean Penn this awards season). I could hardly tell it was him. He brought such complexity and beauty to the character in a way we really haven't seen. The costumes and makeup were gorgeous. It took me to another world, and I don't want this world to be invite only.

Image from Martyrs.

3. Unseeing: Martyrs directed by Pascal Laugier

I got to be honest with my whole heart I cannot recommend this movie. This is my favorite movie I never want to see again. This was disturbing, depraved, disgusting, but the ending was just so, so good.

It picked a fight with religion and won. I won't spoil, even though like I said you shouldn't watch it, but it just took my breath away. So simple, but so grounding. After watching this movie I immediately went to watching cartoons and I felt like I needed a shower. I wish I could unsee this film, but at the same time...I don't? There is just something beautiful about it and the queerness infused into the story, just makes this stand out. I can't forget this movie if I tried. Although this was excessively gory and I just couldn't look away, the narrative was strong and I just couldn't look away.

Image from Room.

4. Unseeing: Room directed by Lenny Abrahamson

This film was absolutely devastating. I physically felt the emotional weight after watching this. I just remembering staring at a blank wall and sighing after. I love Brie Larson and she did absolutely wonderful. This was just so hard to watch and I wish I could unsee it in many ways, but is so important to remember. This shows that sometimes this most horrifying movies aren't even horror movies.

This film shook me to my core, and I can hear its morals echoing in my head. I remember hearing that Brie Larson's mental health was impacted because of this piece and I understand. That place she had to go was many people's worst nightmares. Capturing what it's like to be held captive by a real boogeyman, not some vampire, zombie, or ghost.

I hope you enjoyed this blog. These films (Frankenstein not as much) are very dark. I hope you watch maybe the first two. If you watch the other two, please properly consider and read the trigger warnings. The list of triggers for Martyrs is about a mile long, so PLEASE don't watch it if you can't. That is the most horrifying film I ever seen, and I can never, ever recommend it. I regret recommending it now, but once again, it is very good. These films tackle the uncomfortable whether it is because we cannot physically see the films, or we wish we didn't see the films. Stay tuned for another favorites, and one that is hopefully on a much lighter note.