In 2025, during a politically divided atmosphere, James L. Brooks returned to film after 15 years with Ella McCay. This movie, set in 2008, uses nostalgia to comment on today’s issues. Despite its star-studded cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis and Albert Brooks, many viewers found it lacking depth. One character’s line about 2008 being a “better time” raises questions about who exactly this “we” refers to. The film’s generic setting struggles to connect with current events, failing to acknowledge the complexities of today’s politics.
While Ella McCay misses the mark, several films this year took a bold approach to political themes. The challenge has been to define what makes a movie “successful” in representing these issues, as reality often feels more bizarre than fiction. Films like Wicked: For Good and The Running Man tried to engage with radical ideas but ended up oversimplifying their messages. Handy to note, movies featuring nuanced political discussions, like The Mastermind and Wake Up Dead Man, used their themes to evoke meaningful emotional responses.
Some filmmakers tried to provoke thought more directly. Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt explores grim events on a Yale campus, where a professor faces serious accusations from her student. This film ventures into ambiguous territory, turning complex moral dilemmas into confusion.
Ari Aster’s Eddington reflects societal chaos, and Joaquin Phoenix’s sheriff grapples with absurdities during early pandemic months. It critically depicts social distancing conflicts and conspiracy theories, sometimes too close to reality to be purely entertaining. Meanwhile, Bugonia, featuring Emma Stone, dives into bizarre claims of alien conspiracies, mirroring real-world paranoia.
A stark contrast can be seen in Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident, which showcases visceral relevance. Panahi, who faced prison time for his activism, channels personal and societal trials into his work. The storyline addresses themes of justice and vengeance, leading audiences to confront uncomfortable questions about morality.
User reactions show a growing appetite for films that tackle real issues head-on—many discussing themes of government oppression and social justice on platforms like Twitter and Reddit. Critics point out that many contemporary films often lack a clear stance on these issues. Yet, those that engage deeply, like Sinners and The Secret Agent, provide a blend of entertainment and critical commentary, making them more memorable and significant.
Overall, as political discourse becomes increasingly fragmented and explicit, movies must also evolve. Instead of sugarcoating realities, filmmakers are called to present earnest reflections, offering clarity in uncertain times. Art can’t change the world but can help us understand it better, and the films that resonate will likely stand the test of time.
