Are you looking for a good movie to watch this Memorial Day weekend? Look no further, as The New York Times’s chief film critic, Manohla Dargis, and movie critic, Alissa Wilkinson, have you covered with their top picks for the year so far. Whether you prefer action-adventure, comedy, drama, or horror, there’s something for everyone on their list.
One of the top picks is “Hit Man,” a Richard Linklater movie starring Glen Powell as a philosophy professor who moonlights as a hit man in New Orleans. The film takes a comedic and romantic turn when he encounters a housewife looking to hire him, played by Adria Arjona. Alissa Wilkinson describes it as a delightful romp that is romantic, sexy, hilarious, and satisfying.
Another must-watch is “Civil War,” a dystopian drama set in the near future where the United States is in conflict between different factions. Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, and Cailee Spaeny play photojournalists who encounter dangerous and unsettling scenes as they make their way to Washington, D.C. Manohla Dargis describes the film as making her acutely uncomfortable and expressing a nation’s soul-sickness vividly.
For those interested in science fiction, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” picks up generations after the last trilogy ended, following Noa and his encounters with Caesar’s disciple and a mute human. Alissa Wilkinson praises the film for its exploration of co-opting idealisms and converting them to dogmas.
If you’re in the mood for a scathing comedy, “Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World” follows a foulmouthed production assistant driving around Bucharest, Romania, looking for injured workers to interview for a workplace safety video. Manohla Dargis describes the film as a clever exploration of contemporary Romania.
For horror fans, “Late Night With the Devil” offers a twist on the late-night TV genre, blending familiar horror tropes with demonic possession and the occult. Alissa Wilkinson calls it a nasty and delicious pastiche with a flair for menace.
Other top picks include “Evil Does Not Exist,” “Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus,” “Io Capitano,” and “La Chimera,” each offering a unique and compelling story worth watching.
So grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy a movie-filled Memorial Day weekend with these top picks recommended by The New York Times critics.
