So many incredible films have been released so far in 2025 that it is overwhelming. Seeing movie after movie being nominated for Oscars, SAGs and all the other award shows, it is difficult to decide what to go and watch, particularly with the price of a cinema ticket. As an avid cinema-goer, here are my highlights of recent films that are definitely worth your time.
A complete unknown
This biopic of Bob Dylan starring Timothee Chalamet, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro and Edward Norton tells the gripping story of the stars rise to fame. Although the films is over two hours long, the storytelling and acting make the time fly by. Chalamet spent five years studying Dylan’s every sound and action, learning the guitar and harmonica for the role – the film is authentic, gripping and beautiful. In my opinion, a 4.5/5 rated film – a definite must-see, whether you’re a Bob Dylan fan or not.
We live in time
A beautifully told story about a young couple who meet through a surprising encounter that changes their lives. Through multiple heartbreaks as Almut (Florence Pugh) gets diagnosed with cancer, they realise that time isn’t in their favour and they must ‘live in time’. The film uses a non-linear narrative to reflect on their memories and growth, as Tobais (Andrew Garfield) sticks by Almut’s side. I can tell you for a fact, there wasn’t a dry eye in the cinema! Go and see it but remember to take your tissues! A 4.5/5 film – the perfect mix between heartbreak, anguish, the difficulty of navigating relationships versus the beauty and delicacy of life and relationships.
Babygirl
I think that Babygirl is a cinematic masterpiece. Following Romy (Nicole Kidman) as a powerful, confident and family-centred CEO melt to her knees by the attention from a young intern, Samuel (Harris Dickinson), it is a story of control and desire. It is provocative and bold, and extremely intimate; however the sexual desires she explores with Samuel allow her deeper traumas and insecurities to come to the surface. Without spoiling anything, this affects her family life. A perfect mix of love, control, drama and an element of thriller – for me, I felt so engrossed and transported into a cinematic universe. In my opinion, I believe Babygirl is a must-see film. It has the element of excitement and danger whilst being fun and sensual. Some critics and reviewers of the film have said it is too sexual so bear this in mind, but I think they have missed the depth of the film. I would give this another 5/5 film to see, but understand people’s film preferences – for inclusive reasons, I will settle for giving Babygirl a 4.5.
A real pain
Jesse Eisenburg acts and directs this comedic yet moving film about two cousins visiting Poland to honour their late grandmother. I think this film shows the endearing relationship between cousins and their shifting bond, particularly between these two as Benji (Kieran Culkin) is a loud, confident and unfiltered character and David (Eisenburg) is a quiet, nervous and OCD character. Benji’s darker past is gradually bought out as the movie progresses and we understand why he is the way he is, and how this affects David. It is a wonderful film and one of the ones that you are crying whilst laughing and laughing whilst crying! This film I went to see because it was the only thing on, and I had some free time during the week and ended up enjoying it immensely. It has now won multiple awards, so critically it is very high on a list to watch, and I agree with this, therefore rating it a solid 4/5.
Queer
Based on the novel Queer by William S. Burroughs, Queer is a heart wrenching story about an older gay man William (Daniel Craig) who falls deeply in love with young Eugene (Drew Starkey). Eugene doesn’t believe he is queer, and the two of them go through a whirlwind relationship of connection, disembodiment, pain and desire. To me, this film felt lifechanging – Luca Guadagnino is one of my favourite directors, perhaps why I loved this film so much – but with such an incredible soundtrack, actors, cinematography and storyline, what more could you want in a film? Due to the emotional storyline and beautiful cinematography, I would definitely rate this as a 5/5 must-see film. If the subject matter is too difficult, the film may be a bit too sensitive for some because of the pain the characters go through, but this is overall a spectacular movie.
Companion
Companion is a dark yet comedic sci-fi thriller. It focuses on artificial intelligence which is extremely prevalent in the 21st century. Without any spoilers, the narrative follows Iris (Sophie Thatcher), an AI companion, and her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid) and the rocky relationship between them when Iris malfunctions during a week away with Josh’s friends. The film has elements of humour, chaos and excitement as Iris begins to become aware of what is happening. This film is definitely one of my favourites this year, something a bit different to your usual type of thriller whilst blending some real-life, topical issues of AI. This film should be on everyone’s bucket list to see, even if gore isn’t your favourite, the comedy and storyline is too good to miss – another 4.5 scoring film on my list.
