BABYLON

Nobody makes a movie quite like Damien Chazelle. With Chazelle, an audience doesn't just get a great film, they get an immersive experience. BABYLON may be the pinnacle example of this to date.

Written and directed by Damien Chazelle (La La Land, Whiplash), BABYLON takes the audience on a fast-paced journey through 1920's Hollywood - when glamour and debauchery were always on the menu - and careers rose and fell in the name of following your dreams. Bursting with drama, hilarity, and a whole lot of sex, Babylon is the most audacious blockbuster in years. The film's tagline is "Always make a scene" - and with Chazelle behind the wheel, these characters know how to make a scene.

Featuring a powerhouse cast, Babylon stars Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Diego Calva, Jovan Adepo, Li Jun Li, and comedy legend Jean Smart. Pitt and Robbie are at the top of their game. The standout performance, however, comes from Diego Calva, who has a magnetic screen presence that truly epitomizes the "Golden Era of Hollywood". I expect we will be seeing much more of his incredible talent in the years to come.

The film also boasts an impressive slate of appearances from Samara Weaving, Eric Roberts, Olivia Wilde and Phoebe Tonkin.

What sets Babylon apart is not only the story, or the A-list cast... it is a culmination of every filmmaking aspect, tuned to its finest.

The sets and wardrobe ooze with the luxury of the 1920's era. The lighting is majestic. The cinematography of Linus Sandgren can be considered nothing less than a masterful achievement. And the film score, by composer Justin Hurwitz, vibrates through your bones, carrying every emotion with it.

Despite Babylon just recently releasing on December 23 (2022), it has already earned 60 nominations, with more to surely follow. It will no doubt be a major contender in several categories throughout the awards season. While audiences and critics alike have been split in their feelings on the three hour run time, I found it a beautifully exciting rollercoaster ride, which will not soon be forgotten. It flows effortlessly, and does not have a dull moment. (I've seen it twice and wouldn't want to miss a minute.)

One thing everyone seems to agree on is that Babylon pushes boundaries, and while it may not end up being for everyone, it is worth seeing for yourself.