Asteroid City
Few people make films that are so casual but so fulfilling like Wes Anderson. The story doesn’t have places to go. Scenes aren’t building blocks taking steps to complete a journey, they just exist naturally - sometimes without a purpose other than just to entertain. And because of it, it doesn’t feel like a film that’s telling you things; it lets you experience it.
Visually, the colors are seductive and unique. From the teal sky to overly tan Tom Hanks, it’s so fun. Cinematography is distinctly Wes Anderson as you would expect, and I think Asteroid City still finds some uniqueness even within the WA catalog.
Performances are strong all around and don’t distract from the aesthetic. I read someone describe WA films as ‘anti-empathy’ which is a great tag. They create an emotional connection in a totally different way than most other films. It’s sterile but charming.
Overall, Asteroid City really caught me. It’s playful, confident, and unique.