"Sinners" (College of Music):

The movie centers on identical twin brothers (Michael B. Jordan) who return to their hometown in the Jim Crow South, where they confront a supernatural force. Their younger cousin, Sammie Moore (Miles Caton), a singer and guitarist, joins them despite his pastor father’s warnings about the sins of blues music. This movie explores a myriad of themes, such as race and oppression, sin, redemption, community and survival — whether it be societal or supernatural. It also explores the power of music, a central element of the narrative. 

Those in the College of Music would appreciate the powerful lyrics and pull that Moore feels when it comes to playing his guitar. It’s a beautiful rendition of how, in historical context, the blues gave voice to pain, injustice and suffering. 

Sammie’s instrument isn’t just a part of the soundtrack, but a way to explore the themes above. It acts as a spiritual and cultural force, symbolizing ancestral memory, resistance and emotional truth — something music represents. 

"Marty Supreme" (Eli Broad College of Business): 

Timothée Chalamet had a standout role in the film "Marty Supreme," which follows the journey of table tennis player Marty Mauser as he becomes a world champion. However, it’s not all about table tennis. The movie highlights themes of entrepreneurship, success, ambition, wealth, performance and power. 

Mauser isn’t just an athlete; he’s strategically planning his next move — always, while also applying business concepts as his character rises. He shows how personal branding, strategic decision-making and reputation management drive success. 

For those in Broad, sit back and watch this tale of a larger-than-life figure navigating fame, media and success.

"Train Dreams" (College of Agricultural and Natural Resources): 

"Train Dreams" follows the life of Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton) and the trials he faces, from traversing different industries to encountering events that leave an impression. The film is nature-oriented, with images of forest-related scenery dominating most of the picture. Grainier finds himself longing for the woods and keeps walking through them, hoping to find something lost to time. The themes center on nature and relates to grief, memory, survival, industrialization and loneliness. 

Though sad, viewers from the College of Agricultural and Natural Resources may find solace in this forest-dominated piece, which meditates on humanity’s relationship with the land. Through spiritual connections, something haunting about it shapes one’s life in many different ways. 

"F1" (College of Engineering): 

A sleeker look on the Formula 1 (F1) scene, this movie follows former racer Sonny Hayes, who returns after a 30-year absence to save his former teammate's underdog team, APXGP, from collapse. With tension and precision, Hayes thrives through collaboration and sometimes rivalry with his teammates, while highlighting a sense of ambition that’s prevalent throughout. The themes explored are passion, innovation, teamwork, risk, safety and dedication. 

For those on the engineering track, you may find yourself in a high-speed race to sit down and watch this one. From high-performance car design to aerodynamics, materials science and data systems, "F1" showcases engineering in action.

"Frankenstein" (College of Nursing/Veterinary Medicine):

This classic tale of creation centers around Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Issac) and his Creature (Jacob Elordi). Through twists and turns, we’re fed a story of the human cost of unchecked ambition and the effects of isolation on both creator and creation. Themes include the ethics of science and medicine; life and death; humanity, isolation and loneliness. 

Those in the College of Nursing or Veterinary Medicine have a deep sense of patient care and uphold ethical principles throughout their careers, unlike our main character. However, the themes in this film parallel the different responsibilities in each of those colleges. Victor’s experiments involve anatomy, biology and physiology — foundational knowledge in these fields of medicine. We’re also shown a moral duty to care and tend for life. 

Though the film is based on a famous literary work, the science-centered brain may find the different aspects and themes appealing through different anatomical scenes and the deeper scientific questions that arise. 

"Hamnet" (College of Arts and Letters):

Buckle up, Arts and Letters students, for this tale of love and loss through the lens of William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal), his family and the impact of his son, Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe), and his early death. The themes of this movie are art, inspiration, memory and grief.  

This film has it all for those who study the deeper meaning behind works of literature, film, the stage and more. Through a historical lens, this movie examines 16th-century England, family life and societal norms, offering insights into the human experience. It also takes a fictional historical context and adds layers that create a more dynamic view of life at the time. 

If you’re ready for a cry, dear Arts and Letters students, take a seat and watch this story of human emotion, culture and the power of narrative. 

"Sentimental Value" (College of Education):

This Norwegian drama follows the lives of two sisters, Nora Borg (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes Borg (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), as they reunite with their father, Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård). As Gustav attempts to make a deeply personal new film inspired by their family history, unresolved tensions and buried emotions resurface. The main theme is the use of art as a form of healing, while also exploring family dynamics, reconciliation, grief and self-reflection. 

For those in the College of Education, relationships are at the forefront. Personal growth, emotional development and human relationships are all key areas in education, counseling and psychology.

Though a tearjerker, this film resonates with those who have the strength to be mentors and process different emotions with care. 

"The Secret Agent" (College of Communication, Arts and Sciences):

In this neo-noir historical political thriller, Armando Solimões (Wagner Moura), a former professor caught in the political turmoil of the Brazilian military dictatorship, attempts to flee persecution and resist an authoritarian regime. His main goal is to find his son during Carnival in Recife. The film navigates surveillance, violence and the legacy of authoritarian power, while touching on themes of political oppression, corruption, resistance, family and sacrifice. 

For those in ComArtSci, media is all around. It involves learning about how to use it, what we can do because of it and everything in between. "The Secret Agent," though more of a powerful political film, touches on these topics by highlighting how communication, media and messaging influence society.

This film definitely has a slow burn, but that’s nothing ComArtSci students can’t handle after reading a dozen articles in one day. 

"One Battle After Another" (College of Social Science):

"One Battle After Another" follows the story of an ex-revolutionary, Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio), who is forced back into his former life of combat when a corrupt military officer pursues him and his daughter. The film is inspired by Thomas Pynchon's novel "Vineland," with themes of war, morality, community and resilience. 

Students of the College of Social Science may appreciate the exploration of society, human behavior and different institutions under the pressure of war. It also touches on psychology, sociology, political structures and the impact these have within different communities dealing with violence. It’s a longer movie, for sure, but it allows for discussion. 

"Bugonia" (James Madison College):

This satirical science fiction film follows two men (Jesse Plemmons and Aidan Delbis) who kidnap a pharmaceutical CEO (Emma Stone) in revenge for her company’s harmful environmental and social practices. Though it touches on heavy themes, such as corporate greed, accountability, environmental and ethical consequences, the movie isn’t a traditional class‑struggle story; instead, it offers a social critique of power, capitalism and inequality. 

For those in James Madison, this movie offers a more refreshing take on critiques of different institutions and on the study of law. It focuses on ethical dilemmas and social consequences; critiques corporate power, societal inequality and environmental neglect; and raises questions about accountability, justice and regulation. 

Though a crazy watch, James Madison students may feel a weight lifted off their shoulders knowing this one is on their Letterboxd.