'Materialists Director's Top Favorite Is This Cult 92%-Rated Sci-Fi Movie: "Incredible Filmmaking"
Celine Song's favorite movie is not a classic rom-com, as you might expect, but rather one of the darkest and most relevant sci-fi movies, Children of Men. Here's what the director had to say about this underrated film.
The most anticipated romantic comedy of the year, Materialists by Celine Song, finally hit theaters on June 13. Song ascended to the cinematic firmament two years ago with Past Lives, one of the most touching dramas of recent years.
Celine Song's Favorite Movie Is Alfonso Cuarón's Sci-Fi Masterpiece
If you're curious about the inspiration behind such heart-wrenching and romantic works, you may be surprised to learn that it's not When Harry Met Sally or another groundbreaking rom-com.
Among her favorite movies, Song namedChildren of Men by Alfonso Cuarón:
“What I really admire so much is that it is a movie with such a clear ideology, and an ideology that I understand. It's a political film, but in a way where it really does get under your skin. I was left thinking about that movie for so long, because beyond the incredible filmmaking, I was moved by the philosophy.”
What Is 'Children of Men' About?
2027, humanity is on the brink of extinction. Not a single child has been born in the last 18 years, and scientists cannot determine the cause of this phenomenon.
A government agent agrees to escort the only woman who has miraculously become pregnant to a refuge at sea. There, the birth of her child may help scientists save the human race.
19 Years Later, 'Children of Men' Is Still Cuarón's Most Underrated Work
Children of Men premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 3, 2006, where it received excellent reviews from critics.
Unfortunately, these reviews did not save the movie from box office failure, for which Universal is largely to blame. The marketing campaign was poorly organized, so most viewers didn't even know about the film.
The release date was also not perfect: Children of Men only reached theaters on Christmas, when comedies dominated the box office. Cuarón's movie only grossed $70 million, leaving the project with no chance of breaking even given its $76 million budget.
As for awards, Children of Men received three Oscar nominations but ultimately failed to win a single statuette.
Today, Children of Men not only seems like an absolute masterpiece of the genre, but also an alarming warning about the future. Cuarón's dark fantasy about migration, totalitarianism, and infertility is more relevant than ever.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Children of Men'?
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Children of Men has 92% from critics and 85% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.9/10.
Where to Watch 'Children of Men'?
Children of Men is available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video.
