đđïž JUJU AWARDS 2025: Movie of the Year
I usually have six nominees instead of five for this category. Itâs because movie posters are rectangular instead of square so to fit in an Instagram post, I needed six đ But screw that: the year in movies was just too good so I have seven entries! Melbourne International Film Festival was amazing, especially when it came to the movies coming from the Cannes selection.
And now, the nominees.
It's What's Inside by Greg Jardin
A sci-fi comedy in which a bunch of friends are given a machine that allows them to swap bodies. Itâs funny at first but questions about attraction and social status show up and it becomes hilarious. A great first movie for Greg Jardin.
Red Rooms by Pascal Plante
A young woman is obsessed about a serial killer and attends the trial. This Canadian movie is highly confronting though no violence is shown, especially because it remains ambivalent all along about its main character. It takes you on a ride but finds a strange way to redeem itself at the end.
Mars Express by Jérémie Périn
In this French animated movie, set in the future on Mars, two agents investigate the disappearance of two students. Itâs greatly animated, the world building is impressive and the story works really well. Itâs such a shame that it bombed because itâs a real gem.
SirÄt by Oliver Laxe
In Morocco, a man and his son looking for his daughter in free parties decide to follow some partygoers deeper into the desert. This movie doesnât really follow conventions and punches you right in the guts to remind you about some hard truths in life. Strong and beautiful.
It Was Just An Accident by Jafar Panahi
In Iran, a man kidnaps someone he thinks was his torturer in jail but before he kills him, he decides to check with other victims first. This yearâs Palme dâOr is a drama, but itâs also got a strong dark sense of humour. Definitely worth a watch.
The Secret Agent by Kleber Mendonça Filho
During the Brazilian military dictatorship, a man tries to leave the country to escape a hit on his head. Itâs impossible to describe the genre of this movie: is it a political thriller, magical realism or even a horny period drama?! Itâs all at the same time.
A Useful Ghost by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke
In Thailand, a woman haunts a vacuum cleaner to reunite with her husband. This is the craziest movie I have seen this year, if not ever. I had high expectations and it did not disappoint, I laughed a lot. Letâs not forget the strong social and political commentary as well.
And the winner is⊠Well, I was unable to choose between those two very different movies so itâs a tie! The winners are Red Rooms by Pascal Plante and A Useful Ghost by Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke!