#8 – The Tree of Life
Completely unrelated to the tree in the previous entry, this Terrence Mallick drama was released in 2011 to confusion and acclaim. At first glance it appears to be a journey through the life of an ordinary man (Jack O’Brien, played as an adult by Sean Penn), but it rapidly becomes far more ambitious. The film has little to no dialogue, and features a constant stream of breathtaking images of the galaxy, the beauty of nature, and everything in between. Mallick aimed to contemplate the nature of existence and our place in the universe, but it can be overwhelming to any viewer expecting a simpler story.
If you are looking for something straightforward, this is not the movie for you. But if you are seeking beauty and questions about life’s meaning, take some time and watch it.