Josh O'Connor January

A month where I committed to watching (almost) exclusively Josh O'Connor films.

Like most beautiful things, this journey was born from a conversation with my best friend, Caitlin. Our friendship began when we were freshman in high school and realized we shared a bond for the hit Fox tv show, Glee. The show was my introduction to 80s rock and showtunes, but more importantly, it propelled us into the most wholesome obsession with the fictional high school show choir universe. Our weeks were set to a regimented schedule revolving around when new episodes would drop, First Listen Fridays of the upcoming music, and, of course, the content avalanche of award season. In lock step, as our fan girl antics intensified so did our friendship.

Fifteen years later, there aren’t many things that feel as consuming as Glee, and truly, that is for the best. But after I told Caitlin how much I loved La Chimera, O’Connor’s whimsical and grief packed Italian dream of a film, I immediately expressed the dire need to get a free trial of Mubi so I could watch his queer, melancholic period romance film, The History of Sound, with Paul Mescal. And of course, without missing a beat, Caitlin simply responded with, “Josh O’Connor January”.

And so I present to you a non-exhaustive list (not a ranking) of all the Josh O’Connor films I watched this January. I stress non-exhaustive because I didn’t end up rewatching Challengers this month — sorry, I needed to make time for Zootopia 2! Some of my “reviews” are serious, most are silly, all express my deep love and adoration for Josh. What feels important to note is that while settling into my white boy of the month’s filmography, I also learned my capacity for staying attentive during a movie does indeed still exist despite how much social media consumption has short circuited that skill. My kneejerk reaction to chalk that up as a foolish takeaway, but it’s not. I want to acknowledge that for myself. And perhaps watching an entire movie without the distraction of a phone has proven to be difficult for you, too. So I’m with you. As I begin to unwind shame from my consuming relationship to my phone, I see my commitment to having a themed movie month every month (watch this spot) a beautiful reclamation of my time and energy. So here is Josh O’ Connor January.

---

La Chimera (2023) | 4/5

The way these Italian bandits are running around in that blue clown car…unserious folk. But also, how much grief can one take until their reality snaps?

Aisha (2022) | 4/5

Really strong performances that just made me weep and weep and weep. Not the point at all, but I love Irish Josh O’Connor.

Mothering Sunday (2021) | 2.5/5

Hair down, tits out, post Josh O’Connor coital cig.. life can be so simple…

Unfortunately, this fell flat and wasn’t really grounded in anything that could hold the weight of grief and transformation that the film need. Performances were stunning gorgeous visuals. But I finished feeling like every character was too elusive, especially the protagonist, Jane. This didn’t contribute to mystery —more so, it felt like a character who wasn’t fully fleshed out.

The Mastermind (2025) | 3/5

God forbid a man try to make a career for himself to support his family AND create some jobs for his community. I love you so much, Josh O’Connor. I’ll always be in your getaway car.

The History of Sound (2025) | 4/5

Ohhhhhhh ok so I’m supposed to be normal about this? The pacing, especially, towards the end was off. But, to be honest, I don’t even care because what a stunning, aching film.

God’s Own Country (2017) | 4/5

And I long to be carried on!!!!!!!

Hide and Seek (2014) | 0.5/5

Jobless theater kids in a polycule that aren’t “interested in politics". Sure, whatever. Josh O’Connor…where have you led me?

Lee (2023) | 2.5/5

“The only sane response to tyranny is to paint! To create. And drink. And write. And dance!” Oh that group of friends would have LOVED the time of Instagram infographics and Substack…

Wake Up Dead Man (2025) |4.5/5

New hot priest with a slutty neck tattoo on the block.