Films by James Gray

The Lost City of Z

If you haven't seen "The Lost City of Z," it's a historical adventure that follows British explorer Percy Fawcett as he plunges into the Amazon in search of an ancient, rumored civilization. What grabbed me first was how grounded and meditative it felt for an expedition film; it's less about action and more about Fawcett’s obsession and what it costs him personally. Charlie Hunnam delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance, and the supporting cast (Robert Pattinson, Tom Holland) feels authentic within the muddy, claustrophobic setting. Visually, the movie is stunning—lush, oppressive jungles and coffee-hued rivers that feel both inviting and dangerous. There’s an old-school, almost dreamlike feel to the whole thing that reminded me a bit of Werner Herzog’s "Aguirre," but it’s more restrained and introspective. Director James Gray leans hard into the melancholy and ambiguity, making you question at every step whether Fawcett’s quest is heroic or just self-destructive. If you go in expecting nonstop action, it might drag in places—the pacing is deliberate and the plot’s more about the internal journey. But if you're into slow-burn, beautifully shot adventures with a true-story hook and a taste for ambiguous endings, this one deserves your time. It's perfect for fans of thoughtful biopics and exploration tales.