Melancholia (2011)

Lars von Trier directs an astonishing film that takes place before a meteor strikes the Earth wiping out mankind.   There are two sisters, a manic depressive young woman soon to be married played to perfection by the underrated Kristin Dunst and the older responsible sister played by Charlotte Gainsbourg (last seen in von Trier's film Antichrist) who is married to a wealthy man and who has a child.  The first part takes place at the wedding of Dunst's character, Justine, and it is here we are introduced to a myriad of characters and where various themes are set up, such as fatherhood, respect and self destruction.  The second part focuses more on Claire, the older sister, with Justine come to stay with her and her husband when news of the meteor is on its way to supposedly graze Earth.  This is really an amazing movie, it sticks to the side of your brain and haunts you with its themes and images.  I would go out on a limb and say this might be Lars von Trier's best film (although I haven't seem them all yet).  While not really a happy film (does von Trier make any other kind), it does inspire with its brave nihilistic optimism (if that's possible which for me it was) and brilliant craftsmanship.  If you're interested in a challenging work of art that might spit on all your beliefs of hope and purpose, but at the same time make you appreciate the importance of life and love and all that your hold dear, see this film. Grade: A-