The 12 Greatest Films in Which Little Occurs

      Here are 12 outstanding films where not much transpires.

      At least at first glance. At least initially.

      Yet lives undergo subtle transformations.

      **Lost in Translation (2003)**

      Focus Features – Credit: C/O

      Newlywed Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) and weary actor Bob (Bill Murray) encounter each other at a hotel in Tokyo, sharing conversations and karaoke moments. The atmosphere is tinged with melancholy yet strikingly beautiful.

      We often ponder whether they might leave their spouses — yet strangely, we find solace in the fact that they don’t. Sofia Coppola’s *Lost in Translation* celebrates fleeting, intense moments that may never occur again, and perhaps shouldn’t.

      In the end, Bob spots Charlotte in a crowd. They lock eyes, embrace, and he murmurs something inaudible. Their kiss is decidedly non-sexual; they are friends.

      **The Power of the Dog (2021)**

      Netflix

      Jane Campion’s film seemed poised for a Best Picture win in 2022, only to be edged out by *CODA* during a unique, pandemic-affected year.

      On the surface, it tells a slow, reflective story featuring a widow (Kirsten Dunst), her gentle suitor turned husband (Jesse Plemons), her sensitive, intellectual son (Kodi Smit-McPhee), and her harsh brother-in-law (Benedict Cumberbatch).

      Throughout most of the film, it appears to be a sensitive Western, potentially revisiting the contemporary theme of “toxic masculinity.” However, as it concludes, we recognize it has been something else entirely — and more merciless than we initially thought. It subtly shifts genres, earning our respect.

      **Dazed and Confused (1993)**

      Gramercy Pictures – Credit: Gramercy Pictures

      The quintessential hangout film, *Dazed and Confused* tracks high school students on graduation night as they drive around and plan to attend a party at the Moontower. There are brawls, bullying, flirtation, and some vandalism. Football star Randall “Pink” Floyd (Jason London) faces the decision of whether to sign a drug pledge.

      And that’s it. No fatalities, no explosions, no grand heists. Yet the film is a pure delight, launching the careers of Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, and Matthew McConaughey, and is hailed as the ultimate hangout movie. Quentin Tarantino has called it his favorite film of the 90s.

      *Dazed and Confused* is among several deceptively straightforward works by Richard Linklater, where seemingly ordinary days and nights become the most unforgettable of our lives.

      And speaking of Tarantino…

      **Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)**

      Sony Pictures Releasing

      This narrative follows actress Sharon Tate (Margot Robbie), her struggling actor neighbor Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), and his friend and stuntman Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt).

      The film leisurely explores three days of their lives — at one point, we accompany Sharon on a solo movie outing — but writer-director Quentin Tarantino knows he doesn’t need to act overtly to advance the plot…

      … Because we remain on edge throughout, aware of the horrific fate that awaits the real Sharon Tate. Anxiously waiting for it to unfold on screen. Appalled.

      There are minor moments of violence preceding the climactic finale, as Cliff engages in fights with both Bruce Lee (Mike Moh) and Tex Watson (Austin Butler).

      When the grim conclusion arrives… it proves to be unexpected.

      **Perfect Days (2023)**

      Koji Yakusho and Arisa Nakano in *Perfect Days*. DCM

      The latest film on our list, *Perfect Days* revolves around Hirayama (Kōji Yakusho), a bathroom custodian in Tokyo, as he navigates his ordinary days, driven by mixtapes, great literature, and a passion for photography.

      It’s a fascinating, captivating film about finding meaning in what seems like a simple life. Individuals enter his life who appear ready to cause significant change, yet he finds comfort in his routines.

      Its impressive accolades include a premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the Palme d’Or and won both the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury and the Best Actor Award for Yakusho. It was also nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.

      **Before Sunset (2004)**

      Warner Independent Pictures

      Another Linklater work and a sequel to *Before Sunrise*, which could also belong on this list. Jesse and Celine (Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, who co-wrote the film with Linklater and Kim Krizan) reunite in Paris nearly a decade after their night in Vienna in *Before Sunrise*.

      Jesse has penned a book about that evening, leading him and Celine to