Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

A look into the haunting truth about the capture, and ultimately death, of Osama bin Laden, Zero Dark Thirty is a thrilling and captivating film about a 10 year man hunt. But more importantly, it's a film about staying grounded, and taking necessary risks in order to do what you set out to do.

Maya (Jessica Chastain) is a CIA officer who has spent her entire career searching for Osama bin Laden. At the beginning of her assignment, she works with her colleague Dan (Jason Clarke) who tortures and humilates a prisoner for more information about bin Laden's whereabouts. The film continues and shows events over the next 8 years that impact her life, which include surviving a bombing and losing one of her friends.

Jessica Chastain as CIA officer Maya. Source: EW

Argo (2012)

Argo was one of the best movies I've seen this year and it has Oscar written all over it. I've been raving about this movie since the moment I walked out of the cinema a week ago.

Based on a true story about the Canadian Caper, Argo managed to hit everything that I look for in a film: comedy, drama, action, mystery, romance. Even though we know ultimately what happens at the end, the journey to the end was a roller coaster of emotions.

Ben Affleck (center) and supporting cast. Source: National Post

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Ben Affleck's acting. His character, real life CIA agent Tony Mendez, had so much depth and Affleck was able to portray it with so much emotion and intensity. All of the actors were so amazing in their roles, but I was most surprised by the acting of Scoot McNairy who plays Joe Stafford. At the height of the movie, his acting was what made me feel the tension of the situation.