In a cinematic landscape where trailers serve as the gateway to a film’s universe, 2023 has bestowed upon us a multitude of captivating previews.
Whether these films lived up to the hype or flopped, these 10 trailers stand as short-form works of art in their own right, showcasing the creative prowess of filmmakers and marketing teams alike.
10. They Cloned Tyrone
The trailer takes a unique approach by steering away from the conventional voice-of-God narration, choosing instead to convey its complex conspiracy through a funky and funny vibe. Set to Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me,” the trailer successfully captures the essence of Netflix’s stylish blaxploitation satire, while the actual film delivered laughs and setting the stage for a promising debut from director Juel Taylor.
9. Air
The trailer for Air not only inspires audiences to reconsider the game-changing endorsement deal between Nike and rookie Michael Jordan but also infuses a sense of fun and nostalgia.
Set to an ’80s power ballad, the preview cleverly encapsulates the era’s spirit, making the film’s entertaining ride apparent. The balance between historical significance and enjoyable storytelling shines through in this trailer.
8. The Creator
Gareth Edwards’ original robot war movie, The Creator, stands out for its visionary sci-fi elements. The trailer effectively uses visual effects and Aerosmith’s “Dream On” to build intensity, offering a glimpse into a dystopian future with blockbuster moments and poignant human elements. While Edwards excels at worldbuilding, the trailer accurately emphasizes this strength.
7. Oppenheimer
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer earns its place with a three-minute supercut that brings breathless energy to the Manhattan Project. The countdown timer billboard and the urgency conveyed in the trailer positioned Oppenheimer as a must-see event.
While the trailer successfully attracted millions, it may have skewed expectations by overemphasizing certain elements, leading to potential disappointment for some viewers.
6. The Boogeyman
The Boogeyman trailer delivers a master class in cinematic tension, relying on deep shadows and ominous lighting to play on the audience’s fear of the dark. While the film itself may not live up to the trailer’s intensity, the first minute alone proves scarier and more effective than the entire feature, showcasing the artistry of suspenseful storytelling.
5. Cocaine Bear
The trailer embraces Cocaine Bear’s outrageous B-movie premise in a hella-wrong red-band trailer. The irreverent preview, set to Duran Duran’s “White Lines,” promises a wild ride with severed limbs, swearing kids, and a CG black bear causing mayhem. Unfortunately, the joke plays better in trailer form, leaving some of the intended impact behind.
4. Saltburn
With Saltburn, the trailer takes a mysterious approach, offering a dreamy montage cut like a music video. The editing follows the beat of M83’s remix of Bloc Party’s “Goodbye Stranger,” providing a feel for Emerald Fennell’s upper-crust arthouse satire. The enigmatic selection of sexy, decadent images and colorful Gothic text teases a wilder experience than advertised.
3. Barbie
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie trailer cleverly riffing on “2001: A Space Odyssey” delights audiences with a twist that unfolds gradually. The teaser positions the film as both a comedy and a bona fide event movie, offering laughs and intrigue. The hot-pink BarbieLand footage at the end becomes a highlight, leaving fans eager for more.
2. Beau is Afraid
Beau Is Afraid bewitches viewers with a bewildering mix of clips skillfully cut to Supertramp’s “Goodbye Stranger.” The trailer, showcasing Joaquin Phoenix’s surreal odyssey, captures attention by blurring dream-like scares and surreal animated sequences. While the movie may be bloated at three hours, it retains the creepy-surreal essence previewed in the trailer.
1. Killers of the Flower Moon
The top spot goes to Killers of the Flower Moon, where an overhead shot of an Osage powwow sets the tone for a brutal and brilliant montage. The trailer condenses a complex true crime story into a pulse-racing 2½ minutes, showcasing historical injustice and enticing audiences with gripping exchanges.
While the trailer leaves an indelible impact, Scorsese’s epic Western crime drama goes long, offering an expansive cinematic experience beyond the trailer’s tight narrative.
