After nearly three weeks of The Revenant being released in Irish theatres and the 2016 Oscars approaching on the 28th of February, there’s one question pondering many people across the globes and my mind; will Leonardo Dicaprio finally get to take home the golden trophy? It was a shock for many when he didn’t win the well deserved oscar in 2014 after his amazing performance in the Wolf of Wall Street; yet when competing against the Best Actor winner of the year Matthew Mc Conaughy after his heartfelt role in The Dallas Buyers Club, it wasn’t a surprise for me. Following four oscar nominations and a million embarrassing humorous memes about how Leo will never get one, I really believe 2016 is the ‘Year of the Leo’ in film. The only actor that stood out for me on the nominees list was Dicaprio and after shuddering during every moment of watching him getting attacked by a bear; I will not and cannot accept it if he doesn’t get the oscar.

Leonardo Dicaprio has always been my favorite actor with his brilliant outstanding roles in many of my favorite films; Blood Diamond, The Titanic, The Great Gatsby, The Departed, Romeo&Juliet, Inception, Shutter Island… and now The Revenant. (The list is endless). I haven’t watched a movie with Dicaprio where he didn’t make me feel and believe every word he said. Yes, I may believe he is one of the most beautiful beings on the planet but that doesn’t take away from his talent. Even after watching him eating horse and getting attacked slowly& painfully (believing and gagging at every moment) I still love him and that says something about his brilliance.

So, what a lot of you are probably wondering is what did I think of the film and why do I truly believe Leo will finally get the oscar?

I have never experienced such a realistic intriguing adeventure on screen before this film. Alejandro González Inárritu directed the film brilliantly using clever camera tricks I’d never experienced before. After receiving an award for the film ‘Birdman’ it wasn’t difficult to spot his brilliant unique style behind the camera in The Revenant. The features he brings to the film has a massive impact on the audience. The realistic setting, fast paced movement with fighting, the camera following Leo as if I were running alongside him, the intense unexpected drops that had me jumping off my seat and the long gorry bits had me hiding behind my scarf. I was on a roller coaster of emotions watching this film starting with awe leading to terror, shock, nausea, sadness, disbelief, amazement, wonder and hope. Somehow I managed to find humour in biits of this what sounds like ‘twisted’ film. Yet, if I could label this film in four words it would be: A beutifully intense crazy film. That doesn’t even do the genius work on this film justice.

The intense focus on nature and Leonardo’s every step made this film so realistic I forgot I was sitting in a theatre staring at a screen and felt like I was on a horse chase with Leo and the sound of the trodding. The film is about a man who get’s attacked by a bear, left alone in a disgustingly brutal state as he seeks redemtion with every step he can take. It’s a spiritual journey as well as a violent one. The film is so beautiful yet so brutal. Dicaprio fights for his life in this film just as he is fighting for that well deserved oscar.  It’s a long watch and journey following Leonardo Dicaprio alongside nature and it’s many obstacles. But it’s definitely one for the big screen with mind blowing cinematography and unbelievable acting that deserves to be seen and appreciated.

I’ve added The Revanent to my long list of brilliant movies I enjoyed with Leonardo Dicaprio. I’ve never seen acting or a film like this. It was something entirely different alltogether. After that brilliant performance and his win at The Golden Globes, I do believe 2016 is the year of the Leo at The Oscars, do you?

#IBelieveInLeo (Yes, I did just start my own hashtag for Leo that reminds me of Miracle on 34th street and Santa Claus)..

You stay happy Rafferty readers and make sure not to miss the red carpet on the 28th!

Over and out,

Saoirse.