Leo (2023)

Every time you think you’ve witnessed a typical classroom, Leo flips that notion with a reptilian perspective that keeps you guessing. The film keeps its suspense in a low‑key, almost timorous tone, drawing you into a world where a 74‑year‑old lizard’s one‑year countdown punctures the staleness of a decade‑old educational dig in Florida. Joaquin Phoenix’s minimal‑dialogue restraint makes you feel the ancient creature’s ache, each breath a subtle acting milestone that anchors the entire experience. Those who favor slow‑burn dramas that linger on character over plot will find this one a fitting companion. The only hitch is a mid‑act pacing drag that leaves you pausing rather than rolling the tape.