Could the 2018 version of A Star Is Born be a contender for the Oscars? You’ll want to read further to find out what I think.

The Bradley Cooper-directed film centers on Jackson Maine (Cooper), an established musician who is acquainted with a young singer named Ally (Lady Gaga) trying to break into the industry. The pair develop an affinity for one another and form a relationship, wherein Maine helps develop her career. He takes her out on tour and things explode from there. But, the couple’s stardom comes with plenty of perils, as Ally finds her way in a wild music business and Jack battles internal demons that have haunted him for quite sometime.

I have not seen the predecessor versions of this story. All that aside, the latest iteration of A Star Is Born is immaculate. Cooper and Lady Gaga share one of the stronger chemistries I’ve seen on film and feed off each other perfectly. The film has a pretty long runtime (more than two hours) but keeps your attention the entire way through; a big plus for me. And, of course, the soundtrack is undeniably gorgeous; my favorite tune being “Shallow” which promptly gave me chills when I heard it in a theater surround sound format.

Yet another brilliantly-crafted film presented to us this year, A Star Is Born has it all: an undeniable chemistry between its two leads – plus a nice addition of Anthony Ramos as Ally’s confidant, Ramon – a plot that will keep you engaged for the entirety of the film, and a soundtrack to die for. There is no doubt in my mind that you should see the film and look out for it on Oscar night.

I Give It An: A