Top 10 Films of 2023
10. Surrounded
Former Buffalo Soldier Mo Washington travels West to lay claim on a gold mine. After her stagecoach is ambushed, Mo is tasked with holding a dangerous outlaw captive and must survive the day when the bandit's gang tries to free him.
Directed By:
Anthony Mandler
Surrounded presents a finely crafted, visually stunning take on the neo-western genre, offering a familiar yet captivating cinematic experience. Despite being one of my earliest viewings of 2023, it easily earned a spot on my top ten list for the year. While the storyline may follow predictable beats, Letitia Wright's compelling performance elevates the film, compensating for any anticipated plot twists. Additionally, the inclusion of Bret Gelman, even in a minor role, is an easy way to get my approval.
09. The Passenger
A man is forced to face his fears and confront his troubled past. He must find a way to survive when his co-worker snaps and goes on a violent killing spree.
Directed By:
Carter Smith
This film sparked considerable internal debate as to whether it belonged on my top 10 list, given its familiar themes and lack of novel plot elements. However, beneath the well-trodden concept of male rage lies a profound exploration of trauma and the highly individualistic nature of its expression. While many reviews laud Kyle Gallner's performance, I found Johnny Berchtold's sustained, quietly powerful portrayal of terror, grief, and empathy to be uniquely fascinating. I had never heard of him before this film, but I am absolutely excited to see what he does in the future.
08. Dicks: The Musical
Maren, a young woman abandoned suddenly by her father, learns how to survive on the margins of society.
Directed By:
Larry Charles
Let's talk about this film: Was it over-the-top? Absolutely. Did it cross the line of good taste more than once? Undoubtedly. But was it a laugh-out-loud experience that you won't soon forget? Most definitely. Dicks: The Musical may not ascend to the pantheon of cinematic masterpieces, yet it strikes a curious balance between shockingly irreverent and comedic brilliance, accompanied by an array of impressively penned musical numbers. For those with a penchant for musicals sprinkled with humor that wouldn't feel out of place in an episode of South Park, this film will not disappoint.
If nothing else this movie will introduce you to the sewer boys. You'll never forget them.
07. Divinity
Centered on two mysterious brothers, who abduct a mogul during his quest for immortality.
Directed By:
Eddie Alcazar
Shot beautifully on black-and-white 16mm film, this retro-future sci-fi film is bound to become a cult favorite for some, but hated by most. The screenplay boldly conveys its critique on the various facets of human excess without restraint. Despite the simplicity of the narrative, it manages to delve deeply into the cultural fixation with eternal youth and our inability to accept the richness of wisdom that traditionally comes with age and retrospection.
06. Godzilla Minus One
Post war Japan is at its lowest point when a new crisis emerges in the form of a giant monster, baptized in the horrific power of the atomic bomb.
Directed By:
Takashi Yamazaki
If you would've told me that one day a Godzilla movie would make it into my Top 10 Films of the year list, I would've laughed in your face; but Godzilla Minus One was a pleasant departure from the last handful of films featuring the king of monsters. The film's WWII Japan setting is a perfect backdrop for creating a film that stays true to the series' roots and understands exactly what it is that has fascinated generations of moviegoers. The creature and sound design harken back to the beloved elements of the franchise, while also allowing for meaningful development of the human characters. It's refreshing to see the balance so perfectly struck between honoring tradition and embracing innovation.
05. Dream Scenario
A hapless family man finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams. When his nighttime appearances take a nightmarish turn, Paul is forced to navigate his newfound stardom.
Directed By:
Kristoffer Borgli
Dream Scenario provides a unique exploration into the concept of collective consciousness through its unconventional storyline. Nicholas Cage adeptly embodies the role of a quirky and awkward professor/dad, seamlessly portraying the character's evolution from lighthearted humor to genuine frustration and eventual rage. His performance lends an authentic and relatable dimension to the character's journey. While the ending has garnered mixed opinions (rightfully so), despite its shortcomings, it does not significantly diminish the overall ideas being explored.
04. Cassandro
The true story of Cassandro, the ''exotico'' character created by Saúl Armendáriz, gay amateur wrestler from El Paso who rose to international stardom.
Directed By:
Roger Ross Williams
Cassandro presents a visually stunning biopic that poignantly underscores the significance of challenging societal norms, even in the face of cultural expectations. The film's measured pace serves as a compelling counterpoint to the vibrant grandeur of the lucha libre that serves as its focal point. Gael García Bernal's portrayal masterfully humanizes the complexities of the protagonist's journey to become an exótico unlike any other. While some reviews I've read critique the film for not straying far from the biopic formula, they overlook the larger context—lucha Libre's limited global reach—and fail to recognize the film's valuable portrayal of an influential historical figure within this phenomenon.
03. Saltburn
A student at Oxford University finds himself drawn into the world of a charming and aristocratic classmate, who invites him to his eccentric family's sprawling estate for a summer never to be forgotten.
DIRECTED BY:
Emerald Fennell
Each frame of this movie was captivating enough to divert my attention from the realization that Saltburn isn't trying to grapple some layered message that’s woven into its narrative. It's refreshing in its straightforwardness; Saltburn isn't laden with hidden depths—and that's perfectly acceptable. At times, cinema can simply serve as a snapshot, capturing the odyssey of a sole character. In this instance, we are fortunate to have Barry Keoghan embodying that character. Like we've come to expect from his choice in roles, he delves into the psyche of an individual aching to find a sense of belonging and supposes the lengths to which someone might go to muster just a fragment of control amidst their inherent desperation.
02. Poor Things
The incredible tale about the fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter; a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist, Dr. Godwin Baxter.
Directed By:
Yorgos Lanthimos
As anticipation for Poor Things grew, I looked forward to Yorgos Lanthimos gaining recognition with a wider audience. With Killing of a Sacred Deer ranking among my favorite films and The Lobster receiving widespread acclaim, I had high hopes. However, within minutes of Poor Things, it became apparent that it would bear more resemblance to Dogtooth. While this wasn't necessarily a negative, it raised questions about whether it could appeal to mainstream audiences.
Gratefully, Poor Things struck a delicate balance between Lanthimos' newer and older works, delivering a captivating narrative set against surreal landscapes. This delightfully unusual story explores themes of rebirth, self-discovery, and autonomy. It offers you an existential journey that challenges our notions of a predetermined identity. It encourages you to consider the fact that you inherently possess the freedom to shape your own identity, ultimately creating a thought-provoking and immersive experience.
01. Beau is Afraid
Following the sudden death of his mother, a mild-mannered but anxiety-ridden man confronts his darkest fears as he embarks on an epic, Kafkaesque odyssey to get back home in time for her funeral.
Directed By:
Ari Aster
Regardless of your opinion on Ari Aster's work, skipping a viewing of Beau is Afraid would be a disservice. While I can't vouch for everyone adoring this film, it's indelible in a way that will linger in your thoughts for a lot longer than you anticipate. Joaquin Phoenix delivers an exquisite performance, tackling a character, Beau, who yearns to be invisible—to disappear into his trauma without confronting its roots—a challenging role that Phoenix navigates with aplomb.
Aster, known for his contributions to contemporary horror, ventures pretty heavily into comedy with this piece. If you've ever experienced anxiety this film will resonate deeply, offering a sense of being understood. It boldly prompts you to examine the absurdity of certain fears, all while acknowledging that even the most illogical ones are rooted in a truth that you must explore in order to overcome.
Honourable Mention
Past Lives
When Evil Lurks
The Iron Claw
Afire
Infinity Pool