Without any further ado, here they are:
10. Nosferatu - Robert Eggers’ 4th film cemented him as one of the most exciting and prolific filmmakers of our time. I can’t stop thinking about some visuals here and Bill Skäarsgard’s transformation as Count Orlok.
9. Ghostlight - One of the most underrated and ignored films of this year. Keith Kupferer gives one of the most memorable, beautiful, and honest performances of any actor this year. It's a crime that no one has been recognized for this film in the awards season.
8. Conclave - A lot has been said about this engrossing thriller and the only thing I will add is that I have seen it THREE times and I know it will not be the last. I can’t get enough of Cardinals Lawrance, Teddesco, Bellini, and Benítez!
7. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga - Another crime is that many awards bodies have ignored this film. Almost as good as Fury Road, George Miller’s Furiosa is an excellent character exploration and prequel.
6. Challengers - There is a lot to love and admire from this riveting sexy film, but I don’t think I have enjoyed a trio of actors more than this one. And it has my favorite score of the year.
5. Dìdi (弟弟) - This little film has more heart than most films released this year. And that ain’t an insult to the other films, but this 95-minute film beautifully captures a coming-of-age story thanks to the performances and the script.
4. The Brutalist - Named as one of the best films of this decade already and also a monumental achievement, Brady Corbet’s third film is in a league of its own. This is a beast of a film, not only because of its 215-minute duration but because it has arguably one of the best male performances by a male actor in any year by Adrien Brody. It deserves ALL the recognition and praise.
3. The Substance - Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance is one of the most audacious, shocking, and terrifying films of this year. This was visceral and scathing, and one of the best movie experiences that I can remember. Demi Moore’s performance is my favorite female performance of this year and the biggest award for this movie will be its legacy.
2. Anora - Every single word you’ve heard about Sean Baker’s film is TRUE and not hyperbole. Anora subverts the Cinderella/Pretty Woman story with a twist and provides a nerve-wracking, anxiety-inducing experience that has left a mark on every one of us who has seen it. The ending is such a powerful “guard down” moment that will never leave me, as well as Mikey Madison’s performance as the titular character.
1. Sing Sing: No other film this year has impacted me the way this one did. Not a day has gone by without me thinking about it. The achievements of this film cannot be described in one or two sentences, but I will only say those who are drawn to social justice, empathy, the power of recovery, forgiveness, and self-forgiveness will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful films of this or any year.
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