The past decade has seen the very state of cinema change in so many ways. With ticket prices constantly seeming on the rise, streaming services have gotten into the film-making business, and made themselves known as a viable alternative. Their promises of creative control are attracting to filmmakers, especially when the mid-budget film has all but disappeared, but this comes at the cost of a full theatrical release. While the House of Mouse assimilates further IPs to strengthen their brand, original voices still persevere, making themselves vitally known in a changing landscape.
The horrific and the heroic grew in stature, to become among the decade’s most influential of genres, and even succeeding at the Academy Awards. As opportunities arrive for stories about characters who aren’t predominately straight white males, studios may finally be taking a hint, and realising that diversity matters.
It was a difficult list to craft, as evidenced by the fact that I've put this list out in July. It doesn't help that the decade gave us so many films of superb quality, and there’s also too many films I haven’t even had the chance to see yet. This is just a personal list, so it’s alright if you disagree with my choices, but I hope you come away with something new you're interested in watching. So, if you’re still curious, let’s see what I consider the 50 best films of the 2010s.
50. The Florida
Project (2017)
A film guided through a child’s point of view, Sean Baker does wonderfully to capture the innocence of youth, while balancing the darker realities of life. Powering it are stunning portrayals from newfound talents, and familiar veterans, impressing equally here. Within view for their characters lies a magical place full of hopes and dreams, but remains out of reach, in this beautifully shot piece of cinema.
49. The Perks of
Being a Wallflower (2012)
Taking it upon himself, Stephen Chbosky translates his own
book for the big screen, and retains what made it so wonderful in the first
place. The result is a teen movie which balances heartfelt friendships, with
darker and more mature issues than they should be dealing with, to make
something so emotionally affecting, which finds time for genuine humour. It
helps that the three leads are well-rounded characters, each magnificently
played by the talented cast members, and a brilliant use of David Bowie’s
Heroes doesn’t hurt, either.
48. Black Panther
(2018)
No matter how big a budget or scope he’s working with, Ryan
Coogler can deliver a story which considers character and performances as key a
focus, even inside one of the most commercially profitable studios out there.
The first solo film for Wakanda’s hero mixes engaging superheroics, Bond style
inspirations, and pertinent social commentary into the narrative. Between this
long-hidden world untouched by colonialism, and the outstanding antagonist that
is Erik Killmonger, Coogler pushed the boundaries of blockbuster films, while
never forgetting what drives each character.
47. You Were Never
Really Here (2018)
Lynne Ramsay takes a more thoughtful approach to what
could’ve passed for a Taken film, for instead of the violence, the focus
lies upon the fractured psyche of the lead character. Joaquin Phoenix recently got praise and awards adulation for his Joker performance, but just
a year before, he delivered the best role of his career. Joe is a man scarred
by the past actions of his father, working through his inner turmoil by saving
children from abusive figures, and Phoenix is utterly haunting in the role.
Between Ramsay’s direction, and Johnny Greenwood’s stunner of a score, this
brutal and unflinching thriller is worth 85 minutes of your time.
46. The Wolf of
Wall Street (2013)
Back in 2013, many films tackled what the American Dream
truly meant, and through the real-life (and potentially exaggerated) tale of Jordan
Belfort, Martin Scorsese did the best job in depicting this. A compelling film
about the lengths Wall Street bankers go to, so they can realise their version
of said Dream, complete with disgusting extravagance and excess. Belfort
remains an utterly despicable figure, and Scorsese pairs with writer Terrence Winter to show why people get swept up in such a toxic atmosphere, without glorifying the
guy. It’s also worth mentioning this is a damn funny film, with the Lemmons
scene being one of the most consistently hilarious scenes of the decade.
45. Boyhood (2014)
As anybody invested in the Harry Potter films or the Before
Trilogy will tell you, it’s an emotional thing to see characters grow before
our very eyes over a series, but what about in the same film? Shot in secret
over 12 years, Richard Linklater captured the life of young Mason from age six
to eighteen, and the various changes occurring all throughout. Drama and
conflict naturally occur, the performances grow with the characters, and by the
end of it, we ask where the time has gone. A fantastically poignant
representation of life.
44. Frozen (2013)
It’s difficult to remember a time when Frozen wasn’t
a household commodity, Olaf wasn’t a recognisable character, and Let It Go
wasn’t a tune endlessly played, to the annoyance of countless parents. There’s
a reason it endured, the film itself is a wonderful story of sibling
relationships and self-acceptance, told in ways that are utterly charming,
lovable and ironically, warm. Plus, Let It Go is a banger of a tune.
43. Get Out (2017)
Many directors make their debut in the horror genre, but few
others made such a large splash across the board, with critics, audiences, and
even with the Academy Awards. Jordan Peele’s witty script and powerful
direction effectively blended relevant satire, effective humour, and
skin-crawling tension, while uncovering layers upon repeat viewings. By launching
the Sunken Place instantly into pop-culture, and searing the fear-stricken face of our lead into viewers minds, this is a horror film you’ll want to have watched a third time.
42. The Shape of
Water (2017)
Set in an early 1960’s aesthetic, Guillermo Del Toro crafts
a romance unlike any other, feeling like a cross between The Creature From
The Black Lagoon, and Splash, while serving as a wonderful film in
its own right. After forming a bond with an amphibian man, a mute cleaner seeks
a way to save his life, while falling for him. Considering Sally Hawkins and
Doug Jones have to rely on physicality and facial expressions, the pair
exceptionally sell their romance, and manage to say a lot more than other speaking
romances can dream to do.
41. Phantom Thread
(2017)
If this is indeed the farewell performance of Daniel Day
Lewis, then he certainly went out on a high note. He portrays Reynolds
Woodcock, a renowned dressmaker who lives a routine orientated lifestyle, and
his coiling anger is sensed at even the slightest alteration, no matter how
well meaning the actions. He falls into an unconventional romance with Alma,
his muse that’s phenomenally played by Vicky Krieps. As the two exchange words,
one feels in the presence of expert swordwielders, parrying one another’s blows
with the utmost precision, and this twisted pairing allows us into this
gripping view at London fashion.
40. Creed (2015)
With only his second feature film, Ryan Coogler showed how
to reinvigorate a tired franchise, as Rocky Balboa returns to train a new
protégé in Donnie, the son of Apollo Creed. An exceptional Michael
B. Jordan plays the lead role, as he perfectly captures the rage which comes from living in the
shadow of a famous father he never knew, while being fearful of failing to live
up to the Creed surname. An examination of the weight of legacy, which ensures
the emotional moments hit as powerfully as the character’s fists.
39. Girlhood
(2015)
Born out of an intent to provide some needed representation,
Céline Sciamma wanted to capture the stories of black teenagers, due to such
faces rarely being seen on French TV. Through that, a tale about friendships is
touchingly captured, woven into the lifestyles of poor residents, residing in a
Paris suburb. Living in a household ruled by her abusive brother, while
societal pressures weigh heavily on her life, Marieme finds solace in a gang of
girls. An engrossing story which delivers one of the decades most perfect
scenes, as we witness the friends dancing to Rhianna’s “Diamonds”, where the
issues of their realities fade away, and they get lost within the perfect
moment of utter happiness.
38. Inside Llewyn
Davis (2013)
From an unexpected pregnancy to a hellish ride, each
instance within this film is yet another unfortunate occurrence, heaped onto
the miserable life of Llewyn Davis. Oscar Isaac perfectly portrays this musician’s deep
sadness, which manifests into a bitter and volatile nature. He’s struggling to
cope with the suicide of his dear friend, who was also his musical partner, and
hinders his attempt at a musical career. Captured through smoky cinematography,
with a soundtrack that’s ripe for being replayed ad nauseum, this Coen Brothers
flick is one of their more underrated.
37. Into the Abyss
(2011)
Achieving what he describes as “a gaze into the abyss of the
human soul”, Werner Herzog delivers intimate conversations, including one with
28-year old death row inmate Michael Perry. A thought-provoking documentary
tackling the death penalty, as well as what drives people to kill, and the
effect it leaves upon others. This isn’t an easy watch, but it’s certainly a
rewarding one which’ll leave you appreciating life a little bit more.
36. Son of Saul
(2016)
For his directorial debut, László Nemes delivers a harrowing picture that won’t easily be forgotten. The horrors of working in a concentration camp are hauntingly captured, as the atrocities are unthinkably an everyday occurrence, where Saul’s facial expression remain unchanged. The camera mirrors the story in how it's focused on our lead, while the sounds of screams and ghastly actions occur just off the screen, they leave a scar on your memory. An important watch, but not an easy one.
35. Kill List
(2011)
Ben Wheatley’s first foray into horror is one of the most
exemplary examples of the 2010s. Two hitmen take a new assignment, expecting a
big payoff for completing three killings, but what begins as an easy task
doesn’t remain that way. From the word go, you can feel the tension simmering
at every turn, as this slow-burn grows more unnerving as it continues onwards.
Don’t read anything else about this film, just bear witness to this job from hell, and
prepare to have it stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
34. Roma (2018)
A personal tale told with great patience, Alfonso Cuarón
brings a real sense of authenticity in this story about a domestic worker named
Cleo, helping a mother of four care for her children. Viewers are made to soak
in the sumptuously shot visuals within this emotionally resonant tale, grasping
your attention with the smallest of moments, ready to leave you tearful over
the simplest of scenes.
33. BlacKkKlansman (2018)
The film which finally got Spike Lee an Oscar, he adapts the story of a black detective infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan, which becomes more than its comedic sketch sounding premise. There may be entertaining and humorous moments, but the real-life story of Ron Stallworth is turned into something so hard-hitting, with clear relevance to this day. Racism isn’t highlighted as a horrendous thing we’ve gotten past, but a piece of human horror which remains prominent today, and Lee captures it so compellingly.
32. Fruitvale
Station (2013)
Based on the tragic shooting of Oscar Grant, Ryan Coogler
and Michael B. Jordan make their first collaboration, which also may be their
best one. Jordan captures Grant as a man trying to leave behind his troubled
past, in order to provide for both his girlfriend and his daughter. The film
doesn’t try to hide how this story will end, as a sense of dread
plays throughout, while scenes underline a lost future for this man, shared
with those he loves, full of hopes, promises, and dreams. A heartbreaking and
moving piece which deserves to be seen widely.
31. Before
Midnight (2013)
The closure to a trilogy, separated between instalments by 9
years, Richard Linklater reunites audiences with Jesse and Celeste as more
mature adults. They aren’t hindered by other halves or deadlines, but are
finally together, and with twin daughters to boot. But the pairing are their
own worst enemies, as discussions and tender moments turn into arguments, where
long-simmering topics burst forth, to add fuel to the fire. It all feels so
achingly real, as this pairing we’ve long rooted for getting together have
naturally progressed, and their long romance is compelling enough to hold an
entire film together. Bring on a fourth instalment.
30. Incendies
(2010)
Before he came to work on English language films, Denis
Villeneuve was making just as exemplary films for France, and this one ranks
among his very best. A mother’s last wishes sends her twins on a journey to the
middle east, to discover their family history among their mothers tangled past.
Adapted from an acclaimed play, this powerful tale is a masterfully crafted
tragedy, spellbinding in how the plot unfolds. A stunning journey is taken
which shall leave you staggering, and unable to shake this tale for quite some
time.
29. The LEGO Movie
(2014)
A feature film centred around LEGO? Has Hollywood run out of ideas? Not when you hire such a talented pair as Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who take a concept which could’ve just been “Product Placement: The Movie”, and craft it with such wit and emotion which appeals to all ages. The story of Emmett, an ordinary mini-figure mistaken for the Chosen One, joins a quest to stop an evil tyrant, and it makes for a strong story about how anyone of us can reach beyond our aspirations, and the sheer power of pure imagination. A modern animated classic, which can be enjoyed by everybody.
28. 12 Years A
Slave (2013)
Steve McQueen holds back no punches in depicting the story
of Solomon Northup, a free man who’s separated from his family, when he’s
kidnapped and forced into slavery. Between Chiwetel Ejiofor’s masterful
portrayal, an unpredictably frightening Michael Fassbender, and Lupita Nyong’o
making herself known through an exceptional performance, the horrors of slavery
are captured in a manner both powerful and draining.
27. Shoplifters
(2018)
A story of a financially poor family, whose struggles to get
by sees them resorting to shoplifting, just to have access to the bare
necessities. After one such session, the father and son come by a little girl
in the freezing cold, and after learning of the hardships she faces, the family
agrees to take care of her. Hirokazu Kore-eda wonderfully captures a film about
family not being limited to blood relatives, positively bursting with emotion,
and being emotional and humanistic, in the most masterful of ways.
26. Your Name
(2016)
As two high schoolers wake up, they find themselves
inhabiting each other’s bodies at regular occurrences. But Makoto Shinkai has
crafted more than just an anime try on Freaky Friday, as when the film
unveils its hand, the story goes to some wonderful places, all told in such a
masterful manner. The exceptional balance of science-fiction storytelling, and
a character focus, will keep you thoroughly gripped until the credits roll, and
hope everything turns out for the characters on their personal journeys.
25. Bait (2019)
It may be presented in black and white, and shot on a
vintage camera, but that didn’t stop this film by Mark Jenkin from becoming the
most successful Cornish film ever made. Set in a Cornish fishing village,
Gentrification is the enemy to the long-term residents who’ve made their
livings on the local surroundings. Tensions rise all throughout while
commenting on class divides, feeling unbearably white-knuckled, and ready
to pop at any time. Audiences turned out for this experimental labour of love,
and that’s just proof people are still willing to try something different.
24. Paddington 2
(2017)
As the world seems to get more bleak, the power of something
so kind-hearted as Paddington 2 should not be underestimated. A loving
bear hug of a film which improves on its predecessor, packed with equal parts
hilarity, joy, and pure emotion. Inhabited by the spirit of It’s A Wonderful
Life, Paul King reminds us to never underestimate the importance of a kind
deed, however small. For anybody who dismisses empathy, this is a hard stare in
their direction.
23. Star Wars: The
Last Jedi (2017)
Whatever decisions were made in The Rise of Skywalker,
they don’t negate the power of what Rian Johnson delivered just two years
prior. This wasn’t what audiences expected from the middle chapter of this
trilogy, as archetypes were confronted, expected story beats were subverted,
and we saw who truly profits from these many wars. Between the stellar
character work and the stunning visuals brought alive through visionary eyes,
this was something fresh which was necessary for the franchise.
22. Blade Runner
2049 (2017)
Of all the long-gestating sequels to beloved films (of
which, many have been released), Denis Villeneuve has possibly crafted the very
best one, made with the utmost care and respect. The unearthing of a
long-buried secret begins an investigation led by Ryan Gosling’s Officer K,
which leads him to the missing figure that is Rick Deckard, embodied once more
by Harrison Ford. A slow-burn, it may be, but every one of the 164 minutes are
utterly engrossing, as thought-provoking musings are set to stunning visuals,
and a score that’s a treat for the ears.
21. Whiplash
(2014)
Before winning Best Director for his love-letter to
Hollywood, Damien Chazelle delivered one of the most emotionally exhausting,
and intense, experiences in recent cinema. Wishing to become one of the world’s
greatest drummers, Miles Teller’s Andrew has his aspirations pushed by his
teacher, who believes his sadistic methods to be greater motivation than the
words “good job” could ever be. Is being considered “one of the greats” worth
sacrificing essentially everything else in your life? There is no definitive
answer left, but what Chazelle has left us with, is just my tempo.
20. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)/Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Yes, putting these two films together is a bit of a cheat, but now they’re both out, it felt wrong to separate them. The culmination of a saga which began in 2008, this cinematic universe experiment reaches its real test, as franchises and characters collide, in efforts to stop Thanos exacting his horrific plan for the universe, and decimating half of all living creatures. A brave and affecting conclusion to a decade’s worth of cinematic storytelling, balancing tones, characters, and locations so very well, while wonderfully serving each one in their moments. It’s emotional, pulse-pounding, ambitious, and there’ll be nothing else like it.
19. The Social
Network (2010)
Considering how big a part of everyday conversation it is,
it’s easy to forget the smaller beginnings of Facebook. Adapted from the 2009
book The Accidental Billionaires, David Fincher crafts an engrossing
story from one man’s quest to see his vision realised, no matter what it costs
him. Between the exceptional cast (led by a never better Jesse Eisenberg),
Aaron Sorkin’s smart script, and the powerful score, Fincher gifted viewers
with one of his best films. A Citizen Kane for the social media age.
18. Dreams of a
Life (2011)
In January 2006, Joyce Vincent’s remains were discovered in
her flat, having died while wrapping Christmas presents, 3 years prior.
Director Carol Morley speaks to those who knew Joyce, to shed light onto who
she was, and left us with an utterly heartbreaking documentary. It taps into
the very human fears of dying alone, looking back on the little things of life,
and how the memories we make are more important than we realise. Give it a
watch, and let those you’re close to know how much they mean to you.
17. Toy Story 3
(2010)
Closing off a trilogy is hard, especially when the third
film is often infamous for being the weakest entry. The worry was there leading up to
this film, and Pixar thankfully knocked it out of the park. Building off Toy
Story 2, the toys face inevitable abandonment as Andy grows up, leading to
them finding solace in Sunnyside Daycare, run by a vicious teddy bear who
smells of Strawberries. What occurs may contain one of the most saddening
scenes ever put into a family film, but it’s also full of joy and humour, and
is a masterful close to these toys’ adventures in the life of Andy.
16. Confessions
(2010)
Opening in a classroom, Tetsuya Nakashima begins his tale
with a teacher speaking to her class. Her daughter was murdered by two of her
students, and through Takako Matsu’s commanding performance, we see a grieving
mother’s determination to get her revenge. That’s just the opening 20 minutes. What follows that is a gripping piece of psychological warfare, as the layers
unfold right until the end credits roll.
15. Drive (2011)
The film made Ryan Gosling into a named star, Nicolas Winding-Refn delivers an artistic tale, captured so wonderfully between the
stylised visuals, and the electronic score. A getaway driver performs a job for
mobsters, so they will leave a woman and her son alone, but the job doesn’t go
as planned. A subtle tale which says so much, while dialogue is kept to a
minimum, and the exceptional performances go a long way to depicting this.
Despite holding off on constantly showing car chases and violence, when they’re
executed, the film really goes for broke. One elevator set scene remains a
litmus test for how much you’ll be able to take.
14. Portrait Of A Lady On Fire (2019)
If you could only use one film to explain why Céline Sciamma is one of the best filmmakers working today, this would be it. Set in the eighteenth century, Marianne has been commissioned to paint a portrait of Héloïse, an aristocrat who's to be married to a Milanese nobleman. Neither woman counted on falling in love with each other, and what unfolds is an affecting romance about longing, powerfully brought alive by a pair of masterful performances. Their every interaction, each glance, it makes for a compelling love story which leaves your heart hammering away, before it gets completely and utterly shattered.
13. Parasite
(2019)
As the decade closed out, more films seemed interested in highlighting
the struggle with class, and this was one of the very best examples of that
issue. The plot sees a financially struggling family granted with an
opportunity, and each manage to position themselves into the employment of a
wealthy family. What Bong Joon-Ho delivers is a biting piece of satire, full of
heart and humour, which is phenomenally acted by the cast. The journey you’re
taken on is completely extraordinary, and makes for one hell of an experience.
Go in blind, and come ready to recommend it to your friends.
12. Short Term 12
(2013)
Written from his own experiences, Destin Daniel Cretton
brings to screen a heart-wrenching story set at a foster care facility, where
our characters help at-risk teens. Each
character are wonderfully shaded, fully rounded human beings, brought alive
with thanks to an all-star “before they were famous” line-up of cast-members.
Most exemplary is Brie Larson, who gives one of the best performances of the
entire decade. Told with complete sincerity, empathy, and humanity, this is a
masterpiece which will make you laugh, break your heart, and leaving you
feeling warm inside.
11. The Farewell
(2019)
Based on an actual lie, the next feature by Lulu Wang is a
personal story, about the lies we tell to those we love. A Chinese-American
woman discovers her beloved Grandmother has been given a terminal diagnosis,
and her family want to keep her in the dark about her own illness. They fly out
to visit her, rapidly staging a wedding as a cover-up. The premise could’ve
just been a novelty, but it’s a heartfelt depiction about cultural differences,
with the intent on making a beloved family member as comfortable as possible. A
resonant piece of cinema, this is a masterclass in both humour and emotion.
10. Inside Out
(2015)
Over the past decade, Pixar’s output was dominated by
sequels and prequels to their already popular films, and nestled within was
this stunning depiction of a young girl’s inner emotions. As they’re separated
from their work-station, Joy and Sadness take a road-trip to return, to try and
ensure their girl is alright. Full of imagination and likeability, this
impactful story depicts how no emotion is useless, and especially captures the
importance of sadness. Somehow, Pixar delivered one of their very best films 20
years after their very first one.
9. Boy (2010)
Taika Waititi may be better known for his stories about
vampires, Asgardians, and Wilderpeople, but his best story happens to be
smaller and more personal, about a boy who tells tales. When his long-absent
father returns, he has to contend with how he’s mistaken fantasy for reality,
and realise his personal hero isn’t the man he remembers him as. A humorous and
heartwarming tale which connects emotionally, conveying so much when words are
not necessary, and even keeping hope alive by the end of it all.
8. The Handmaiden
(2016)
Adapting Sarah Waters’ Victorian London set novel, Park
Chan-Wook relocates it to 1930's Korea, and the change of location compliments
the story very well. A young pickpocket is hired as handmaiden to a Japanese
heiress, living a secluded life with her domineering uncle. The pickpocket has
been recruited as part of a plot to rob her of her fortune, but she didn’t
expect to catch feelings for the heiress. What’s been composed is a
multi-layered and duplicitous tale which would make Hitchcock proud, as the 145-minute runtime flies by. But at its heart, this is a wonderful
romance about two souls helping each other through a rotten scenario, and will
have you ready to re-watch it immediately afterwards.
7. Spider-Man:
Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
As one of the most popular superheroes over decades, you’d
think there’s few ways left to depict Spider-Man, but we were thankfully proven
wrong. Through a gorgeous visual style which recalls the comic-book medium, we’ve
been gifted with this fantastic love-letter to the character, as various
webslingers are transported across dimensions, to team up and stop a threat to
all reality. In their own way, each wallcrawler is wonderfully depicted, where
there’s no wrong answer as to which is your favourite. But at its heart, this
is Miles Morales’ story, who feels the pressure to discover who he is, and do
justice to the mantle of Spider-Man. What a beautifully realised triumph,
bursting with heart and humour.
6. Blindspotting
(2018)
Many films over this decade captured racial politics in
exceptional ways, but for me, none felt more powerful than this directorial debut by
Carlos López Estrada. Collin has three more days of his probation left, before
he has a chance at a new start in life, but he's left haunted upon
witnessing a police shooting. This absolutely fierce piece of filmmaking
tackles numerous timely topics, centred by a long-enduring friendship, captured
with nuance, care, and the most captivating use of freestyle rap. Powerful and
absorbing, this is something utterly unforgettable.
5. The Cabin in
The Woods (2012)
It begins with a familiar premise, as five friends take a
journey to a remote cabin within the woods. Where it goes is all but typical,
as Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon have taken a clear adoration for the horror
genre, and utilised it to craft a wicked smart take on the genre. An experience
that’s equal parts unsettling and hilarious, you’ll be hard pressed to see
what’s done here elsewhere, or at least in such an inventive manner. Go into
this as blind as possible, and reap the benefits, for the experience will give
you such a husband’s bulge.
4. Arrival (2016)
What would happen if alien life-forms appeared on Earth?
We’ve gotten many depictions of this scenario, ranging from heartfelt family
films like E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, and entertaining actioners in the
vein of Independence Day. Denis Villeneuve approaches this situation in
a more thoughtful manner, as an expert linguist tries to communicate with them,
to discover their intentions. What we’re left with is an intelligent piece of
science-fiction, relevantly capturing the necessity of communication, in a
gripping manner. We’re also left with a masterful performance from Amy Adams,
who deserved to be recognised by The Academy.
3. Mad Max: Fury
Road (2015)
After 30 years, George Miller returns to the
post-apocalyptic world of the Mad Max series, and time has done nothing
to calm his style. Tom Hardy’s Max helps Imperator Furisoa as she drives a
tyrannical ruler’s wives to a new future, to a promised life which doesn’t
include slavery. But what’s most important to the plot is the forward motion,
driven by what’s essentially one long chase scene. The cinematic equivalent of
an adrenaline shot to the heart, the exceptional vehicular carnage drives the
plot in the most vital and necessary moments, building a world in the most
maddening, and engrossing, of ways. What a lovely day.
2. Hereditary
(2018)
Has coping with grief ever been depicted in such horrific
way? Through a number of exceptional performances (including a career-best Toni
Collette), Ari Aster captures the unravelling of a family in this unnerving
slow-burn, ready to burrow itself under your skin. Throughout the 127-minute
runtime, the tension keeps building upon itself to leave you on edge, while
what’s witnessed on the screen is mightily effective way of making your blood
run cold. Prepare to have images burned into your mind, for a long time after
initial viewing.
1. Moonlight (2016)
In my mind, no film was more worthy of the top spot than
Barry Jenkins’ tender story about a young man finding who he is, and coming to
terms with his sexuality. Told across three key chapters in his life, each of
the actors who portray Chiron are exceptional finds, bringing alive the inner
struggles of self-acceptance, while coping with the various obstacles throughout
this life. A touching realisation of identity, and the need to connect, told
through gorgeous visuals in a timeless manner, this is my choice for the best
film of the 2010s.
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