Film critics Nicholas Barber and Caryn James share their standout moments of the year, featuring an erotic thriller with a surprising twist, a deeply personal papal drama, and the much-anticipated comeback of a swords-and-sandals epic.
1. Immaculate
Sydney Sweeney, who also takes on the role of producer, shines in this delightfully eerie horror film centered around an American novice nun discovering the unsettling truths hidden within an Italian convent. Immaculate has the potential to be a run-of-the-mill nunsploitation B-movie, yet it stands out in numerous ways, offering a striking commentary on the treatment of women by men and featuring cinematography that evokes the grandeur of Renaissance religious art. The film’s most remarkable feature is its boldness in pushing boundaries to astonishing extremes. There are endless instances while viewing it that make you think, “No… they can’t possibly take that route… they wouldn’t…” And then they take action.
2. Civil War
The responses to this film were nearly as divided as the fractured nation it portrays, clearly indicating that Alex Garland struck a chord with his depiction of a near-future America plunged into civil war under a fascist leader. Kirsten Dunst takes the spotlight as a daring photojournalist, joined by her colleagues – portrayed by Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, and Stephen McKinley Henderson – who bravely put themselves in harm’s way to capture and share the unfolding events around them. Garland brings an intense and dynamic energy to the action, showcasing everything from the roar of guns and tanks in the heart of Washington DC to fierce, personal confrontations in the deceptively tranquil countryside. The film’s most chilling element lies in its masterful portrayal of fiction, teetering on the edge of our own reality. While some viewers expressed dissatisfaction with Garland’s lack of a sharper political conflict, I find the film’s portrayal of a disturbingly plausible war-torn future to be profoundly unsettling.
3. Love Lies Bleeding
At the beginning of Love Lies Bleeding, Kristen Stewart’s character endures a life filled with misery, a familiar theme in many of her roles. In a small town, she runs a rundown gym, navigating the challenges of avoiding her gangster father, played by Ed Harris, while desperately trying to convince her sister, portrayed by Jena Malone, to leave her abusive marriage. Everything shifts when a captivating drifter, portrayed by Katy O’Brian, makes a stop on her journey to a body-building contest in Las Vegas. Passion ignites, and the explosive combination of steamy encounters, unexpected chaos, and sheer madness continues to unfold. A captivating and darkly humorous lesbian film noir from Rose Glass, the British director known for her acclaimed horror feature Saint Maud, Love Lies Bleeding stands out as the most entertaining and inventive indie crime thriller since Good Time (2017), which notably featured Stewart’s Twilight co-star, Robert Pattinson.
4. La Chimera
Alice Rohrwacher’s films, including the remarkable 2018 release Happy as Lazzaro, are infused with a captivating sense of magic realism. La Chimera, located in the enchanting landscape of Tuscany during the 1980s, stands out as one of her finest works, beautifully balancing the realms of vivid realism and ethereal dreams. In this gripping tale, Josh O’Connor takes on the role of Arthur, an Englishman who teams up with a crew of local Italian graverobbers. Together, they embark on a thrilling quest to unearth ancient artifacts hidden within Etruscan tombs, all with the aim of selling their treasures on the black market. With a disheveled appearance and a heavy heart, Arthur is grappling with the pain of losing his beloved, Beniamina. One character expresses his quest in the underground for “a door to the afterlife,” and at times, he appears to discover it. Rohrwacher possesses a remarkable ability to uncover beauty in decay, be it the grand, crumbling residence of Beniamina’s mother (Isabella Rossellini) or in Arthur himself. The narrative unfolds with relentless momentum, filled with peril, criminal undertakings, and thrilling police chases. Yet, it is O’Connor’s touching, understated yet magnetic portrayal, coupled with Rohrwacher’s sophisticated direction and the exquisite cinematography of Helene Louvart, that truly defines the film’s essence.
5. Robot Dreams
Robot Dreams stands out as a truly unique cartoon experience. This production, a blend of Spanish and French influences, serves as a heartfelt tribute to the dynamic spirit of 1980s New York. Animated in a charming 2D picture-book style, it brims with delightful tiny details. Despite the absence of dialogue, it is infused with cleverness and insight. At its core, this story intertwines the lives of a dog and a robot, offering a profound and deeply human examination of loneliness and the quest for companionship. Based on Sara Varon’s graphic novel and helmed by Pablo Berger, this Oscar-nominated treasure weaves a captivating story of two friends who discover the warmth of their bond – only to face the challenge of learning to navigate life separately.
6. Io Capitano
This migrant drama stands out for its stirring, humane, and suspenseful portrayal of a 16-year-old boy’s perilous journey from Senegal in pursuit of a better life. Matteo Garrone, known for Gomorrah, took home the best director award at the 2023 Venice Film Festival for his latest film. In a standout performance, non-professional actor Seydou Sarr captured the best young actor award for his role as Seydou, a tender-hearted boy with dreams of reaching Italy alongside his cousin, Moussa. Every phase of the boys’ journey unveils a unique peril. As they journeyed across the vast expanse of the Sahara alongside fellow migrants, Seydou experienced a surreal moment when one woman passed away. He watched in disbelief as her spirit seemed to float through the air, a haunting reflection of the overwhelming reality they faced. He faces imprisonment and torture in Libya. In the climactic moments, he must navigate a boat brimming with migrants toward Italy, which lends the film its title, Io Capitano (I Captain). In a masterful display of brevity, Garrone and Sarr craft a poignant and strikingly authentic film that captures the essence of one individual’s journey, echoing the experiences of countless others across the globe.
7. Perfect Days
It might surprise you to learn that a person whose job involves cleaning public toilets has discovered the key to happiness, yet Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days compellingly argues this point. A captivating Japanese-language film crafted by a German writer-director, this mesmerizing character study traces Hirayama (Kōji Yakusho) through the streets of Tokyo. As he diligently performs his janitorial tasks, nurtures his plants, immerses himself in novels, enjoys American rock music, and captures the beauty of trees through photography, he embodies a serene dedication and pride in every moment. The film subtly reveals glimpses of Hirayama’s evolving life and the potential for future transformation, yet at its heart, it serves as a contemplative exploration of the tranquility found in a life distilled to its fundamental elements. The public toilets are so expertly designed that Perfect Days could easily transform them into must-see tourist attractions.
8. Gladiator II
Ridley Scott’s sequel to his 2000 swords-and-sandals Oscar winner delivers an exceptional viewing experience. Paul Mescal shines in his dynamic and often underrated role as Lucius, a gladiator with a hidden claim to the Roman Empire’s throne. The relentless, captivating action unfolds in the Colosseum, where gladiators face off against an array of formidable foes, including sharks, baboons, and rhinos. Mescal grounds the film, allowing us to experience Lucius’s profound anger and vulnerability. In the shadow of the Colosseum, Denzel Washington delivers a larger-than-life performance as the opulent, jewel-adorned tycoon who acquires Lucius for his collection of fighters. Pedro Pascal makes an appearance as a commanding Roman general, while Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger bring an unsettling vibe as the decadent twin emperors who occupy Lucius’s rightful throne. Vibrant and delightfully extravagant, Gladiator II delivers all the thrills you crave in a blockbuster, showcasing that when Scott is at the top of his game, he creates a spectacle like no other.
9. Babygirl
Babygirl features Nicole Kidman in the role of a high-powered executive leading a billion-dollar robotics firm, with Harris Dickinson portraying an arrogant young intern. The moment she sees him, an undeniable spark ignites within her, hinting that he could fulfill her desires in ways her devoted husband, Antonio Banderas, never could. Thus begins a tantalizing and daring dance of power and surrender. This could very well serve as the foundation for a sleek erotic thriller from the 1980s or 1990s. Babygirl often appears to embody this essence, featuring stunning stars, high-fashion attire, and opulent backdrops. However, writer-director Halina Reijn (Bodies Bodies Bodies) demonstrates a deep empathy for her characters, steering clear of portraying them as mere predatory seducers or unfortunate victims, a trope that might have defined similar films from decades past. Rather, they are complex characters navigating chaotic lives and clashing desires, adding layers of intrigue and unpredictability to their affair.
10. Hard Truths
Once again, Mike Leigh demonstrates that a film can be truly remarkable without the need for grandiosity or excessive flair. After twenty-eight years since Secrets and Lies, the director joins forces once again with Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who takes on the role of Pansy. Pansy is engulfed in despair, firmly believing that the world is her enemy, leading her to strike out at everyone around her, from casual acquaintances to her closest loved ones. The performance is truly remarkable—intense and passionate, yet brimming with compassion and insight. Leigh and Jean-Baptiste craft a compelling narrative that evokes deep sympathy for Pansy. Her bitterness and harsh demeanor stem from a profound unhappiness that remains beyond her understanding, yet the portrayal is devoid of sentimentality or undue favoritism. The supporting cast shines, particularly Michele Austin in her role as Pansy’s sister, portraying a family that is both concerned for her and perplexed about how to help. Once again, Leigh demonstrates his exceptional ability to draw us into the essence of everyday existence in a film that, even with its complex heroine, is occasionally sprinkled with humor and consistently radiates warmth.
11. All We Imagine as Light
Payal Kapadia made her mark with her debut feature film, a documentary released in 2021. However, it wasn’t until this year, with the launch of her first drama, that she captured the attention of audiences and established herself among the most thrilling young directors in the world.All We Imagine as Light features Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Chhaya Kadam, portraying three Indian women from different generations, all connected through their experiences at the same Mumbai hospital. Each woman carries her own heartache: one faces eviction from her marital home after becoming a widow, another is separated by thousands of miles from a husband she barely knows, and the third is in love with a man her parents will never accept. As the women contemplate the choice between remaining in Mumbai or returning to their home villages, this evocative, lyrical film celebrates the enchanting allure of exploring a bustling city under the night sky. By seamlessly merging fiction with documentary, this experience is so intimate and evocative that it transports you through the city, walking alongside cherished friends.
12. Emilia Pérez
Emilia Pérez is truly one of a kind. Boldly creative, wildly eccentric, and thoroughly engaging, Jacques Audiard’s musical drama defies expectations with its outrageousness. Yet, the elements come together with remarkable cleverness and vibrant energy, making it a resounding success. Karla Sofía Gascón portrays the fierce Mexican crime lord, Manitas, who undergoes a transformative journey to become Emilia, aided by her lawyer, Zoe Saldana. Emilia takes on the guise of a distant cousin to stay near her beloved wife, Selena Gomez, and their children. As she immerses herself in philanthropy, the shadows of her past begin to close in, revealing the criminal instincts she thought she had left behind. The movie bursts with vibrant musical performances and captivating dance sequences, seamlessly intertwined with intense action scenes. However, beneath that vibrant exterior, the characters undergo profound transformations, leaving a lasting emotional impact by the conclusion; Saldana and Gomez truly shine. Amidst a sea of superheroes and sequels, this film shines with its unique flair. Audiard masterfully blends a vibrant array of genres, creating a bold and heartfelt cinematic experience.
13. Nosferatu
For an extended period, on-screen vampires have oscillated between being alluring (True Blood, Twilight) and comical (Hotel Transylvania, Renfield). However, Robert Eggers’s remarkable remake of FW Murnau’s silent classic returns these creatures to their ancient origins in European folklore while simultaneously infusing a contemporary twist on the themes found in Bram Stoker’s original Dracula novel.Nosferatu is a meticulously crafted period piece set in early 1800s Germany. Bill Skarsgård embodies the eerie Count Orlok – and, at last, we encounter a vampire who defies the typical archetypes of a suave seducer or a brooding outsider, presenting instead a truly bizarre and monstrous demonic presence. Eggers’s gothic melodrama transcends the mere presence of the count, captivating as he may be. Instead, it delves into the lives of Thomas Hutter (Nicholas Hoult) and his wife Ellen (Lily-Rose Depp), a couple on the brink of happiness. Their potential joy is jeopardized not only by the looming threat of the Transylvanian bloodsucker residing in the dilapidated manor nearby but also by their own insecurities surrounding class and intimacy.
14. Conclave
Conclave stands out as a captivating commercial film that seamlessly blends artistry with entertainment, enhanced by Edward Berger’s precise direction and Ralph Fiennes’ impressively nuanced portrayal of a cardinal overseeing the election of a new pope. Berger, the mastermind behind the Oscar-winning All Quiet on the Western Front, crafts a film that pulsates with the intensity of a gripping political thriller, delving into the cardinals’ cunning manipulations, underhanded tactics, and strategic maneuvering. The cinematography captivates with its stunningly composed shots, showcasing the vibrant hues of the cardinals’ robes against the majestic backdrop of the Vatican. Fiennes’ Cardinal Lawrence is all surface calm, yet we see how he is anguished as he questions his own faith. Prepare to be captivated by the stunning and finely crafted performances from Stanley Tucci, who brings a witty flair as a candidate for the top position, John Lithgow as a powerful cardinal with secrets to conceal, and Isabella Rossellini as a nun who quietly observes before seizing her moment to deliver a few incisive remarks. Conclave captivates like the finest Hollywood productions, blending intelligence, sophistication, and immense entertainment value.
15. Anora
A deserving champion of this year’s Palme d’Or, the prestigious accolade at the Cannes Film Festival, Anora unfolds the captivating and tumultuous story of Ani (Mikey Madison), a young Russian-American woman navigating life as a dancer in a Manhattan strip club. For a substantial fee, she consents to an intimate encounter with Vanya (Mark Eydelshteyn), the oblivious heir of a Russian oligarch, and before long, she starts to envision a potential future with him. Vanya’s parents are at odds with each other. Madison and Sean Baker, the film’s writer-director, have crafted a character bursting with energy, captivating audiences as she navigates her outrageous misadventures that are both exhilarating and laugh-out-loud funny. Baker consistently grounds his work in the authentic experiences of modern American life, much like he did in his earlier films, Tangerine and The Florida Project. Anora is a captivating portrayal of individuals facing their financial struggles, blending entertainment with genuine authenticity.
16. The Seed of the Sacred Fig
Disregard the perplexing title. This Iranian film stands out as one of the most impactful and relevant releases of the year. At its heart lies a family that personifies the political and generational turmoil sweeping through the nation. Iman, a resolute father, serves as an investigator for the Islamic Revolutionary Court in Tehran. His wife embodies meekness and compliance, while their two young adult daughters actively engage in the women’s protest movement on the streets. Director Mohammad Rasoulof weaves in real footage from the 2022 protests, yet the film stands as a gripping, suspenseful drama rather than a mere commentary. As Iman misplaces his gun and points fingers at his family, the chilling reality of his character emerges, revealing the profound defiance of his daughter against both him and the oppressive patriarchy of their country, transforming the narrative into a gripping thriller. Rasoulof secretly filmed the project, escaped Iran and a looming prison sentence to showcase it at Cannes, and now resides in exile in Germany. The on-screen action is what truly counts, delivering an intimate and intense drama that powerfully illustrates the brutal effects politics can impose on individuals.
17. The Substance
Coralie Fargeat’s genre-blending sensation kicks off as a polished and glamorous showbiz satire reminiscent of Sunset Boulevard. The story centers around a former Oscar-winning superstar (Demi Moore) who finds herself labeled as past her prime by the insufferable producer (Dennis Quaid) of her daytime TV show. The film transitions into a surreal sci-fi drama reminiscent of Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, as the former star invests in cloning herself, allowing her “younger, better” counterpart (Margaret Qualley) to seize control of the show. Following that, The Substance transforms into a grotesque creature feature, delivering an outrageous and slimy climax that leaves a lasting impression. The critique of Hollywood’s ageist and sexist tendencies is far from subtle; in fact, subtlety is clearly not the focus here. Fargeat demonstrates that when you have a powerful message and deliver it with conviction, even a modestly budgeted film can captivate audiences and spark lively discussions long after the credits roll.