2019 closes out this decade with creative, innovative, challenging films that we have now come to expect. So many fascinating filmmakers made their bold debut, utilizing unique techniques, helping establish a definitive style to 2010’s filmmaking. While some films homage the classics, others carved their own distinct identities through challenging film conventions, promising storied careers as we all head into the 2020’s.
20) Blinded By The Light
A charming and likable film, Gurinder Chadha’s latest work, while familiar in story, sores through sheer shameless love. The story of a Pakistani-British high schooler who’s inspired by Bruce Springsteen to become a writer is both a love letter to Bruce Springsteen, and a celebration of how art can transcend boundaries. Both Gurinder Chadha and writer Sarfraz Manzoor get Bruce Springsteen, and how his music is heartfelt and specific enough to speak to anyone, regardless of their background. The film captures that wonderful moment we’ve all experienced when you’ve just discovered a piece of art that truly speaks to you for the first time. Coupled with a charismatic breakout performance by Viveik Kalra, this is a feel-good movie that genuinely understands the influential power of art.
19) Queen & Slim
Equal parts poetic and intense, director Melina Matsoukas makes her mark as a challenging filmmaker with a no holds barred directing style that balances romance, power, and politics with confidence. The story of a man and a woman on the run after shooting a cop that was harassing them is both politically and emotionally charged. The film is a romance trapped inside a thriller, with the added drama of a frankly reluctant romance. At the same time, the overarching political text never undermines the romance, helped by excellent chemistry between Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith. It’s a fun and tragic Bonnie & Clyde story with enough unique elements, including a killer soundtrack, to forge an identity and legend of its own.
18) The Death of Dick Long
Daniel Scheinert’s follow-up to Swiss Army Man ups the ante in regards to hilarious creativity. I almost don’t want to talk about it too much because it’s frankly best to go in as blind as possible. This film is idiocy at its darkest and most outrageous, beginning with an intriguing mystery and evolving into a beautiful farce. With character after character each adding a unique layer of “what even the hell” to this mystery, I was constantly on my toes, laughing all the way. As outlandish it is, it still feels grounded at the same time, which only makes it weirder as it gets crazier. Helped excellent, breakout performances by Michael Abbott Jr., Andre Hyland, Janelle Cochrane, and Sarah Baker, The Death of Dick Long remains a unique animal waiting to be discovered alongside some alcohol on a Friday night. This is a film that deserves significantly more attention and will undoubtedly benefit from multiple re-watches; if you can stomach it by the end.
17) Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Tarantino’s latest movie showcases a low-key, more reflective entry into his filmography. Taking a more slice of life approach, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Tarantino uses the life of actor Richard Dalton and his bodyguard to profess his love for classic Hollywood at his most explicit. On top of Leonardo DiCaprio’s powerhouse performance and Brad Pitt showing off an old-school approach to cool, Tarantino gushes with old-Hollywood references and filmmaking techniques. Tarantino clearly wanted to tell this story for a long time, as on top of the fun exploring 60’s Hollywood there is clear anxiety in this film about his own relevance as a filmmaker, and how to move forward if he feels he peaked. It’s still Tarantino, so we do get some violence and bombast, but it never loses its reflective tone, which makes the film a unique entree into his ever-colorful oeuvre.
16) Waves
After Trey Edward Shults crushed my soul with his compelling psychological drama, It Comes At Night, I was curious about what he would do next. This was definitely the last film I expected from him, but I’m happier for it, as it is his most daring and experimental film to date. He takes a seemingly typical family drama about ambition and toxic masculinity and elevates it through his gorgeous cinematography and creative use of his soundtrack. It definitely has the best use Kanye West in any soundtrack. Of course on top of the filmmaking, the film is only as strong as its performances, and Sterling K Brown, Kelvin Harrison, and Taylor Russell in particular shine through all the flash and flair of the film’s production. There was genuinely no other film like it this year or this decade.
15) The Lighthouse
Robert Eggers’ intense and raw follow up to The Witch left me speechless, cold, and terrified. Showcasing a more daring use of his cinematography and sound design, incredible performances from both Robert Pattinson and Willam Defoe, and a mix of Lovecraftian horror and period detail, Eggers’ successfully created one of the most uncomfortable horror films to come out this year. On top of the film’s grim atmosphere, Eggers isn’t afraid to inject some dark comedy alongside the grit and gore. The humor doesn’t clash with the tone. In fact, it enhances it. Working life never felt so heartless and crushing, and this film captured that mentality expertly.
14) Uncut Gems
A white knuckle thriller that holds the audience at the edge of their seat, The Safdie Brothers continue to demonstrate how they are one of the grittiest directors working today. Uncut Gems gives us Adam Sandlers’ best performance in his entire career, as his portrayal of an adrenalin junkie diamond cutter professes his seediest, most sleazy character to date. The audience is thrust into the mind of a delusional addict, as Adam Sandler’s desperation is perfectly captured in the film’s production. It’s almost horrifying, as if the character is battling the universe itself to feed his addiction, and the film does such an excellent job getting me into his head, I almost started rooting for him. This is a film that never lets up, never slows down, and holds the audience’s heart with a vice.
13) The Nightingale
The anti-rape revenge movie, Jennifer Kent’s follow-up to The Babadook, continues to show how she’s a master of horror. The film tackles female empowerment, racism, colonization, and trauma with confidence and prowess. Subverting tropes from rape-revenge films, such as Ms. 45 and Thriller a Cruel Picture, Kent puts her characters, and the audience, on a hate-fueled journey through the worst of toxic masculinity and cultural appropriation. Mankind is viewed at its most horrific and its most powerful in this film, as we follow Aisling Franciosi quest for vengeance, and as we witness her journey, we experience her emotional ringer at its most brutal. Coupled with compelling performances from both Aisling Franciosi and Baykali Ganambarr, and intense action sequences in the Tasmanian wilderness, this is a film that earns its uncomfortable premise thanks to its compelling storytelling and characters.
12) The Farewell
Charming, funny, heartwarming, heart wrenching this film encompasses the full gambit of emotions. Lulu Wang breaks into the mainstream with her compelling and delightful sophomore feature, delving into themes about cultural anxiety in a relatable way. Awkwafina carries the film masterly, showing more range in her arsenal than the over-the-top characters she’s played in the past. Tzi Ma also plays an excellently layered performance, as he tries to reconcile with his mothers impending death, and Zhao Shuzhen is so charming as the grandmother, that frankly I want a prequel about her life. The film seemingly has a depressing premise, as it’s about Awkwafina learning about her grandmother’s fatal illness and trying to keep it a secret, as the family decided not to tell the grandmother. However, rather than beat you over the head with melodrama, Lulu Wang instead injects her characters with charm and personality, as they all feel like family members we know. I felt like I was part of the family and enjoying their company, making the heartfelt moments feel real and earned rather than manipulated. It simply is an earnest, heartfelt film.
11) Luce
Without being necessarily a thriller, Luce stands out as one of the gutsiest, most intense drama of the year, only because it constantly keeps the audience guessing. Most films have the audience identify with the main character, and often agree with how they handle a situation due to how the story is framed. With Luce, that’s not the case. The story of a model student being interrogated for his politically violent essay forces the audience to question how they would handle the situation. The audience is continuously second-guessing how they would handle this situation. While the natural reaction is to write the teacher off as overreacting, as strange situations pile up and liberal political conventions are challenges, it becomes more difficult to know who to support. Kelvin Harrison Jr. constantly manipulates both the characters’ and audiences’ emotions, and I loved every minute of it. Nothing is better than feeling tricked by the movie you’re watching, and this film does exactly that.
10) Skin
With the rise of white nationalists in the United States, few films are as essential and daring as Skin. The debut film of Guy Nattiv, the story of a white nationalist trying to leave his group is not only intense but also humanizing, without minimizing the danger of his beliefs. Moreover, the film is incredibly layered, showcasing the gaslighting tactics the group uses to try to keep him in. Jamie Bell gave a nuanced performance as Bryon Widner, balancing relatability, vulnerability, and rage with ease. Danielle Macdonald, Michael Coulter, and Vera Farmiga also give excellent performances, helping paint a picture of Bryon Widner’s internal conflict. Few films explore the issue of white supremacy from this perspective, and this film does so expertly.
9) Dolemite Is My Name
This film is the definition of a labor of love for everyone involved. Eddie Murphy gives his one of his best performance and is clearly loving every minute of playing Rudy Ray Moore. On top of being a celebration of Moore’s career, the film is genuinely inspirational for anyone struggling to follow their passion. Moreover, the film is just likable. Everyone from Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Keegan-Michael Key, Craig Robinson, Mike Epps, Tituss Burgess, and especially Wesley Snipes (who stole every scene he was in) was clearly having a tremendous amount of fun and sharing Eddie Murphy’s passion for celebrating Dolemite. For as much as he portrays Moore as flawed and kind of a huckster, Eddie Murphy nails Moore’s charisma, charm, and magnetism. Dolemite Is My Name will hopefully inspire a whole generation to explore the Dolemite franchise, and to pursue their passions, not matter the obstacles.
8) To the Ends of the Earth
Speaking of relatable and inspiration, few films captured the struggle of building your career and finding your passion like To the Ends of the Earth. This Japanese film about a young travel channel reporter covering a story about a mythical fish in Uzbekistan is the epitome of “the struggle is real.” Everyone (especially my age) has had to do ridiculous jobs and deal with nonsensical people to get by, with the hope that it will one day lead to their actual goal. Atsuko Maeda plays her character’s frustration naturally, never feeling like a jerk or out of line, just tired from the struggle. I felt her exhaustion and desire to do more with her life, as she works through every difficult interview and a physical chore, all with the forced smile that every low-level employee has had to give to annoying customers. At the same time, the film doesn’t feel exhausting, it feels hopeful, thanks heavily to Atsuko Maeda’s performance. I empathized with her struggle, but her charm and relatability kept me with her, hoping that she reaches her dream.
7) Climax
Chaos at its most glorious, Climax is Gaspar Noe’s wildest, most insane film today. A demented dance party of debauchery, Climax is less focused on plot and more on raw emotion and pain. The cinematography, choreography, and music perfectly capture the party’s descent into drug-fueled madness, as all the characters’ anxieties unfold for the audience to see with voyeuristic glee. The atmosphere throughout the film is intoxicating as it envelops the audience into the party, clutching their nerves with no hope for escape. Climax is more than a film; it’s an experience unto itself.
6) The Last Black Man in San Francisco
Equally as sincere as it is passionate, Last Black Man in San Francisco goes above and beyond with using cinematic language to showcase the emotions of the characters. The story of a man trying to keep the house that his grandfather built, is told with beautiful cinematography and a bellowing soundtrack. Joe Talbot makes the most of his debut feature, telling a small story with a large scale. The film captures the frustration and heartbreaking of living in a city that doesn’t feel like it loves you back, bringing real emotional weight to the issue of gentrification. The film gives a political subject that affects people across the country raw emotion, so it resonates with the audience without feeling lectured too. The film is based on the life of Talbot’s friend, Jimmie Fails, who makes his acting debut. You feel his raw energy in every scene he’s in, a passion that is only heightened by the fact that he’s acting out real moments in his life, real emotions he felt. Like a number of the films on this list, Last Black Man of San Francisco feels like a true labor of love.
5) Tigers Are Not Afraid
Combining urban fantasy and supernatural horror, Tigers Are Not Afraid acts as an engaging coming of age story along with a terrifying horror film. Telling the story of a child haunted by the spirit of her dead mother while joining a group of street kids is empathetic, intense, and terrifying in its realism. The best horror comes from real life, and the poverty and gang violence that reinforce the horror in this film is omnipresent throughout the film. It’s a unique approach to horror and fantasy reinforces the childlike perspective of the film, which allows us to empathize more with the main characters. The acting from all the children is fantastic, and Issa López’s direction balances wonderment and horror with ease.
4) We Are Little Zombies
The most anti-cynicism movie ever made, We Are Little Zombies takes the incredibly dark setup of kids who become friends in a funeral home after all their parents die at the same time and injects fun, life, and humor with such boisterous enthusiasm. The debut feature of Makoto Nagahisa, the film utilizes pop-punk and 8-bit video game aesthetics to create a unique animal that spits in the face of selfishness, corruption, and isolation. What do they do when they lose their parents? They start a rock band! That is awesome! Coupled with fantastic acting from all the kids and Nagahisa’s unique direction, this film is the epitome of fun in the face of tragedy.
3) The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then The Bigfoot
A movie about legends, masculinity, and myths, Robert D. Krzykowski’s debut film tricks the audience into watching a heartfelt movie about a man reflecting on his life; and the sacrifices he made. Telling the story of a soldier who famously killed Hitler and is now being asked to kill bigfoot, the film breaks down the legends heroes build for themselves and gets to the heart of the sacrifices heroes make when building these legends. Sam Elliot gives an astoundingly vulnerable performance, and thereby gives weight and power to every conversation and scene he is in. Watching the film feels like listening to a war story from a veteran, as the poetic dialogue and lofty production gives great emotion to these stories.
2) Jojo Rabbit
Jewish comedy at its finest, Jojo Rabbit takes the outlandish concept of a boy with Hitler as an imaginary friend and creates a hilarious anti-hate comedy. Like Tigers are Not Afraid, Jojo Rabbit balances its comedy and childlike perspective with a dark edge. It presents hate and anti-Semitism as more than just horrific, but idiotic. The film’s goal is to rob the Nazis of their power through comedy, similar to previous Jewish Nazi Comedies like The Producers or To Be Or Not To Be. Taika Waititi understands that comedy can be used as a weapon against hate, and he succeeds in doing so. At the same time, he also captures how hate can be corrupting and slowly build into becoming more genuinely horrific if unchecked. As such, the film isn’t just funny, it’s culturally relevant, and an excellent addition to the pantheon of Jewish humor.
1) Parasite
Like The Death of Dick Long earlier, it’s a film best gone into blind. Just know that director Bong Joon-ho excels once again at creating a unique, intricate, and hilarious film. The film masterly blends genres, with elements of comedy and horror shifting alongside each other. Moreover, the film succeeds in political commentary without being too overt, using cinematic language through well-placed cinematography to present political themes. There is genuinely no other film truly like Parasite. It is as fun as it is intricate. Please go out of your way to watch this film.
Honorable Mentions: Midsommar, Gasoline Thieves, Hustlers, Plus One, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Little Monsters, John Wick 3, I Lost My Body, Avengers: Endgame, 1917, Greener Grass, Honey Boy, Crawl, The Art of Self Defense, War, Sword of Trust, Les Miserables, Fast Color, In Fabric
I can’t wait for what comes out next in 2020. See you at the movies