Top 10 Films of 2019

From breathless war epics to delicious whodunits, 2019 was such a great year for film that I had to come out of my cave and write a top 10 list. It’s a bit late, as usual, but with some cinemas bringing films back before the Oscars, you might still be able to catch them on the big screen! No spoilers:

10) Pain and Glory dir. Pedro Almodovar

Antonio Banderas plays Salvador Mallo, an aging film director who has writer’s block. Unlike most of Almodovar’s previous films, Pain and Glory is quiet and restrained. Part fiction and part autobiographic, he reminisces about childhood days spent with his mother collecting film star trading cards, while reflecting on the choices he’s made and confronting death. It’s raw and intense, but never goes over the top. What does seep through though, is his undeniable love for cinema.

9) Us dir. Jordan Peele

Perhaps not as massive a hit as Get Out, but definitely a lot scarier. Division seems to be a recurring theme in many of this year’s films - namely that between the rich and the poor (Parasite, Hustlers, Ready or Not…) – and Us examines this in the most inventive way. Even if you don’t want to go down that rabbit hole, it can be enjoyed as a straight-up horror film. After all these months, Lupita Nyong’o’s croaky voice still haunts me.

8) Marriage Story dir. Noah Baumbach

Noah Baumbach’s characters tend to come off as a bit cold because I can almost never relate to them. Marriage Story for me is his best work to date. Despite never having been married, I connected to the two lead characters who fumble their way through a collapsing marriage and helplessly turn into versions of themselves they probably never imagined they would. I found it to be beautifully poignant, with amazing performances.

7) 1917 dir. Sam Mendes

Films can go down a top 10 list as you watch more of them, but the opposite seldom happens. Straight after coming out of 1917, sure, it was a riveting experience, “but probably won’t make my top 10”, I thought. But it stayed with me, and as the days went by, higher up my list it went. The ‘one-shot effect’ puts you right there with them in the mud, and unlike many others it seems, I was really invested in the characters. It’s a visual tour de force, and should be seen on the biggest screen possible.

6) Transit dir. Christian Petzold

Every time I tell my partner she should watch Transit, she says, “that’s that one about the couple running from the Nazis, no?” to which I don’t want to say yes or no, because that realisation is the beauty of the film. In a cold and uncaring world, our characters, acting out of self-interest for the most part, wander around in limbo chasing ghosts. Time and again, we watch their smiles turn into heartbreak. Petzold’s previous film Phoenix made my top 10 in 2014, and by now he’s a master of his craft.

5) Knives Out dir. Rian Johnson

With his The Last Jedi money and acclaim, Rian Johnson can do whatever he wants, and what a treat that is! For mystery fans, this film is a gift sealed with a ribbon. Everything is right there for us to deduce, and all the little details come together nicely. The script is tight, and the characters are fully-formed played by an excellent cast. It’s fun, offers biting social commentary, and most of all it has warmth.

4) Little Women dir. Greta Gerwig

Oh to have the balls to take on such a huge classic for your second film! In this version, past and present are weaved together. Far from making it confusing, for the first time ever, every motive made sense, and each character was wholesome. I was smiling from beginning to end, and wanted to stay snuggled up in that warm and happy place forever. Greta Gerwig adds a modern perspective while honouring the source material, making this the ultimate adaptation.

3) Portrait of a Lady on Fire dir. Céline Sciamma

I saw this film here with Spanish subtitles, and much to my delight I understood everything. That’s not so much a result of my Spanish skills as it is because of the visual storytelling. It opens in a painting class, in which Marianne instructs her students to observe, but it’s us being tutored to pay attention to every glance and silent moment. It’s a sensual and captivating love story which took my breath away. Set in 18^th century France, the romance is doomed, but it burns brightly before being snuffed out.

2) The Farewell dir. Lulu Wang

Though it clearly comes from a personal place, you don’t need to be between cultures to be moved by this delightful film. It’s about both protecting and clashing with family, dealing with illness as well as missing home. Balancing heartbreak with humour, it’s an unforgettable experience with a beautiful performance by Awkwafina. The film was completely overlooked by the Academy, but it’s found a special place in my heart.

1) Parasite dir. Bong Joon Ho

Parasite took the world by storm this year, becoming only the 12^th film not in the English language to be nominated for Best Picture, and the first ever for South Korea. The road was always leading here for Bong Joon Ho. He’s perfected the crime genre (Memories of Murder), he’s a master of suspense (Mother, The Host), and we know he has a penchant for the absurd (Snowpiecer). This time he’s combined it all into one. The Palme d’Or winner starts off as a comedy of sorts, has you on the edge of your seat at times, and even tugs at your heartstrings. It’s wildly entertaining, rich in visual poetry and superbly acted across the board.

The following films were in my top 10 at some point or another, and may well have made the cut on any other day. They’re too good to not mention, so very briefly:

Rocketman dir. Dexter Fletcher
A bold, dazzling film with a killer performance by Egerton. Had so much fun! That he wasn’t even nominated for the Oscar is an injustice…

Hustlers dir. Lorene Scafaria
Speaking of injustices, J-Lo gives the performance of her life and has also been snubbed. Based on a true story, it’s slick and stylish, but never exploits its characters.

Jojo Rabbit dir. Taika Waititi
It’s either the perfect time or the worst time for this kind of film. Some moments were genuinely moving, and the kids are so cute!

Atlantics dir. Mati Diop
The exquisite and haunting directorial debut of Mati Diop about the women left behind. It’s impossible to describe, but easily available on Netlix.

I Lost My Body dir. Jérémy Clapin
Another gem I found on Netflix. A delightful little story of a detached hand on a journey back to its owner, with a surprisingly profound resolution.