Here are my top ten films of 2019.
10. High Life
It's really difficult to put how I feel about this film into words. It's not a film you enjoy as much as one that you just take in. It's existential dread as atmosphere, relationships as a lifeline and a curse. It's horrible and hopeful. It's human. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it
9. John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum
This has the best action of all the John Wick films, maybe even some of the best action in all of cinema. The simplicity of the storytelling helps elevate everything surrounding the film as the world around Wick gets larger and the stakes higher. It’s very creative in the way it keeps the action interesting and not repetitive. The John Wick films ooze coolness, I love that they exist and I hope this series never hits a low point.
8. Avengers: Endgame
This film truly is the culmination of 22 films, its the end of an era and Marvel knows it, closing this chapter of the MCU with a victory lap of fan service of epic proportions. If you're not a fan, you're probably going to hate it. If you are a fan, then like me, you're going to be grinning so much it will probably hurt. I was 14 when
Iron Man came out, I'm now 25, I've spent a big chunk of my life watching these films, being obsessed, being hyped. It's a very satisfying conclusion to just over ten years worth of storytelling, it has the right to pat its self on the back, though maybe at times a little too much!
7. The Last Black Man in San Francisco
The thing that I loved most about this film was its unique story of a man and a house, which acts as the stepping stone for the portrayal of change, gentrification, generational clash, but above all, the love for the city in its title. The colours pop off the screen, the characters are extremely interesting to watch and the score might just be the best of the year with an emotional punch at every needle drop. It is a film that wholly immerses and is a completely original cinematic experience.
6. Paddelton
I was triggered by this film. This film brought up old memories and emotions that I have not felt in a long time. I was an emotional wreck by the end of this film, what a ride it took me on. The story is simple but beautifully portrayed with two stunning performances from Mark Duplass and Ray Romano. It’s powerful, touching, manipulative and it all works together to create a very human story of friendship and heartbreak. It’s just one of those films that shows that you can do so much with so little. I can’t wait to watch it again... at some point.
5. Bait
The themes of Bait are worn in the fabric of the film stock it was made on. It's a beautiful film, depicting the cornish coast in a way that is rarely seen on film. Having lived in Cornwall for a large portion of my life, the constant struggles between the locals and the tourists is one that rings true, but also one that will resonate with audiences unaware of county's issues because the issues run deeper than Cornwall; The fight between old and new, tradition and innovation, industry and community. I loved this film, it's refreshing and original and I was constant struggles hypnotised by its style and swept up in its world.
4. Booksmart
It’s rare that a comedy film comes out that’s as consistently funny as Booksmart. Straight away you recognise the influence, its colourful cast of characters with their many comedic quirks harkens back to the likes of Fast Time at Ridgemont High and Clueless. Like them, Booksmart will transcend generations as the emotional gravitas it has will hit home with all. The characters feel human, their relationships feel real and the story of their night before graduation will make you laugh and cry all at the same time. Olivia Wilde’s feature directorial debut is an absolute surprise of a masterpiece, not merely another high school comedy, but one full to the brim of humanity, growth and love.
3. The Irishman
Hindsight is the key to everything. Martin Scorsese’s latest feel like a look to the past with all the lessons learnt from the future. Yes, it may not be as fun as Goodfellas was but it’s a more mature and sombre take on the world of Gangsters. It’s long but it’s a look at life through the eyes of the reluctantly conflicted Robert De Niro, giving one of his best performances alongside Joe Pesci and Al Pacino, who all deserve awards for their incredible performances. I can’t stop thinking about this film, that feeling of growing old and thinking back on past decisions, good or bad, it’s just a painful but fulfilling experience to watch on film. I don’t think Scorsese will ever phone in a film, the man is a master of cinema and whilst the way we watch films is changing, his attention to detail and the craft of storytelling is not. Another masterpiece.
2. Midsommar
The fact that this came from someone’s mind, made it to the page and then made it to the big screen baffles me. This film is messed up and completely disturbing and I loved it. I thought I was on the fence with Ari Aster but this has solidified him as the next big thing, I won’t be missing any of his films in the cinema from now on. So much attention to detail is put into every frame, every camera movement evokes an emotion, hypnotises or creates even more unease than the last. I feel like the film only scratched the surface of the cult but you just know if you wanted to look deeper, you wouldn’t be disappointed, this is not a film that was made with a half-arsed attempt at lore. Each character created intrigue, you loved them, you hated them, you wanted to see some of the dead and you wanted to see some of them thrive. I am in awe of this film.
1. Marriage Story
Heartbreakingly beautiful. Seriously, I’ve never seen love portrayed in such a bittersweet way. The story is so well put together, every edit feels monumental, every shift in perspective is subtly powerful, each quirk and flaw laid out bare by both lead actor’s stunning performances. I couldn’t look away, I loved every minute of it, almost like I was torturing myself, but this is an absolute masterpiece, Noah Baumbach’s best film to date. I do think it leans more into Adam Driver’s character more than Scarlett Johannsen’s despite laying out the groundwork for a 50/50 split in perspective. It doesn’t bother me though; your allegiances change throughout before realising that no one is perfect, and each character is just trying their best in their own flawed ways. It was terrifyingly relatable. We all need to take a step back at times and get through our own stubborn human nature to realise that we can hurt people without even realising it.
Keep an eye out and I will post my favourite films of the decade soon!
Thanks for reading!
